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Yesterday at 7pm my beautiful Harvey passed away. He was nearly 11 years old. He got me through the sudden loss of my Dad and the loss of his brother Louis. Unfortunately he was his time to go. Another part of my heart has gone and I truly can't imagine how I live without him. He was the kindest, mild mannered dog with a heart of gold and a good soul. He'll be with Louis now, out of pain. Bless you my prince and thank you for the joy you brought to us all. Love you forever Mummy, Daddy, Natalie, Nicole, Greg and your sister Saffy xxxxxx

Fiona, my heart goes out to you.
When one has a special bond with an animal it can be so difficult to make others understand just how terrible the loss is. I think this is because very few people are actually fortunate enough to experience finding another part of their own soul in an animal. That's part of what makes this little community so special- everyone here understands.
I'm glad you had the time with Harvey that you did, and I'm sorry that you are suffering now. All I can offer you is to share the things that are helping me get through my own loss:
*Finding things to fill the empty spaces: The times in the day when we'd normally have been doing things together, it was important to me to be busy doing something. The activity buffered the realization that he is not here.
*Gratitude: In the moments when I feel despondent or angry that he is not here, I try to remember how truly lucky I am to have shared the years that we shared and to have experienced a bond more pure than any bond with a human could be. I am also grateful that pain cannot reach him where he is.
*Time: I don't believe it does heal all wounds, but I do know that it relieves the intensity of the pain. Each day is a tiny bit easier, and eventually the joyful memories can be felt without the loss of breath.
*Sharing: Being able to talk about him with people who knew him well and who really understand what his loss means to me. I hope you have people in your life like this, and I'm guessing that you do. Don't be afraid of the memories, and do share as much as you want here.
I hope this helps in some way, Fiona. If I can help in any way, please let me know.

Sending you loving hugs Fiona. I share your sadness and fully understand the pain you are feeling. My wonderful cat Toffee died over 3 years ago and the pain has been unbearable at times; if it had not been for the wonderful friends I have made on here I don't know how I would have got through these years. Our animals are so close to us; share our feelings and understand our ups and downs. We have now adopted a little stray cat, who had a bad start in her short life, and we love her; Toffee will always be in my heart and always in my thoughts; the love we shared was deep and everlasting. Take things a day at a time; talk to people who understand and remember we are always here for you. Take care, Penny xxxx

Hi Penny and Hannah

Thank you both so much for your kind words. I just feel so alone, although my family are here, I was with him from day 1 and every day that followed. I know its early days and I went through the loss of my beautiful boy Louis nearly 4 years ago, and I still have a dog here. But they are all individual and nothing/no one can fill that void that they leave in your heart.
Thanks again Fiona x

Hello Fiona, I can understand that loneliness; you have lost such a big part of your life. The love you gave your beautiful boy is a wonderful thing to share and in time you will look back and cherish the wonderful time you spent with him. As you say they are all individual and each has their own little personality and ways; take care; talk any time, and I do understand the pain. Bless you, Penny xx

Dear Fiona
I have just read your original message - how are you? Please remember to come on here anytime to chat and share your thoughts and feelings. It is a wonderfully supportive place. The Blue Cross runs a wonderful pet bereavement phone line or email support - I found it really helped me with the loss of my boy Big Fella in January.
Big hugs
Michelle x

Hi Michelle

Thanks so much for your kindness. To be honest I'm really struggling at the moment, it was Harvey's birthday on the 15th sept, which killed. He would have been 11. I'm now paranoid about my dog that is left, she seems miserable and I'm worried if she's ill or just missing him! I lost my first dog Louis to cancer nearly 4 years ago, he was only 6, I found that harder as it was so unexpected and he was such a fit and healthy dog, but Harvey I never expected him to make old bones as he had so many things wrong with, therefore I did make the most of every day with him, but he was my soul mate and my strength, he knew when I was upset or down and I feel like I've lost part of me. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Lots of love xx

Hi Fiona, so sorry you are struggling at the moment; there will be dates and times that are upsetting. I find it comforting to put a little plant or vase of flowers by Toffee's photos at all times and something special at birthdays etc. Your dog is bound to be missing Harvey just as you are; dogs grieve as we do and whereas we can share our feelings it is hard for them to say how they are feeling. Take care of yourself and I am always here for a chat or just to listen to how you are feeling. Big hugs Xx

Hi Penny

Thanks very much for your advice and kindness. I hear what you are saying, some days are worse than others. You take care too, thanks again Fiona xx