I lost a dog just after Christmas and I'm finding it harder than expected to get over

[auburngrad82]

In light of everyone else's problems greiving over an old dog seems silly but I'm having a hard time getting over it. I miss her every day and I still find myself getting emotional about her death. I have other dogs and they help but only when they're with me. I do have a prescription of an anti-depressant that my doctor was kind enough to prescribe for me but I'm not the kind of person who takes drugs unless absolutely necessary.

For the past two weeks all I'm really wanted to do is sleep. Now I'm feeling run down and my wife wants me to make a doctor's appointment, but I'm pretty sure it's all just depression and since they've already given me a prescription I don't really think there's much more they will do.

I'm thinking that doing things to take my mind off the situation is the way to go so I've started taking a writing class. Writing is something I've always been pretty good at so I'm giving it a shot.

Does anyone have any ideas of how I can move past the loss of Porky (yes her name was Pork Chop, and yes the name fit her perfectly) and get things moving again?

I understand that it's not a parent or sibling but she was a loved one and I do miss her greatly.

Thanks for understanding and any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have a video tribute up to Porky on youtube if you'd like to see her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-PXaA9yy_4

I miss her.

[murielm99]

1. This is not silly.

We lost a thirteen and a half year old dog three years ago. Even though we have another well-loved dog, I still grieve for Emily sometimes. We had her for so long, since she was a puppy. She was part of the family.

The holidays do not help. Post-Christmas is a time of letdown for everyone. Loss does not help that feeling at all.

You will get better. You may not get over it, but it will be less painful. Even if you always miss Porky, you will find a way to put your grief in perspective. I am not trying to minimize your feelings. You have a right to grieve for your dog. No apology is necessary!

Hugs to you, and to your memories of your wonderful companion.

[livetohike]

2. Oh auburngrad82, I'm crying with you

Porky's tribute is beautiful. She looks so much like a dog we had (Misty) a lab/shepherd mix down to the one ear up and one ear down. I have no digital pics or scanner to show you. I'm just sitting here in tears. :hug:

I still cry over all of the dogs I've had in my life especially on their birthdays and anniversary of their death, so I don't think what you are going through is silly.

What has helped me so soon after a pet is lost:

*Try to only think of the good times - not the circumstances surrounding the death

*Write a poem about her life or a story

*Collect pictures of her - make a memorial (my dogs except for Misty were cremated)

*Spend time with the dogs you do have - maybe consider getting a puppy if the time is right

I believe we will see our pets again when we die and I guess that belief has helped me accept their passing.

There are some great people who check in at this forum. I know others will have ideas. Meanwhile, take care of yourself :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

3. You loved her.

There is no shame in love, and no need to apologize for your feelings of any kind. :hug:

In my journal, I have three tribute threads: one for my Mom, one for Roo, and one for Binky. I lost them within 15 months of each other. Since I have no children, the cats were (and are) my kids.

Peace and healing to you in your grief. :hug:

[undeterred]

4. auburn grad

All I can say is its ok to feel the way you do. I have a fifteen year old dog, and I am very attached to him and I know that this is coming soon and there is no way around it. Your dog was family and your love for her is a good thing. She's beautiful.

[flamingyouth]

5. I'm very sorry for your loss.

I think your tribute is lovely. As an animal lover, I can sympathize. We don't have children and when we lose one of our cats the pain is very intense. I still tear up when I think about our cat Chester, who died four years ago this week. So yes, I feel it's very normal to feel the way you're feeling.

I'm glad that you're taking the writing class; doing something proactive is always good, I think. And talking about her when you want, etc. Animals leave such a void when they're gone. Take care. :hug: