Griefline
Healthdirect Australia Logo: Trusted Information Partner, providing government-funded health information for Australians.

Helpline 1300 845 745

8am to 8pm: 7 days (AEDT)

I cry every day

Resize text-+=

Home › Forums › Loss of a pet › I cry every day

  • Creator
    Topic
  • January 3, 2026 at 10:47 pm #43525
    c4c1911
    Participant

    Hi All, I have just joined this Online group, as I am struggling to process my beloved fur-baby Harley’s passing. Even typing Harley’s name brings me to having a crying melt-down. We made the decision on the 8th March last year to put our beautiful boy to sleep. He was 12 1/2 years old and had a bulged disc and his back legs wouldn’t bend. He still managed to sort of bunny hop to get around, but other than that, was a perfectly healthy boy. We believed he would be uncomfortable as laying down and getting up was a bit of a struggle for him, so we made that heart-breaking decision. I have cried my eyes out every day since the 8th March – I am absolutely devastated and so lost without him. I have tried grief counselling, grief workshops etc, but nothing is helping me. I miss Harley terribly – he was my best friend and we were inseparable. He knew me so well and I knew him so well. He came with us on all of our holidays, and we always considered him first before making any plans. He was my number One – we were joined at the hip. It has now been 10 months since I cuddled him, touched him and smelt him. I am beyond heartbroken and so sad every day. Life without Harley is incredibly hard and I’m not sure how to cope. I have two great adult children and two beautiful grandchildren, but Harley was my baby whom I looked forward to seeing every day – I loved him more than life – he was my world – my heart has been shredded into a thousand pieces 🙁

  • Creator
    Topic
Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • Author
    Replies
  • January 6, 2026 at 1:41 pm #43538
    vmac25
    Participant

    Hi @c4c1911,

    I am so sorry to read about Harley. You shared an incredible bond with him, and your feelings of loss are very real. My dog Max was 12 when we made the heartbreaking decision to let him go due to an irreversible and painful condition that he was suffering from. Just like you, I cried buckets. I created a little ritual where I sit on our back step to remember him, and it has become my own personal moment of gratitude, where I spend a few minutes simply appreciating that he was part of my life for twelve years. If only dogs lived as long as we do! But it puts a smile on my face remembering how he would place his big shaggy head on my lap whenever we sat together in that spot. Thank you for sharing your story about Harley. I hope that as VM- The Old Oak Tree suggested, that you have been able to find a way to continue your special bond with Harley. Please know that the Helpline 1300 845 745 is here 7 days a week 8am to 8pm anytime you need a listening ear to talk and share your feelings.

    January 4, 2026 at 1:40 pm #43528
    VM-The Old Oak Tree
    Participant

    Dear c4c1911,

    I’m really sorry to hear of the loss of your fur-baby Harley. From what you’ve shared, it sounds like he was such a special companion for you. I can’t imagine how difficult this is for you, but I’m really glad that you’ve engaged with the online forums.

    It is very normal to be affected in this way, and over a period of time like this when you’ve lost a beloved member of the family. It also seems that you are very strong to have been coping with this since March last year, and to be carrying on despite how difficult it is.

    Perhaps you have already been finding ways to continue your bond with Harley now that he has passed physically? Some people do this with photographs, shrines, or rituals for example. Really anything that helps you to feel connected with Harley. This is considered to be perfectly healthy as part of a person’s grief journey, and as a way to always feel connected to the one that you’ve lost.

    I hope that you have someone to talk to. You are very welcome to call the Helpline on 1300 845 745 (8am – 8pm(AEDT), 7 days) to speak with a caring Volunteer. You may also find this article helpful, its available on the Griefline website within the ‘Grief and Loss Resources’ tab on the home page. This is the link, https://griefline.org.au/resources/losing-a-pet/

    Please continue to keep in touch through the Online Forums and look after yourself. We are here listening to you.

    • This reply was modified 3 days, 7 hours ago by VM-The Old Oak Tree.
  • Author
    Replies
Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Enter your details to stay up to date with our news and programs. You can unsubscribe at any time.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.