B19 wrote:
Adamantium wrote:
He was the best dog.
We understood one another. He was loyal, protective, playful and loving. He knew how to enjoy a good walk.
He was fine yesterday morning, then felt ill in the evening and got sick, the rested.
This morning he was gone.
I cant believe it.
He has been my companion for 10 years and now he is gone.
I am shocked.
Oh Adamantium, I truly know how you feel and the dreadful heartbreaking pain that is overwhelming. I think you know that not only do I share your shock and grief, but my dearest cat died the same day as your much loved dog. All I have left of him now is his imprint on his favourite chair and his fur on his favourite blanket. His ashes come home today. I can't stop crying. I feel I betrayed him by taking him to his death knowingly when he had absolute trust in me. That guilt is so bad I can't get past it. At least you were spared this, though I know that doesn't make the loss easier. I will think of you a lot today and tomorrow. We are both shocked and devastated by these losses.
I am so sorry that you are feeling this. That is a terrible choice to have to make, but I can tell you that not making it and allowing your beloved companion to suffer much more intensely for a protracted period is terrible and guilt-inducing too, even if there was really nothing you could do. Please try to forgive yourself and make piece with this.
I buried my dog today in a 3 foot deep grave that I dug yesterday and today. I had wrapped him in a sheet and I put some lime over him before I buried him.
We had a sort of service for him, where we gathered around and said goodbye, My kids were really hurting because of this, and I think this ceremony was very helpful to them, as it was to me and my wife. We talked about how great he was and about our desire that he somehow should be in a better place now. then they each put a shovel of dirt on him before I buried him.
In the course of digging the grave I pulled up a large stone and we used this to mark the spot.
I have the sense that doing all these sort of ceremonial/ritual things really helped to deal with the huge emotions. I think this has been true for my family, too.
It was a lot digging and shoveling and I have blisters and sore muscles and I am very tired, but I think this was therapeutic for me.
Thanks again for all your kind words.