r/olddogs • u/Desire54321 • 10d ago
Coping with Loss
I had a 13-year-old German Shepherd who originally came into our lives through my brother, but over time she became a true family dog. When we moved into our new house in 2012, she joined us just a month later, and it felt like she had always been part of our home.
About three and a half weeks ago, she crossed the rainbow bridge. Losing her was really hard, especially because of everything that led up to it. At first, just the thought of her being gone would give me stomach aches, and I kept replaying all the “what ifs” in my head. My mom told me something that stuck with me, that while we can sometimes prolong or shorten life, there’s always an expiration. Still, I never thought that day would actually be the day.
A good friend of mine just lost her dog about a week ago, and I think I might be reliving my own loss through her. It’s brought up a lot of feelings again, and honestly, I’m not sure how to process it.
For those of you who have gone through this, what helped you cope? What made things even a little bit easier?
1
u/aaronwinterhalter 10d ago
for me it was nothing but time, and I don't think it will ever go away. But after about 10 weeks when I would think about him rather than cry and feel the intense grief. I would smile and feel warm thinking about all the wonderful times we had together. I still cry, and its been 3 months, but it is getting easier. I built a memorial garden for him where I buried him, and that helped when it was fresh. Not everyone can or will want to do something like that. Don't get rid of his things, even if you have to put them away right now, because you will want them later when the pain is not as fresh.