Forever in our heart by Freethinker56
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Description
Why does it hurt so much? How much have you actually lost?
Certainly, not all people react to the death of a dog in the same way. Each person, each dog and each relationship is unique and has unique components. Loss does not involve simply the physical presence of the dog. The psychosocial benefits of living with a dog are well documented and include social support, companionship, an increased sense of our own worth and the emotional bond we have with our dog. These are part of what you are grieving. You will be reminded of the special things you did with your dog by their absence. The losses may not be tangible – they may be the emotions that your dog elicited from you. You may have lost the good feeling you had when your dog put his head on your lap, or when he wagged his tail at the sound of your voice. The laughter that came when he did something silly, and the assistance you received when weeding the garden. The warm feeling when you arrived home to find him waiting at the door to welcome you. So the degree of daily interaction you had with your dog will influence the number of losses, and therefore the degree of grief.
I miss you,
To love a dog is to truly know the meaning of unconditional love. If you were lucky enough to share your life with a dog, especially a ‘soulmate dog’ who has passed or is nearing the end of life, then you also have the flip-side of such a strong relationship: grief. Every experience of grief is unique, so you can’t really be prepared for the loss of your dog.
Some of the things that you might do or think while grieving may make you think you are going crazy. This article will help you understand some of the common feelings, behaviors, and thoughts that may come with the loss of your dog. It is my hope that while an article can’t get rid of the sadness or fill the empty hole in your heart, it may encourage you to find a way to grow from this experience and see it as yet another gift from your dog.
Is my grief normal? How long will this last?
You may be surprised to have so much grief from the loss of your dog, or to be experiencing grief before your dog is even gone. This grief is completely normal, and may be misunderstood by the people around you. They may accuse you of overreacting. It is, after all, ‘just a dog.’ You may even tell yourself that and try to avoid working through your grief or want to ‘get rid of it’ as soon as possible.
Your grief will probably not be gone in a few weeks or even months. Because of the special relationship we have with our dogs, grief of a beloved dog can often be more intense than the death of a family member, and coming to terms with the change will take as long as it takes. The good news is that you do not have to ‘get over’ the loss of your dog; you do not have to forget your dog. Mourning and processing your grief will allow you to change the relationship with the tangible dog of fur and drool to a relationship with a dog within your own heart and mind. Your dog will always be there, as will your love.
Comments (40)
lwperkins
That is so true--I have pets I still miss, though I would never have wanted to miss out on loving them. Big hugs for you and I know you will always remember Jenna with love. <3
Jean_C
I've always had dogs in my life, from my childhood... And of course I have experienced grief at each of their dead. Very touching tribute to Jenna, big hugs my friend.
Faemike55
I feel your pain and grief. My thoughts and prayer are with you.
jocko500
sorry for your lose. you did a wonderful job on the image
eekdog
I've mostly had cats in my life and only one dog, it hurts like he## when we lose one. Nice words and tribute my friend. You'll be together again some day, like I will with mine.
rhol_figament
Every person and animal spirit that you meet in your life shapes who you become. Hope you were kind...
Virtual_World
So sorry!
rbowen
Wonderful tribute for Jenna. I am sorry for your loss.
Navi
So sorry for you :( , I know exactly that feeling... We've had quite a few dogs here with my parents, but the last one I've got was really special, even if I really liked them all. She died last year, one year and 7 months ago. I liked her so much that I didn't imagine how it would be without her, and I never imagined she would die at that time... (she was 10). That little thing just loved me, I really miss her, even today (still looking down, due to habit, when I enter the living room, as she was coming at me everytime I entered the room).
Well, all I can say is, try to remember the good moments you've had with her. That way, she'll still be there somehow. That's what I do.
giulband
Sorry for this great loose !
byteline
Sorry for you, it's a great remember! Excellent done!
pregiato
Marvelous dedication my friend and this image!!
Roco43
Sad loss, nice tribute
Madbat
A friend is a friend, no matter how many legs they have. I personaly don't see even a cat as being less of a person than I am. So yeah, the grief is real, and pretty normal I think.
mtdana
I know how you feel, a wonderful tribute!!!
claude19
A beautiful tribute to all dogs ... another similar tribute could be written for the cats I had or the one we currently have !!! Beautiful dedication !!!
Tin64
I'm so sorry for the loss of your soulmate .... the pain and emptiness the leave behind hurts like hell. Big hugs for you.
crender
No words! I'm so sorry !!!
Mondwin
Great tribute my friend!!!Bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx Whylma
Sarahdar
this is very sad, the loss of a friend and family member will always hurt. that is how I feel about the pets I have lost. I still have a tear come to my eyes when thinking about the ones I miss, even though they have been gone for years. Sadden by your loss.
Richardphotos
I still recall all of the dog friends that I have had. I love my current furry friends, but would like to be without any.
superb recollection of your friend
Leije
I'm so sorry .......your text is very touching, and your image is a sweet tribute for Jenna, my friend.....
mazal50
I'm sorry to hear that you lost your dog. I know how it feels . Its completely normal to grief for your friend, and you must take all the time you need. Big Hugs, Mazal
blankfrancine
Sad to hear of the loss of your dog.Fine tribute to Jenna.
GrandmaT
Beautiful way to pay tribute to you lost friend. They do become family. I hate to think what will happen when my mother's dog passes away.
FurNose
Oh, no! This is really sad! I can just relate to this, although similar like "eekdog" I just had one dog in my life until now but a lot of cats. And I clearly can state, that your written words are so true - even with cats, although a lot of people think, that the bonds between a cat and a human are not as intense as between a dog and a human. Your word's point it clearly and truly out: It depends on the depth of the relationship in Lifetime - and these can be as intense as to dogs. I'm with you in my thoughts and send you all the good wishes and comfort. Be blessed
netsuke
I'm really sorry about your loss. The same feelings are elicited by the loss of a cat. I had my Sniklefritz for 20 plus years. She's been gone 4 years now and frankly now and again the thought of her will cause tears. As FurNose implied, people don't think of cats as being on the same level as dogs. Wrong, they sit, sleep on or next to you. Mine greeted me at the door, played fetch. We love them because their love is unconditional. I don't think the pain ever truly leaves us.
donnena
I'm so sorry for your loss! these little ones take large parts of our hearts with them when they pass!
RodS
Thoughts and prayers coming your way, my friend. A pet is like any other member of the family. They love, they are loved, and they take a bit of our heart when they leave us. A beautiful tribute, Dee.
jif3d
Just remember the good times...which was probably all the time, this goes the same for cats, my cat passed away a few years ago and still miss her dearly.
Stay strong & R.I.P Jenna
~Cheers~