Death of long time companion dog

One of the hardest things to cope with. We know we'll most likely outlive our beloved pets, but we still go ahead and have them. Because we know that the love they give us throughout their little lives will far outweigh the pain and suffering we'll feel when they leave us. She was worth it, your little Jaanci, wasn't she? So cry your heart out, and smile at the wonderful memories that you will carry in your heart forever.

Sorry for your loss. ?

I've just read your post with much sympathy silvercollie as I had to make the decision to say goodbye to a very much-loved dog 6 months ago, not quite 10 so went too soon. It's still hard to think about him without great sadness but like a previous poster said, think about the lovely life you gave her and what you got in return.

Oh Silvercollie I'm so sorry! Our last Border collie died over twelve years ago and we still miss him. My daughter has his ashes and the ashes of his companion. To lose a dog that has been with you so long is just as hard as losing a person, it leaves a huge hole. Don't start feeling you should be getting over it, it takes as long as it takes. Try to remember the happy life she had with you. XX

I’m so sorry Silvercollie, it’s heartbreaking for you. Just be gentle with yourself and go with the flow, there’s no right or wrong way to grieve - what you feel and do is right for you. I still feel sad about the death of our very first dog but most of the time I remember all our pets with happiness and gratitude for their lives. I’ve still got our first dog’s ashes and wouldn’t part with them.

silvercollie, I know what a shock it was for you, one of my darling dogs died last October, I woke up one morning and she was dead by the side of me. Your pain will ease, 15 years is a good life span for a dog, you loved her, she loved you, our dogs give us unconditional love, when they die the grief is the price we pay, in time you will accept you would suffer this grief again for the 15 years you shared with Jaanci. You were spare the distress of holding her as the vet ended her life.

Cry my love , this pain will ease x

Thank you for all the above posts. I think it has been the complete shock of finding her already passed, just lying there on the floor, that has been so difficult, But then I think of the alternatives - having to make that truly appalling decision of whether or not to have her 'put down', or watching her die in front of my eyes or having to pay enormous fees to Vets. Bless her heart, she saved me from all that. I feel so humble.

silvercollie there is no easy way to get through the death of someone (or some pet )that you loved.What you can do is to remember the good times with her and to keep a photo framed of the two of you together, or just her, in a prominent place.I find this helps for a while, until you feel more peaceful about her death ( acceptance.)
Never rush to buy another pet until you are ready.

So sorry silvercollie you will miss her but she will always be with you in your memories snd you will come to a time when you just think of her and the smiles will come. If you are physically able to care for another pet I wouldn't leave it too long before you have another to be your companion. We left it for three years and came to a point where we thought we really couldn't do it at all but we were coaxed by a friend into getting another through a rescue centre and we are so glad we have him and wish we had done it much sooner. We just love him to bits and he has wheedled his way into our hearts - not in the same size or shape as the last one but in his very own part of our hearts. There are so many furry friends waiting to be adopted and there is no doubt that there is one who will be the perfect fit for you. Grieve for Jaanci but not for too long,

I'm so sorry for your loss but it's different for everyone. I sadly lost one of mine at just 2 years old last Christmas which came completely out of the blue. Of course I was upset but my Son was here and that was great help. I wouldd have been beating myself up about what I could have done etc had I been alone and it helped to get his perspective on it. I do my crying in the shower and tend to hold it together the rest of the time but I also have other dogs to occupy me and keep me busy. I think it's so hard when it was an only pet but at least you knew she was ailing, I found that helped with a previous dog. I always get another dog quite quickly too where as others feel the need to go through the grieving process first. For me nothing fills that dog shaped hole in my heart and my life as well as another dog. As Jane says love hurts and we wouldn't miss them so much if we didn't love them deeply. Just go with the flow and grieve in your own way, do whatever feels right for you and don't let anyone say it was only a dog. You loved her and you're entitled to grieve for her. Treasure your memories , I'm sure you have many. I wish you well,

Oh silvercollie you must be distraught!
I’ve no real tips to help you with your grief but when Jess our gorgeous labrador died our vet told us to find consolation in the fact that she’d had a wonderful life right until the end and she knew when it was time to go..
I’m sure it was the same for your lovely Jaanci
You’ll shed loads of tears - don’t worry about what people think. Every pet owner will understand.
As Jane10 says - Cherish your memories.

So sorry your lovely dog has died silvercollie, you must be so sad. There is no easy path through the grieving process, remember the fun you had together and her funny little ways that all our pets have. A friend of mine planted a small flower bed in her garden where her dog's ashes were buried and put in a special plant which had a similar name to the dog.
It's somewhere to go and think about Jaanci for a short time each day then you can get on with the rest of the day. As Jane10 said cherish your memories.

I can't offer you any tips I'm afraid. We love our pets and, sadly, love hurts. Sounds like your lovely dog was worth it though. Cherish your memories. Best wishes. It's such a sad time.