Missing my best friend, Puppi

[Pupster]

I just wanted to share my story about my recent loss with everyone. It helps to read about everybody’s experiences and it’s comforting to know that I am not alone in my sorrows.

I lost my beloved pet, a bichon shih-tzu, a couple of days before Christmas. Puppi was my best friend of 11 years and it has been extremely difficult to deal with her passing. She was my first dog, my first baby. She had been sick for 1 year with a heart condition and was on several medications for the past 6 months. She had her good days and bad days and her condition seemed to be slowly taking a toll on her body as she could no longer play and go for walks as much as she used to. It was sad because she still had the mindset of a puppy and it seemed like she didn’t understand why she would get dizzy and weak while we were doing our regular activities together. I tried to do everything I could to help her. I worked from home so that I could be around for her and when she didn’t have enough energy to walk, I would still take her out but carry her. We would visit the vet almost weekly.

Puppi had been having a good couple of days, so we had no indication that anything was wrong. My husband, Puppi and I were traveling to spend Christmas with our family when she unexpectedly died in my arms while we were driving. We think she must have had a heart attack. A couple of minutes before it happened, she was being extra affectionate with me. She laid her head on my shoulder and licked my face, which she never usually did. I almost think that she was somehow trying to comfort me and say goodbye. As difficult as it was, I am thankful that I was with her during her last moment. I’m thankful that it seemed to happen quickly rather than her suffering at a vet. I really hope she didn’t suffer. In a sense, I almost feel like she planned our last moment together. She had a chance to say goodbye to me and it happened when I was on my way home, where I could be supported by many family and friends during this difficult time. It’s like she tried to make it the least difficult as possible for me.
As much as I miss her and would trade anything to have her back, I feel comforted that she can now be at peace. She fought through many illnesses and injuries to be by my side. I was lucky to have her in my life for 11 years. Nothing brought more joy to my life than to care for her. Her passing has left a big hole in my life and home definitely doesn’t feel the same without her. I truly feel though that one day we will be reunited at the rainbow bridge. It has been 1 month since she passed away and it still seems unreal that she’s gone. I am trying hard though to remain positive as I have to remember that she would not want me to be sad, as she tried hard to make sure that I would be ok when she passed on. I try to focus on all our amazing memories together.

I struggle with the idea about getting another dog. I feel really guilty because in no way am I trying to replace Puppi… she was irreplaceable. At the same time though, I remind myself that Puppi would want me to be happy. It feels like it would be a shame not to share our home with another pet.

my baby girl.

[badger]

What a sweet face. I'm so sorry you lost her. Did the vet think it was her heart?
When it's the right time, there's another doggie out there waiting for you. Puppi would expect nothing less!
RIP Puppi

[hazelrunpack]

Oh, Puppi is a little doll, Pupster. What a sweet little face! You must miss her very much but it sounds like you're coping well.

How lucky of you to get your goodbye moment with your girl in your arms She left this world surrounded by your love and feeling your touch.

Don't feel guilty about getting a new dog. You're right--Puppi wouldn't begrudge you happiness. And if you can open your loving home to another dog, then both your lives will be enriched. Getting a new companion won't make you ever forget Puppi. You have a bond with Puppi that nothing will ever break.

So when your heart is ready to find a new companion, no guilt--just happiness.

Puppi

[BenMax]

Puppi is a doll. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Run free little Puppi. Bless your heart.

[t.pettet]

My condolences on your loss of Puppi.

[Terrycito]

I am very sorry to hear about Puppi, she was adorable. I also lost my best friend Terry on Dec 23rd, it has been very hard I miss him everyday, this is why I completely understand you. Don't feel bad about getting another dog, you will never replace Puppi, I will never replace Terry, but our hearts should be big enough to share the love with other little dogs who need it. I am also thinking about adopting another dog, Terry will NEVER be replaced and I will ALWAYS love him, he was everything to me. Hang in there and remember that there are so many dogs that need to be loved

Sad Vicky
Terry
Molly