For most of us, it is usual to see family for a few hours every few days, or often much less often. Your dog is there beside you all day every day and really is a constant companion and a very close bond develops. Of course this means you feel their loss very deeply, often much more than human family members.

Over the years I have handled the deaths of my many dogs .. almost all died in my arms.... one on the operating table, one while I was working away ... the loss of each ne was devastating - but you just carry on and work it through.

If, or when, you decide to find another dog, please remember that you are not replacing the friend you lost, but finding a new friend to share your life.

You will survive and treasure the memories

So sorry you lost your precious Lily. She was a beauty! Losing a beloved pet is very hard because they are part of your family. When Richard and I lost our little poodle Abner , our hearts were broken for months. I now have both Abner and Richards ashes sitting side by side in my bedroom.

I was inconsolable for much longer than I expected to be.
Took me years to get another dog and even then the dog is actually my grandchildrens' and I still keep a distance so that I do not have to experience that again.

I'm so sorry...

One again, I appreciate everyone's sympathy while I work through this nightmare.

All I’d worked for was falling apart, a list too long.. When my youngest, having just graduated from HS and still living with me asked if I’d seen our dog? Her closest companion, and like a 3rd daughter, to me.

Scoured our acreage, creek bed & hillsides, for days.. Found only the signs of a bear, with reports from neighbors of having seen one. Finally found her body, pristine condition. As the vet described, likely ‘cuffed’ by the bear. No doubt. At least it was fast..

Nearly eight years ‘old.’ Too young for even a black lab to die.. As mentioned, the experience had such a piling-on effect to all else I was losing, and eventually did … it simply added to a ‘background depression’ that hung with me for years. Likely scarred my daughter, too. Neigher have had a pet, since

Anymore, I figure, if they’ve lived a decadent lifespan, and were loved, what more could they have asked for? Humans included. And, I’d/ I’ll occasionally remind myself of what real tragedy is … like when my best friend & cousin (one in the same) drown at age seventeen (one of us).

I’ve also concluded ..it’s better to have loved & lost than never loved & never lost ...though not by much.. Hang on, and allow time to do it’s thing ~

So sorry Sgt. I have no family. My dog and cats are my family.

Thanks to everyone for sharing. Lily was the first and only dog I've ever had so it's helpful to hear from others who've dealt with this before.

Really really sorry. It is heart wrenching, and you want to go with her. I understand totally. I’ve lost my two over the last three years so I am totally with you. A springer aged 14 and cocker aged 10.

Usual spiel it gets better, but such platitudes don’t help now. Remember the times you had, the companionship you shared. She will always be with you.

Thinking of you in this trying period.

So sad when we lose furbaby

OMG, I'm so sorry for you.. I can't relate about pets.. I lost my parents at age ten.. OMG... I'm still... Nevermind...

When my dog Chloe died I cried hysterically for days. Every time I would think about her I would start crying. It was hard on my son too, he was 10 at the time. It took me about 3 months before I could even think of rescuing another dog. But I had to for mine and my sons sanity. We went through a rescue center and got Jackie, the cutest sweetest Boston terrier anyone could ever hope for.