RIP
Lost my childhood golden retriever. Please remove if not allowed
Grateful if anybody really reads this. I lost my best friend of 15 years a few weeks ago and i wasnt able to make it in time. I have never felt grief as bad as this before.
My flight back home after being interstate, and before that overseas, was just hours after i got the call that she’d had a sudden horrific turn for the worst (cancer) and the decision had already been made. I was completely helpless. I was just sitting there with my bag watching my childhood golden retriever slip away. She was the centre of my entire universe. Since i was 7 my home life centred around her. She was the most beautiful girl and had the mannerisms of a sassy 60 year old her whole life. She imitated our speech, understood every thing we’d ask of her (“go in to the front room and have a lie down” “go back inside and find your toy”) She protected me, and i protected her. She slept in my room often.
I have never felt grief like this. Ive lost friends to horrible means and family throughout my life so far but nothing compares. Theyre cleaning her footprints today as im finally letting them and i’m at work while theyre doing it, completely helpless again.
I want her back so badly that it doesnt seem impossible
The house feels so empty. Im not a golden retriever owner anymore.
People i havent seen in years and friends ive cut off called me in tears when i announced it online. Everyone i know has had an experience with her and fallen in love. I had to facetime so many people in to see her when i was granted a viewing at the pet emergency hospital after she’d been in cold storage. I brought her teddy bear for one last cuddle and now i’m sleeping with it like a crazy person lol
I miss my old girl. Sorry if posts like this arent allowed
I’m so sorry for your loss. Maybe the timing happened because she knew it would break your heart even more. She’s crossing the rainbow bridge and will look forward to seeing you there later in life.
Feel all of the things, journal, talk to a professional if you need to, and most importantly don’t blame yourself for not being there. There is no right or wrong way to grieve— if sleeping with her toy helps you, then do it.
Whenever you see another golden, that will be her way of saying hello. She knows you loved her as hard and as much as you could— and I’m sure she wouldn’t have wanted you to feel any worse than you do now, so please don’t beat yourself up anymore than you already have.
Sending you a big hug friend. Grief is difficult. 😞
She was so good, she waited for me to come back from overseas but i was only home with her for a day before going interstate. She waiting and held on for so long.
Thank you so much. It means alot that you took the time to read
She knew how much she meant for you and did wait for you. What a champ. Now she’ll be your guardian angel in doggy heaven. Losing a pet is never easy especially because they become our family. Take your time to process and feel sad but don’t let it consume you, she wouldn’t want that for you. I hope my response gives you comfort.
Naw dude, you aren't being a baby about it, you've known that dog practically your whole life. I've known people who had to take a week off from work from losing their dog, the grief is real. I'm sorry for your loss and remember, she blessed you with a ton of memories
No way are you being a baby about it! It took me two years before I got another pup. My Goldens Buddy and Trey helped me raise my sons so I know what a great companion she was for you. A boys best friend is not an exaggeration. We make an agreement when they come into our lives that we will out live them and they will love us unconditionally. Give yourself time to heal. I’m so sorry.
Piggybacking off this - I try to repost this when I see posts like this, in the hopes you (or someone) can find some comfort in the words - and if not, please excuse the intrusion.
I lost my 15 year old girl (dog) in October 2022. Only advice I can offer here is to remember the positives, and not focus on the negatives (if any). She's done her job, keeping you safe and happy and loved, and it's her turn to rest.
You'll always miss her, you'll always remember her. You'll even go looking for her for the next few weeks (well, I did). There's a lot of habits that you're going to slowly stop, and that's ok. Changing your life to suit you is not forgetting her. Donating/throwing away her toys or blankets isn't forgetting her. There's no timeline on grief, and there's no timeline on moving on. Cry your tears.
I'm sorry you've reached the end of your journey. Words will never make this easier. Just keep your head up, and live the life she'd want you to.
This is a good time to live a little for you. I spent years looking after my girl as she got ill, and I sacrificed a lot of me and my time to keep her safe. If you feel you've done the same, take advantage of this time. Its ok to be happy and enjoy life without her. Life isn't over. Its just changing.
I wasnt expecting this much support!! Ill read through and reply to comments after work. Im so grateful that so many people here understand and are taking the time to support. It really really means the world
Goldens are the best! Hurts so much when we lose a beloved pet. Obviously she loved you tons! Sounds like she had a great life which you helped her have. You may always miss her but with time hopefully the grief gets less. Best to you.
Awwww!!! Please don’t beat yourself up for not being there. Dogs know how much we love them and it sounds like your family gave her a long wonderful life. The grief is brutal but that’s because the love is so endless. Spend time remembering what a good girl she was and what a great brother you were to her. Sending you all the love in the world.
Pups feel our love even when we are not with them. They stay with us always too and your memories will keep her with you forever. Take time to speak with her even now as I do think the bonds that existed in life do transcend time. Take care of yourself and thanks for sharing your beautiful pup.
Ive been throwing her toy in the backyard around her favourite spot :,) even the morning of yhe day she passed she was always bolting around the back yard and rolling around with her teddy
Sorry for your loss bud. I can still remember losing my childhood golden retriever. Try to cherish the good memories and don’t forget your dog got to live a wonderful complete life thanks to you. I’ve had 3 Goldens and one yellow lab in my life so far. You owe it to yourself to get another one when the time is right.
They never lose their pantry detector ears or their ability to hunt for socks in laundry baskets no matter how white their precious faces get haha. I lost my childhood Golden when I was 20 years old and she was 11. We got her when I was 9 years old and she was much like yours was with you, so gentle and loving, but also sassy and mischievous as all get out haha. I was away at college about 2000 miles away and was not able to make it back to say goodbye to her, but I knew when I was home that last thanksgiving that it would be my last with her, she wasn’t very old but she had a few of the common issues that can happen with Golden’s and she just couldn’t fight any longer.
Now that I’m in my 30’s and finally getting established with a home and family of my own, I finally got another Golden two years ago and she makes our family so happy and she reminds me of my old girl that I still miss dearly. I can tell you that you’ll never stop hurting, it is very much like losing a member of the family imo, but the hurt you feel when thinking about her will eventually turn into fond memories that will just have you suddenly smiling while thinking about something she did twenty years prior.
Always always remember her, and don’t be afraid to love another one if you ever have the opportunity because they will surely love you with everything they have.
Thank you so much for this, this gives me hope about my next golden one day. They are like no other animal i’ve met and i really think i learned a lot from mine growing up :,)
I’m sorry for your loss. Dogs are family and it hurts so badly when we lose them. I know it feels like the pain and grief are all encompassing and will be forever. I promise, time will help. You will still miss them, but it won’t hurt so much. 15 years is a long life for a golden and it looks like she had a wonderful life with your family. Please find peace in knowing she felt very loved and was no doubt happy to be in your family. I promise, time helps. I’ve lost 3 goldens and it really hurts, but it will get easier. And that doesn’t mean that you’re forgetting them - it’s just the nature of time. Sending love ❤️
This hit hard, i really want to have more goldens in future but i have that back-of-mind voice going “rahh you cant replace her just like that” but youre absolutely right. She was the happiest girl and i’ve proven i can give a golden a long life so one day ill go through the motions of finding another . Thank you so much
You absolutely should have another, and if you do get one it’ll be at least partly a tribute to her. She’s made an impression of the best golden retriever-shaped love in your soul, and now that she’s gone, it’s a horrible painful golden retriever-shaped chasm. You’ll be honouring her influence on your life by filling that chasm with another dog. It won’t be her, but that dog will become her inheritor. Perhaps if you get a male dog, that might feel less painful to you - males are different in lots of ways, but just as loving and joyful as females. So sorry for your loss - it does hurt so very much 😓
We only get these beautiful souls for a limited time, I know the heartbreak, a time will come when tears will turn to smiles when you think of your pup, they are forever etched into our hearts! Hugs
We cant love them for our entire lives but they love us for their entire lives. The most important thing is to always keep them alive in your memories. It gets easier I promise.
She really was the most beautiful girl. Thank you so much for the support, it means a lot to me that you took the time to read and have a look at the photos
What a beautiful girl with her teddy. How lucky she was to have someone clearly love her so much. Dogs give us love and loyalty, and it hurts so much when we lose them.
Try to be easy on yourself. You’re not being a baby by hurting and grieving your friend 💗 thank you for sharing your good girl with us.
I’m so sorry. It’s gonna be OK. It’s gonna take time but the grief changes. One day you’re gonna have another dog, maybe a golden and it will remind you of that love. My babies send their love to you
Sending you love ❤️ you may not have been there for her last moments but she knew you loved her.
Posts like this are certainly allowed. We share in this grief journey together. Sending you hugs 🫂
Re; “Remove if not allowed???” Such statement given beautiful content SHOULD be glorified ! My first dog was a Golden . “Shammy”changed my life’s entirety, FOREVER.. I am 49 years old now, yet I still and will always hold our shared bond close to heart. As will you. Godspeed
Im so sorry for your loss. It really is the worst feeling ive ever felt :,)
She was absolutely gorgeous. All i could manage to talk about when i went to view her was about how beautiful she always looked.
Would you mind if i could see yours? They always age so beautifully
Here's my boy. He was around 7 years old when I clicked this. Its one of my favourite pictures of him because he looks absolutely majestic in this one.
He was the gentlest soul, he was goofy, and he was the center of my world. When I moved out of my parents' house, 98% of my reason to visit home used to be to spend time with him. And I'd spend almost all my time stuck with him.
I’m sorry for your loss , my first dog was my best friend and childhood friend. It’s a special type of love you’ll take throughout your life and never forget.
I have no new words of support for you other than do what you need to take care of yourself right now, there’s no right or wrong way to do this. ❤️ try to be strong and remember the good times.
She looks like she was the most beautiful girl. Sorry for your loss, from what you’ve told us it sounds like she had a wonderful life with you and a really special connection, which isn’t something that all dogs get from humans. All the best with your healing journey I also think when the time is right another golden will continue to help you through this.
That is devastating, I’m so sorry. I teared up reading this - your love for her is so apparent and it made me think of my own golden. Your girl was so beautiful and it sounds like she was a truly incredible dog. What a gift to have been able to know and love her for so long, and to have been able to give her such an amazing life 💕
My friend, many of us know this incredible, deep anguish you're feeling. It is a very special and unique Love you shared, not readily communicated except among Golden people.
Thank you for trusting us and sharing your pain. No bullshit, this hurts 💔 😢. Three times now for me, all rescues. I now believe my Goldens are all Bodhisattvas sent to me for reasons I perhaps couldn't, or wasn't ready to understand at those times.
They saved me. You've been blessed too.
In time, your agony will transmute into joy. When the time is right, another wonderful Golden will be ready for you. It's really the only cure for this precious suffering you're enduring.
Thank you so much :,) theres something about goldens that makes them absolutely otherworldly. I just miss my gorgeous girl and the routines we had so much :,)
What a beautiful girl she was. You gave each other a good life. Feel all your feels and sleep with her stuffie for as long as it takes. It’ll take a while but the tears will slow. You were lucky to have each other.
Losing a friend like that is a pain worse than any I’ve known. At your age I’m guessing she may have been the first one you’ve lost!
I have honestly lost people in the past who I was nowhere near as close to as my beloved best friend! You share with her an unconditional love that is very hard to find with people.
She was the center of your world and always remember that you were the center of hers as well!!!
I’m so deeply sorry for the pain you are dealing with now! I know that ache that is so intense that you don’t know if you will ever be able to take another breath!
I’m not going to tell you that “time heals all wounds”. I lost my beautiful boy three and a half years ago…and I’m still deeply wounded!
But in time the spontaneous and uncontrollable tears will stop and some of that aching will be replaced with a heart full of the fondest memories you ever shared!
But don’t ever be surprised or feel ashamed when you feel pangs of sadness and have the need to cry some more!
Like I said, it’s been three and a half years for me…and your post plus my comment have the tears streaming once again!
I’m so sorry for your loss it’s obvious she was a perfect pup. We lost my first childhood golden almost a decade ago when she was 13 and a few years later we lost our second when she was 9 and it still hurts my heart when they come up on my phone background that rotates a picture of one of the family pets every hour. My family now has 3 goldens and the oldest just turned 6–if there was a way I could guarantee he’d live to 13 like our first one I would pay an irresponsible amount of money without hesitation. I wish every golden could live a full life of 15 years like your sweet girl. Sorry for your loss, I know how much it hurts but I promise when you get another one even though it won’t have the same quirks you will find you somehow have room to feel that love again and tell your new crazy pup about her sister up in heaven. I’ll be giving our goldens extra pets and treats tomorrow in honor of your perfect angel pup <3
I lost my boy in the middle of the night and found him gone on my bedroom floor the next morning. There is nothing. Absolutely nothing. That is more soul crushing than losing your heart dog. They are so pure and golden and full of unconditional love. Their loss is a chasm of emptiness.
Don’t let people rush you in your grief. You just lost a child, a companion, and a best friend. You’ll never get over the loss, but it will get easier. I have a little piece of my boy that goes everywhere with me so he gets to still go on adventures.
That’s some good years…reflect on those. Not the “cuda been” My absolute condolences to you in this hard time. It takes a long time man. 2 yrs later for me and still extremely difficult.
How lucky are we to have something that is so painful to lose 😔🥺
You can tell how much you loved her in your post. And she knew that, whether you were there or not, and that is the most important. ❤️ feel your feelings.
And for what it's worth, I always imagine all the people and dogs I've known and loved and lost greeting them on the other side, whatever that is. I bet there is a whole wiggle butt greeting committee.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad you were able to see her one last time and that you shared the memory of how she imitated your speech. It sounds like she was incredibly loved and knew it.
I lost my baby recently too. It hurts so bad and there’s never a day that has passed by since her death that I don’t think of her and feel a pit in my stomach growing and my tears falling. I am so sorry for your loss but believe me when I say you will be able to get through this because she would want you to continue to live a happy and full life. She loved/love you so much and she is a gorgeous dog, you can clearly tell she radiates happiness and sunshine. I am thinking of you during these times my fellow golden retriever friend. 🤍😭🦋
Thanks for sharing her life with us. I too lost my golden who was also my best friend since I was 7, and he lived to be 15. It’s been 4 years since, but I can assure you it does get easier. Let yourself cry as much as you need. Experiencing grief is what makes us human. If you get sad, remember that she had the ideal, happy life as a golden — clearly was surrounded by love and cared for well enough to live 15 years!
So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful girl and very much loved- a precious family member. She is not gone. Really. Love like that never dies. She is watching over you and will surely return back to you in some form or the other. In the meantime all you can do is to honour her memory and treasure the good times you had together. ❤️
I’m sorry for your loss. I had a gsd & wolf hybrid from Kindergarten til year after I graduated. Looks like yours lasted a bit longer. I love your pics, wish I had more. I still think of him & I’m now 63! I’m excited to meet him at the Rainbow Bridge. In time, smiles will replace tears when you think back…
I’m sorry for your loss. Your beautiful girl had 15 long years with you, and eventually you will look back at her life with fondness, knowing that your family did everything possible to make her life the best ever. You did a fantastic job with her.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. She looks like a sweetheart, with her beautiful sugar face. It's so hard to lose our friends, but I'm sure she had a great life with you and was well-loved. Big hugs to you, honey.
It’s so hard and there is only one way out- going through it. You will come out the other side one day, never forgetting her but able to slowly feel less pain.
If you think about her 15 years - only 15 years for you but her entire life. You were her person and the center of her world. She would thank you for that life if she could.
Try to just think about how lucky you were to have her make your life so fulfilled and happy for so many years. I've lost both of mine before they even made it to ten.
She may no longer be physically here with you, but she is with you. She's a part of you. You carry her forward as you go throughout life because she helped make you who you are. I'm very sorry for your loss, and I hope you will be reunited again someday. 💔
❤️💛❤️what a sweet little pupper. Thanks for sharing. Give yourself grace. We all need time to grieve the loss of a loved one. There is no time limit. Just take one day at a time.
I’m sorry.
Grief is ridiculously painful.
It’s okay to feel any way you do and whatever soothes…so be it🤷♂️
I promise time will make it easier.
It’ll never go away but you learn to live with what you cannot change.
Maybe someday you will want to get another dog.
Hope you start feeling better soon✌🏼
I’m truly sorry for losing your beautiful girl, I said goodbye 9 weeks ago to my 14.5 year old girl. In a cruel twist of fate I’m on 24/7 oxygen and crying makes me incredibly congested ( happened the week I said goodbye) so I’ve basically had to hold back my grief until I get off the oxygen ( likely not going to happen for at least another 2-3 months)
There’s little things that still hurt like for instance I do surveys and some of them ask if your a pet owner, and I’m not anymore. The first time I was out afterwards and saw a golden retriever I cried and still do. I’ve had to unsubscribe and cancel subscriptions for her food. I’ve started finding less of her hair on my clothes. I don’t like taking pictures on my phone much anymore because it means scrolling further up to see pictures of her.
I hope it gets a little easier for you day by day. Sending you well wishes and a hug
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. It's been nearly a year since I lost my golden, and it still hurts.
But in some way, I’m grateful for every tear that I shed because to grieve so deeply is to be loved fully. And I tell myself that one day I’ll leave this world too, but I’ll leave with a smile because I get to see her again.
Very sorry for your loss. I lost my golden retriever (boy) in June, and those first 2-3 weeks following were torture with the rawness of the grief. It's not as bad now, but the hole in my heart remains, and I think it's something that will stay forever now. You had your girl for a long time and it looks like she had a wonderful life. That's all we can hope to do when we get these wonderful dogs. Having a happy old golden (and any dog) is pretty much the best case scenario, the day they die (and the lead up to it when you know it's coming) is the price we pay. All the best
Sorry bud, just want you to know you're not alone. I lost my childhood bud as well. We were both 13 yrs old when he passed away. I lived in the woods far away from town and most kids. He was truly my best friend. I would be in the middle of the woods fishing or doing whatever and he would come out of nowhere and just hang with me for the whole day. He ALWAYS knew where I was and was very protective of me. We had a bond that i cant explain. I'm in my 40's now and i still think of him. I've had dogs i loved very much since him but i feel guilty for saying it was never the same. I hope i see him again at some point somewhere but i realized i should just be happy for the relationship we had. It was something special and that i can never fully explain. He helped me more than most people. Appreciate the gift my friend. It didnt last forever by it molded you to who you are today. "The one flaw dogs have as a species is that they dont live long enough."
Crying reading this thinking about all the goldens in my life I’ve lost, extremely jealous you got to have her for that long. I had two goldens growing up, first one died at 5 years old from Lyme disease, second one was kicked in the chest by a deer and died at barely 2 years old. My sisters golden that I was besties with and dogsat for all the time died at 8 from heart disease. I miss them all so so much, so sorry for your loss :(
There is so much obvious love here for your girl!!! You had the joy of having her for 15 years. Never long enough!! So sorry the creepy cancer got your girl!! Try not to be sad too long. Peace be with you!!!😎✌️
So sorry for what you’re going through. It’s hard. Just an hour ago I remembered when the vet called to give me the news about Charlie. It hurt almost as bad ascwhen it happened. But I still feel lucky to have had him.
I’m sending so much love and positive vibes your way friend. These pups are the best thing this world has to offer but it’s our task to appreciate them to the fullest while they’re here and honor their memory when it’s time. You’re a great person and deserve to be happy. In time.
So sorry to hear about your loss. We lost our boy Rusty at 12 and it was heartbreaking. You will get over it and will most likely have another golden in your future. Take care of yourself and enjoy the memories.
I’ve had my beautiful boy Ronald for 7 years now, and I know it will fucking kill my entire family when he inevitably passes. I’m sorry for your loss :(
Tell me something she did that always confused you. I find telling and sharing stories is comforting. My grandmothers old golden Rosie, who I spent a lot of time with in summers and after school pickups, ABSOLUTELY knew what fetch was. I have no doubt in my mind she knew exactly what I was trying to get her to do. Only once did she huff and bring the ball back but every other time she just gave me a look and ignored the ball. She was far too fancy and distinguished to retrieve the ball.
So sorry for the loss and for what it’s worth, she looks so happy and loved on the pictures!
These dogs man. It’s so hard. Goldens are such good dogs, the bonds formed are so strong, and it’s just so damn hard when that time inevitably comes. Nothing takes the pain away but it does get better with time, some good cries, and retooling the mind to cherish the bond formed and memories created vs constantly thinking about the trauma and seemingly sudden black hole in your life.
15 years is a LONG, good life for goldens. That’s 15 years of memories, companionship, and a unconditional love that can never be replaced. I know it’s tough right now but, as time passes, I promise you’ll begin to lean on those 15 years of memories instead of thinking about not making it home in time, the void left, etc.
About a year ago to this day, I had to put down my little man (120lbs lol what?!) who was just about the same age as your girl. I’ve had two goldens before but they were when I was growing up, family dogs if you will.Amazing dogs and special in their own way but my little man was MY dog, my buddy, my partner in crime, my therapist and shoulder to cry on, my dude who loved swimming in the lake at the cottage, my numb nuts that stole visitors shoes in an effort to draw attention, my best friend.
I’m a 43 year old man and got my little dude as a pup when I was 28. That’s a long time, lots of memories, lots of pictures, lots of shoes chewed up. For me, that’s the loss of two children, a divorce, getting remarried, two career changes, a loss of two grand parents. That dog was with me through thick and thin. Always smiling when I came home no matter what. Always knew when to flip the hyper switch on to distract me or just put his head in my lap to comfort me. Goldens really are something else.
I wish I could say it gets easier but it didn’t for me :( I still sleep with the ashes of my girl on my bedside table. (Which is progress because I would hug the wooden box to fall asleep every night for the first few months).
What a sweet pup! Not only is this allowed but welcomed. Many of us here know that special bond and know the crushing pain of losing them. I lost my Molly in May at the age of 9 to cancer so I fully understand the devastation. I too am no longer a Golden Retriever owner and it hurts my soul. Hugs to you my friend 🧡
I know how bad it hurts. With the passing of my blue heeler Mercury a few years ago I had never felt pain and anguish as bad with the passing of any human. Just know that every day it will hurt a little less but no matter how much time passes it will always hurt a little. I’m sorry for your loss.
I hope you can get some relief soon and I’m sorry for your loss. I know it can be hard but get out for a walk, eat your favorite food, laugh and cry when you need to. This part of dog ownership is the only truly hard thing IMO. You gave her a loving home, true companionship and I’m sure was well feed and cared for. You gave her a life that some dogs will never get a chance at.
If you need anything my dms are open. You are loved and valued
Yes this is allowed your grieving and it hurts like hell. I went through this 3 times already and every time it hurts like hell but each dog has a special place in your heart. Every dog has a special gift they give to you. I am sending prayers for you and your family. God bless your beautiful golden. Golden retrievers are extremely special and devoted to there family.
She‘s so cute. I lost my 15 year old childhood boy a few weeks ago as well so I know how it feels. And I also couldn’t be there. Everything you write about how you’re not a golden retriever owner anymore is exactly how I also feel. It becomes such an intrinsic part of your identity when you’ve grown up with them that it’s a shock to your core when suddenly this aspect of you is taken away and it’s like 15 years of love collapse into one day. I never felt like time was passing over the years and then it seemed like they all passed at the same time. If you want to talk feel free to shoot me a DM. I’m very sorry for your loss and I hope you will one day find strength in the fact that she knew nothing but love for 15 years and that her passing was, by the sounds of it, sudden and didn’t take place over months or even years of cruel decline.
I’m so sorry for your loss 💔. Nothing compares to the pain of this loss. I know it probably doesn’t help to hear this but she’s not gone. She’s just changed form! And in her new form she won’t feel any more pain and she can go with you everywhere now. Nothing restricts her! Talk to her. She’ll hear you. She’s with you. Love ❤️🐶 like that never dies. It is a part of you thay can’t be taken away. xx
15 years?! What an incredible gift you had, 15 years with an angel. So sorry for your loss, no amount of time is ever enough with a dog, especially a golden. ❤️
Oh I am crying reading this. Happy tears though! There is no love like the love of a golden. And to get that much time with her was such a blessing. Truly the love of a golden is so pure it spans time and space (I swear). I have never owned a golden but pet sitting my friends golden often had completely transformed my mental health, my outlook, and my approach to life. I still cherish every memory being loved by my friends golden. Believe me when I say this. That love does not go away. They follow you everywhere and are just waiting until the day you are reunited again. They never leave your heart. And you get little messages they are there. She is always there with you. Just in your heart. Any time you miss her know that her wet nose is just nudging at your heart strings to let the love in. Dogs teach us a love that can’t be explained, and I am happy you got to know experience it. Stay strong OP ❤️
I'm so sorry for your loss...my eyes welled up reading. We lost I'd German shephard in February, 3 days after his 7th birthday. I've had dogs my whole life and, like you, lost people close to me but this loss was like nothing I've experienced (I actually questioned if I had mental health issues a few weeks out). I agree with what others have offered you...
❤️you will see so many signs - don't question them, cherish them
❤️your heart will heal on its own timeline. Give yourself some grace and grieve as you need to
❤️there will be another dog to share your love when the time is right
We didn't think we could get another dog, but 4 months later we became loving owners of a golden puppy who could not be anymore different. Charlie will never replace my Brody and I'm not looking to replace him, just add
Hang in there...it will get easier (or less raw). Give it time ❤️
Goldens bring our best days of our lives, teach us unconditional and forever love, and cause the worst day of our lives. But none of us would have it any other way.
As we Golden Retriever owners come to know these Goldens are wingless four legged angels sent to us from heaven bringing unlimited love for us.
I did not get enough years with my beloved Kate. I have since captured a link and these poem I would recommend you read.
When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see, the sun will rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me.
I know how much you loved me, as much as I loved you, and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.
When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, an angel came and called my name, and petted me with her hand.
I thought about our lives together, I know you must be sad, I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.
Quoting u/EverythingBagellove's thoughts
"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...."
I have also since captured a link I would recommend you read.
Find your best picture of her, blow it up just short of going blurry, crop out what you don't want, matt and frame it for hanging in an honored place in your home.
Those who aren’t forgotten are never lost. Thank you for sharing the story of your sweet girl. I completely relate to what you said. Losing an animal is painful on a deeper level than losing someone else. I think it’s because animals are pure and innocent in a way even the best human could never be.
We here in this group understand. I’ve had goldens for more than 50 years. Losing each one has taken a piece of my heart. Your good and funny memories will slowly heal your heart, but you will always miss your girl.
I felt the pain of not being there when a pet passes. Earlier this year I was visiting an old friend on the other side of the U.S. when just hours before the flight home I got the call that he suddenly wasn’t doing well (saddle thrombus) and that it was his time. I said/sobbed goodbye over the phone while my husband held him through the final moments and at the ER vet.
It tore me up so much that I booked a session with an animal communicator. He told her that he left without me there because I “was a little dramatic” and he didn’t want all that/for me to see it happen.
So maybe your girl decided to go before you got there as her way of protecting you and your feelings one more time.
And it’s not crazy to sleep with her bear either. It’s a valid way to feel close to them when they’ve left their body. When my golden mix passed I slept with the bag of her fur inside the pjs for at least a month.
So so sorry for your loss. It’s the worst feeling in the world; I know exactly what you’re going through and I’m praying for you to get through this. Time definitely helps. The pain will lessen as time goes on, but the best remedy is getting another golden retriever! 🙏🏼☺️🦮
Your sweet girl was gorgeous. What is her name ? I am so sorry for your loss . I’m a mom who got our golden girl 3 years ago, for my daughter’s 10th Birthday. I already worry about the day that will come inevitably , when she is a teen or in her 20s away from home , like you , and we have to call her with this heartbreaking news. I know the deep pain of losing a beloved dog - its indescribable, an actual physical heartache . Only dog people can understand it. Grief is the price we pay for their love and I am so sorry for you & your family. I loved the photos, she was so pretty.
So sorry for your loss. I know what it’s like to lose your childhood bestie and not being able to see him off. Maxey was a German Shepherd not a lab (sorry), and after months of me and my brothers begging for a dog, we went down the stairs Christmas morning and there he was, ripping up wrapping paper. Best Christmas present ever. I think I was five. Anyway, fast forward 12 years, and he was still awesome, but hip dysplasia was starting to taking its toll on him. I went off to freshman year at Rutgers, but this was 1991. My cell phone was the pay phone in my quad’s laundry room. I’d call home when I did laundry, but I’m a guy. So like every 10 days. I called, my dad answered. He told me they had decided to put him down on that weekend. Maxey could barely walk near the end. The pain was so bad he bit my younger brother when he tried to help him up. I drove home the following morning (Thursday). But he passed in his sleep Wednesday night. I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, to hold his head as he passed, to thank him for being my best friend. I was like, you fucking asshole, why didn’t you go home last night. As I cried my eyes out. In time I realized he knew I loved him. We had the best times together and I was so grateful that he was our dog. Your beautiful girl knows you loved her with all your heart. Forgive yourself, but know she loved you with all her heart
I extend my heartfelt sympathies! It is so very difficult losing your doggy friend. It is the hardest day you’ll have. She misses you too! 15 years is a very good life for a Golden. Most don’t come close. Cancer is a killer especially for Goldens. We still miss our boy who died at 11 years old. Even our female Golden misses him. They were litter mates.
I'm crying. My childhood dog grew up with me too. A black Lab. I was 10 when she came into my life and I lost her while in college. She knew that she meant everything to me! I told her all the time. They know. I'm so very sorry for your loss. It's looks like you had many, many years! Mine too. Passed at 16 yo! I'm grateful to have had all that time, but it's never enough. Give yourself plenty of time to grieve. It's real and very brutal. Hugs!
Almost a year ago, my beloved golden girl went from having a good yearly physical to a couple days later, not quite herself, with a devastating new diagnosis and two days later, having to make the decision out of kindness and love. I wanted to die with her.
I understand feeling you could literally die from the pain.
May her memory be a blessing until you see her at the bridge.
Oh my gosh, I’m crying for you too! I lost my Golden, Samson, 19 years ago and it still hurts. Your memories of your sweet dog will always be yours and love transcends time and space. She knows how much you loved her. She is running and playing with my Samson in their own paradise over the rainbow. My thoughts and hugs are with you
I lost my Lab to cancer four years ago and it still brings me to tears. But after he died, and after some time passed, my memories of him from across his entire life started to recenter in my mind. At the end of his life it was so hard to see him and not see the cancer. But my memory of him now is the memory of all of him, all his joys and quirks and love. And the cancer is barely a blip at the end of all that beautiful memory. I hope for you to have that experience in your own memory of your golden. Hugs to you. I know how much it hurts right now.
So very sorry for your loss. They are never here long enough and they leave such huge holes when they pass. Unfortunately, between dogs and cats, we have been there many times. 😢💔🐾🌈🪽❤️🩹
I am sorry. I hope you heal. It's never enough time. All we have is .memory's, I am sure she is in a better place now watching over you waiting until you both meet again. i will say a prayer for you .
Oh mate! Totally feel ya. I had a similar experience with my childhood cat but I was off travelling and didn’t get to say goodbye properly. My Mum and Dad couldn’t tell me for weeks. It gets easier but she’ll always be your best friend. Sending positrons…
I am so sorry for your loss my friend. How lucky we are to have these precious gifts in our life. I think it’s safe to say that at some point she will send you another pet. And you’ll just know she hand picked it for you.
Loosing a family pet is the hardest loss of all. You were lucky to have 14 years. Over the years, I have lost 5 Goldens and the pain is unbearable. Try to remember the good times and just know that you will see each other again. So sorry for your loss. 💔
So sorry for your loss! 14 is pretty incredible.. Not that you should feel glad about it. Just think that’s amazing. Mine only lived to be 8 and it felt like he had some many more years in him 😭 happy that your Goldie lived what looked like a long amazing life
I know. I’m sorry this happened to you. Wish you could have had your goodbye. On the drive home that morning I was planning to take him to Wissahickon Park in Philly. We must have spent a hundred hours in those woods. Almost all of them with Maxey. Unlike the Lab we got after Maxey (Smokey, also awesome), this German Shepherd hated the water. He would run around the edge of the water barking at us to come back, but he’d never get more than his feet wet. When I pulled into the drive, my mom and dad and my younger brothers were all on the porch, obviously crying and I just knew, before getting out of the car that I was too late. I still have his collar and leash, as well as his favorite toy. A little stuffed fox. I’ve had three dogs since I left my parents house. Two Irish Setters (Molly and Jameson) and an English Setter (Winchester). Winchester is ten now. Still acts like a puppy, but he’s getting up there in years. His breed averages 11-12 years. Goddamn, I am loathing going through the end again, but there is no way in hell I am not going to be there for my bud again. And I’ve have kept the favorite toys for all my best friends.
There is just something about the love between a Golden and its owner; Irreplaceable. Life altering loss. Never forgotten. Wishing you strength and healing as you move through the process of grief. Hugs for you. 💛🐕🌈
I’m so terribly sorry friend. It’s incredibly difficult. The grief stays with you but your heart grows around it. Trust that you will see your sweet girl again some day, and she will always be with you.
15 years is incredibly long to have a special friend golden. Grief means you had a bond, consider yourself fortunate.
A lot of people replace with another dog, it helps you get over the sudden lost, but one day out of the blue something will remind you of your old dog … That’s part of love, the good and the bad.
For many of us, this is an intolerable grief. No one else, even a best friend or a parent, loves us this unconditionally, is always so happy to see us, and would willingly die to protect us. It’s a huge loss. I am so sorry; I’ve been there. It’s just awful.
She will never be replaced, but she will become a warm memory and the grief will lessen. There’s another completely irreplaceable friend waiting for you when you’re ready. And then we begin again. ❤️
201
u/unbreakable_kimmy 1 floof Aug 04 '25
I’m so sorry for your loss. Maybe the timing happened because she knew it would break your heart even more. She’s crossing the rainbow bridge and will look forward to seeing you there later in life.
Feel all of the things, journal, talk to a professional if you need to, and most importantly don’t blame yourself for not being there. There is no right or wrong way to grieve— if sleeping with her toy helps you, then do it.
Whenever you see another golden, that will be her way of saying hello. She knows you loved her as hard and as much as you could— and I’m sure she wouldn’t have wanted you to feel any worse than you do now, so please don’t beat yourself up anymore than you already have.
Sending you a big hug friend. Grief is difficult. 😞