How does one handle the death of a pet
 

I own two yorkies, Magnum and Cricket both are almost 15 years old. They are litter mates. Magnum has a very enlarged heart and my vet says I should figure each day as a gift. I can't imagine my life without him. I worry about how Cricket will be without him. They have never been apart from each other. Magnum is having a bad night and I am so scared.

The death of a pet is the hardest to cope with I lost my Rob in January and not a day goes past without us talking about him but we are now talking without the tears and laughing at the things he done.
It will be hard when the time comes but you will have given him a good life as for Cricket I 'm sure he will miss him to but give him comfort and love and I am sure you will cope. When our previous dog died are cat had a hard time coping our vet gave us a spray that we sprayed around the house to de stress him seemed to work a little. My love and prayers are with you.

I found it very hard ,we lost max who was 13, it was like losing a child we were so upset but we knew he had had a good life . I hope that you have more time with your little one , but we will be here for you when the time comes.Take care and we will be thinking of you Magnum and cricket.

I;m so sorry.... :(

and this is exactly why my husband and I have 3 dogs. When I met him...he had 2 cockers and we got Tessa our 3rd ...because one was up in age. When she passed...at least we had the 2 left to keep each other comforted.

IF you can....maybe get a puppy or older dog now so the one left behind still has a buddy ?

I once read that when you have multiples as you do that you should allow the living to "see" or "smell" the one when he/she has passed on. This allows them to know that they are dead. I don't know if this will help in the "wondering where they are" part later or if it helps them to grieve. I will be in this situation one day because we have 2 sibling golden Ret. that have never been apart--even when they go to the groomers, vets etc. I wish I could remember where I read this but I can't. Just food for thought here.

I definitely think dogs understand death and agree that the other dog must see them after death. When my Lacy passed away we buried her in our backyard and the big dogs took turns lying on her grave.

It is just so hard to lose a little dog or other pet that you love. And, it is especially hard when they are so sick, and won't live much longer.

There isn't anything you can do. I was very bad and took it really hard when I lost a dog last October. I prayed for days to go by so the agonizing grief would pass - and it finally did. But there is still not a day and never will be that I don't think of her and miss her -- and I still get tears often....for instance, right now - thinking of her. But, I can promise you that I am - so much better than I was when I first lost her. I think time is the only thing that really helps us heal.

I'm sorry you have to go through this. I wish none of every had to suffer the loss of a little pet that we love.

**** My other dog was lonesome after I lost Dutchess - and it was probably only two months later that I got my little Yorkie pup. The pup really did liven my other dog up a lot. But, of course, there are advantages and disadvantages - the new pup absolutely drove him crazy - but, at the same time gave him someone new to love and play with. They have been together for several months now and have become fast friends.


Carol Jean

Carol Jean

I can't imagine what you are going through as Simon and Hallie are my first pets. I just want you to know that you will find comfort here as so many have and we are glad you are here at YT.

I am so sorry you are going through this as it is so hard. I did post this on another thead and maybe it will help you.

"I just read an article from Tufts Vet School about dogs (animals) do have an understanding about death and it would be very helpful for the remaining dog to be able to smell them after they are gone. It appears from the article that animals that are very close together do better with this process and they do not grieve as much as when the other dog just disappears."

I have been faced with knowing that the time has come for a pet and having to make the decision to let go...it is never easy. I am sorry you are going thru this now. We had another dog at the time and she was allowed to smell Hank and she knew it was over for him. She went back in the house and laid in her favorite place for a long time. She would go to his grave where she last saw him from time to time and sniff around. I am sure she knew he was not coming back. I can also understand the condition Magnum is in right now. Even tho Hank was only 11 months old, he had pulmonic stenosis and his heart was very enlarged. He was suffering from congestive heart failure and his abdomen had filled with fluid to the point that he could not breathe well because the fluid was pressing so hard on his lungs. I feel for you right now, but please find some peace in this time. Magnum has had a wonderful life and he knows he is loved. Love him to the very end and just be there for him. Be just as strong as you can...we will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Welcome to Yorkie talk...it is nice to have you here.

That's so sad to hear about Magnum. I'm sorry to hear that you are going through such a difficult time. I've not had puppies before but I have had cats and watching them fade away is amongst the most difficult things I think I've ever faced. It seems a little trite, but I think you should take lots of comfort in the fact that he will have had such a lovely and happy life with someone who adored him and took such great care of him. He knows you love him and you've done all you can for him so it's just a matter of accepting the inevitable although that's not easy to do at all. Let us know how Magnum gets on and how you are too. It's very sad and I'll be thinking of you both. Big hug, Annie & Badger x

Magnum is doing better
 

Magnum made it through the night and is better today he's not coughing as much. I try to carry him around as much as possible, poor little Cricket is feeling neglected. I want to thank everyone who took the time to write. It's nice to know so many care and that I'am not alone. Thanks again.