I killed my dog.

I let my Collies off leash all the time, everywhere I could get away with it.   And up on a trail it could have happened to me and probably 90% of everyone else on this forum.  DO NOT BLAME YOURSELF!!!   
I had a State Park ranger tell me once that the reason you should keep your dog on a leash in the woods is because they could see a rabbit or some little like that and no matter how good they stay next to you off leash a Dog will take off and chase.  I understood what he was saying but you know my dogs loved to romp about up and down the trails and who cared if they chased a rabbit.  It was just a fluke that your dog did not give up the chase and happened upon a road out in the middle of nowhere.   Shit happens and theres not a damn thing you can do about it.  So keep the faith and just know that he had a wonderful romp in the woods and I'm sure he went quickly with a smile on his face.  He's smiling down on you saying  "It's not your fault and thanx for the time we had together.  I'll see you at the Rainbow Bridge someday"

I'm so sorry about Sparky -- letting your dog off-leash on a hiking trail is something a lot of folks would do.  You can't blame yourself.  Yes, you can and probably do, but don't. 
 
But hon, you do need grief counselling -- ***today*** please don't be alone.  Please call someone.  Please ask for help.  I've felt the way you do ... and I understand.  But please don't be alone -- get someone to help you and stay close to the forum ok?
 
Life is worth living -- truly it is.

I'm sorry for your loss.  Please don't give up.  It can and has happened to many of us.  You are in my thoughts.

I'm so sorry for your loss---things happen for a reason,I don't know why,but they do.This could happen to anyone--it could happen letting the dog out and he chases a rabbit in the street.What I wonder is why the person did nothing for your dog--did he not stop?He should have called you.I know my aunt ended up seeing her cat get hit by a car right in front of her house.You can't blame yourself.  Get help if you need to--there is nothing wrong with that.  God be with you.[]

I've written 5 replies and erased them all. Nothing seemed right. The bottom line is that it is not your fault. I would have felt safe with my dog way back in the woods too. It was an accident. Sparky had a better, happier three years with you, that he would have had with anybody else.

I am sincerely sorry about your loss; please don't blame yourself.  It is not your fault, its not Sparky's fault.  It hurts, I understand that completely.  And, the loss of loved ones so close together hurts worse.

I recently lost my lab after she drowned in my backyard pool.  I feel guilt, and it hurts.  But I know that she does not want me to feel either.  She's waiting for me.  Have you read the Legend of the Rainbow Bridge.  I posted it after I lost Cody...its here in the Rainbow Bridge Forum...take a read.

Please write here again and let us know how you are doing. 

 

I have to echo other's sentiments... you are NOT at fault here. Although it might feel like it.... you really aren't at fault. After FeFe died, we adopted Trixie and Trixie is a runner... if given any opportunity, she will run. I've finally figured out that it's not US that she's running from, it's just the way she is. Please don't blame yourself.... Thoughts and prayers going out to you.

Thank you so much for your replies.  Your words and thoughts have helped me to cope with the sorrow.  I am gradually remembering the good times, and not seeing the image of his death as often.

I have wanted to thank you for days, but I've had trouble getting signed on.  I think that is fixed now.  I hope I'm posting this correctly.

 

It's good to hear from you.  Positive thoughts and energy to you from me and my pack. 

It took me a while to figure out how to respond to your pain.

I'm very familiar with the "yeah, but it happened on my watch" feeling of responsibility. And I have carried sin and guilt for a couple of decades. At some point, you realize that there are things that are beyond your control. Accidents happen. You did not kill your dog.

I am very sorry for your loss and can empathize more than you can know. Simply know that the Bridge is a good place and you were blessed to have Sparky, and he was blessed to have you. And that you have love and wisdom to share again. And again.

 

Its so sad and I'm so very sorry for you!  

Sometimes things just happen...and we never know why. Its just a fact of life...and sometimes we just have to deal with it. 

Again..I'm so sorry!   Please keep remembering all of the joys you had with your dog...just like the ones of your DH!