Loss Of Shellie Options

[tobin]

yesterday i had to have my dog, my friend, shellie put to sleep. she had an enlarged heart and the doctor said he had gone as far as he could with treatments. her rapid heartbeat and breathing problems were worse every couple of weeks. i knew the pain i would feel would be bad but i did not realize it would be this unbearable. i got shellie 8 years ago whenshe was 9 weeks old, got her for my wife...when i lost my wife, shellie and my mother became very close...when i lost my mother, shellie and i became even closer. i prayed that god would make her well as i know he could but that did not happen. now what should i think? i did not want to come home today knowing she would not be there. people will always say, it will get better with time but that is not very comforting. some say it is crazy to feel this way, after all it was only a dog BUT to me shellie was much much more than that to me. i have not felt this kind of agony since i lost my wife and quite honestly, i just don't know what to do or how to function. let my feelings show and to heck what people will think, or bottle it all up. i am usually a strong fella but the loss of my 4 legged, tail waggin little shellbell has put me down. talk about being depressed....what to do? anyone have any thoughts that could be of help to me, please..

[nicole'smom]

Tobin
You don't have to apologize for "going on like this". We all have done the same. And LS offers you a place where you can express your grief, regrets, what ifs, etc as fully as you need to, among people who truly understand and know how painful the death of an animal companion is. And your pain is still so fresh and raw. Shellie's only been gone for 3 days. Three days after Nicole's death, I was submerged in a heavy dark place more painful than I'd ever experienced or expected. I'm glad for you that you made your way here early in your grief and may you find comfort here.

I've heard of the toxicity of swiffer products, though not enough to comment. But I've made choices for Nicole and other companions that may have contributed to their illness and death inadvertently, as well. I know it can tear at you. But try not to blame yourself. You loved Shellie. That matters far more than any mistakes you may or may not have made. Take good care of Shellie's daddy.
Lynda