Best mate gone

[greeny]

Yesterday I lost my best friend in life, my Jack Russell Bluey. We had been together for 13 1/2 years, so many good times and so many happy memories. He stuck with me during my recent separation and kept me together while my beautiful daughter had been over seas for the last three months.
She returned last week and he was so excited to see her, tail wagging constantly, barking excitedly like he always did.

This week we left on a camping trip we had planned, out to one of the cattle stations camping by the river. Bluey loved this spot, running around, barking at us why we were fishing. But most of all he loved jumping on the front of the kayaks, joining us on our adventure up the river with his tail wagging.

This time unfortunately as my daughter paddled down one of the small rapid’s, she hit a rock and got flung out with the kayak overturned. We both searched frantically for Bluey, but by the time we got there we just caught a glimpse of him trying to swim, then he sunk and disappeared.

Today we had to go, we searched everywhere but had to leave without him. Now he’s gone and we have a big hole in our hearts.

I’m so devastated and empty, I miss him terribly.

Topic

[greeny]

Thank you Billie and Fern for your support.
I do keep seeing him over and over, struggling to get to the surface and then nothing, just gone.
We looked everywhere for him, but in the had to leave without him.
Not even able to give him a decent burial and us a chance to say goodbye properly. Just a big empty hole in our lives.
Thank you.

[VM_Billie20]

Dear @greeny,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Bluey. The way you’ve spoken about him shows the enormous place he held in your life, not only as a pet, but as a best friend and companion through life’s ups and downs. It is clear he brought you immense comfort, joy and strength, especially during difficult times like your separation and while your daughter was away. To lose him so suddenly and traumatically is understandably devastating.
Please know that your grief is both natural and valid. After sharing more than 13 years together, the depth of your pain reflects the strength of your bond. It’s okay to sit with the sadness and allow yourself to feel it fully.
By reaching out you’ve taken a brave and meaningful step. And remember, healing doesn’t mean forgetting Bluey, it means finding gentle ways to carry his love, joy, and memory with you as you move forward.
I hope you feel supported on the online forum and continue to reach out if you need. If you feel up to a conversation with a volunteer, you are always welcome to call our Helpline 1300 845 745 8am to 8pm: 7 days (AEST)

[VM-Fern]

@greeny This is such a tragic event to befall you all. You have suffered the trauma of not only losing such a beautiful companion, but also seeing him disappear as a result of an unavoidable accident. And you all tried so hard to save him. When things like this happen, the mind often replays it over and over, when you really wish it wouldn’t: the loss is already hard enough to bear without “videos” replaying in your head. It is just so devastating for you all, and the big hole left in your hearts just shows how much you loved him. And maybe guilt is playing a big part, with thoughts such as “if only…” and “we should have….”, which again do not help to ease your suffering but are a normal part of the mind trying to make sense of a tragic accident. Maybe reaching out to our Griefline to talk about these big feelings might help. Not to get rid of them, but maybe to help ease the suffering which comes from struggling with them.

[Author]

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