Tips on coping

[Gail in Ca]

I am having such difficulty getting my walking exercise now that my sweet dog has been gone just over a month. Everytime I walk, I begin to cry. I miss my great companion so much, and walking alone over the same paths I used to walk my dog for almost 13 yrs is very tough. Does anyone have any advice or just suggestions on how to do this without getting emotional! I don't want to get in the car to drive to another location, I just somehow need to get a handle on myself.
Thanks.

 

[Kathy McCain]

Hi Gail,

I know exactly how you feel ! For me another pet does help. It certainly does not take the place of your beloved pet that is gone. I truly love animals though, and for me that is what works. Take care, it will get better.

 

[Ross]

My suggestion is the same as Kathy's. You may not want (or at least think you don't) another pet, but it sounds like that's exactly the therapy you need.

 

[Luana]

I have to echo the sentiment and say the best advice anyone ever gave me is that it's never too soon to get another one. A gal at work told me this years ago when I had to have my cat put to sleep. I went to the shelter the next day. Almost came home with no cat, and then I saw him. Orange tabby, cute as could be, and talking. I tried to talk myself out of it as last cat was orange tabby, but he gave me the look of love, and I caved. He didn't replace the other cat; he gave the joy of having a cat around, and a litter box to keep clean.

Luana
PS I love dogs, too.

 

[catwoman]

Gail:

My suggestions:
Try finding new routes to walk.
Go walking with a friend.
Even though you said you don't want to, drive to a beautiful neighborhood, park your car and just walk around and admire the scenerey. (I've done this in quaint, older areas of Fort Worth TX.)

And perhaps, like others have suggested, you have such a hole in your heart that it may be time to fill that with a new companion. You don't want to replace your beloved dog you just lost, but you want to fill the void and give another dog the love you have to offer. You can never replace a beloved pet; you just fill the void.

Good luck. You're in my prayers.

 

[Nancy]

Gail-

I am very sorry about the loss of your sweet dog. They are like our children and the hurt runs very deep. I hope the fond memories of your little dog will sustain you through this period of grief.

 

[Bina]

Gail, if you don't feel ready to give your heart over to another dog, maybe there is somebody in the area who needs a dog walker?
It can be uplifting to be on the end of leash with a new dog breed to experience. Maybe a big goofy Golden Retriever ?

 

[Lionheart]

Hi Gail,
I will offer a different perspective. You are still grieving and that's OK. I think it's too early for another animal to replace your loved one. But time will help and eventually you will know when you should have another close friend. There are lots of wonderful animals at local pounds looking for someone like you.

As far as your walks, I encourage you to eventually go back and walk at the same location because walking there, where you have so many good memories, is a nice way to remember and honor your lost companion. He (She?) would want you to continue. I feel that if I ever "left the earth" that I would want those still here to remember me and be happy with those memories. I would not want them to be sad and despondent. So I try to act that way when I suffer a loss of someone close. That's how I cope.
Best,
John

 

[AgilityDog]

Another option might be to contact a local rescue group for your preferred breed(s) and offer to foster a dog. There's no long term commitment, but canine companionship might be good for you right now. Or volunteer to walk dogs at your local shelter. They frequently need help.
Sorry for your loss. It's always rough.

 

[Ross]

One thing I need to say, you can never replace the pet you lost. Each is unique just as we humans are. I'm sure you know that, but there are so many animals out there that need homes and LOVE. If your heart is aching, then just maybe you can find another pet that you can relate too and will soon be back on track and all will seem well again.

We have a cat now. If she died today, my wife insists she will not have another pet because it hurts too much to lose them. The funny thing is, she said that before and one day while doing laundry, she had this little scrawny black cat come up to her and follow her around. When she was putting the clothes into the truck, the cat jumped right in. She said she took it out several times and it kept jumping back in before she could close the door. She brought it home with her. Because of that cat, we have one of her offspring now that we love to pieces.

 

[Superbob]

Oh Gail, I so much relate to what you're going through! At the risk of losing all semblance of a "macho" image, let me confess that I occasionally cry just at the thought of ever losing my Sadie dog, my beloved walking companion for the past 8 years.

I feel her cold wet nose poking me in the ribs and telling me it is time to get up from this computer and walk with her in the great outdoors. Where would I be without that? Sadie lady, the Superdawg, helped me through my recovery from OHS and I helped her through an almost miraculous recovery from a horrible dislocation of her hip in an auto accident. I wonder how I could ever go on without her, I really do.

Bina and others have had some good suggestions. If you aren't ready quite yet to start with a new dog, how about volunteering at a humane society to walk some of their dogs regularly? Those dear doggies would so love it while they are in waiting for good homes!

Sending all my best thoughts and good vibes to you.....

 

[Gail in Ca]

Thanks all. I have thought about walking a dog in the neighborhood, but don't know anyone who has a dog anymore. I tried walking to the groomer who used to dremel my Gracie's nails, but I started blubbering before I could go in and ask if I could walk her dog who just lays under the counter all day. I'm not yet ready to get another pup. And we have a cat that we have to consider, so rescue or fostering might be difficult. But, I think walking a dog would do me good. So, maybe I will put up a flyer by the school near me and see if I get any responses. I really cried today during my walk and stupidly only brought 1 tissue.