Always hard losing our pets, mine are like family. Sometimes at night, I can feel my Pippin on my legs. They are always with us.Take care and cherish you memories of Nike.

It can take time to recover, too. I lost my lab of 10 years suddenly last June and it damaged me a bit.

It really hurts to lose a pet. They really do "Leave paw prints on our hearts" They are part of the family, a really large, loving, giving part. We animal lovers on this board understand your grieving.

It took 18 months of constant long long long cathartic walks (usually in a low populated trail to avoid others seeing my tears) to really move on. Though that was healing-- in more ways than one, it took my agreeing to foster another rambunctious pup to really help me heal. Of course I kept her (I'm a lousy "foster" but a great permanent home) and I can't help feeling like part of my last pup lives within her.

I wish you a faster healing process, focused on the GOOD memories your pup brought to you AND... when you are ready, that you will give a good home to another deserving pet.

Theses are difficult days to be sure, Corvo. Safe home, Nike.

There will never be another Nike, but when you are ready there will be another sweet fur baby to help heal your heart.

The part about not being able to snuggle you are gonna make cry now missing my own little one
Condolences

Last edited Wed Jan 10, 2018, 01:05 PM - Edit history (1)

It's hard to lose a furry best friend. They bring us such joy. Cherish the memories and take care of yourself.

I understand how you feel. The grief is terrible, and it can be worse than grieving a human death. I've been there with 2 beloved dogs. I asked my vet why we grieve so hard for our animals, and there are 2 main reasons 1) The fact that they are 100% dependent on us, and 2) Their love is unconditional.

I don't know that I have the right words to ease the pain, just know that many others here know exactly what you are going through. I kept looking for my boy dog for a long time after he passed.

It will get better, but it will never go away. Concentrate on your good memories of your friend. You gave him a good life, and he knew he was loved.

Hang in there, friend.

Pets ARE family! (((Hugs)))

lost my 18 year old girl after Thanksgiving. I still hear her in the house.

Goodbye your dear little friend, rest well.

but that just makes it harder to let him go.

Treasure the memories.

This is so true.

Nike is forever in your heart. Be well, dear Corvo.

I know the feeling and it's devastating

It's so lonely without their presence

I'm glad you had 13 good years with him-- cherish those memories

Lots of hugs

Here's to Nike crossing over the Rainbow Bridge! To romp and play with those who went before him.

I wish there were words that I could offer take away your pain, but I know that is not fully possible. Just know there are others like me who understand.

I wish there was anything at all that we could say to take the pain away. I'm just so sorry.

I hope the memories of your time together, and the knowledge that he had an absolutely wonderful life being loved by you, bring you some comfort.

It helps, even though the pain isn't really going away.

BTW for your dog to pass @ your home and to not have to take the
last trip to the vet's office is a very good thing.

It never gets any easier. I still talk to them when I walk past my little Pet Sematary.

Their paw prints remain on our hearts.

The hole they leave in your life by leaving it is awful. I dread the day we lose our Cairn.

Perhaps you can relate to the words written by the artist Thomas Hart Benton on the loss of his dog Jake:

http://mvmagazine.com/news/2004/09/01/dog-named-jake

..pull date but I love him so much. When I lost one of my Goldens years ago I bought Jimmy Stewarts book of poems. One poem he wrote was 'A Dog named Beau' and read it on Johnny Carson once. Now I'm crying again.

I can empathize. My 18 yr. old cat will probably pass sometime today from what I see/sense. Not quite as sudden as your loss but still traumatic.

"It's the strangest thing in the world that as I lie down I'm not grabbing him to snuggle." This really hit home for me. That is what I will be feeling so soon.

Again, sorry for your sudden loss, a dog is a wonderful companion and you will surely grieve, the emotions will lessen in time but the love will never lessen.

...dogs are so stoic and eager to please. They are well one minute and dying the next.

Give your sweet kitty a hug from me...

But he was drinking water just fine. Then a day or two ago he was very hungry and ate a whole can of food and I thought he was on the mend. Last night when I got home, I realized he hadn't used his cat litter box at all. When he joined me in bed he cried a few times and intermittently breathed hard. I lightly stroked his head and chest and he calmed down and lay there quietly. Overnight he never got up for a drink of water which is very unusual. Later when he wet the bed rather than get up to use the litter, I knew something was really wrong and planned on the vet's this morning. But I woke up to a minor flood in my kitchen, which had to be mopped up with lots of activity and noise and he never moved to investigate. I just checked on him now, a few hours late,r and he still hasn't moved. I'm waiting another hour or two before making sure he is gone because I don't want to disturb him if he is peaceful and not in pain. It is hard and still rather sudden.

On point, yes dogs do not give much, if any warning. I've been through the trying to find an animal hospital at 10:00 on a Saturday night routine more than once. My dog was a trooper but a little notice that she was sick before hiding away to die alone would have been helpful. She was the most loyal, loving dog I have ever known.

It inspires me how much we love our little ones. My thoughts are with you and your kitty and your departed pup.

I was literally researching cremation options in my area when I read your post. He did pass yesterday morning. I guess we have some grieving to do. My cat was very dog-like as to being a constant companion. Please accept my positive thoughts/wishes for you and your departed canine friend.

Thanks for remembering my pup. She was my first dog and I had to deal with that when I was about 16 or maybe younger. You never forget those you love.

Peace.

My cat Buddy passed on Nov 25, I still miss him, and so sense what both of you might be experiencing.

Best wishes

Last edited Thu Jan 11, 2018, 01:23 PM - Edit history (1)

Thanks for your thoughts.
Of course you still miss your cat after only 6 weeks. I'll be looking behind me as I go out the door (to make sure he doesn't "escape" ) for years. A lot of habit but also a lot of love.

I was told it takes about two months to get over trauma, that seems about right. But you will always remember your cat, and that is a good thing.

The only time our furry friends are capable of breaking our hearts is when it's time for them to leave us. Again, I'm so sorry.

It really does mean a lot. This cat has kept me going through a very long and hard depression. He and I really bonded over the last few years, especially. He knew what I was going to do and I knew what he was going to do. We had our rhythm.

Him being gone will leave a void. Hopefully, not completely breaking my heart, but I haven't experienced all the emotions yet. Tonight and tomorrow will begin to show just how much I miss him.

..please check out the Rainbow Bridge....they have pet loss forums that you may find helpful. Not everyone understands this kind of deeply profound loss.

(((HUGS)))

so sad for you, losing a beloved pet is hard to handle. Sending you a big hug. I lost my Winnie in April after 13 years and I miss her snuggles too.

There are no words. Just shock and lots of sobbing.

I suddenly lost my beloved Shrimpy Pomeranian two 1/2 years ago. Sudden bizarre accident, kind of similar to your poor Nike’s. It was surreal.

I’m so, so terribly sorry for your loss. May your tears flow freely.... 💔😭💔 May you have much courage and comfort.

Please accept my condolences, and I mourn dear little Nike with you. I'm in tears.

Dogs who have shared our lives - especially like your beloved Nike for 13 years - are special beyond words. Grieve for your canine friend and then cherish the memories.

I can tell you loved him very very much!!!

Nike wasn't just a pet, he was your buddy. He could be trusted and his love was faithful.

You are allowed to grieve. Let those tears fall.

Then, when you're ready, do something in his memory. When my 22-year old cat, Otto, passed-- I sent a donation to "Hope for Paws" in his memory. Find a favorite photo and have it frames with some of the hair you clipped. On the back of the photo write out a short bio of his life.

Pets can add such joy to life.

It's why it hurts when they go over the rainbow bridge. My favorite Twilight Zone is the one where an elderly man and his dog have an accident and the man and dog find themselves on a road. The man comes to an amazing estate, but is told that his dog can't go in. The man says thanks for the invite, but I won't go if my dog can't. He keeps going down the road and St. Pete welcomes him with open arms and tells him his dog is welcome, too.

Because that's my idea of heaven, someplace where my good buddies will be waiting.

At least he crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and he was not suffering when he did so. Thank god for that.

He went peacefully and quietly.

Blessings to both you and your dear little late friend!

The loving memories and photos help a bit...It takes time...Treat yourself well..

May your heart heal and the happy memories of him live on forever.

I totally understand. I lost a poodle to heart disease when she was only 9. Please, after your heart heals some, consider a rescue pup. Hugs.

Strangely, I've had a rash of friends and acquaintances lose pets lately, more so than usual, or so it seems. I wonder sometimes if we're transmitting our stress to them, or, more likely, that it's just one of those things where it's like a society where a whole generation just ages at the same time.

It's so difficult to lose a dog that is also your best friend. At this point, we're "between dogs" as we describe it, and I'm actually using a stuffed dog as a placeholder.

I know how hard it is to lose a fur kid. 😢

I feel your pain. There is something about a toy poodle that captures your heart. They are very child like in their interactions with you. Rusty went everywhere with me. He was a big dog in a tiny body. I still miss him, but carry great memories of him to this day. I am so sorry you lost your best friend. Prayers.

I lost my baby dog recently too and I know that pain, I am so so sorry for your loss.

They're great pets. Smart as hell and they run the roost! It took me a long time to realize she was deaf because she read my body and facial language so well. I found out only when she had her back to me and I called her name and she didn't respond.

Her name was Kalinka and I loved and still love her dearly. Her heart failed her too.

Hugs to you!

Be good to yourself, because the hurt is deep and wide, even when it's "only" a dog.

It is difficult to lose a beloved fur baby. Take care.

Our boy of 14 years will not be with us much longer. We lost his Buddy last March. The grief is inexpressible.

Yesterday I ran into an old friend from many years ago who asked me how Beggar was doing. Beggar earned the name. I told her Beggar had passed two years ago and I started crying.

I may have seen this on DU: The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

I Know how it feels to lose a pet...So glad that he had the comfort of your presence, at least, when he passed.

I've had fur children pass on right under my hands.

'Joy and pain. Like sunshine and rain.'

Nike was loved.

Keep the little one's fur near. MB near their photo.

I thot I'd stop functioning when our kitty daughter of 18 passed May 2016. We moved to a new place being built (I was in a daze) in July and August we adopted a Doxie mix rescue. Each nite I kiss kitty daughter photo, say I love her, and to wait for us all.

From my heart to yours, 💛

I know how desperately painful this is having been through it too many times. For me, my solace is finding another gentle soul to share my life. It is not a replacement but another unique life with which to share yours. You are a perfect pet parent —there is one out there that needs you.

Giving that dog a loving home for 13 years was the best thing you could ever do...

so does the emotion of losing a pet so close, a little bit. I still keep his food dish out for him.

And love!

This mortal coil shuffles us all off, and all we have are the together times.

Nerd note: the new physics has generated some startling possibilities, among them the growing evidence for the fact that time does not exist. It's possible that while your consciousness has moved along the event line and your perception is that Nike has passed, the truth may be that Nike and you will always be sharing that 13 years in perpetuity, as is, always.

I find it mildly comforting.

Nike had a good life with you it sounds like.

I lost my Aussie Rowdy this month a year ago, he was also 13, and I still miss him so much.

Very sorry for your loss.

Our best friends are so precious,
My sincere condolences for the sudden departure of Nike.
.............

...into our lives and our hearts knowing that we are most likely going to outlive them. We choose to do so anyway, because it is so rewarding to have them.

He also told me that one of the best ways to honor a departed furry friend was to provide a loving home to another, and that we should not feel guilty about falling in love with another animal.

I fell in love with my first kitten when I was 5. I'm now 66, and have had 22 different cats over the decades. I regard new ones as successors, and never think of anyone as a replacement, because, of course, that is not possible.

Wishing you future happiness when your heart is ready to accept another friend.

One of the hardest things ever. To you and all who have lost a furry friend this past year-

I know it really hurts to lose a beloved pet.

When my baby died right before Christmas and her 15 birthday it ruined the holidays that year. I wore black for a month. My baby now is almost 15 and I can't go through that amount of pain again. I never have experienced such sadness in my entire life. I am crying as I write this. I feel for you!

I'm sorry you lost your friend. It's a terrible pain and it seems like it just won't go away. It doesn't go away. You learn to live with it though. I hope you will be alright.

It is one of the worst pains out there. I know. I've lost 6 precious dog companions over the years, and am about to lose another very soon. She's 16 and senile but she's my love and probably the last dog I will have. Take good care.

So I sort of have an idea how you feel...but not really, since I had a couple of days before it happened, and I got to put him to sleep.

I'm so sorry. I know how you must miss hugging him, and how painful it will be when he still is gone in the mornings, and this is not a nightmare. For me, it got better a little bit at a time. But I still say his name as I drive down the street or put the laundry in the machine, thinking of the empty space by my side, where he used to be. I miss him so.

I wish you the best in going forward, one step at a time. It will get better.

I have shared similar heartaches.

It may not seem like much of a balm, but I suggest that, in a month or two or three, you adopt another doggie - and I suggest a rescue from the pound, one whose life you literally save by adoption - to share the love you obviously have to give.

i have lost my furbabies and it is as sorrowful as losing a human friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I believe your doggie is in Dog Heaven and he's good friends with Gretel now. Take care.

I have a heavy joy from reflecting on his goodness and our time together. I am so grateful.

but it is worth it

you have posted that piece from Isla Paschal Richardson and i must tell you how much i absolutely LOVE it, think of it, and am brought to tears and yet comforted by it. thank you so very much skittles--for every time you shared that for the brokenhearted; for those of us who have loved and lost our fur friends.

in Austin, along time ago, I received a condolence card signed by my veterinarian, his wife (also a veterinarian), and their staff members (my cat had recently passed). It had Mrs. Richardson's poem on it and I thought it was such a lovely sentiment. A couple of months later a headline in the Austin paper said, "Vet kills wife, Self" - I thought to myself, "I hope that is not my vet" - but it was

kinda took my breath away for the moment.

well, they passed along something very lovely to you and you've been passing it on to so many of us here during these extremely trying times we go through when we part ways with our little companions. i just wanted you to know how much it is appreciated.

and now the ending to your post -- i don't think that is something i'm going to forget. how very tragic.

I miss mine too

for your loss - and it is truly a big loss. Sounds like he had a wonderful life with you. Peace to you.

my deepest sympathy.

Not mine but someone close to me, 15 year old English Springer Spaniel.
Sweet Louis took care of him and of the boys through a separation, divorce, teen years and past college. Kids are far flung now on other side of the world, and there’s one grieving man who loved him dearly now left alone in an empty house.
It’s been a damn sad day.

It's so hard to lose a fur baby. My thoughts and HEART is with you.

My childhood buddy. He was hit by a car at age 8 on January 9, 1977. I fielded the call and had to go pick him up. What a sad lonely early evening walk that was. It was Super Bowl Sunday, an hour or so after the game ended. A good samaritan had placed Apollo in a box and called the number from his dog tag. I was the only one home to answer. The other family members had taken Apollo for a walk and lost track of him when they returned. I was doing homework in my room and had no idea he hadn't come back home with the family. I still have regrets over that.

The anniversary was last night. I now live close to where it happened. I walked around that block and stayed at the spot for a long time. Many cars stopped at the intersection and saw me standing there. Yes, I was crying...41 years later.

He was so smart. All of my friends raved at how smart Apollo was.

It is so difficult to lose a beloved best friend.

It hurts so much to lose our canine and feline members of our family.

My one bit of advice...get a new companion as soon as you can bear to think of it.

We lost our last dog a while ago and the hole never really healed. Until we adopted a rescue.

I’m so glad we did. It took us well over a year and I still call Teelie Darcy (the name of my little Shih Tzu). But having a dog all makes all the difference in the world.

But, my condolences. Take the time to grieve. I’m so sorry.

My cat died suddenly one new years eve. My friend and I decided to stay in and watch movies. At midnight, I gave my cat a hug. A half an hour later, he was gone. He was old but there was no warning. I had him for 15 years. I'm so glad that I didn't go out that night.

There are nothing but pure joyful memories of Nike. His presence is something I am eternally grateful for having had in my life. Looking at photos and watching videos, imagining him in the flesh when I'm walking outside, his playful cadence, his smile or imagining you calling his name in your home or lying next to him on your bed... his presence is one to be missed. A tremendous loss. And at this point in time, difficult to comprehend as real.

I can hardly handle imagining and feeling your strange feeling of him not being around for you to see, touch and talk to.

He was so alive with love, play and vigor. His love for life was able to reach its potential because you were an encouraging friend, an engaged playmate, a mirroring companion and a responsible mother. And I am honored that he considered me his Aunt Cyso.

The memory of him calling me that brings tears to my eyes. And Nike is in my heart and soul forever.

I cannot believe he is gone and we will not share more times together. My heart is filled with gratitude for having had such an amazing soul in our family.

I'm glad the two of you had each other to make things a little better for 13 years...Love and light to you.

losing a beloved pet is heartbreaking. Sending hugs.

My deceased kitties will be welcoming him though the Rainbow Gate.

The Rainbows Bridge Poem
RainbowBridge.com

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

It changes your life in so many ways - you just keep expecting to see him. I remember reading that losing a pet can be harder than losing a person because your pet is always there. I know it's tough right now, but try to remember how fortunate you were to have found each other.

I have been through it. Agony. Time will help, and lots of tears.

memories of your years together help ease the sadness .

It hurts so much because you loved so much. If you were an asshole, you would be unmoved. Your pet friend knows that, and that should give you some solace, my friend.

He sounds like he was a wonderful dog. My dog Gordon will be 10 this year, so I am enjoying all the time he has left. Dogs sadly die way too young. My thoughts are with you.

Suddenly, too. So hard.

Hugs to you.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend Nike.

I found some bittersweet consolation from this poem a few years ago when my dear Sweetie died. (I've since adopted another dog, as I do believe that the best way to honor the ones we lose is to give a home to another one who needs it, but only you can know when you are ready.) I hope you don't mind if I post it here for you.

“I Loved You Best”

So this is where we part, My Friend,
and you’ll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you’ll surely find.

I will go on, I’ll find the strength,
life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true
but they be they, and they aren’t you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
will remember well all you’ve taught.

Your place I’ll hold, you will be missed,
the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
take with you this…I loved you best.

(Copyright Jim Willis, 2002)

i know how devastating it can be when fur friends/companions depart from this world.