The Lord has my dog now...

Morgan, there IS no normal when it comes to grieving.  Everyone reacts and feels things just a little differently.

I'm so sorry for your loss.....I lost one of my Shepherds not two weeks ago, and two other members have lost dogs since then.  It's hard.  We hurt because we love and because we feel.  But, of course, we'll keep you in our prayers.

Run free much loved little one.

Yes it is normal to grieve the loss of your beloved Gadsby.  {{Hugs}}  I didnt wash any of Shadow's blankets or toys for a very long time so I wouldnt forget his smell.  The description of your Gadsby in the Rainbow bridge forum makes me think that he decided you could now handle his passing.  It will take time, but you will be able to speak of the funny things that made you laugh and the endearing thing that he did without crying or sadness.  You are more than welcome to grieve here, where we understand.  I found it hard to discuss my feeling with co workers many dont understand the bond between dog and human.  Also it was hard to share with my husband as he was also grieving.  Soon you will move forward, honor his love and memory by being strong.   Hugs and prayers for you and your husband.

I'm so sorry for your loss.  It's never easy and you're grief is still raw and painful.  Time does help and so does the support of people who understand.   Visit our Rainbow Bridge and you may find some comfort.  (((((hugs))))))

Thank you Morgan for joining this forum.  We understand what you are feeling, truly.  Each and every one of us have lost our beloved pets.  I am truly sorry for your loss.  Grieving is such a personal thing...you are normal...don't you worry.

Sending you strength as you go through this difficult time...and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Continue to read here, participate in threads offering your experiences.  Ask questions...stay with us so we can help you move through this.

Morgan, we all grieve differently.  I lost Billy a week ago today.  I still haven't been able to cry fully simply because it was a complicated loss (I've been in the hospital myself).  I will grieve for Billy differently than I've ever grieved for another dog.

Our grief is very individual.  You aren't crazy, or alone.  You loved him.  You will ***always*** love him.  that is right and it's normal.

Time helps.  And it will help you put this in its proper place.  You never get "over" them.  People can be really cruel when they say "get over it".  But you can learn to remember the good.  You can learn to let what they taught you change you for the better.

You can let them guide you to find another companion (and it sounds like he would want that -- because he didn't *want* you to be alone). 

It takes time.  For some of us it takes a LOT of time.  But you will begin to heal and work thru it.  That's what we're all here for.

Keep him in mind.  What would HE have wanted?  If he were human and sitting with you now what would he SAY to you?  You knew him best -- you'd know what was on his heart.

My Billy died of a massive heart attack.  He was with his beloved vet (had he been in my lap he would not have allowed himself to go and it would have meant horrible pain for him -- I will be eternally grateful that he was with Dr. Bailey and I had left before he had the heart attack).  I had no idea I was leaving him for the last time. 

He left me with a snuggle and a wag.  He was a happy boy ... and wanted everyone ELSE to be happy.  I miss him so much I almost can't breathe -- but I wouldn't have him back hurting for all the world.  He picked his time. 

If you click that contact button across from your name you can email any one of us -- feel free.  There are no stupid questions, there is nothing "weird" about grief.  We DO all understand.  *hugs*

I'm so sorry for your loss. In time, the wonderful memories will replace the sadness but it takes time. Until then, be extra kind to yourself. (((HUGS)))

Yes it is very normal.  I'm having a very tough time of it too.  Her toys and all her things are right where they were when she was here, I just can not move them at this time.  I take her little sweater to bed with me too.   Everyone grieves differently and there is no shame in it.  Hugs for you.  I feel your pain.

Thank You for your support and comments during this grief and pain beyond belief, and for welcoming me to this Forum where so many wonderful people reside. 

To echo what several people have already posted, you will find nothing but support here as you grieve your loss of Gadsby.  As Callie said, the process is an individual thing, and you can't rush it or try to "behave" in a way that others seem to think you "should."  When we lost our beloved dog, I made myself sick from all the tears, loss of appetite, etc.  I wasn't even close to feeling "normal" for a very long time.

Also, I was truly surprised by the reactions from different people.  On one hand, there were a few people (including immediate family members) who said a quick word of sympathy or nothing at all.  On the other hand, we received calls, emails and cards from people that I wouldn't think would react (because they don't have pets), yet they expressed genuine sadness on our behalf. 

When I was still grieving deeply, and most everyone in my "real world" circle had moved on, this forum was the one place where I could find continued support and compassion.  I don't think there's anything wrong with how you're feeling or acting now -- I slept with my dog's collar in my hands for a very long time.  I didn't wash his blanket and dreaded the day when his scent would be gone from it.  I didn't go to work for a few days, and I could hardly function.  My husband, who was also heartbroken, had an outer appearance at work that seemed fine, but at home he was quite inconsolable for several days.  One day he said he felt guilty that he shed more tears over our dog's passing than when his father died.  But, as I reminded him, our dog was part of his daily life for many years, while his Dad lived hundreds of miles away and hadn't been in his daily life for over a dozen years.  The whole that is left when a beloved pet leaves us is huge.

Just take one hour, one day at a time.  You'll gain strength as you're able to.  Take care of yourself and know that we understand.

 It has been 5 years since I had to have my rottweiler, Justice, put to sleep due to cancer.  I remember every detail of that day.I remember holding his paw in my hand, I remember looking into his eyes and knowing when he was gone before the vet confirmed it. I have his collar with his tags still on them and his favorite toy in my room. Each of my kids has one of his toys and no other dog has touched them. I have picture and a friend did a drawing of him for me. I still cant talk about him with out starting to cry. He was my heart dog, i didnt know what that meant until him. I swear he knew what I was thinking, half the time I wouldnt have to give him commands he would just do what I wanted.

My husband never shed a tear and Justice was supposed to be his dog. Me , I still shed them for him to this day. So yes everyone mourns in their own way and it will take time.

Thank you for your beautiful words of compassion.

I was moved by your reply to my post.  I almost feel exactly the same as you, your words were exactly what happened here last Sat when my dog had passed, we looked each other in the eyes, and said goodbye.