Griefline

Helpline 1300 845 745

8am to 8pm: 7 days (AEDT)

Request a callback

Available Mon-Fri

Reply To: Losing my best friend of 17 years – how do i make this process easier?

Resize text-+=

Home Forums Loss of a pet Losing my best friend of 17 years – how do i make this process easier? Reply To: Losing my best friend of 17 years – how do i make this process easier?

#24392
vmsteph
Participant

Oh, @zizi03, I am so very sorry that you have lost your beautiful companion and shadow. He sounds like the most amazing dog – they truly do become our best friends and offer us so much solace, comfort and joy. Losing a much beloved companion animal can be as great a loss as any, and your grief is completely understandable and relatable to many, myself included. It is going to take time to adjust to this loss – he was such a profoundly important part of your life and learning to live without him will be a bittersweet process. You may find the following link provides you with some ideas on how to cope with his loss and how to honour his memory https://griefline.org.au/resources/losing-a-pet/
I lost my beautiful labrador after 16 wonderful years. I found that it helped that I could bury him on my property in a spot where he used to bask on sunny days. I planted some evergreen flowering bushes over this grave and I tend to them with care to honour his memory. Whenever I feel his loss keenly I go and sit in that spot and talk to him, and imagine him in a better place where his bones don’t ache any longer and he can chase balls and go swimming whenever he pleases. Even though I miss him I can find solace in knowing he is no longer in pain. I share this because you may have a way you can honour your boy that resonates for you, and allows you to express your ongoing love for him and all that he gave you.
I can tell that your loss is a big heavy weight at the moment, and I know it can feel overwhelming. With time you will become better at carrying this loss. It’s not that you will grieve him any less, but rather that you will become better at holding the weight of it. I am thinking of you, as are all of the Griefline community who understand what loss is. Please come back to us and talk to us some more, as and when you feel able.

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.