Woody Options

[Steve K.]

I was here ten years ago for my Beauregard. Now I am here for my Woody. Woody was a dog that nobody wanted so me and the wife took him in. He was a handful at first and he made us wonder if we made the right decision but he turned out to be a wonderful dog. He was a retriever mix and a beautiful red color.

Well, on Sunday 09/21/08, I went out for the day and the wife took the dogs (we have another shelter dog) for a walk. They were both on a leash but Woody pulled away from my wife and ran into the street. He was hit by a car and the wife got animal control to take him to the emergency clinic where the vet said it didn't look good. The wife made the decision to let Woody go and when I got home, my heart was broken. My poor wife had to watch him get hit by the car and then make the decision to let him go. We are both heartbroken. I can't sleep, I can't eat, and all I do is cry at the drop of a hat. Our other dog (Smokey Joe) is 9 years old but Woody was only four. I expected him to be around for many years. Why did God take our dog from us? I don't think that we are bad people. We took in both dogs and two stray cats. We love our animals like children. Why was he taken from us?

[moon_beam]

Hi, Steve, this grief journey can feel like it will never end, and is very intense in the beginning. What you are feeling and experiencing is very normal so early in your grief. The mental health profession now recognizes that the grief journey for the loss of a beloved companion is the same as it is for a human family member or friend. The stages of grief are the same, and the most difficult part of the grief can be spread over the course of a year. The first year is very hard because it holds all the "first" anniversaries - - the first birthday, the first holidays, the first day, the first month, the first 6 months, etc.. And each of these anniversaries are reminders of the one who is physically missing. But hopefully through your grief journey you will come to know that your beloved Woody is still with you as he always has been been. His sweet living Spirit is forever etched in your heart and your memories, and no one and nothing can ever take that away from you. Because the first year is so difficult, or at least some of it, it is important to know that you are not alone in your grief journey. Each of us here understands the deep loss you and your wife are feeling, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Thank you so much for sharing pictures of your furkids with us, Steve, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam