I had to put my Rosa to sleep yesterday morning. She was a 12 y/o Daschund (long hair). She had been having seisures for the last month. I was in denial and hoping she would get better. Thursday evening she had another sesiure. Her head was twitching and she fell over and passed out. When she came to she was paralized on her left side. I knew it was time. Friday morning I took her to the vet and did the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. I put her to sleep. I couldn't stay in the room. I have been crying (deep gut wrenching crying) constantly for the last 36 hours.

I have another Daschund (Heidi, 9 yrs short hair). She is looking for Rosa all the time. I just tears me up that she doesn't understand that Rosa is gone. All I can do is hold her and love her and cry. Tonight I was petting Heidi and she started to moan. I really think she is greiving for Rosa. I can't hold a phone conversation for more than 30 seconds without completely losing it. I know it's only been 1 day, but I sure hope the pain subsides. I am 49 years old and have cried more tears in the last 36 hours than I have in my entire life combined. I breifly cried at the death of my Mother and Father, but this is deeper. I guess I have never truly grieved in my life. Am I the only one who takes this to this level???? Any responses will be appreciated. Thank You. Rusty

Hey Rusty,
All you would have to do is take a look at some of our past post to see that your grief is justified and shared. I am so sorry about Rosa, 12 yrs....I also am 49 and have cried more tears for my Moose than ever....in fact it is five months later and I think it actually changed the shape of my eyes, but it was grief just pouring out of me. My cat Gato grieved too, we both miss him so much, he was a member of our little family.
So, you will cry many tears before you get to a better place with it. I know how it feels and it helps to come here. Pamela

Hi Rusty, I am so sorry to hear that your precious Rosa had such problems and had to be put to sleep. This is a place where you can come and find healing. There is no time table on grief and we are here to listen and cry with you.

I am almost 52 and I have cried many tears over my girls too. We all understand broken hearts and tears. To must of us here our furbabies were our children and you can come here and cry all you want. We know the grief that comes with losing our precious babies.

I'm sure little Rosa is grieving for her sister too. Most of our remaining babies here have had a tough time too. Please come and tell us more about your precious Rosa.
Ann

Dear Rusty,

I'm so sorry about Rosa. One of the statements I made in my first post in this forum was that I'd cried more tears in the last 7 weeks (I found this website 7 weeks after Shiloh died) than I had in the last 7 years. It's my feeling that our pets are a part of ourselves. When we lose them, we've lost a part of ourselves, and we've lost a friend who loved and accepted us unconditionally.

I think it would be safe for me to say that everyone on this website understands the deep, deep pain you feel right now. Shiloh has been gone for over 6 months now, and although I've come a long way in my grieving, I still have days when I drive home from work and long to see her frecklie little face in the window when I drive up.

Please come here as often as you need to. Share your thoughts and feelings...the people here are so kind and understanding. It really does help.

You're in my thoughts.
Kathleen

Rusty- I can't stop crying either. I had to take my Charlotte to the vet for the last time last sunday - It was the hardest thing i've ever done in my life but i knew i had to do something . I couldn't even stay through the procedure and now I feel horrible that i was not there during it's final moments- I feel like after 16 years of extreme TLC that I then abandoned it at it's final hour. Now I am tortured with guilt and grief. Happy easter ! Years ago when my other cat died, Charlotte cried out for her- walking all around the house- it was heartwrenching- i know what you are going through. I don't know how long we will feel this horrible- I have cried so much that my face looks like william shatner's. I'm glad I just discovered this website as no one in my family even sent me a sympathy card- people w/o pets do not understand-

Dear Rusty,

I'm so sorry about your sweet Rosa. It's hard when other pets are involved, as they don't understand why their buddies are gone. I'm glad you have Heidi to turn to for comfort and that she has you.

Grief after losing a pet is something that not all people understand. Don't ever feel that you're alone in this. We've all been there and completely understand how totally devastated you feel at the very beginning of this long road. You will feel better in time, believe that. You'll never forget your precious Rosa and you'll always have your special memories of the time you spent together. Don't pay much attention to those who tell you to "just get over it". They'll never understand your pain for they don't feel about animals as we all do here.

Thinking of you.
Lynn

Hi Rusty,

When my Qorqui was killed, it felt like nothing I'd ever experienced. I cried my eyes out for days with the very same gut wrenching feeling you described. I thought I must be weird for having such strong feelings for a dog.

When I found L.S. I learned that for anyone that really loved their furbaby, it's completely normal to feel this way when we lose them.

I'm not very good with helpful advice, but there are folks here that are absolutely wonderful! Keep stopping in and you'll find plenty wisdom and comfort from people that truly understand what it means when the special love in your life shines no more.

My deepest sympathy for you,
Tim