Missing My Baby Boy Options

[Hslesgirl]

It is almost 3 weeks since I lost my beautiful 7 year-old Doberman, Austin. Although I have stopped crying myself to sleep every night I do still sleep with his teddy bear. My husband says to keep it as long as I need to but when do I really start to heal? We just came back from vacation and the saddest part was knowing that this time I did not have my baby here waiting for me. It just hurts so not to his sweet face waiting so anxiously for me to give me him some loving My husband is anxious to have another and besides not being ready to handle puppyhood, housebreaking and obedience training - it just feels that rushing to get a new one is somehow trying to replace Austin. I also feel that it somehow diminishes the love I had for my baby. Does anyone have any thoughts on how long I'm going to feel this horrible sense of loss? I'm jst so sad and empty all the time amd I know that's not fair to my very sweet and patient husband.

Sincerely,
Missing Austin Desperately

[moon_beam]

Hi, Hlsesgirl, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your precious Austin. I am so glad your husband is sensitive to your feelings of loss. The grief stages are the same for the loss of a beloved companion as they are for the loss of a human family member or friend. The first year of loss is the hardest because it is the year of adjusting to all the "firsts" without our beloved companion - - the first holidays, the first birthday, the first vacation, the first - - whatever - - are all reminders that the physical presence of a very valuable member of the family is missing. The grief healing journey is also filled with many ups and downs and twists and turns - - just when you think you have come through the worst something you hear or a memory comes to mind and you can find yourself feeling like it is the first hour of loss - - not 6 months later. Unfortunately there is no easy way through this grief healing journey - - it's a one day at a time journey that can only be traveled at your own speed. The most important thing is to know that you are not alone. Along with your husband each of us are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Take your time about adopting another furchild. Some folks have adopted right away thinking that it will help them through the pain of loss only to come to find out that they simply cannot bond with their new companion - - which turns to tragedy for the companion animal and the human caregiver. When you are ready to embrace the commitment to another companion animal you will know it and there will not be any doubt in your heart. However, in the meantime, you might consider pet sitting for a family member or friend or becoming a foster caregiver for a furry friend who is waiting for a new home. These are just suggestions that some folks have found helpful as they traveled through their grief healing journey. Hslesgirl, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam