DP, sorry for your loss. Been in your shoes, and I know it isn't easy. May your current sadness diminish and be replaced with all the great memories you had.
Been down that same road several times. Used to make me feel that having a dog, or cat, wasn't worth going through that. Time will help heal.
Sorry, man! I don't have any pets, mostly because I hate getting attached to things. My ex-girlfriend and I had 3 cats and 2 guinea pigs when she lived here with me. I think I missed them more when she left at times than I missed her! The piggies died after a couple years (they don't live long) and one of the cats was old and died, but I think the other 2 are still alive. Sorry, man, that was tough to read! One day I may get a dog or a couple cats to enjoy spending time with! I travel so much for work and I'm single, so I have no one to take care of them!
Good idea on the aviator. When I get a moment I will do that. And a big thank you to all of you. I have not met most of you but I have some, but I feel this is an awesome little family that we got here and I appreciate every one of you.
Sorry for your loss, Justin. I have been through it a few times and it never gets easier. As others have stated, time will heal the hurt you feel now but never completely. That part that doesn't heal is the little piece of your heart that Bentley is keeping for now. You will be together again. Have you considered getting another animal? Not as a replacement because we know Bentley can't be replaced. But so you can share your life with another cool dog (or cat). I think it will help with the sense of loss you feel right now. There are plenty of animals seriously in need of a good home. I recommend your local humane society or rescue shelter. It doesn't have to be a puppy. Older dogs and cats are awesome too. Great aviator!
Thanks for the post John. We have discussed getting another dog or two. We will be doing that but want a little time to heal first. We want to get two pups and raise them together this time. Good suggestion on the humane society or rescue shelter, that’s always an option as well. We’ll see what happens in the next few months to a year.
That’s a great pic of him btw! Makes you wonder what he’s saying in his head: “you dare wake me from my nap for THAT?!?” Or - “come closer, I dare you...” or - “bet you didn’t know the UPS guy has a bigger coque than you do..but mummy does”
Many of my friends whose dog finally kicked off waited a year before thinking of getting another. Not one of them did. They woke up to the fact of all the time they lost because of the dogs. When I was a kid, my dad bought 2 English Springers and of course, made me take care of them. I never have, nor ever will, get another dog. It is a pathology that I personally have succeeded in avoiding.
Good idea. My whole life I always had bird dogs... Britts for the most part. For the past two "generations" I've had two at a time, and I can tell you they appreciate the company! They're happier and live longer, healthier, more active lives with two together. So if you can swing it, do it... Love the new avatar, btw. Bentley's still loyally by your side...
O Barry, I can’t see myself not having more dogs. They are the best, despite the commitment and time they require. They are worth every bit of it IMO.
Right on! That was my only regret was not getting him a buddy to play and hang out with. When I got him originally I was living with a GF who had a miniature American Eskimo but I dumped her one day and she took her dog and I took Bentley. That was in his 1st year of life, and I never got another one for him after that. So that’s the plan on the next go around.
You should definitely give it some time. Let your emotions settle a bit. Right now it might seem that you can never be happy again but that will change. If you do decide to get another animal or two, don't force it. You will know when the match is right. The reason I suggest a shelter is that I know they all have way more animals than they can find homes for. Adopting one or two will make a big difference.