Oh what a shock this must be for you. I'm so sorry, Amck2. Riley looks so sweet in all of these pics... the one with your DGD especially warmed my heart.

And I'm sorry about Purr, too, Lavender! What a great name, too.

http://petloss.com/

I have all of my furbabies listed here it is a very special site

AmcK2, your Riley had the sweetest face, and it's clear she had a life of love. What a lucky dog to have had you and Puck by her side all the way through life. I'm very sorry for your loss, because it is never easy and whether sudden or lingering, it's always so painful to be without our heart's companions.

Lavender Lass, Purr was a handsome fellow and I am sure he appreciated you being with him as he left this world. He would have stayed on your pillow for always if he'd had the chance, I am sure.

Hugs, to all of you who are missing departed pets.

So sorry for your loss. Our furry friends mean so much to us.

I am so sorry. Heartbreaking, I know.

I am terribly sorry for your loss. I lost my beloved cat, my friend, many years ago - and was in mourning for five years. He was such a good boy and companion. Big hugs to everyone who has gone through this.

justerrilynne, I didn't mention it earlier but we had to do the same thing for Carly when her sister died...we adopted a dog for our dog. She spent about 4 days on Benedryl and every time she came out of it, she would become anxious and try to chew thru (she DID chew thru) a chain-link fence. Within a week of Reese dying, Carly had a new sister. I would never tell someone at this stage in their grief to "get another dog NOW". I had so many tell me that and I wanted to scream at them to shut up! I'll never be able to replace her! But God had other plans, and as usual, he was right. And only God could have sent such a perfect and needy dog at just the right time.

I'm so sorry for your sudden loss of Riley. So hard I know for you, and poor Puck is suffering too.

Hi Monicakm, I'm glad Carly is fine now. I know if not for the Rottie we would never have gotten another dog so soon I can tell you. We kept waiting for Taylortots to come around to his normal self but it didn't happen and it was heart breaking to see him go to the corner hall area where our Maltese's bed/crate was and lay down and whimper. He's a very sensitive dog.

jtl, Carly is just fine now but it's because she's out of the painand misery from kidney failure. She died in Feb. Howie found and rescued me in April. It was Carly's sister, 6 years ago that died. We had to adopt a dog for her (6 years ago). That dog was run over 2 1/2 years ago. Sorry for the confusion. It's so sad to see how sad and depressed our other pets become when they lose a brother/sister :(

Oh gosh Moni I'm so sorry! I really stuck my whole foot in my mouth this time.

I am very sorry. That picture of Puck is just so sad.

We lost one of our three dogs last summer and our other two were really confused for a while. Our second-oldest dog started peeing in the house for a few weeks, which was totally out of character. Fortunately she stopped, but that was her reaction.

amck2, so very, very sorry for your tremendous loss and heartbreak. Know that we are all with you and share your sorrow with you.

No jtl, you're fine, really! Please don't think another thing of it. I'm sure I didn't explain the situation very well. We will always miss her but Howie has given us reason to stop with the grief and tears and remember the happy times. Those days will come to amck2 and anyone else mourning the loss of a much loved pet. My hope and prayer is that it's sooner rather than later. If it wasn't "literally" raining cats and dogs that night (or least A dog), I don't know what life would be like right now.

I had to stop myself from losing it when you said Riley was "MY dog." I know what you mean, which makes it a thousand times harder when they pass. I won't lie, it's hard as heck to get over such a bond. However, six months later I got another dog of the same breed, almost identical personalities and she filled the big hole in my heart.

Give Puck a few days with a lot of attention, and he'll come around.

I'll be thinking of you. It does get better, I promise.

I'm so sorry you had to go through this Amck! Virtual hug!

Those are about the 2 cutest dogs, ever. That birthday picture? Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry you're hurting so much.

I'm so very sorry. It's so very hard to lose our friends.

amck2 and Puck.......I am so very sorry. Robin

I cried as I read your post, I'm so sorry. Every time I read about the loss of a beloved pet it just breaks my heart. Your picutres are gorgeous, she was gorgeous and so very lucky to be loved the way she is.

Just thinking about you and hoping Puck is doing better. Well, at least okay and better soon.

I am so sorry to read this. We had a similar experience with our one cat growing up and it blindsided everyone. She looks like a very sweet and happy dog. As horrible as it is, I'm glad you were able to be there with her in the end. Praying for peace for you all.

I am so so so sorry to hear this. I have not read all the posts but that does not matter. We send our condolences to your family. Terrible and painful.

This was heartbreaking to read. My deepest sympathies for your loss.

I am so very sorry! May you find comfort and peace in knowing you gave Riley a wonderful home and life.

Amck, so very sorry to learn about your sweet Riley. Hugs from down the road.

Oh, amck, in my mind I call you morning cook, am for morning and cook for ck.. That's my little nickname for you. I am so sorry for losing your beautiful baby and she was very very beautiful. Been there. Bury your nose in puck's fluff. Console each other with hugs. There are no words.

My heart goes out to you, its incredibly sad and of course you are shocked and saddened. May better days be ahead.

I don't want to add to your worry or grief, but it Puck has too hard a time with this, consult with your vet soorer rather than later. I don't know if dogs may behave the same way (now if the first time I've had two at the same time), but we had two cats years ago. One had a bad heart and we lost him suddenly. Our other cat laid in his favorite spot in the garden (enclosed patio) and we realized she wasn't eating or drinking nearly enough -- and then nothing. We coaxed and coaxed. We forced the hydration and did everything we could to be with her and encourage her. We did consult and work with the vet, but nothing we were able to do seemed to help. She went into organ failure and we lost her too. She died of a broken heart, and I felt so much guilt for not being able to do more for her. I didn't even thing she liked him that much -- she had been with us first and he was the interloper. If your two were so close, be watchful in case there is more you can do for him.

Looking at my nearly 11 yr old lab as I type.....

I am so very sorry! I know I will be absolutely devastated when Abbey goes. Give Puck some big hugs, you both need them.

Oh, I am so sorry!!! Even though we have never met, your post made me cry. Your sweet doggy was just so happy & beautiful. I agree with a previous post that said how at least you were with her so she wasn't alone when she passed away. Be kind to yourself & let yourself grieve. We spend more time with our pets than many far-flung relatives...the grief is very real.

I feel so sad for you...our pets are special in our hearts & this is never easy. I hope in time the special memories will give you solace....you were a good "mommy". Take care. Liz

Dear Amck,

I am so very sorry. I would often give Riley's photo (in your icon) a long look. Such a beautiful dog with captivating expression. I top recall Linelle's birthday greeting with Puck and Riley with their signs. Absolutely precious.

I lost my special little man- dog a year ago and like others here understand the enormous heartache. I send you, DH and Puck comfort. Thank you for sharing your heart and the photos of Riley and Puck.

To Lavender and others who have lost fur family, my sympathy.

I'm so sorry for your loss. That must have been a dreadful shock.

MY Riley had to be suddenly put down while I was in the hospital for emergency surgery. When DD told me that the vet recommended immediate euthanasia, I nearly gave up. Riley was the reason I was motivated to recover as I knew she was waiting at home for me.

nannygoat18, your story helps me keep perspective. As hard as our loss has been, circumstances could have been worse.

We recently returned from a trip overseas where my son's family lives to meet and help out with a newborn grandchild. Even though we have an excellent boarding facility nearby, I rarely travel because I just hate leaving my dogs. If I'd heard Riley had suddenly died while I was away it would have been - well, I can't even imagine the state I'd be in.

I ache for your loss. That must have been a terrible blow.

It was devastating. I've never really recovered from her loss and it's been ten years. It's really the lack of closure that hurts so much. At least DD was there for her last moments, but she was MY dog.

I'm glad I was able to provide some small measure of comfort to you. You were the last thing that Riley saw and that was such a gift.

I am so sorry for the sudden unexpected loss of your beloved Riley. I hope Puck will soon be able to cope with the loss, whether he just needs time to adjust, or you end up eventually bringing another little 'love' into your home.

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your sweet girl. Such a sweet loving face.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet companion. What a beauty.

What a blessing to have such a loving companion in your life. My heart goes out to you.

I am truly sorry for your loss.

amck2-I was going to message you but you don't have it activated.

I am late but wanted to offer my condolences. I lost my 9 year old golden doodle girl August 27 suddenly also and your post brings tears. They are such true companions - definitely a devastating loss. They are so much more than pets and you said it well - they see you through so many things in life. I feel the loss of a true deep friend as well as a season in my life gone (my kids were 2 and 4 when we got her so they don't remember much of life without her in it) with her passing. I couldn't believe how deafeningly silent the house was with her gone and most of that is because we realized just how much we talked to her every day. It's almost unreal that she could be gone even though we know they and we will not live forever.

The greater the love the greater the loss and I guess I'd rather suffer the loss than deny myself the great joy she brought - all joy all the time. Hard to accept but true all the same. It's hard to explain that to kids. Tough parts of life. I hope Puck is doing okay solo as well.

Thinking of you as we are on the same path right now. Day by day.

I'm so sorry. I had a beloved cat who died just like that and I was in shock for a long, long time. It still makes me cry to think about it.

autumn, I'm so sorry to learn you suffered the loss of your sweet pup. I appreciate your words of sympathy and understanding.

Just when I think I've turned a corner, I will come upon or do something that reminds me of Riley and feel that heaviness in my heart all over again. I know in time the memories of her years with us will be happy ones, but we're not there yet.

What you said about the house being quiet is true here, too. With the 2 dogs there were always excited yips when a stray cat, squirrel or turkey came through our yard. The UPS guy elicited the biggest barks, which I always tried to shush. Whenever I drove my car in the garage I heard happy barks and "tap dancing" on the other side of the door. Now, it's all gone quiet. Puck rarely makes a sound.

The biggest surprise and saddest part of this is that Puck was the bigger noisemaker. His lower toned, louder bark overshadowed Riley's. It's clear to all of us now that while he was the larger, more outgoing of the two, Riley was the leader. She set the pace and lit the spark.

My insightful 7 yr.old granddaughter observed this and mused about it recently. My DH and I are compatible opposites - I'm the reserved homebody and he is the magnetic personality who is the life of any gathering. My GDD said I'd better not go before Poppa because she knows he'd turn sad and quiet like Puck. From the mouths of babes ;)

With the cooler weather I've been taking Puck on more walks. It seems to raise both our spirits. My next-door-neighbor said she cried like a baby the first time she saw me walk by with only one dog on lead after always seeing me with the 2 of them prancing at my side for 12 yrs. I confess I cried behind my sunglasses the entire walk the first time out and was so grateful I didn't run into anyone.

Time will heal, and I send my warmest wishes to you and your family as you go through it, too. You are so right in your sentiments about having been blessed by such loving companions which is why we miss them so much.

Here's a pic from last year this time when I was decorating for Fall

and of of my little buddy, Puck, today

Wish I could give you and Puck big hugs.

Oh yes 'the walk'. We walked 365 days a year for 8 1/2 years barely missing a day even in the blizzard snow (she loved the snow). We only skipped if it was really raining hard. I can hardly bring myself to go alone, in fact I have only went twice since her passing and I hate it. It feels unnatural. She trained me through 3 half marathons running the first several miles with me in the dark so I could finish early enough to take care of business. I would drop her back off after the first 3-5 and then carry on for the rest.

I avoid most conversations about it myself but like you just when I think I am okay something happens and all of a sudden I am not and the tears flow.

Out of the mouths of babes indeed. It's amazing how spot on and insightful they can be.

Very nice decorating pics, the pups go well with anything. :) My girl would hardly look at the camera without looking like eeyore - that memory makes me smile. Silly dog.

She was a bit bigger than your Riley and Puck are. Here is one of the few I have that she actually was looking at me.

And her typical loathing the camera face but at least it's square on as well:

Warmest thoughts to you and yours as well.

Those photos are treasures - In the 2nd one you can just sense a kind and loving soul.

I apologize.

Saw this weeks ago, & couldn't BEAR to read much. This really got to me. Some "Tough Guy" I must be....

It's obvious she was a sweet soul. Now I gotta put the onions away.

Faron

Hugs. One day at a time.