How do you get over your dog passing?

Question

Right now, a lot of people think that I'm being ridiculous because of my emotional state over my oldest dog, Caleb. I keep hearing, "You've done all you could", "it's not a person, it's not the same", "he will find peace", etc. While I realize that all of this is for the most part true, this dog has been a part of my everyday life for 7 years. I'm going to always think that there was something else that I could do for him, even if there wasn't. My problem is that I can't function...he is being put down tomorrow. I have a final due tomorrow and could care less, don't want to work, etc. I realize that this may just be a phase, but in all honesty I don't know if I will get better "with time", as I've heard. I've taken lots of photographs and videos of him to put together later on, made paw prints in kids air dry clay that I'm going to place with his photograph...anything to make me remember him. How did a lot of you that have had to put your pets down deal with it when it was over? I really need some help because with all of the other things that I have been dealing with in my personal life, I've become suicidal. I realize that this sounds ridiculous as well, but I've gotten some help for that and is currently being dealt with. I guess all I want to know is how to sooth the pain.

Update:

And my other dog Mattie...I'm afraid that she is going to be really upset for a while. I plan on spending as much time with her as possible to make her know that she isn't alone, but any advice on that as well, would be great. Thank you all.

Update 2:

I do see a therapist on a weekly basis.

Update 3:

Thanks Memphis Belle...It made me ball but it's a nice poem.

Update 4:

Caleb was put down this afternoon and I miss him terribly. I expect to hear him walking down the hallway, to come in from outside, even getting out two treats instead of one for my other dog. I wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and advice.

☆ Memphis Belle ☆ · Accepted Answer

It is never easy to hold a dog you care about for the last time while it's euthanised, but the sadness does pass. Keep to the same routine & your other dog will adjust. 

When my male Dobe was euthanised because of cancer, my female Dobe would initally look round when someone mentioned his name, but she remained the same happy & well adjusted dog.

Sorry for the fact you have to have your dog euthanised.


May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go
I really do.
It's difficult to stay.

But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.

I'll not be far,
I promise that, and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too,
that's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today

? · Answer

I am so sorry that you are having such a rough time.  It is not easy, and won't be easy.  The first thing that I will recommend is that you see a counselor.  You are having a hard time dealing with this, and it sounds like a professional would really help you through this.  There are actually counselors out there that specialize in this kind of thing, and even want you to bring your current dog, Mattie in with you as well.  They work on grieving and moving past this.  

Mattie probably will have a rough time.  Dogs grieve just like we do.  She will probably feel pretty lonely for a while, so a lot of extra love and attention would help her out.  

I do strongly advise that you seek out a professional to talk to, so that you have someone that you can share everything that you are feeling with.  It will make you feel a lot better.

Stella M · Answer

I've been through this a few times with cats.  My dog almost died last year and I was so upset my mom wanted me to go to a doctor and get a sedative.  I wasn't functioning at all.  There's nothing that will make you feel better.  It will get better as time passes, but you will always feel sad when you think about him.  Your other dog will comfort you, and you will comfort her, so that will help.  
Your teacher should be understanding and let you finish the final later.  Take a benadryl.  That will help you sleep.

Lucy U. · Answer

I understand how you feel. I didn't put my dog down but she got hit by a car and was killed instantly. Looking at pictures and remembering all the funny and happy times I had with her help a lot. Guilt is a normal feeling I think. She was my moms best friend and she felt guilty also though she did everything she could to catch her. 
It is going to be very hard but death comes to us all. Just try to focus on happy memories. Make a memorial to them. And realize that no matter what they always live on in our hearts. The poem "I stood by your bed last night." also helps to comfort me.

Anonymous · Answer

I'm sorry.

Every last one of us here understands completely.

Yes, it hurts ... it hurts like HELL.  

You'll get plenty of advice and most of it will be good.  All I will add is that you don't get OVER it, but in time you do get PAST it.  You will never forget him, but in time you will remember all that was good and the pain will diminish.

Stalkers are cowards &amp; thieves · Answer

Er,you seem to need *more* "help" ...better help & quickly.
You should seek this help NOW!
Your emotional state is not normal.

I'm *not* being "mean",btw. I'm serious...you need serious help.... FAST!

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How do you get over your dog passing?

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