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Dealing with the loss of a beloved companion

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When you bring that bouncing bundle of energy known as a puppy into your home, you've made an enormous commitment. For the next ten or more years, this charming creature will look to you for food, shelter, exercise, health care, and companionship. In return, he will give you the greatest gift imaginable: true, steadfast, unconditional love. No matter what happens to us, whether we lose our spouse, our friends, our jobs, even our homes, there is one constant in our lives: the love and devotion of our dog. The bond forged there is very deep, and very real.

Then one day you notice that your companion is starting to walk a little slower. His muzzle has turned gray, his eyesight begins to dim, and you realize that someday you will lose your old friend. When that final day comes, your grief and sense of loss knows no bounds, but where do you turn for support during this difficult time?

Not everyone is supportive. Some people will insensitively mock your grief, telling you, "It was only a dog. How can you be so upset?" Remember that it's okay to grieve. Your dog meant a lot to you, and only you will know when the time for mourning is over.

Grief is often experienced through fairly classic stages, and although this list in not all-inclusive, it does cover the most common. They are:

  1. Shock, denial, disbelief
  2. Anger
  3. Bargaining
  4. Depression
  5. Acceptance, recovery

Usually grief will follow these stages, but sometimes it finds other paths of expression. Sometimes you think you have reached the acceptance stage when something, like the anniversary of your dog's death or the memory of a special time you spent together, will send you right back to stage one. This is totally understandable, and quite normal.

If you cannot pull yourself from the depths of despair, or if you just want to talk to someone who understands what you're going through, there are many places to turn.

Friends and family

Your family and friends will probably be your main source of support. Don't be afraid to ask them for help. Chances are, someone in your family loved your dog as much as you did and they are trying to deal with their own grief over his death.

Your veterinarian

Your veterinarian and the veterinary-support staff that have been there for you throughout  [Continued]


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Comments

Rainbow Bridge,everytime I read it my heart breaks for my beautiful Alie, we lost her 5 weeks ago and still are overwhelmed by sadness. Last weekend we drove 700 miles round trip to see a puppy that will be ready in a few weeks. I think the time is right and our lives will once again be filled with joy!” — maryellenwhe..., Aug 27 2008

This poem has helped me and many of my friends at the loss of a beloved pet.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

Author unknown..
— ivycat, Aug 10 2008

Thanks for all of these resources to help deal with grief. I had a dog killed by a coyote and swore that I would not replace him because I couldn't go through that grief again...that was 2 dogs ago! Getting a new dog actually helped me deal with the grief!” — Sadie, Mar 22 2008

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