My doggie of 7 years died today. She had cancer in her spinal cord and there was nothing they could do. They tried to operate on her and take it out but it was too bad and they had to put her to sleep on the operating table. I still can't believe she's gone. I just expect her to wake up and come push me with her nose to make me pet her. I miss her so much and I am totally riddled with guilt because I could have been there when she died but I wasn't. I guess I just didn't think she would die. She was my baby and I feel like I should have been there during the operation so that if she died during surgery (which she did) then I could hold her paw and tell her it was okay. I wish I could tell her how much I miss her and how much I wish I had been there with her when she went. I miss her so much.

Then DO tell her. Tell her that you love her, that you miss her, that you are sorry you were not there. Just tell her everything you need to tell her. I know she'll hear you, and I know she understands (that's what our doggies DO, isn't it....)

I am really truly sorry for your loss. I know how much it hurts. You did everything you could for her...

If you can take care of her remains -- bury her some place special or get her cremated and scatter her someplace special or keep a special urn, you should. It does help...

Love,
Jennifer

It would seem to me that no matter which way our beloved pets die we find some reason or other to feel guilty, I guess it must be part of the grieving process.

I agree with Jennifer, I believe our pets are still around us after death and if we could just relax a little we would see/hear the signs they send us to let us know they are ok.

7 years is so young you could not have had any reason to believe that she would not survive the operation, and as much as we would love to we cannot be with our loved ones 24/7.

I promise that in time you will laugh at your memories instead of cry but until then you must just take one minute at a time and remember always that she is worth every tear and let them come as a gift to her, showing her just how much you love her, as she loves you.


Love Sue

I am so sorry for the loss of your Maggie. My Trixie, who passed over on Monday, had multiple myeloma and the cancer was causing her hind end to just waste away.

I believe that just like people, our furry companions know when they are loved and that this knowledge goes with them when they pass. Your Maggie knows how much you still love her and miss her and now she is comfortable, peaceful and still loving you back. And I would imagine that she wouldn't want you to suffer such guilt over something that was absolutely out of your control.

Peace of mind to you,

Kai

Thanks so much for all the help. I buried Maggie and planted a little garden over her grave. I still look for her and think that I see her out of the corner of my eye, but reality is sinking in that it isn't her. I suppose in the long run that is better, but I still miss her very much. Again thanks for everything.

Selene