I would really appreciate people's support and help because I am having an extremely rough time.

My seven-year-old, Weimaraner, Sterling, who was the absolute love of my life passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly Tuesday morning from a twisted stomach. My life surrounded her's and we were inseparable. I take some comfort in that she did not seem to experience any pain as she never once cried or whimpered and it all happened extremely fast.

I am just devastated and cannot stop crying. I know Sterling lived an amazing and wonderful life. I even know she is in a better place, but I miss her deeply. I just don't know how I can move on without her.

SkyLare, I am so sorry about your beautiful Sterling. I understand the pain you are in, as I just lost my precious cat, Mollie, on Tuesday as well. The circumstances were different, but the loss and the profound absence are very painful. I have been paralyzed with grief, and at times it seems unbearable.
All we can do is let time make us feel a little better. We never get over losing them, but eventually the pain we feel when we think of them will be replaced by the memories of happy times with them. Look to your friends for strength, and try to surround yourself with fellow animal lovers who understand the very real and deep grief you are experiencing. Take it one day at a time, and allow yourself to grieve in any way you need to.

Hang in there, friend, and know you are not alone.

Tom (aka saddaddy)

Hi, Skylare, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Sterling. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company. Losing a companion suddenly intensifies the grief.

This grief journey is one of the hardest experiences we will know during our earthly journey. It is filled with many different emotions that usually overwhelm us all at one time - - it is a journey frequently referred to as a horror roller coaster ride. Unfortunately there are no fast forward or delete buttons we can press that will speed up the process or make it instantaneously disappear. It is a journey that can only be traveled one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time, in your own way and in your own time. But it is a journey you do not make alone, Skylare. Each of us here do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

This grief journey is not one of "moving on" but rather one of adjustment to the physical loss of your beloved Sterling. This adjustment does not happen in an hour, a day, a week, a month - - or even 6 months. Clinical professionals recognize that the first year of the grief journey is the hardest because it is filled with all the "first withouts" - - the first hour, the first day, the first week, the first month, the first birthday, the first holiday, the first vacation - - and on and on and on. Then there are the trips to the grocery store and having to realize that you no longer need to get your beloved Sterling her favorite treats, or food, or toys - - you no longer need to make those appointments with her veterinary practitioner for her vaccinations - - you no longer need to get her license according to the laws of your particular area -- and so it goes. And then there is adjusting to the fact that you no longer need to stop what you're doing to take your beloved Stirling for her walk, or go to the dog park to meet with friends. Your entire life is now turned upside down, - - nothing is the same, nor will it ever be the same again - - and this grief adjustment journey can begin to feel like it will never end. And it can also begin to feel like the deep seering pain of sorrow that encompasses your heart now will never ease.

Please let me try to reassure you, Skylare, that one day when you least expect it you will be able to think of your beloved Sterling and find yourself smiling - - truly smiling - - and your heart will not feel the heavy burden of sorrow that it now feels. And hopefully as this happens you will be able to know that your beloved Stirling's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey just as she always has and always will. The love bond you and your beloved Sterling share is eternal, Skylare - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Sterling is forever a part of you - - she is forever in your heart and your memories - - she is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

I know there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the seering pain of sorrow that is in your heart. I can only hope the words I share with you will offer you some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope as you travel your grief adjustment journey.

Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Sterling with us, Skylare. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing a picture(s) of her with us, but only when / if you want to. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Skylare, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam