I Just Lost My Best Friend Options

[Tracey]

Hi,

I'm new at this and really need a shoulder to cry on. Last night I had to put my 5 year old golden retriever to sleep. Her name was Megan. She was the best dog and I know I'll never have another like her. I'm crying as I type this because although I know it was the best thing for her I still feel as though I betrayed my best friend. On top of all this, I'm trying to hold it together for my two daughters (3&5). Any advise on how to get through this in one piece?

Thanks,
Tracey

[Saki & Freyj...]

Hi, Tracey,

I am so sorry for your loss of Megan. I wish I could make your guilt go away about helping her along-- but I can't. No matter how they go, we feel guilty. But when we have to help them-- I know how badly it hurts. Just last night, I woke up and my mind drifted to when we had to put Frey to sleep 6 and 1/2 months ago. I started to cry and couldn't get back to sleep. She was 14, arthritic, had cancer, and was paralyzed -- we HAD to do it... but....

As for your kids -- I don't have any, so I don't know. I think there is some advice pinned on the d&d support page. But I don't think you should hold it together too much. I remember my mom crying when pets died, and the first time -- even at age 2 or 3 I understood that she was very sad bc Auggie was gone. This summer, my nieces were over and asking me about Saki and Freyja's deaths, and I burst into tears. I think they felt badly at first bc they thought THEY were making me cry, but I told them that I just miss my fur babies a lot-- and I do think it was good for them to see that its ok to miss them and to cry...

Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

Love,
Jennifer