Need Advice w/ Losing a Pet

[Cherry 1,302]

Hey guys, my dog was recently diagnosed with cancer (lymphoma) and it's the first time I've really lost someone/something close to me. She probably has another 1-3 months left to live because we opted to pass on chemo. I've had her since I was 10, and I know it's going to really fuck me up when she passes away. Do any of you guys have some insight or advice on how to cope with the cancer diagnosis or death? Really grateful for anything to help get through this. 

 

Obligatory pics of her attached. 

[Omerta+ 1,206]

There is no good advice in my opinion. Losing anything that meaningful is going to hurt no matter what. 

One thing I will say is you never regret the moments you spend with something you love. As much time as you can devote to her, do it, it will not be a regret. 

It may also help to be positively patient with yourself. Realize that it is going to suck and you are going to be hurt, and there is no time table for it. It will take as long as it takes for the grieving process, and there really is no arbitrary measurement for how long it takes to get over it.

She truly will be in a better place. Whether that be heaven or not suffering, she will experience peace. She won't be in agony every day. I think we all have a point where suffering is no longer preferable even for those we love.

The last thing is remember you were the center of her world. She loved you immensley and love will always stay with you. And do not second guess forgoing chemo. It is not a bad decision. She is going to need you and I have always found that we can learn lessons from death about a life well lived. She will pass with people around who lover and love in her heart. That is something to be revered. 

Edited October 23, 2018 by Omerta

[Vin+ 3,121]

If you've got another pet, that can help lessen the blow a little bit, but it's still gonna suck either way, even if you're prepared for it.  I lost my golden retriever two years ago (had him since I was 14) somewhat unexpectedly (though I am happy he hung around til I got home from work).  It messed me up then (first. time I had cried over something in ages), and it still bothers me today when I end up randomly thinking about it or seeing something on tv that reminds me, so I'm not sure it's something that ever really goes away, or at least not quickly. 

 

 

[Cherry 1,302]

Appreciative of the advice from both of you guys. She's still doing good, thankfully. Hasn't been showing any signs of being debilitated by it other than being a little grouchy and sleeping more (presumably because of the medicine). Should be able to make it through this month from my understanding. Really excited to go home and get to spend more time with her, now that school semester is nearing an end. 

[seanbrock 1,684]

Dude I wish I could give you advice like these guys but my dog is old too and his hips are going. If I was in your shoes I'd be bawling like a little beotch because I like probably about 5 people more than that mother fucker and like 4 of them are family members. I feel for ya.

[RazorStar 4,025]

The 5th one is me.

 

Losing a pet is always tough, it's like getting a piece of your heart ripped out. It's best to just let the grief overtake you, let all your emotions out, and over time you remember all the good times you had with them. I've lost two cats in my life, and both of them were just total sweethearts. I get a little sad when I know that I'll never see them again, but I have so many fun memories about them that it's hard to feel depressed about it. I think I gave them happy times and they certainly made my life better for being in it. Time heals all wounds may be a cliche, but it's only that way because it's true.

[BJORN 679]

My advice: do things she enjoys with her as much as you can and after the fact just be positive and think of her and all of the love and memories you share.