Lost My Baby Options

[galandria]

Hello. I am new here. I just lost my 4 year old Bulldog, Missy, to heat stroke. I am heartbroken and grief stricken. I am feeling guilt, sick to my stomach, angry, depressed. I didnt get out of bed for 3 days and I had to take her pictures down because I cant bear to look at them. My house is so empty. My cats are a big comfort but I miss my Doodlebug so much. She was my beautiful baby.

My husband and I talked and we decided to get another dog. I wasnt sure where my grief would take me but it has taken me in the direction of wanting to fill my house with love. This tragedy has taught me that life is too short and I dont want to spend it denying myself any happiness. My family is not being supportive about a new dog. They say I am too fragile because of how I am grieving for Missy and that if anything happens to the new dog that I will go to pieces.

I feel extreme guilt as well. Am I acting too fast? Am I disrespecting her memory? If a child dies do parents "replace" them? But the emptiness is crushing me. I feel like I am not going to make it through this. Does anyone have any advice to offer?

[Rhapsedy]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain too well and it can be debilitating. I went thru all of the same things you mentioned; guilt, feeling sick, couldn't get out of bed, couldn't eat, couldn't look at pictures... it was the hardest thing I ever went thru. The pain will lessen but unfortunately you have to go thru the intense grief before you feel better.

As far as getting another dog, I think you should make your decision by listening to your heart. You are in no way replacing Missy, you could never replace her. Have you ever thought about fostering a dog? If you foster a dog and decide you want to keep him you could adopt the dog and if not you would be helping the dog until he found his forever home. This may be a good way to see how you would feel with another dog in the house.

Again, I am so sorry that you are in such pain. All of us here understand what you are going thru and we are here for you anytime, I hope you find comfort in knowing that.

Rhapsedy