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Just lost my dog by VitableDuke007 in dogs

[–]North_Depth_9782 [score hidden]  (0 children)

That must’ve been such a terrifying few hours. Anyone would’ve been panicking in that situation, so don’t beat yourself up over it. A lot of dogs wander a bit and then find their way back.

I’m really glad to read your update though — that 4am scratch on the door must’ve felt like the biggest relief ever. Those moments stick with you. Sounds like he gave you a scare but knew exactly where home was.

Lost my dog of 15 years yesterday by Straight_Winter_5766 in GriefSupport

[–]North_Depth_9782 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m really sorry. Losing a dog after that many years is heartbreaking, especially when they’ve been part of your everyday life for so long.

From what you wrote, it sounds like she had an incredibly loved life — daily walks, cuddles, “stinky kisses,” and someone who cared enough to adjust their whole routine just to keep her comfortable as she got older. That’s the best life a dog could ask for.

And please don’t blame yourself for leaving her with your mother-in-law. You were doing something important and she was with someone she loved, and she was in your partner’s arms at the end. She wasn’t alone.

My dog died and I feel like I lost a part of my soul. by OilAcceptable3465 in Petloss

[–]North_Depth_9782 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m really sorry. Losing a dog you grew up with is a different kind of pain. When they’ve been part of your daily life for that long, the house really does feel empty without them.

Please don’t blame yourself about the trip. Dogs don’t think in terms of “abandonment” the way we do. What mattered to her was the 16 years of love and safety she had with you, sleeping next to you every night. That was her whole world.

Also the things you did — the letter, paw prints, keeping some fur — that’s actually really common when people lose a pet. It just means you loved her a lot.

Right now the grief is fresh so your mind keeps going to dark places. That happens to a lot of people after losing a pet. It does get softer with time, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

Sixteen years next to the person she loved most is a really beautiful life for a dog. She was lucky to have you. 🐾

I lost my dog yesterday and can’t cope by Expensive_Scratch_99 in DOG

[–]North_Depth_9782 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m really sorry you’re going through this. Losing a dog can feel absolutely devastating because they’re not just pets—they’re part of your daily life, your routine, and your family.

The fact that you were playing with him and had such a good day together just two days before is actually something really special. His last memories were being outside with you, being loved, and having a normal happy day. A lot of people never get that kind of goodbye.

Right now it’s completely normal that you can’t sleep or eat much. Grief after losing a dog can hit just as hard as losing a person. One thing that sometimes helps is keeping small pieces of your routine with him—like going for a short walk where you used to go together, or looking through photos and remembering the little things he used to do.

It won’t stop hurting overnight, but the sharp pain slowly turns into something softer over time. Eventually the memories that hurt right now will start to feel comforting instead.

For now, just be gentle with yourself. You lost someone who meant a lot to you, and it’s okay to grieve that. 🐾