Living without a Dog in the house

[Moz]

Hi all,

Yesterday morning our beloved retreiver "Chloe" sadly passed away

chloe3 (3).JPG


The news was like a sledgehammer at first, but I have quickly came to realize that 12 years of unconditional attachment does come at a price and have been spending today reflecting over our time together.


Is it worth it?

At the moment I am not sure, I do know of the happy times spent although I am not sure I want to put us in the same position of loss again.

I do know the lack of a canine companion is very strange at the moment!

There time with us is short--Make it special

David

[Buoyant Babe]

David

So very, very sorry to hear of this. My own dog is 16 this year and I am aware that time is running out. I can't imagine how you all must be feeling.

Love Helen xxx

[frosty the snowman]

Really sorry. I guess you have to value all the nice times you shared. X

[Lou]

Have a hug. I have to say that the loss of my pets has hit harder than anything else I have ever known, every time.

Once the pain subsides a little you know you are left with special memories.

All the best for you and your family. By the way, that is a really lovely photo, she looks adorable.

Lou

[Mal Bridgeman]

Sorry to hear of your loss. There's a beautiful poem which is really aimed at horse owners that I think might be appropriate .....

I'll lend you for a little while
My grandest foal, He said.
For you to love while she's alive
And mourn for when she's dead.

It may be one or twenty years,
Or days or months, you see.
But will you, till I take her back
Take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you,
And should her stay be brief
You'll have her treasured memories
As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught on earth
I want this foal to learn.

I've looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes
With trust, I have selected you.

Now will you give her all your love?
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come
To take her back again?

I know you'll give her tenderness
And love will bloom each day.
And for the happiness you've know
You will forever grateful stay.

But should I come and call for her
Much sooner than you'd planned
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And maybe you'll understand

[ardhill]

I often work with 'Dog People' and have a couple of dogs myself. One thing is common in true animal lovers, your pet is part of your life, your family not an add-on. When your Dog goes, it's like loosing part of your family, and part of yourself as you gave so much to her.

Is it worth it? Yes!

The pain now is real, but so was all that love and great times you shared. You gave Chloe a life, family, security and love - I am sure she enjoyed her life with you, just imagine what could have happened to her if she wasn't with you.

Spend some time pet-less for a while and mourn her passing before making a decision if you will get another or not.

[TerryH]

Had a very large GSD called Max who use to attack anything. To others
he was a monster, to us as soppy as an Andrex pup. Had him for over 10
years and sadly he died on the operating table last year riddled with cancer.

Right now I'm looking at my wonderful GSD Benson, Hes as big as Max now,
and hes only just over a year old, but absolutely a different character and
not ashamed to say I love him to bits. Dispite the broken furniture and
doors, chewed shoes and garden that looks like the somme, without him the
house is just too quiet.

So while it's early days and yes you are hurting, chances are you will get
another mutt. It wont be the same true, but it will be different and you will
have as much fun. If you are a doggy person, you just cant get away from
them. Yes, it very much is worth it.

TerryH

[Moz]

Mal, I think that poem is really fitting. Both myself and wife in tears.

Deep down I do know it is worth the pain, but this is the first time in my adult life that I have experienced this.

I am not really sure how to mourn for the loss of such an angel, other than remembering the happy times.

After discussions with my wife I am still going to Scapa tommorow as 'life must go on' but the trip will be remembered for the rest of my life for a completely different reason


Thanks all once again, and apologies to anyone who doesn't understand the bond.

David

[jorawley]

sincere condolancies to you and your wife.

she looks an absolute sweetie and im sure had a fabulous 12 years with you both. It really is heartbreaking loosing a family member but definately worth the time spent together.

Lots of hugs

[Big T]

My thoughts are with you. It is a heart break but the memories will be there for ever.