I'm away at college and my Dad called me yesterday to tell me that Jaymee, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and best friend, died Sunday while out on a walk. I don't even know what to do. I'm trying not to think about it because every time I do I absolutely break down, and I don't want to cry in class/the library/meetings. I've tried talking about it to my parents on the phone but then they start crying and the pain is so bad that I can barely breathe. Everyone in my family is so devastated and it just makes it worse.

Jaymee was 11 years old and he seemed perfectly healthy and happy. He had a weak heart and the valve gave way while he was on a walk with my Mom Sunday afternoon. I never thought it would happen so suddenly. When I think about it, I can't stop crying. I'm 19 so most of my memories involve Jaymee. He slept in my bed every night for years, he comforted me every time I was sad, he sat on my lap while I read or watched a movie, he rode with me in the car, he came to all of my soccer games, on family vacations, to parties... I'm so sad but when I look at pictures of him I just become overwhelmed with grief that I can hardly stand it. In some ways it doesn't even feel real because I'm away at school- I don't think I'll be able to completely believe it until I go home and see the empty house for myself. He just seemed so healthy and happy.

And the worst part is my Grandma. She's 83 and already not doing so well health-wise, and she loved that dog more than anything in the world (and vice versa). The shock was so bad that she fell and had to be taken to the hospital and now I'm terrified that the death of Jaymee will somehow make her health deteriorate even further...

I keep trying not to think about it and just focus on my schoolwork but I know that I need to give myself time to grieve. On my way back to the dorm just now I saw someone playing with his dog and I lost it. I still can't believe Jaymee is gone. Thanks for letting me express myself here.

I too experienced a horrible loss recently. I know what you are going through. I didn't have Daisy as long as you had Jaymee, but that doesn't lessen my tremendous love for her. I am 22 years old, and I have never in my life felt this way. She was like my daughter. It is very hard. I know what you mean about breaking down in class/public. The day after Daisy was hit, I was an emotional wreck at work. It was very hard to concentrate. Thankfully that was Friday and I was able to grieve more over the weekend. I still feel a huge hole in my life, but it is getting easier for me to smile when I think about all the good times we had together. I hope that you can look back on all the wonderful times that you and Jaymee had together. This site has really helped me. One other thing--I don't know if you know about this or not-- but the Rainbow Bridge is a wonderful thing. Go to rainbowbridge.com and see for yourself. It just helps to know that they are now better than ever and that they are being well taken care of until we meet again. My prayers go out to you and everyone who has experienced such a loss. Take care.

I am so sorry. I know how much it hurts to lose a beloved pet.

What a wonderful family you have and how lucky Jaymee was to have been a part of it.

I know it makes it harder to talk to your family when they are all grieving but from reading this website I realize how lucky those of us are who have families who care as much about our furry friends as we do. Imagine how much worse it would be if they didn't care and didn't understand.

Jaymee was a very lucky dog to have been loved so much by so many people and he died doing something fun with someone he loved and who loved him.
I know it doesn't hurt any less. Light a little candle for him one night and send him a little message of what he meant to you and much you love him.


I hope your Grandmother will be all right - surround her with lots of love. Talk to her about Jaymee, it helps when you can grieve together but also share all the happy memories and by the sound of it there were lots.

A friend of mine once said to me after one of my beloved pets died that if I were the one who had died would I want to look down and see the ones I loved continuously focusing on my death instead of cherishing and celebrating all the wonderful times we shared together and all the love that is still there. It made me think - of course there are still times I'll get all teary eyed and choked up but as time goes by I am able to focus on all the fun and special moments.

"remember me with smiles and laughter for thats the way I'll remember you, if you can only remember me with tears then don't remember me at all."

The love never dies...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Take the time you need to greive. Let those around you know, too. It always helps to share your greif.
Although I'm a little older, and my Soshi kid was only in my life for 5 years, I felt such overwhelming pain when she died, I thought I may never feel happy again.
I can only imagine the saddness you must feel to have lost what must have seemed like a sibling to you. Just know it will get better.
When you do return home, make sure you have some closure. We had a little ceremony for our girl when her ashes were brought home, and it helped.
Just make sure you take care of yourself. Eat, sleep, and treat yourself well.
I'll keep you in my prayers,
Much love,
Brandy, Soshi, George, and Isaac