I lost my best and dearest friend Nelly on Tuesday. She was 14 years old, almost 15 in the middle of October. My family and I had to put her to sleep because she was very ill. She wouldn't eat or drink anything for a few days this past week. Tuesday morning, we knew that she needed to end her suffering. In March 2015, Nelly was diagnosed with bladder cancer, which is very common in her breed of West Highland Terrier. Nelly was always a happy dog, so playful and friendly to every body who came to the house or seeing on the street. So much spunk and love. She loved to go on adventures especially for car rides. In the summer, she would chill out and run around the pool every time someone jumped in. In the winter, she loved the snow, to bury and rub around in it. When it would rain and thunder, Nelly would shake and look for protection because she was scared. I grew up with Nelly and seeing her suffer these past few weeks has really gotten me upset. We knew the day would be coming soon, but never really wanted to admit that it was closer than we thought. Every morning when I wake up, I look in all the spots that she used to be in, hoping that she will be there and that Tuesday was a dream. I'll never forget the experience of being in the vet office and the process of putting her down. I wish I had one last goodbye, one last kiss, one last cuddle. I feel heartbroken and really just feel like I'm losing my mind. Thank you for listening.

Dear Danap,

I am so very sorry about the physical loss of your precious Nelly.

I understand about your heart breaking and your feeling as though you're losing your mind. There is nothing quite like this kind of pain. I am glad you found this site. We're all in this together and will help you through. In case it helps any, Nelly is still right there with you---but I know it's not the same as having her physical self there with you! She's in a blissful realm where there aren't the time/space limitations.

Do you have supportive friends/family with you? Do you have other pets in your home? Nelly wants you to have all the comfort, understanding, and warmth possible.

Please check back in. Will be thinking of you and sending a prayer for healing. Will hope to hear from you very soon about how you are doing, and anything you want to share.

Kathy

Hi, danap, please permit me to add my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Nelly. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company. Euthanasia is the last gift of love we can give to our companions at great sacrifice to ourselves so that they can be restored to their former youthfulness in the company of the angels.

Danap, this grief journey is one of the most painful experiences we will know on this side of eternity. It is a journey that is filled with many different emotions that can overwhelm us all at one time which is why it is frequently referred to as a horror roller coaster ride. It is a journey that can only be traveled one day at a time sometimes one moment at a time for you are now on a journey that is filled with all the first withouts and the memories that can be all too painful right now that include this time yesterday, last week, last month, last year to endure.

From what you share with us your beloved Nelly had a wonderful earthly journey with you and her family. It doesn't matter how much time we have with our companions for we will always want just one more minute, one more hour, one more day - - one more lifetime with them - - for they bring to us their unconditional love and undivided attention - - and we surrender ourselves to them without fear of rejection. This is one of the many reasons why this grief adjustment journey is so very painful both emotionally and physically.

But as painful as this grief journey is there is one thing that will never change - - the love bond you and your beloved Nelly share. Love is eternal, Danap - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Nelly's sweet Living Spirit is always and forever a part of your heart and memories - - she is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

I know all too well from first hand experience that when our hearts are entrenched in deep grief there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the searing pain of sorrow. Still I hope the words I share with you will offer you some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope as you travel your grief adjustment journey.

Thank you so much for honoring us in sharing your beloved Nelly with us, Danap. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing a picture of her with us - - but only when / if you want to. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam