I Lost My Beautiful Ginger Options

[cindyp]

I found this forum out of grief and disbelief of losing our beloved German Shepherd, Ginger. She was the happiest, prettiest soul I had ever met. She was the protector of our other 2 dogs and our children (especially our youngest son who is 8). I couldn't sleep at all because I didn't want to re-awaken to this nightmare. So I tossed and turned all night.

I realized a large problem I have is that I don't know what to think of. I am trying not to think of the last horrible few days when the disease viciously and mercilessly reared its ugly head. But when I think of her, I see how happy she was and how much she loved life. She danced at the waters edge of the lake which only had to be there to make her happy. She danced in circles just to see you walk in the door. She brought her toys to show so we would tell her how cute they were and she would deliberately walk under the table so the cloth would drape her head and we would all tell her what a pretty girl she was. And thinking of this makes me cry so hard I don't think I will ever stop. My children cry with me and I tell them it is okay to let it out. But I have to hide to cry more. Tonight will be unbearable to go to bed without her at our feet. My husband works away during the week and she made us feel safe. (She was a beautiful, sweet soul and made herself very scary when unknowns were outside or close by.)

So what should I think of to stop crying? My heart is broken and things will never be the same without her. I really want to know that she is happy where she is. I guess it hurts knowing how much she loved this earth and all of the sudden she is not here. She was too young to leave. That part hurts just as much as missing her. Please give me any suggestions of what I should be thinking of to stop crying. If anyone knows in their heart for some reason that our beloved animal family-members are happy once they've crossed over, please let me know. I just need comfort. Thank you and thank you for this forum.

[Gingerella72]

Just saw your post today and wanted to express my sympathies.....my dog's name was Ginger, too, and she was a German Shepherd mix. I'm sure our Gingers are romping together at the Bridge, making new friends.

I know it is so hard to adjust to their physical presence not being there, it's been 2 weeks since my Ginger left us and I still expect to see her trotting into the room. It will just take time.

I do want to say, I'm so glad that you have 2 other dogs that can bring you comfort. Remember that they, too, are experiencing their own form of grief and going through their own adjustment and need lots of love and attention too.

I too found it hard to do any housecleaning because I felt like I was erasing Ginger's essence away. Any change, even just putting something away that had been sitting out when she was still alive, just drove home the fact that she was gone and life moves on, regardless. These are normal grief feelings. Knowing they're normal doesn't help the ache go away, I know.....but rest assured you are not alone in having them.