Thank you. I lost both my German Shepherds in the last two years. It was devastating. But, I had Tex to help me through it. I won't have him this time. He is my everything. He is 14, diabetic and blind. All we have is each other.
Oh my goodness, that’s a lot to go through back-to-back. I’m so glad you have Tex… and I imagine he’s probably glad to have you. I hope you can savor all the time you still have. I know for me, I often get lost in the business of life and don’t do enough to intentionally enjoy my aging pups. This is a good reminder to do better.
I'm so sorry for losing your two precious pups over the last two years. It's good you had Tex to help you through those dificult losses. My heart aches for you with this anticipatory grief you're feeling. It's good you're here in this animal & pet community on Substack where can find support. We are here for you.
I don't know what I will do without Tex. I am 71 and was diagnosed with cancer 8 years ago. The chemo and all of that has been rough. Tex got me through all of that, too. I am so blessed to have had him this long.
Oh gosh, I can't even imagine. That sounds really, really hard. Please know I'm standing for your healing and for your little pup to be there with you as long as possible.
You've been through so much together. I'm very sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. It sounds like Tex has been an incredible companion for you. I know he will continue to guide you for always. Animals are the best teachers and show us how to love. I'm sending you both strength and healing.
He has been my lifeline. I'm reconciled with losing him. The hard part is not knowing how or when. He has been on insulin for over two years and he is blond as a bat. But, he is still going. Our bond keeps us both going. It's tough living alone.
Aww, I love that you shared he was your little “dog human” — so sweet! He sounds like a darling pup. I really hear that he left a huge impression on your life. 💗
It does. I have a lot of grief right now because not only did I lose Chase, I also lost my poodle, Ben , within a month and my finace, a month later. Then my Aussie Shepard/Black Lab, Percy, in 2021. Lost my dad in 2018 and mom in 2022. Lost my estranged husband in 2022 and my mother-in-law in 2024. A cousin lost this year. It’s been a hard.
Oh my goodness—that is so much loss, and back-to-back. I just want to send you the biggest hug. I’m glad to meet you here, in this welcoming and supportive community, and I’m so sorry for all you’ve been through. 💗
Thank you. Every two years something happens. Also, during the three months where I had two dogs and my fiance pass away, I also had emergency surgery where I could have passed away as well. I was very septic from a bowl perforation. 2020 sucked.
I just came across your Substack, there are so many affected by pet loss, it helps to not be alone. I had 2 losses this last summer, one expected and one was not. It is so hard for people around me to understand how I can still be grieving. Only the last couple weeks have I felt a little less depressed. I think the state of the world right now makes these losses even harder. Our pets are our anchors and reminders of a better time. My girls, my coworkers got me this:
Oh my goodness, they are gorgeous! What thoughtful coworker to gift you that. And yes, it sounds completely devastating to go through two losses so close together… and to have one of them be a surprise (though I don’t know that knowing it’s coming is any better). I hear you on the longevity of the grief. It continues to surprise me. And you make a good point about the state of the world making it all harder… because I think our pets give us even more support during hard times like this. I’m glad we’ve found each other 💗
These are all beautiful and comforting ways to take little steps with losing a pet and all the grief that comes with it. I found it helpful to create a shrine for my Chewy on the bookshelf in the living room. I have some of his favorite things there to honor him. But in those in early days and weeks, I was a wreck to be honest. One thing that eventually helped was doing some house projects. I painted a few rooms and freshened up spaces. Thinking of you as you are grieving the loss of your precious animal 🩷
I love that you created a shrine! And thank you for vulnerable sharing about the wreck-stage of early grief. It’s just not talked about enough. I appreciate your idea to keep busy… keep moving. That’s been my go-to in a lot of hard times as well.
Yes! I look at it every day and it’s nice to have memories of him around. Ahh yes that part of grief is so hard and physically exhausting. It does help to do something so that you can keep putting one foot in front of the other. Day by day and of course letting yourself feel what you do. Hugs to you 🩷
That is sooooo sweet! Cremation jewelry makes so much sense when it comes to pets, because like you just said — then you always feel him near you. And so often are pets, when alive, are near us… What a beautiful way to cherish his memory. 💌
I have anticipatory grief which will unfortunately soon become grief.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this. I hope you’re able to get as much joy as possible with your pet, right down to the end. 💗
I'm trying
Sending you a comforting hug and in knowing how this feels. I'm so very sorry.
Thank you. I lost both my German Shepherds in the last two years. It was devastating. But, I had Tex to help me through it. I won't have him this time. He is my everything. He is 14, diabetic and blind. All we have is each other.
Oh my goodness, that’s a lot to go through back-to-back. I’m so glad you have Tex… and I imagine he’s probably glad to have you. I hope you can savor all the time you still have. I know for me, I often get lost in the business of life and don’t do enough to intentionally enjoy my aging pups. This is a good reminder to do better.
I'm so sorry for losing your two precious pups over the last two years. It's good you had Tex to help you through those dificult losses. My heart aches for you with this anticipatory grief you're feeling. It's good you're here in this animal & pet community on Substack where can find support. We are here for you.
I don't know what I will do without Tex. I am 71 and was diagnosed with cancer 8 years ago. The chemo and all of that has been rough. Tex got me through all of that, too. I am so blessed to have had him this long.
Oh gosh, I can't even imagine. That sounds really, really hard. Please know I'm standing for your healing and for your little pup to be there with you as long as possible.
Bless you
You've been through so much together. I'm very sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. It sounds like Tex has been an incredible companion for you. I know he will continue to guide you for always. Animals are the best teachers and show us how to love. I'm sending you both strength and healing.
He has been my lifeline. I'm reconciled with losing him. The hard part is not knowing how or when. He has been on insulin for over two years and he is blond as a bat. But, he is still going. Our bond keeps us both going. It's tough living alone.
I'm so sorry. Anticipating the grief is often just as strong as when the day arrives.
I lost my schnoodle Chase in 2020 but I still talk about him. He was my little dog human. Loved watching TV and loved all other animals.
Aww, I love that you shared he was your little “dog human” — so sweet! He sounds like a darling pup. I really hear that he left a huge impression on your life. 💗
He truly did. I still miss him almost 6 years later.
Right? Time seems to stand still with pet grief.
It does. I have a lot of grief right now because not only did I lose Chase, I also lost my poodle, Ben , within a month and my finace, a month later. Then my Aussie Shepard/Black Lab, Percy, in 2021. Lost my dad in 2018 and mom in 2022. Lost my estranged husband in 2022 and my mother-in-law in 2024. A cousin lost this year. It’s been a hard.
Oh my goodness—that is so much loss, and back-to-back. I just want to send you the biggest hug. I’m glad to meet you here, in this welcoming and supportive community, and I’m so sorry for all you’ve been through. 💗
Thank you. Every two years something happens. Also, during the three months where I had two dogs and my fiance pass away, I also had emergency surgery where I could have passed away as well. I was very septic from a bowl perforation. 2020 sucked.
I just came across your Substack, there are so many affected by pet loss, it helps to not be alone. I had 2 losses this last summer, one expected and one was not. It is so hard for people around me to understand how I can still be grieving. Only the last couple weeks have I felt a little less depressed. I think the state of the world right now makes these losses even harder. Our pets are our anchors and reminders of a better time. My girls, my coworkers got me this:
Oh my goodness, they are gorgeous! What thoughtful coworker to gift you that. And yes, it sounds completely devastating to go through two losses so close together… and to have one of them be a surprise (though I don’t know that knowing it’s coming is any better). I hear you on the longevity of the grief. It continues to surprise me. And you make a good point about the state of the world making it all harder… because I think our pets give us even more support during hard times like this. I’m glad we’ve found each other 💗
Hello Healing from Pet Loss! I have a few questions about readings etc … I’ll try a different way to reach you . Thank you , Justine 🦋💞
Hi Justine! Sure, happy to answer any questions either here or in the direct chat. Or you can always email help@healingfrompetloss.com 🤗
Thank you so much !
Thank you
I’ve given your contact to my friend who just lost her pet 💔
I’m grateful for that! I’ll do my best to support her.
These are all beautiful and comforting ways to take little steps with losing a pet and all the grief that comes with it. I found it helpful to create a shrine for my Chewy on the bookshelf in the living room. I have some of his favorite things there to honor him. But in those in early days and weeks, I was a wreck to be honest. One thing that eventually helped was doing some house projects. I painted a few rooms and freshened up spaces. Thinking of you as you are grieving the loss of your precious animal 🩷
I love that you created a shrine! And thank you for vulnerable sharing about the wreck-stage of early grief. It’s just not talked about enough. I appreciate your idea to keep busy… keep moving. That’s been my go-to in a lot of hard times as well.
Yes! I look at it every day and it’s nice to have memories of him around. Ahh yes that part of grief is so hard and physically exhausting. It does help to do something so that you can keep putting one foot in front of the other. Day by day and of course letting yourself feel what you do. Hugs to you 🩷
So sorry, Mindy, for the loss of your dear friend! I know the headache and wish you strength and healing during a difficult time.
Thank you! It’s such an ongoing dance of joy from the memories combined with utter sadness.
I got a lot of comfort from purchasing cremation jewelry. I wear my pet’s ashes around my neck in a charm every day so I always feel him near me.
That is sooooo sweet! Cremation jewelry makes so much sense when it comes to pets, because like you just said — then you always feel him near you. And so often are pets, when alive, are near us… What a beautiful way to cherish his memory. 💌