What a relief. When I read that first sentence I thought the OP had lost his son.
I know losing a pet can be tough but the thread is a bit misleading. I told my wife that someone on here had lost his son before I’d scrolled down to the photos, and she told me of a emergency in the hospital where a 19 year old road worker had a truckload of 200 degree bitumen fall on him from the truck and he died of 1st degree burns.
For him, he has.
So true, he was @largeaddick thanks for saying that.
What a relief. When I read that first sentence I thought the OP had lost his son.
I know losing a pet can be tough but the thread is a bit misleading. I told my wife that someone on here had lost his son before I’d scrolled down to the photos, and she told me of a emergency in the hospital where a 19 year old road worker had a truckload of 200 degree bitumen fall on him from the truck and he died of 1st degree burns.
I agree. I thought somebody had lost their son. I was shocked when I saw that but I was relieved when I saw it wasn’t. I know dogs and all pets are precious and I know how difficult it is when they pass but not on the same scale as losing a son.
No kids, have lost a few pets along the way but don't know how I will deal with losing my 14 yo rescue cat who sleeps with me every night. I will be crushed.
What a relief. When I read that first sentence I thought the OP had lost his son.
I know losing a pet can be tough but the thread is a bit misleading. I told my wife that someone on here had lost his son before I’d scrolled down to the photos, and she told me of a emergency in the hospital where a 19 year old road worker had a truckload of 200 degree bitumen fall on him from the truck and he died of 1st degree burns.
I agree. I thought somebody had lost their son. I was shocked when I saw that but I was relieved when I saw it wasn’t. I know dogs and all pets are precious and I know how difficult it is when they pass but not on the same scale as losing a son.
There is no hierarchy, it is simply about the bond. Some are closer than others. As a person that has felt the despair of the loss of a child and that of many pets, I can honestly say, they ALL always matter.
Grief and love doesn't have a league table, hence I can't say I love one child more than another (like 🤔).
Bereavement is simply that. If it hurts it hurts. There is no right way to feel or for how long. It is our business to share in someone else's grief, however it is not our business to decide for them how they should fee (not suggesting anyone has said that).
The outpouring of compassion for our fellow fans / dog owners, in their hours of despair, makes it clear that when you know, you know!
Talking is the most important thing. It reminds us that despite our momentary feelings that this is a bit too much to bear, life goes on, and we carry the feelings of our loss with us going forwards.
What non dog owners need to understand about dogs is that they are not just pets to many of us. They are incredibly emotionly intelligent. In some cases more so than humans. They have characters and show genuine love. We call JJ, our dog, a family member rather than a pet because that is how we see him. He has excellent communication skills so we always know what he is telling us.
The problem with dogs is that they have relatively short lives. JJ is now nine and you start to think of the terrible time ahead. Fortunately he is a small dog and they tend to live longer but losing him is a terrible thought but we know it will happen some day. Gilbert wasn't just a pet, he was something magnificent showing what an incredible bond can be created between different species.
What a relief. When I read that first sentence I thought the OP had lost his son.
I know losing a pet can be tough but the thread is a bit misleading. I told my wife that someone on here had lost his son before I’d scrolled down to the photos, and she told me of a emergency in the hospital where a 19 year old road worker had a truckload of 200 degree bitumen fall on him from the truck and he died of 1st degree burns.
I agree. I thought somebody had lost their son. I was shocked when I saw that but I was relieved when I saw it wasn’t. I know dogs and all pets are precious and I know how difficult it is when they pass but not on the same scale as losing a son.
There is no hierarchy, it is simply about the bond. Some are closer than others. As a person that has felt the despair of the loss of a child and that of many pets, I can honestly say, they ALL always matter.
Grief and love doesn't have a league table, hence I can't say I love one child more than another (like 🤔).
Bereavement is simply that. If it hurts it hurts. There is no right way to feel or for how long. It is our business to share in someone else's grief, however it is not our business to decide for them how they should fee (not suggesting anyone has said that).
The outpouring of compassion for our fellow fans / dog owners, in their hours of despair, makes it clear that when you know, you know!
Talking is the most important thing. It reminds us that despite our momentary feelings that this is a bit too much to bear, life goes on, and we carry the feelings of our loss with us going forwards.
I think the majority of people would have a hierarchy when it comes to grief- undoubtedly loss is terrible.
What non dog owners need to understand about dogs is that they are not just pets to many of us. They are incredibly emotionly intelligent. In some cases more so than humans. They have characters and show genuine love. We call JJ, our dog, a family member rather than a pet because that is how we see him. He has excellent communication skills so we always know what he is telling us.
The problem with dogs is that they have relatively short lives. JJ is now nine and you start to think of the terrible time ahead. Fortunately he is a small dog and they tend to live longer but losing him is a terrible thought but we know it will happen some day. Gilbert wasn't just a pet, he was something magnificent showing what an incredible bond can be created between different species.
All so true. Not having kids our dogs are our kids. When we eventually lose them we will be devastated. For us it will be like losing a child, although some won’t understand that and say there is no comparison but for us there is.
What non dog owners need to understand about dogs is that they are not just pets to many of us. They are incredibly emotionly intelligent. In some cases more so than humans. They have characters and show genuine love. We call JJ, our dog, a family member rather than a pet because that is how we see him. He has excellent communication skills so we always know what he is telling us.
The problem with dogs is that they have relatively short lives. JJ is now nine and you start to think of the terrible time ahead. Fortunately he is a small dog and they tend to live longer but losing him is a terrible thought but we know it will happen some day. Gilbert wasn't just a pet, he was something magnificent showing what an incredible bond can be created between different species.
All so true. Not having kids our dogs are our kids. When we eventually lose them we will be devastated. For us it will be like losing a child, although some won’t understand that and say there is no comparison but for us there is.
I think trying to find a comparison when describing grief is pointless. If it hurts it hurts. Not everyone else is affected the same with separation from a loved one.
How we all digest out emotions and rebound from being hit by the shit stick is very personal and individual. It's ok to feel fecking awful when you dog, cat, rabbit, budgie etc dies.
When Winnie, my old Labrador died 6 years ago at almost 17, I was bereft. I am often left wondering how and why some other people seem unaffected by such emotional tragedies!
I got another rescue Lab within months. He's a fecking liability and I love him to bits.
What non dog owners need to understand about dogs is that they are not just pets to many of us. They are incredibly emotionly intelligent. In some cases more so than humans. They have characters and show genuine love. We call JJ, our dog, a family member rather than a pet because that is how we see him. He has excellent communication skills so we always know what he is telling us.
The problem with dogs is that they have relatively short lives. JJ is now nine and you start to think of the terrible time ahead. Fortunately he is a small dog and they tend to live longer but losing him is a terrible thought but we know it will happen some day. Gilbert wasn't just a pet, he was something magnificent showing what an incredible bond can be created between different species.
All so true. Not having kids our dogs are our kids. When we eventually lose them we will be devastated. For us it will be like losing a child, although some won’t understand that and say there is no comparison but for us there is.
I think trying to find a comparison when describing grief is pointless. If it hurts it hurts. Not everyone else is affected the same with separation from a loved one.
How we all digest out emotions and rebound from being hit by the shit stick is very personal and individual. It's ok to feel fecking awful when you dog, cat, rabbit, budgie etc dies.
When Winnie, my old Labrador died 6 years ago at almost 17, I was bereft. I am often left wondering how and why some other people seem unaffected by such emotional tragedies!
I got another rescue Lab within months. He's a fecking liability and I love him to bits.
100% this.
Many of my family members have died over the years…..siblings, parents, grandparents etc. Although obviously upset by these, I generally deal with it without much fuss or histrionics.
When my dog dies, however, I know for a fact I’m going to find it much harder to get over.
Some people will think that is weird…but it’s just the way it is for me.
What non dog owners need to understand about dogs is that they are not just pets to many of us. They are incredibly emotionly intelligent. In some cases more so than humans. They have characters and show genuine love. We call JJ, our dog, a family member rather than a pet because that is how we see him. He has excellent communication skills so we always know what he is telling us.
The problem with dogs is that they have relatively short lives. JJ is now nine and you start to think of the terrible time ahead. Fortunately he is a small dog and they tend to live longer but losing him is a terrible thought but we know it will happen some day. Gilbert wasn't just a pet, he was something magnificent showing what an incredible bond can be created between different species.
All so true. Not having kids our dogs are our kids. When we eventually lose them we will be devastated. For us it will be like losing a child, although some won’t understand that and say there is no comparison but for us there is.
If you haven't lost a child you'd struggle to understand it - thankfully most people don't experience this.
What non dog owners need to understand about dogs is that they are not just pets to many of us. They are incredibly emotionly intelligent. In some cases more so than humans. They have characters and show genuine love. We call JJ, our dog, a family member rather than a pet because that is how we see him. He has excellent communication skills so we always know what he is telling us.
The problem with dogs is that they have relatively short lives. JJ is now nine and you start to think of the terrible time ahead. Fortunately he is a small dog and they tend to live longer but losing him is a terrible thought but we know it will happen some day. Gilbert wasn't just a pet, he was something magnificent showing what an incredible bond can be created between different species.
All so true. Not having kids our dogs are our kids. When we eventually lose them we will be devastated. For us it will be like losing a child, although some won’t understand that and say there is no comparison but for us there is.
If you haven't lost a child you'd struggle to understand it - thankfully most people don't experience this.
Having experienced both, both are shit.
There are no weighing scales for grief. I grieved when my daughter died the day she was born (which I shared on here in 2011 and received much love and support). When my dog died in 2019, after 16 wonderful years together, again I grieved (which I shared on here and again received wonderful support).
When life is shit, it is just that! High praise and thanks to this loving community for sharing in life's highs and lows.
What non dog owners need to understand about dogs is that they are not just pets to many of us. They are incredibly emotionly intelligent. In some cases more so than humans. They have characters and show genuine love. We call JJ, our dog, a family member rather than a pet because that is how we see him. He has excellent communication skills so we always know what he is telling us.
The problem with dogs is that they have relatively short lives. JJ is now nine and you start to think of the terrible time ahead. Fortunately he is a small dog and they tend to live longer but losing him is a terrible thought but we know it will happen some day. Gilbert wasn't just a pet, he was something magnificent showing what an incredible bond can be created between different species.
Our Giaccomo is a Continental Bulldog, which is a relatively young breed. To date the average age of a Conti is 10 years and Giaccomo is now 8,5.
His father lived to 12, but his mother only 6
He is now getting very gray around the muzzle and he doesn’t run around as much as he used to prefering to sleep and not get too excited. My wife and I are slowly trying to prepare ourselves for the day we have to say goodbye, but it’s not going to be easy!
With respect to all of you for your kind words of compassion and support.
Could I please ask you, not to derail this thread (I know that’s the usual for threads on CL) and not turn it into something else, other than the grief I’m feeling for my beautiful boy, Gilbert.
Sorry sillav nitram I feel like I hijacked your thread a bit, no offence intended I just wanted you to know that I was feeling your grief and knew what you were going through, apologies again if I caused you any offence
Sorry sillav nitram I feel like I hijacked your thread a bit, no offence intended I just wanted you to know that I was feeling your grief and knew what you were going through, apologies again if I caused you any offence
No, you’re ok @grovenuts and anyone else sharing their grief over a dog, cat or any other pet, that’s our commonality and connection.
I just don’t want a debate on animals/child grief, that’s for another thread if others want to discuss that.
Comments
Grief and love doesn't have a league table, hence I can't say I love one child more than another (like 🤔).
Bereavement is simply that. If it hurts it hurts. There is no right way to feel or for how long. It is our business to share in someone else's grief, however it is not our business to decide for them how they should fee (not suggesting anyone has said that).
The outpouring of compassion for our fellow fans / dog owners, in their hours of despair, makes it clear that when you know, you know!
Talking is the most important thing. It reminds us that despite our momentary feelings that this is a bit too much to bear, life goes on, and we carry the feelings of our loss with us going forwards.
The problem with dogs is that they have relatively short lives. JJ is now nine and you start to think of the terrible time ahead. Fortunately he is a small dog and they tend to live longer but losing him is a terrible thought but we know it will happen some day. Gilbert wasn't just a pet, he was something magnificent showing what an incredible bond can be created between different species.
I think the majority of people would have a hierarchy when it comes to grief- undoubtedly loss is terrible.
How we all digest out emotions and rebound from being hit by the shit stick is very personal and individual. It's ok to feel fecking awful when you dog, cat, rabbit, budgie etc dies.
When Winnie, my old Labrador died 6 years ago at almost 17, I was bereft. I am often left wondering how and why some other people seem unaffected by such emotional tragedies!
I got another rescue Lab within months. He's a fecking liability and I love him to bits.
Although obviously upset by these, I generally deal with it without much fuss or histrionics.
If it makes you feel any better; there are lots of dogs in the world who have miserable lives. Your dog was one of the lucky ones.
There are no weighing scales for grief. I grieved when my daughter died the day she was born (which I shared on here in 2011 and received much love and support). When my dog died in 2019, after 16 wonderful years together, again I grieved (which I shared on here and again received wonderful support).
When life is shit, it is just that! High praise and thanks to this loving community for sharing in life's highs and lows.
Could I please ask you, not to derail this thread (I know that’s the usual for threads on CL) and not turn it into something else, other than the grief I’m feeling for my beautiful boy, Gilbert.
Thank you, in anticipation.
I just don’t want a debate on animals/child grief, that’s for another thread if others want to discuss that.