I sympathize with the last post that lost their dog Baxter. Last Thursday, I lost my best friend Billy. He was only 3 years old, like Baxter. He got his nose stuck in a small insulated lunch bag when we were out and suffocated. My heart breaks as I write this. Billy was a welsh corgi and he went everywhere with us. He followed me around the house, woke me up in the morning, and slept with me at night. I spent countless hours just lying and petting him, as did the rest of my family. He was very smart, loved to swim in our pool in the summer, and play with our two cats. I have spent most of the weekend crying and thinking of him. Everything seems to remind me of him. I can't watch any commercials with dogs in them. I've had a hard time getting to sleep at night without him. I can't believe how much this hurts and how much I miss him. I haven't felt this way since my mom died 16 years ago. I'd love to know how others have gotten thru this. And are there any books about pet loss that you can recommend? I'm back at work today, but I feel so terrible that I can't really focus on my job.
Sadly,
Billys mom, Susan

Dear Susan--

All that I just said to Baxter applies to you and your loss of Billy as well. Again, what a tragedy...so unexpected and...strange. I am so sorry for your loss of your wonderful Billy.

I joined this Forum a bit over a month ago, when my Poppers was dying, and it has been immensely helpful to me. I suggest that you read through a bunch of the recent (and old) postings--there's a lot of wisdom and experience and heart in these postings, with plenty of tips for how to get through it all. I can't recommend any particular book, but perhaps others can.

I have also found great value in posting here in response to other peoples' pain. It has made me aware that I am not alone with mine. Right now, my life-partner, Ladywolf, is dying of cancer. When she goes, I will lose the last thread of connection that I have with the last 14 years, and it's really scary. I have no living family, just Ladywolf. I do have friends, but the bond is not as strong, even with my closest friend. Bonds formed here become very strong, though--this Forum is really all that is keeping me going right now--this, and Ladywolf herself and her needs.

Again, I am so sorry for what happened to Billy. Let yourself grieve--it would be unnatural if you didn't!

Hugs--Margi and Ladywolf

Dear Susan My name is Mike, and I lost Baxter. I do know how you feel, I am going through it now. It is like a loss of no other. All I do is go to where I buryed him and sob. I took a treat to the gravesite this morning because he loved them so. I have trouble talking to friends because many dont understand, I loved him like a child. Have faith and you will be comforted, and remember the fun that you guys had. Thinking of you Mike

Hi Susan,

I am so sorry that you lost your best friend. I had to put my soul mate Callaway to sleep 4 months ago and I'm still grieving. This forum has helped me so much... there are wonderful people who are on here that understand the feelings that you are having. I read several pet loss books and there was one that was far superior... The Loss of a Pet by Wallace Sife. You can find the book at the following link... http://www.amazon.com/Loss-Pet-New-Revised...d/dp/0876051972

I will be praying that you find peace soon.

Take care,
Rhapsedy

Dear Susan--

As I said to Baxter in my last post, we are usually a bit busier around here than we have been today--it's been really quiet. Don't give up on us--this Forum has a lot to offer! Rest well, or as well as you can under the circumstances...

Margi

Dear Susan, Billy's Mom

Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your darling Billy.
How tragic for you to lose him so suddenly but through no fault of your own. Unfortunately our dear pets have such inquisitive natures and no fear of danger and sometimes(quite often) they get themselves into trouble with devastating effects. I too had a very much loved Welsh Corgi(Pembroke) when I was a young girl. When she was 6 years old she ate a plastic bottle top which was to cause her untimely passing whilst on the operating table. I was 12 years old and I thought my life was over. I couldn't go to school for 2 weeks, didn't eat or sleep, I can still remember the shock of being told she had left me. That was 46 years ago.They are such characters aren't they, Corgi's. She was black/white and tan and we used to call her Foxy as she had a dear little face like a fox. My little Vikki, used to have the habit of trying to knip peoples ankles, think she was trying to 'herd' them. Apart from that she was very sweet natured.
When you feel able , I would so love to see a photo of your Billy, and hear more about him.
I came to this forum after losing my precious Samoyed, Noushka, just over 4 months ago. Again I felt unable to cope with my loss and needed help. If only this had been there for me on all those occasions that I have felt this way through losing a beloved pet. Thanks to Computer technology, and LS and Tribble for starting this website, we now have the support of many animal loving people all over the world, who all know what we are going through, because they too are suffering. It has been a 'Haven' for me to come to, and I have made many friends, who are always there if I need some words of advice or support.
Try and take each day at a time, some will be better than others, and try and think of the happy times you shared with Billy, he would not want his MOM , who he knows loves him so much, to be sad. I truly believe that our 'Angels' are always with us.
I am thinking of you and sending a cyber hug of comfort.
LOve Jan and my Angels xx

Susan I am so sorry for your loss of Billy. I remember all too well what you are feeling...like you can't go on...like you don't even want to try. Things will get easier with time...when people told me that I thought they were nuts...how could I ever feel better about any of this...it's never going to get better...but it does...I don't think the pain ever totally goes away, but happy memories will replace your grief in time. It's been 2 months for me and I still have those moments of feeling totally not wanting to go on...but they are getting less and less.

I am so sorry, hugs to you and your fur angel,
Brutus' Mom