Our Family Pet Is Gone.....

This morning my mother and father's dog Frodo had to leave this life. I picked him out when I still lived at home with them and he was my best friend and sleeping buddy for the few years I still lived with my parents. Even after I left, he never forgot me and would always come and wag his tail when I called, and bark when I left. He was a good, gentle, faithful sheltie who did nothing but love our family and extended family these last 11 years.
I couldn't get out of work to be there and hold his paw for his last few moments, but I talked to my Mum and she said it was very peaceful. I will miss him more than I can say, but know that for both Frodo and Cara, the love they taught me lives on as long as I have dogs to love.

How To Get Past This

Hi all. I have just joined and read the posts here and to all I send my understanding and support. I have only signed up now, after losing one of my beloved lurchers (Cara) back at the end of August when she had just turned three. Her bone marrow wasn't producing any red blood cells, and having tried all we could, we had to make the decision to part with her. I have lost other animals before, but nothing could have prepared me for the grief I still feel EVERY day. She was an incredibly special dog with a very complex personality and both my husband and I had a very special bond with her. She was sort of aloof and snooty with strangers, but with us she was affectionate and fiercely protective. Even when our little girl arrived and she wasn't too impressed, she stlil became her protector and watched her always. I am convinced I felt her presence leave as she passed away, and at the time it was comforting and peaceful. Now I just feel heartbroken and robbed, and I feel that she got taken from us way ahead of her time.

Her brother is still with us and pined for her so badly that we got him another buddy - a collie/springer cross (Lola) who is full of life and joy. She has been a big help to me and to Finn (the surviving lurcher). She has also found a very special place in the household as an enduring friend to our toddler, who loves to love her! I have one problem though, and that's my husband. He agreed that it was best to get this new dog but is making no effort to bond with her and just keeps telling me that I need to train her better. Thing is, I have been training her and she's fine for me when we're out. She only disobeys my husband! I think he's still grieving for Cara and that that is why he can't bring himself to warm to this new dog. I am trying to consider his feelings too, but I feel that if I can do this that he should be able to as well. I want to be fair to Lola make sure she is made to feel that she belongs by everyone under this roof, but I'm not sure that I can win my husband over. I will try though! I love the new dog. I also know that she deserves the best from all of us.

All this has sort of brought back memories of Cara and Finn, and the times that we all had together. I miss her dreadfully, even though I know she wouldn't want me to and I can't get past the missing her.
Ali