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Having just lost my beloved Belgian Malinois Zoe last week to lung cancer (she was 9,) I can tell you that what has helped me the most is hearing other people talk about her sweet (and not so sweet) habits. I'm on facebook and so many people wrote in to talk about her that it really touched me. Made me cry a bunch, but it validated my love for her and my friends' love for her as well. So, I would suggest letting them know, just like you would let a person who had lost a human family member know, how you felt about their pet. Tell stories about a time you spent with their pet, or if you didnt' know that pet personally, try to think of something they have told you about her/him. People are afraid of making me cry, but to be honest, it's all a part of the grieving.
My Jack Russel just passed in February. I had her for 14 of her 15 years. I'm a middle aged guy and an other guy friend sent me a card that acknowleged my dogs life. He's not even a dog person. That card means a lot to me.
My Jack Russel just passed in February. I had her for 14 of her 15 years. I'm a middle aged guy and an other guy friend sent me a card that acknowleged my dogs life. He's not even a dog person. That card means a lot to me.
I've just got to say... her face when you're rubbing her belly? She knew love. Clearly. She knew that she was so loved.
Here is my sweet Zoe in a photo taken in mid March, about 6 weeks before her death from lung cancer last week. She had mild symptoms at this time - some coughing, but no diminishing of her vigor for life. That only happened in her last week. I sure loved her, but know she is waiting for me at the rainbow bridge.
I really enjoyed seeing both dogs, Scruffy seems so calm for a Jack, and Zoe looks beautiful, especially for a dog so ill.
I also recently lost my shepherd mix, Joshua, about a year ago. He is the first dog that I let die naturally. He died of old age in our yard, while we petted him. It wasn't pleasant, with the labored breathing, but he didn't appear uncomfortable or distressed. On his last night with us, he seemed to want to stay outside - which was very strange for us. I made him come in and he passed the next morning outside. He is buried here, with another dog of ours. If I could, I'd be buried here too.
When my shih tzu passed, my coworkers gave me a card and a plant - they have no idea how meaningful that card and plant are. The plant is still alive almost 3 years later and I absolutely cherish it. It might be an option - it's something that lives on in memory of their pet. I wouldn't get them a puppy; that should be their decision (when or if to get another dog). That's nice of you to want to do something
I stopped at the vets office today, to fill a prescription. Behind the counter was an older dog. I asked who's it was, and was told they were hoping to find a home for her. My heart went out to this dog, she looked about 10 years old to me. I'm glad she is in good hands, but it makes me wonder why this dog is homeless at such an advanced age.
If I had just put down my dog, I might consider giving her a home for her last few years. They might even give me a break on the vet bills, that will surely come. But that is not the case. Hopefully, some kind person will step forward.
My husband needed a few years before he wanted another dog.
My girlfriend ran out a week later and bought a puppy.
Just give your condolences and let them grieve in their own way.
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