If you've visited rainbowbridge.com, you'll know where this is going. Our 11 yr old chocolate lab crossed the bridge yesterday. If you've had to cope with this misery....how did you get thru? We're on 'hour-by-hour' mode at this point and trying to keep busy. Any pointers for us? She was always somewhere near me....

Chinhouse, first sorry for your loss, but know that your dog's spirit will be with you always.

When I had to put my last kitty to sleep (she was over 20 years old), I was devastated. What helped me, was to write a letter to her, which described how both my husband & I felt about her. It made me feel so good to do this, & while writing, all of a sudden, a letter came back to us, as if she took over my writing.

Although we now have a beautiful kitty, once again, I still keep Cindee's pictures around, & her memory alive & well.

Remember all of the love & great times you had with your pet, & time will heal the harsh pain. There are so many of us who have gone through this, & I'm sure that they will help you with this also.

Best wishes to you, & condolences are being sent.

Dear Chinhouse,


So sorry to here about your doggie passing.


I cried for three months when my Britty girl went to Rainbowbridge. One thing that helped me is making a scrapebook for her. I worked on it everynight. I will always miss my sweet girl. Also I talked with the others on Rainbowbridge and they try very hard to comfort you. They have a candle light ceremony every Monday night.

After three months of crying I took the advice of Margaret who told me to get another. We went to the shelter and adopted my Handsome Mr. Cobalt. It was one of the best things that I could have done and I know that my Britty girl is so happy that I did it. I don't think she would have wanted me to be so sad. Mr. Cobalt has brought the laughter and joy of having a beloved furbaby back into my life. He is a wonderful loving boy. And we love him so very much.

Britty will always be with me in my heart and thoughts.


Once again I am so sorry for the loss of your dog. I feel your pain and know it will take time. ((((Chinhouse))))

Hi Chinhouse,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Sadly, I know how awful it feels to lose a beloved pet too. As Linda said, time is a great healer and I hope you will find comfort knowing you are being thought of by everyone here.
God bless,

Chinhouse,

I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your Lab. Yes, time will ease the pain. Allow yourself to cry if you need to. (((Hugs)))

Pets give such unconditional love and it's soo hard to lose them. We had a African Grey Parrot for 35 years and it took me along time to look at a picture of her when she passed in 2007 and not get choked up. We have a dog right now with his hind legs getting bad (arthritis)and he is 16 years old. So soon it may be time to put him down, but for now we give him the best care we can and HE will let us know when it is time. Gee, i'm getting choked up thinking about it.

Just know that we greive with you on the loss of your pet. (((HUGS)))

((((Dear Chinhouse)))))... I too am so very sorry about your loss.... We lost our Yellow Lab- Mindy just 3 and a half months ago..Take care and time does heal..I know... I wrote a poem to her....I know she heard me read it and loved it....
love and God bless, Blondie

Chinhouse

So sorry to hear about your loss.. We also had a dog for 18 1/2 years and had to have him put down a few short years back.. It does take a long time and I keep pictures of him around and will always miss him.. They are our great loves... We understand your loneliness..

Thank you all for your kind and wise words.
This was challenging as Muddy was my grandkids pet that we were 'babysitting' until they move from Sydney, Australia back to the states. The event rocked 'our worlds' and brought new words into the vocabulary of a 3,6 and 9 year old that their parents would rather not have to explain. How do you explain cremation and scattering ashes to kids? Unfortunately, such is life. They sent 30 beautiful long stemmed, multi-colored roses to us that brought on another wave of tears. Soooo, the final memorial will be here at our summer place when they return. The parents will scatter the ashes and the kids will scatter the dried rose petals where Muddy used to run and play as we remember the good times with a special pet. Thanks again to all of you....the healing has finally begun, the pain is beginning to dull....

Well, Our sweet cocker mix was put down today. He knew it was time and so did we.

The vet was wonderful at making the process peacefully and calming for Gambler. We were treasured to have him for 16 going on 17 years. He was the BEST! He will be cremated and laid to rest next to our African Grey parrot in the backyard. They were buddies. I'm sure they will meet up at the rainbow bridge. Rest in peace Gam.

Sorry to read about Gambler, Kathy. I'm so glad that you have a positive attitude about sending him to Rainbow Bridge. I know it will be nice to meet up with our pets one day, when we arrive too.