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written by Paula Smith , October 17, 2009

I will pray for your continued strength and sustenance through this heartbreaking time. Be comforted and know that I share your pain. Our dogs/pets are such wonderful creatures who bring so much joy, love, trust, companionship, comfort, and innocence into our lives. They are real treasures and we hurt when they hurt. It is not easy but the loving bond is the ultimate reward for both. God bless.

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written by bellamia , April 09, 2009

I too can relate to what you are feeling. I had to put my beloved dog Susie (maltese) to sleep on February 28th. I miss her so much. She was fourteen years old. I wish I had more time with her. She was my first dog and she was a rescue dog. I adopted her when she was 7 years old. She came to me grieving the loss of her owner.

I remember when my marriage was ending three years ago, Susie and I moved into the guest room for about a month in my ex-husband's house. I was so shocked and devastated at the time. I am so grateful she was with me because wherever I went, she went. That is just how it was.

I remember I would come home from work during that month and she would be just so happy to see me! And I was so grateful. I was her person. I was her everything.

There were times during the first year of my divorce where I had lost hope for living and didn't want to go on. However, when I would look down at her lying next to me, I would realize that I needed to live because I could never bear the thought of having her go through another loss.

So I stayed of course and I ended having to give her back to God on 2/28. I know she is very happy and no longer suffering. At the end, she developed a debilitating back problem and she quickly lost her mobility. It was so hard to see her suddenly look so uncomfortable and she wasn't acting like herself.

I have a foster dog and also have a boyfriend whom I adore in my life now. We will be adopting the Boomer, our foster dog. I love him dearly, but he will never replace her. She was my baby. My beloved Susie.

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written by Margo Mateas , March 26, 2009

I, too, am lying next to one of the great loves and companions in my life right now, as he rests in his final hours before I take him to the vet tomorrow to release from his physical body. I grew up with a lot of violence and abuse and animals were my only, constant source of safe love and companionship. Unfortunately, I have lost four of my animal family members in the last five years, and it is just devastating, My mother died in 1998 and I cried a little for her, but when my animal family members leave me, it is just as if a beloved mother/brother/child/best friend has died. In 2004, I was on a trip to train a major corporate spokesperson and my special friend Sammy, a lab/pit mix died while I was away. I was the crazy sobbing grieving lady on the plane home. I told everyone my best friend had died suddenly. I just didn't tell everyone he was a dog. But he was my best friend. Dakota showed up in my life a few days after Sammy's passing, and it was meant to be. He took me in and healed my heart, even though I was emotionally numb for almost a year. He continued to love me with his big enthusiastic heart until I could love him back completely. Since then we have such a comfortable, comforting relationship -- he is always at my right side, on the couch, in the bed at night, in the car. He even puts his paw over my hand while I am driving like he's my boyfriend! It's so cute. He'll hold my hand and look straight out the windshield like we're a little human couple driving together. He always makes me feel safe. I know that he will always protect me and everyone in my home. And tomorrow, with just a weeks' notice, He is leaving my life forever. I really don't know how I am going to cope. I am losing the absolute closest relationship in my life. I know that one day, God will send another furry angel to support me and to keep his surviving sister company (she had cancer a year ago but we were able to get it all, thank God -- his snuck up on us because it was inside, not outside.) I pray for you, your risen Angel and for all of us on our journey of healing from old and new wounds from the loss of love and companionship. Thank you for letting me share.

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written by Michelle Pearman , March 05, 2009

I am so sorry. A lot of people don't understand that animals are part of our families. They give us unconditional love. When my mom passed away on 7/7/07 from Colon cancer, Blackie was right there. I feel to my knees when I received the call that she had passed. As I sat on the floor, he came up to me and placed his sweet face on my shoulder, and his paw on my chest. He stayed there until I calmed down. He is 12 (almost 13), and has also been ill. I cry every time I think about him leaving us. He grew up with my children.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle