Our Elder Pets
My 17 year old dog died on Wednesday.
I’m actually experiencing caregiver letdown or something. She was very old, and, loved a long life, but, I have been a bit surprised at my reaction to not having to open special dog food anymore, or, attend a regular schedule of being let in and let out the back door, or, helping her up from a seated position.
We had to get special care for her when we were away, and, she took medicine regularly, Even though she was an animal, there were things that were our responsibility to do.
For many people, pets are like family, and, there are real caregiver issues, and, grief when they are gone.
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POSTED IN: Bereavement
6 opinions for Our Elder Pets
Melissa
Feb 23, 2007 at 11:03 am
You had your dog longer than I had my marriage. Of you are going to mourn that.
(side note, you took better care of the dog than I did the marriage, but that is neither here not there)
Susan
Feb 23, 2007 at 2:37 pm
oh no! I am so sorry. I know, it’s a long good life, but I will be devastated (and my mother even more so) when our 16 year old dog passes away. They really are parts of our family, and important ones.
Lisa Dunn
Feb 23, 2007 at 3:28 pm
I have a 15 year old, and I’m thankful for every day. You’re in my prayers Elizabeth. No matter how old our loved one is, and even if they lived a good long life, there’s still a void left when they’re gone.
getsheila
Feb 23, 2007 at 9:35 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I had to put my elderly cat Spook down this morning. I feel your pain. No matter how much of a pain in the ass they may become as they age and have health issues, they are indeed still family.
SistaSmiff
Feb 24, 2007 at 7:57 am
I did some serious grieving for my little dog that died last summer at 15. I went out and stood at her grave in the front yard, just about everyday when I got home from work, for a long time. They definitely are part of the family.
SuzyQ
Jul 22, 2008 at 6:40 pm
When my mother had to move in with us due to dementia, she brought her dog, Molly, and a new dog, Sunshine, to live with our Princess. Molly was very sick and passed away at our home a week or so later. It was very difficult to see Molly suffer the way she did. Then a year later, after some serious hours spent to train Sunshine to go potty outside, she contracted a disease and had to be put to sleep. It has been months, but I still tear up (actually cry) when I think of her, and my little 4 yo granddaughter talks about her often. She says, “… but she was sweet.” I cannot believe the grief I’ve felt for that dog. We still have Princess and she has bonded with my mother.
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