After a six month ordeal with hind quarters paralysis, I had to put down my dearest Misty, a black lab mix. I got her as a pup 14 years ago and she'd been by my side every day. It's been more than six weeks, but I still break down in tears when the sadness of my loss overcomes me. I miss her unconditional love, her gentle nature, her happy face greeting me at the door. I feel like a big baby, crying about her after almost two months. I worry I might need psychiatric help.Is this normal?

Dear Misty's Mom,

Yes, you are perfectly normal!!! Many of us have gone through this exact same thing... The only thing that can heal this type of pain is time - and this is not something crazy - it's something human.

If you feel you need to speak to a professional, then by all means see a counsellor to talk through your grief. Many grief counsellors understand how deeply the loss of a pet can cut us.

Our hearts are with you - please accept my condolences on your loss - and know that we are thinking of you - from this moment on, you aren't alone....

Misty's Mom,
You are so completely normal. It's only been 6 weeks. I've cried EVERYDAY since losing Dixie 4 weeks ago, and I imagine I will cry and grieve for a LONG time to come. This forum is a trememdous help- everyone here understands completely and are such warm, caring people. I really do believe that by coming here and venting, crying, and expressing your feelings that you will find it very healing. It's too bad that all the positive energy moving around on this board couldn't somehow bring our pets back to us.
I am sorry to hear about your sweetie Misty. The decision to put down your baby must be so trememdously difficult. I've never had to do it... my Dixie was hit by a car as I looked on. But having 2 other dogs, I imagine I might have to someday be faced with the same dread. I can only imagine how much it will hurt.
Please know you're in my thoughts.
Dana

DEAR MISTY'S MOM, I'M A LITTLE LATE GETTING TO YOUR POST-I JUST JOINED 3 DAYS AGO. YOUR'S STRUCK ME , BECAUSE I LOST A 12 1/2 YR. OLD FEMALE BEAGLE THAT HELD THE KEY TO LOVE FEELINGS IN MY LIFE ~ INCLUDING ALL FORMER GIRLFRIENDS ~ EVEN WITH FAMILY SHE `AT LEAST`WAS TIED. AND I MEAN NO DISRESPECT TO ALL THE `HUMANS` I LOVED HER DEARLY. I AM A 6-1 GUY ACTUALLY FORMER BASEBALL , FOOTBALL PLAYER ETC. AND I STILL CRY LIKE A BABY. REALLY ! AND I AM NOT ONE BIT ASHAMED OF IT EITHER. I DON'T SLEEP GOOD AT ALL , FORMER PLEASURES SEEM MEANINGLESS ETC. ALL THE CLASSIC SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION. SO IF YOU NEED PSYCHIATRIC HELP/ I CERTANLY DO TOO.
AND YA KNOW WHAT ? JUST THE LAST DAY OR TWO (BEEN SIX WEEKS) I AM STARTING TO SEE 'SOME' OF THE POSITIVES: THANK GOD OUR DOGS LIVED FULL LIVES AND DIED OF NATURAL, ALTHOUGH STILL BAD , MEANS. AS OPPOSED TO DANA AND THE OTHER VICTIMS OF TRAUMAS (MY HEART GOES WAY OUT TO THEM). JUST NOW I AM STARTING TO FEEL `A LITTLE` THANKFUL FOR THAT. STUFF LIKE - THEY WERE NEVER SIX TIL THE END , NEVER LOST, (AT LEAST IN OUR CASE PERMANENTLY). WHAT I'M GETTING TO IS: WHEN THE PAIN TURNS TO 'FOND' MEMORIES , AND THEY WILL , THESE ARE THE THOUGHTS WE WILL BE VERY THANKFUL FOR. I ALWAYS QUESTIONED SOME OF THE CREATORS 'DESIGNS' LIKE DEATH, SUFFERING, ETC., BUT I NEVER QUESTIONED A HUMMINGBIRD , WATERFALL AND SUCH. THAT'S WHERE THEY ARE . HAVE FAITH. SUCH GREAT LITTLE SOULS CAN SURELY NEVER BE FORGOTTEN !
GOD BLESS YOU.
PHIL L.

Misty's Mom...you are completely normal.. Misty was a valued member of your family and was a constant reminder in your life. When you have someone gone from your life that has touched you so deeply, the loss is devestating. You have every right to still feel pain at her loss. I still get misty eyed once in a while over my cat Moose, and he was put down over 8 years ago. He was such a character! Soon your tears will turn to happy and fond memories. Our babies are never truly gone from us. They give us gentle, loving reminders that they are simply waiting for us on the other side.

Bless you and take care,
Cynthia

My dog Beau (a 13-year-old Border Collie) died 4-1/2 weeks ago and I, too, break down in tears still. I know my family's patience with me is waning. My son has said, "Get over it, mom." I wish I could. Like you, I've spent every day for 13 years with his little dog and he became my best friend.

I think losing someone/something that you've spent that many years with is perfectly normal; either that or you and I both need mental health treatment!

Marci