A week ago today our very much loved 10 1/2 mth old puppy Finn was struck and killed by a car. We are all missing him greatly. Our lives are not going to be the same without our sweet boy Finn.

We were about to take him to the off leash dog park when the leash slipped out of my hands and he ran up the street. He got about a block away and stopped for a minute. I was walking slowly up the street calling to him so that he wouldn't make it a game and run from me. I knew if I ran then he would turn it into a game of chase. A car was coming down the street and stopped when he saw Finn but then I guess the driver thought Finn was going to stay put so he started to drive and the next thing I knew Finn was under the car. I ran screaming up the street. I passed the drivers side window and the driver (who is a neighbour) said it wasn't my fault. I just kept going and went to Finn.

I think I knew right then that he was already gone but I wanted to believe he wasn't. A few neighbours heard the commotion and came out and helped me. Two men drove me and Finn to the vet but it was of course too late.

One of the worst parts of the whole situation is that my daughter saw it all, thankfully from a bit of a distance. She is just devastated to say the least. She cried for hours and hours. She loved that dog with all her heart and he loved her the same.

My husband is working out of town but was on his way home when all the happened. I called him from the vets office and gave him the sad news.

My heart is breaking in a million pieces for my daughter and for me and my husband too. It's such a horribly sad thing to have happened to us. And I'm not without guilt for letting the leash slip away from me.

I'm constantly finding it very hard to fight back the tears and I keep seeing the accident over and over in my head. Its worse at night when I close my eyes and try to fall to sleep. I have a pain in my chest that I swear is my heart breaking as ridiculous as that might sound.

Thanks for listening/reading.

Oh I just can't express how much I am feeling for you right now. I am so very, very sorry for this to have happened to you, your family and your precious Finn. Please know that I am thinking of you all and sending my prayers and hugs and my heartfelt sympathy.
So sadly these dreadful things happen in our lives and it makes us wonder 'WHY' ? What's it all about? I know you will feel guilt, we all do when we lose our darling pets, but some things are just completely out of our control. You love your Finn, and he knows that you would do nothing to cause him any harm. He was so young to have to become your Angel Finn, but he will always be such a big part of you and your family, forever in your hearts and souls. Remember how much happiness and love and joy he has brought to you all. Thats what he will want.
Please let us know how you are, when you feel able, and talk on here as much as you want. There are many people here who have shared similar, heartbreaking experiences and I'm sure that they will be here to offer their sympathy and comfort.
When our dear Noushka left us last year I bought a very lovely little book to help my Grandchildren (and all the adults in the family). It's called 'For Every Dog An Angel'. by Christine Davies. I bought it from Amazon. It's a special book that explains that our dogs are 'forever' dogs, no matter what side of the 'Rainbow Bridge' they are. Always watching over us. With us Forever. I'm not sure how old your dear daughter is, but this little book even helped me at the age of 59. It's simply written and beautifully illustrated.
I send a great big HUG for you and your family.
Love Jan and my Angels and Pixie xx

Your story took me back to July 25, 2010, when our beloved Winston was hit by a car and died. I know exactly the pain and anguish you're feeling.

Almost four months removed from the accident I can tell you that you will heal... it may not seem like it now, but there will come a time where you will think of Finn and his antics and smile rather than cry. In the meantime, allow yourself to grieve; scream if you have to, cry if you have to, punch a pillow if you have to... do what you need to do to process this terrible loss.

I am so sorry for your loss... please let us know how you're doing; we're a family here and our arms are always open to new members.

-Clay

Hi, Missing Finn, please permit me to add my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Finn. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company. It doesn't matter if it's been a matter of hours, days, weeks, -- - or years - - our beloved companions find their way into our hearts that physical separation from them is very painful - - both physically and emotionally.

Missing Finn, what happened with Finn was just a horrible accident, but I know this doesn't diminish the grief, and the accompanying guilt, that you are feeling in your heart and soul. I, too, have had experiences where my beloved's leash has just slipped off my wrist - - even when I thought I had it wrapped securely around my wrist - -. From the very sad circumstances I have read on this, and other grief, forums I am beginning to believe that this part of the design of the leash itself. And Finn, being a puppy, you did the absolute RIGHT thing in not running after him because indeed he would have thought it was a game of "chase". Even when we do all the "right" things - - sometimes circumstances still turn out horribly wrong, and I - - for the life of me just don't understand the reason or why fors that is.

Missing Finn, of course your heart feels like it's breaking. This grief journey is both physical and emotional - - literally. The stress of grief does bring physical symptoms to our bodies and to our minds. It can change the chemical balances in our bodies to a serious level, and so it is very important for you to let your grief out - - PLEASE. It is so very important that you let yourself cry, for the tears you cry are literally healing tears - - they help rid the body of the toxins that build up from the stress of grief. Some folks think that if they suppress their grief that the loss will not be as painful, that they are being brave. But in reality, clinical studies have shown that grief suppressed does more physical and emotional harm than good, and eventually that will take its toll in less than desirable ways.

Jan has offered an excellent suggestion about the book, for children do grieve differently from adults, but yet - - when we are in the depths of deep grief even us adults can feel like we are surrendered back to a child's heart - - just wanting someone to "make everything alright" again. In the loss of a beloved companion, this is just going to take healing time - - one day at a time.

And as Clay and Jan have mentioned, so I wish to echo their sound advice: Please know you and your family are not alone in your grief journey. Each of us here do understand what you are going through and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. When you feel up to it, we would love to know more about your precious Finn, and if you are able to, please post a picture / pictures of your precious fur baby.

And one other thing I would like to share: Perhaps in time you and your family might find a way to memorialize your precious Finn. Some folks make special memorial scrapbooks, video / slide shows, make donations in their beloved companions' honor - - perhaps to their vets' or the local humane shelter or rescue, some do memorial gardens, etc.. But this is down the road a piece - - if and / or when you and your family are able to think about this.

Missing Finn, thank you so much for coming here and sharing with us about your precious Finn. Again, please know we are here for you and your family for as long and as often as you need us. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you and your family are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My deepest condolences. I know how you feel, I lost two pets this way as a child. There is nothing more horrible, I remember how horrible my dad felt for forgetting to latch the gate. The other time, the other dog dug a hole out. I am
Soooo sorry for your loss. I hope all the kind people here help you with your pain, as they have helped me. I mourn alone really, every day. My Squiggy died a month ago and it feels like yesterday every night.
May you be able to sleep, we are here for all your thoughts.
-Di

Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement and support.

I'm still having a very hard time.

My husband picked up Finn's ashes, paw print cast and his collar last week from the vet. They are all boxed up nicely like gifts. I can't bring myself to look at them let alone open them. I asked my husband to put them away in the closet for now. I don't know when I will ever be ready to open them up.

It will be three weeks this coming Wednesday and I still feel as sad as the day it happened.