The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

Hello friends,

Sebastian (aka 'Saby') passed away on Sunday...my heart is broken - I feel as though it has split in half and will never repair. He was/is my only family..for almost 17 years. Any advice? I feel a bit crazy at times, up and down, up and down. I have never felt this much pain in my life. M~

I'm so sorry for your loss.
I know what you're feeling. I lost my sweet Feather after 17.5 yrs.
I loved her with all my heart.
I let myself cry, and cry , and cry. And, yes, it did help.
Be gentle with yourself, and take care.

Oh, I am so very sorry. I know the horrible pain that you are feeling right now. I know that you are missing your Saby so much and that it hurts horribly- You gave him so much love. I am so very sorry. Sending you a hug.

I am so sorry.. boy do I understand your pain. In 2008 I lost 3 of my cockers within a month. It took me 6 months before I could function again. I would say that grief is something individual. We all deal with it in different ways. One thing I think that helps is a memorial. Putting mine together has helped me.
I am a watercolorist, but, I hardly ever paint my own dogs. I did do one painting, and my hubby did another that involved two of ours that went to the bridge, those have been added here but I don't have a photo of them on the wall.. I also haven't found the urns that I want to use.. so their boxes are there for now. It has helped me to do this for my lost loves.

Oh no both Moose and I are sorry to hear. That is a long time but not long enough

Very sorry.... I pray you may somehow find the comfort you need.

hugs, Michelle - I am so sorry for your loss. Handsome Sebastian left you with many wonderful memories that will eventually bring your smiles instead of tears. Grief is individual - for me, I had to CRY - boy did I cry! I was one of those people who wasn't ready to give my heart away too soon after. Kodak was my heart dog for 14 years - it was going to take time for me. But the house was too terribly empty, I just couldn't stand that! So I started fostering for a rescue. The pitter patter of temporary feet was just what the doctor ordered to help me - having a warm body to cry into, having the joy of each adoption to help soothe the heart. Find your joy, and it will help you thru the grief. Many many hugs ...

PS - Kodak passed away in 2002. It wasn't until 2006 that I was ready to adopt for real again, although Baxter did adopt me in 2005. And yes, I still cry when I talk about losing my baby girl all those years ago ...

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have to tell you though - I am still mourning my Coriander who I said goodbye to over 8 years ago and frankly I have yet to get even close to recovering from losing the magnificent Miss Maxine who went to the Bridge last July. All I can offer is the affirmation that you are not unusual here....each of us that has lost a pup knows exactly what "heartbroken" means. I hope you can enjoy the memories of your Sebastian some day soon and that your pain will lessen. It is never easy but we do understand.

Michelle,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I think that we mourn and remember them forever. Everyone gets through this differently. I did some craft things in memory of my girl, cried a LOT, did things in her memory. I'm holding you in my prayers, Michelle.

I'm so sorry for your loss and for the pain you're feeling. If it helps to know that you're "normal" - you are. Crying is just part of the healing process and everyone is different in how long it takes to go through it. Each time I've lost a dog, I say one of two things: "I'm never going through that again" or "I'm going to wait a good, long while before getting another dog." And both things have consistently been a lie. I can't stand not having a cocker because they make me so happy. I hope the hole in your heart heals and will allow you to get another wigglebutt when you're ready. I always think the dogs I've lost help to choose the next one - and so far they've chosen well.
Hugs to you as you go through this difficult time. I'll pray for peace and healing for you in the months ahead.

Lacey, Abby and Teddy are sending out hugs to you for your loss. You have to know that Sebastian had the best life with you. He is now running free over the Rainbow Bridge waiting to rest his head in your lap. Know that he is watching over you.

I am so sorry for your loss. Sebastian looked like a great character and best buddy. I know the feeling of your dog been your only family, my Holly is my all, my life and my heart and I am sure I will be lost without her. 17 years is a life long. Hope you find the strenght and comfort to keep going on and keep going strong. Be sure Sebastian is happy on the rain bow bridge. HE sure is happy and grateful for you love and care.

I am so sorry to hear that. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I am heartbroken for you to have lost such a dear and longstanding companion. Know that you are well loved and that we are all here for you if there is anything any of us can do to help.

I'm so sorry for your loss... I pray that you find a place of peace in your grief.

Hi friends...

I cannot thank you enough for your kind sentiments, comments and advice. I truly appreciate it and I do not feel as though I am alone. I am a single-girl-with-dog(s)..as I usually say - Sebastian was my only family for almost 17 years - he changed my life. I am still struggling with guilt e.g. should have spent more quality time with him (I work f/t, am a Master of Counseling student, etc..) and feel like I could have been there more. However, at the same time, I know Sebastian knew how much I loved him.

It is funny, b/c I thought - no more Cockers! Too many health issues...but today I happened to drive by a woman walking her black Cocker and I thought....I want one! :P So, one day..and it will be a rescue. Right now, I am being comforted by my little girl, Dolly, a miniature Dachshund who came to me last October (a rescue). I cannot help but think that Sebastian had something to do with that -he knew I could not be alone. And, here she is, comforting me! I am blessed.

Normally I would address each of you, but can't today...just trying to keep busy and my mind a bit distracted so please excuse me for my rudeness. I have read each post and I am grateful for your support M~

Michelle I am happy you have another 4 leged to poured your love into. Keep working toward your degree and making a wish list of what to do with. A grief group for pet loss is a great idea as well as any kind of help. Go figure I will definitively need it when is time for my Holly. Our first Cocker was with us for almost 14 years and I was the one who took he to be put down. Well needless to say I was hysterical. I cried for 2 weeks non stop, so there is no telling when my heart dog and eternal companion goes to the Rainbow Bridge. Keep stron and be sure Sebastian loved you and all you gave him. Dont feel guilty. I only wish for 5 more years with my Holly as she is 12.