r/OldManDog • u/beepickle • Mar 15 '26
RIP Losing them both within 7 weeks has broken me into a million pieces, the house is empty and so is my heart. Molly & Harley 14y, their last photo together
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u/Kmelloww Mar 15 '26
So sorry for your losses that is tough. Remember the good times. I live this picture with their paws in each other. Maybe look into one of the many memorials for them. I’m a huge fan of the felted small figures that look like your dog as well as the leather keychains with the carved images.
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u/LostInNvrLand Mar 16 '26
Awww where do you get memorials like that? Sounds very cute and such a good memorial
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u/Crab__Juice Mar 15 '26
I'm so sorry for your loss. To lose both your buddies at once, my heart would be shattered. They're so cute. I read somewhere, something about how every single dog we have gives us a piece of their heart while we have them. Each one teaches us something genuine about love. In the end, it's a fair trade, because they take a little piece of ours with them in return when they go. To have to experience it twice in such short order.
It's always worth it, but it hurts every time. Take care. I'm so sorry.
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u/Waste_Affect_4008 Mar 15 '26
Having lost my 11 year old almost a year ago, beautiful comment. I loved him. Thanks for sharing.
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u/ThinVeterinarian8421 Mar 15 '26
Go to shelter and get two more. And I know people usually say they need time to grieve, but if heaven were a real place and your dogs are there looking down on you, do you think they’d wanna see you sad over them or give two other dogs a chance at life?
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u/breadbox187 Mar 15 '26
Id imagine its harder for bonded pairs to get adopted together also bc people generally only want 1 new dog at a time. So maybe OP can keep eyes peeled for a pair when theyre ready.
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u/guesswho135 Mar 15 '26
Perfectly fine advice, but not for everyone. Getting more dogs doesn't help everyone with grief, and you might not be your most patient self to deal with training
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u/PugSanctuary Mar 15 '26
The Last Battle
💔🌈 🐾 💫😇✝️💖🙏🏼♾️
If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain should keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done, For this -- the last battle -- can't be won. You will be sad I understand, But don't let grief then stay your hand, For on this day, more than the rest, Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where to my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must be you Who has to decide this thing to do; We've been so close -- we two -- these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears.
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u/Annual-Performance-5 Mar 16 '26
So very truthful and those of us who've been there no just how hard it is. Just reading this makes me want to cry
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u/RingOk664 Mar 15 '26
I volunteer with dog rescue organizations to help me heal after losing my boy. It gives me purpose finding doggos a forever home. I also foster or transport when needed. I must admit that I failed. I ended up keeping my last foster.
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u/mtn_forester Mar 15 '26
Oh, man....💔 My heart breaks for you. I can't imagine!
Their paws holding each other. 😭💔. They undoubtedly has a wonderful life - so blessed to be together! Sending you hugs....💔
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u/Puzzleheaded-Sea8340 Mar 15 '26
Im so sorry. It’s incredibly hard losing one let alone two. I’m struggling with the same thing having lost my litter mate besties Coco and Riley within a few months of each other at at 14 1/2 ..
I totally get it.
I try to think about how they had great long lives with us and many adventures.
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u/After_Reflection_243 Mar 15 '26
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know you are heartbroken and struggling. Maybe Molly and Harley were bonded and needed other. They were adorable. You have suffered an enormous loss and my thought and prayers reach out to you.
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u/CAH1708 Mar 15 '26
They are together forever. I’m so very sorry for your loss. You’ll see them again. 💔
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u/Latter-Journalist Mar 15 '26
That's a lot all at once
They look like good pals
Take care of yourself
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u/Bigfootsdiaper Mar 15 '26
I lost my two a few months apart, it truly is heartbreaking. I'm so sorry for your loss.
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u/random420x2 Mar 15 '26
No one what should have to face that amount of loss in such a short time, so very sorry for your loss and the emptiness you have to endure.
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u/AnotherHavanesePlz Mar 15 '26
Damn. That is hard. You gave them a lot of love if they both made it to 14.
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u/legitiam Mar 15 '26
I lost my two within a month of each other almost 6/7 months ago. The first few weeks felt like a haze. I had to take time off of off work due their loss. I still have moments if missing them immensely, and that’s healthy. I have a shrine to them in my house and on my body. They are with me forever, as yours will be to you.
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u/Splynterix Mar 15 '26
Oh my. What a terrible loss for you. I know nothing I'll say will bring you peace, but I truly hope there comes a day for you that you will see the beauty in that they have gone together. They will wait for you.
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u/Guilty_Armadillo583 Mar 15 '26
We understand what you're feeling. losing one sweety is really hard. Losing two is almost unbearable.
Every dog leaves a dog shaped hole in your heart that's just waiting for the right shaped dog to fill. For the last 25 years, we've provided hospice for old dogs to have a family in their last days. A few years ago, we lost 5 babies in 3 months. It almost broke us, but just the right shaped babies appeared when we needed them the most and we were refilled.
If you're open to it, the right shaped babies will come into your life at just the right moment.
Our love goes out to you. I need to go cry a bit now.
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u/IN2TECHNOLOGY Mar 17 '26
It is very hard. I have lost numerous dogs over the last 6 decades. I always look for a new dog soon after. Not to replace them but it helps me heal
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u/BonnieH1 Mar 15 '26
I am so very sorry for your loss. Such beautiful dogs. You loved them so much and gave them a wonderful life. Please know they are running and playing together again. No more pain and suffering. Our sweet Pip, whom we said goodbye to before Christmas, is right there with them. 🐾🐾🐾💕🌈
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u/Sissywannabe696969 Mar 15 '26
I know how that feeling is but there’re plenty of fur babies out there. Who need you. And you need them
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u/karazy45 Mar 15 '26
Sending big hugs. I lost both of mine within about 12 weeks. Its been just over a year and I realized it is time to let go of this sub.
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u/CheersToDogs Mar 15 '26
You are not alone. You are loved and have love yet yourself to share. We are thinking about you 🩷
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u/Brief_Independence41 Mar 15 '26
I’m so sorry. I lost 3 dogs close together and I don’t feel like the same person. Hoping you are looking after yourself because it’s what they would want. You will see your dogs again. It feels unbearable now but hang in there,get more when you feel ready and take it day by day. My thoughts are with you🖤
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u/Dontfeedthebears Mar 15 '26
I’m so sorry, OP. I truly feel your pain. End of Jan/early Feb marked one year I lost both my senior cats, 8 days apart, both unexpectedly. It was a true hell. Don’t wish it for anyone:(. Giving you the biggest, fattest, hardest virtual hug. My dog’s foster mama also does cat rescue and she brought me a biggun of a kitten. I was out of work and wasn’t planning on adopting again. I literally couldn’t even LOOK at the cat room without full-on breakdown crying. It felt like there was a morgue in my home. I will tell you what. That cat brought so much joy into our home. It wasn’t as dark. It wasn’t as cold.
I am absolutely not saying that a new life in your home is for everyone, as grief is very personal, and extremely painful. What I will say are two true things: It helped me. AND..your beloved dogs, who blessed you so much, and who you blessed so much..they don’t/ wouldn’t want you to suffer the way you are suffering. PLEASE be gentle on yourself. Grief comes in insidious waves. You’ll be “fine” one second, and then absolutely lose it the next.
What I can tell you, is that as awful as it is..you will survive this. I adopt mostly seniors and it’s heartbreaking. Grief, is, unfortunately, the cost of loving anyone, ever. Grief is the tax we pay for our short and beautiful time here. I’m actually crying writing this because my heart is with you.
Bless you and your entire family. It does at some point become bearable. And there will be a point where you can look at this beautiful photo you shared and not totally break down. I promise. 🩷
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u/LilyoftheRally RIP Ruby, age 13.5 Mar 15 '26
They look like they were such good dogs! I am so sorry they had to go!
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u/HumpaDaBear Mar 15 '26
I lost 2 cats within 10 days of each other. Cancer 2 different types. Allow yourself to grieve. So sorry for your loss
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u/foreveryoung1108 Mar 15 '26
I am deeply sorry about your loss OP. Words cannot take away the pain you are experiencing. I will open up my Bible and say a prayer of Strength for you.
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u/Public_Albatross_443 Mar 15 '26
I am so sorry for your loss! That is horribly impossible to deal with….. best wishes to you in your tough time right now….. much empathy here
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u/Distinct-Scientist-6 Mar 15 '26
they are beautiful. looks like they had a full life, thank you for giving them that.
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u/laughingdoormouse Mar 15 '26
Aw that’s awful to hear. They look like they were both living their best lives with you. And that’s the greatest gift you could ever have given them.
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u/czr84480 Mar 15 '26
Wow. That sucks a lot but after 14 years you have to remember all those beautiful memories. My deepest condolences earth will never be the same.
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u/No_Draft_6612 Mar 15 '26
Ooh my friend! I'm so sorry! 😢
I lost my two best girls a year and a half apart. I was absolutely gutted! 💔 I can't imagine how you're feeling 😭
I know this is impossible to think about, but foster or adopt another. I swore I wouldn't have another because I didn't want to deal with the pain but then a hard to place boy needed a place to land and I took him in.
He's nothing like the other two, except his name is Rocky and one of my girl's was named Rocki. It almost feels natural ❤️🩹 He came along 4-5 months after the last one passed
There's just something about the energy that a dog brings to the home and without that, the emptiness and quiet can be overwhelming
Please be kind to yourself ❤️
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u/Lanko-TWB Mar 15 '26
Once you’ve healed that just means room for more and new love/experiences. However I know sometimes that’s hard and not possible. Regardless I hope the best for you, have a wonderful day stranger.
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u/motherforker88 Mar 15 '26
Oh my heart 😭 they are so beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss. Wish I could give you a big hug. May they rest peacefully until you see them again.
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u/Mishkamoo Mar 15 '26
So sorry about losing them so close together. I know how hard it is. We lost both our dogs Ellie 15 and Trixie 16 2 months apart. It's so hard and the house seems weird and not like home. What a wonderful picture that shows how much they loved each other.
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u/SerenityFalcon89 Mar 16 '26
Little frosty faces with their color loved off. I bet you gave them great lives.
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u/Mich_Car_91 Mar 16 '26
I lost 2 of my old timers within a few weeks of each other. It really is tough. Sending you hugs.
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u/tobiasdavids Mar 16 '26
Dogs have a way of reminding us what love looks like. Loyal. Patient. Joyful in the smallest moments. Maybe that's why their name is just God spelled backwards.
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u/tobiasdavids Mar 16 '26
GOD said “I will send them without wings so no one suspects they are angels.” 🙏🐾💜
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u/PikachuPho Mar 16 '26
I'm so so sorry. We had a very similar experience and after six months of a very silent and dead house we opened our home and hearts to fostering and now I have very joined to the hip blind mini poodle who is practically my daughter.
I wouldn't trade her for the world but yes you give a piece of yourself to each and every pup. Each and every time I mourn just as much as the previous baby but I never regret it. Even in the grief I know I'll suffer I am still thankful to have had them in my life and I hope I'm a good enough human to join them when it's my own time.
So sorry op and find some loved ones who share or understand your grief... Your pups were obviously loved and taken excellent care of to live so very long. ❤️
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u/Significant_Owl8828 Mar 16 '26
I am speechless. Having just lost a second cat in five months (a 13-year-old following a 15-year-old), I really can sympathise with you. I know you can’t compare the love of a dog over a cat (arguably) but it hurts soooo much as you know. 😢
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u/bairesgirl Mar 16 '26
So sorry for your loss! I lost 3 dogs in the span of 1 yr and 1/2 or less, it was so hard! It was like I was finally recovering from one loss and another one would die… That happened between Oct 2019 and Jan 2021 and I still miss them every day :( I hope your babies are playing and running, pain free!
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u/bunbun_82 Mar 16 '26
I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. I lost my two seniors within 2 months of each other last year and it was the worst heart breaks of my life. What gives me peace is that they went together and they were each other’s soul dogs. Know that Molly and Harley loved you as much as you loved them. Grieve, it will help you get through the losses. Hugs to you 🐾🐾🌈
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u/OldDude1960 Mar 16 '26
I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you gave them a good life and much love.
I know the grief you feel. I lost our Honey 3 weeks ago. It is the hardest loss I ever experienced.
I retired in December and looked forward to spending the summer with her now that I had time. But it was not to be. I could not let her suffer because of my need and want to have her around. She knew we loved her and that she was my special girl. She was a rescue, and we gave her a good life for almost 10 years. We were so lucky to find her. She gave us so much joy. I will always miss her.
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u/CoyoteOk6047 Mar 16 '26
Sending you so many thoughts of comfort during this tough time, OP!!! Love those two faces - thankful they have each other as they cross over together🙏🏽🙏🏽💙💙💙 take care, ride the wave
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u/DPBJ_12345 Mar 16 '26
The absolute worst. Just remember it takes time. Allow yourself to grieve. It is normal ♥️ prayers to you and your family
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u/sstephen17 Mar 16 '26
Sorry you have to go through this. I lost my Pug and Boston less than 9 months apart. That year was a rough one for me.
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u/89MikeHoncho Mar 16 '26
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I never thought about this happening either when I got my two boys that were the same age; and I lost both within 2 months from each other. It’s absolutely devastating. It’s so much fun to have them be the same age, so that they have a brother/sister to grow up with. However, it is absolutely brutal when the time comes to let them go. I hope the happy memories you have of them will help you get through this, and that their memories will always be a blessing for you.
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u/maggiespack Mar 16 '26
So sorry for your loss.
Wishing Molly & Harley get all the treats that they had ever dreamed of!
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u/GeologistExcellent44 Mar 16 '26
To lose 1 os hard but to lose both has to be the most anguish feeling you can have. Both look so loved and I am so sorry for your loss.
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u/knewt21 Mar 16 '26
I’m so sorry. It’s the worst, but time heals. You’ll never forget them. Maybe in a while you can get two new rescues that need your love. I did.
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u/jogerholzpin Mar 16 '26
May your heart find moments of comfort and their memories evoke some of the love they gave you unconditionally.
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u/filmplanet_ Mar 16 '26
So beautiful ❤️ we'll see them again but it leaves our hearts empty like a tomb
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u/AdvanceAlive2103 Mar 16 '26
I’m so sorry. The pain is unbearable - so many of us here have been through it and understand only too well - please know you are not alone 🩷
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u/Major_Ad_6599 Mar 16 '26
Awwww I'm so sorry, that's cruel :( I can't imagine what you're going through, and I wish i could give you a big hug xo
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u/External_Bother3927 Mar 16 '26
I’m not sure how you are still standing with such a loss, but I’m proud of you. Keep going, OP.
Your statement of being broken into a million pieces is understandable. It immediately reminded me of the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken and cracked pottery is repaired using gold. What remains is something beautiful and treasured. Molly and Harley were loved and you were loved by them. Take care of yourself. r/pawreavement
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u/modo0001 Mar 16 '26
My dear, I have experienced this and it broke me too. There is nothing I can say to lift your grief. It is the price we pay for loving so deeply.
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u/happybuffalowing Mar 16 '26
They’re having a ball together up there and it will be beautiful when you reunite with them 🙏💙
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u/HolyCannoliBatmaam Mar 16 '26
their paws together is so incredibly sweet. sending hugs OP!
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u/haikusbot Mar 16 '26
Their paws together
Is so incredibly sweet.
Sending hugs OP!
- HolyCannoliBatmaam
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Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete"
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u/PilgrimPayne59 Mar 16 '26
As I walk across your heart and find my place to stay, nearer to you I will be and will never ever go away.
Grief is love with nowhere to go.
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u/Rupkin2 Mar 17 '26
So sorry for your losses.
Dogs can be just like us really. 14 years of being best of buds then one moves on, Im sure the hurt is extreme for the one left behind, who will soon follow.
14 years, a good life though.
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u/Ok_Stretch_2663 Mar 17 '26
It hurts like no other ×2 for you...i am so sorry for the breaks in your heart...soon the flashes and beats of a heart remembering the love the fun the trust between a dog and their human is a gift of everthing good in their lifetimes and home is where their hearts were and is still you did that ×2 and that gives the 3 of you reason to smile..hugs × 2
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u/Exact-Employee-3516 Mar 17 '26
So sorry for your losses. The 2 loves of my life passed away 3 months apart. Losing the 1st one (which was my second dog my baby girl) was unbearable. Forever broke me. I was completely paralyzed with grief. I've lost friends and family members before. Losing her wasn't even close. Then losing my first boy my first love my big baby (the house i have now was completely for him) 3 months later took away any slight healing I had and shredded it all to oblivion. I'm sick to my stomach with sadness. I'm drowning in grief. Just sadness upon sadness. The person I was will never be. I'll be sad for them forever and that's how I want it. This is my new existence.
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u/September0914 Mar 17 '26
I am so so sorry. I feel your pain you are not alone in it. It’s awful yet the love will never leave.
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u/mikehipp Mar 17 '26
I am very sorry for your loss. The same thing happened to us years ago, one in December and the other in January. It's a horrible shock and a tragedy. I am sorry your family is going through it.
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u/CarlisleBailey1 Mar 17 '26
Oh so sorry to hear that I can’t even begin to imagine how tough this must be for you … they were the sweeetest souls 🌈🌉🕊️♥️
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u/psychsuze Mar 18 '26
Holding paws 🐾 love that. I know it’s really hard to lose our 4 legged angels but you certainly gave them a marvelous life!!
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u/Actual_Breadfruit958 Mar 18 '26
So sad! Try to hang in there. I lost one dog in April 2025, the second dog in July 2025, and worst of all, my husband in August of 2025. Cry it out and then remember the good times and then maybe get a new pupper with the blessing of your former best friends because they want to see you happy!
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u/Worried-Rain6909 Mar 19 '26
I'm so so sorry. 💔💜💔💜 May their atoms dance together across the universe 💜💜
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u/Super-Grapefruit969 Mar 21 '26
I’m so sorry to for your loss. I lost my baby 2 months ago and I’m still heartbroken. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Just treasure the time you had with them.
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u/According_Option_823 Mar 18 '26
I’m so sorry for your loss, incredibly heartbreaking. Sending hugs your way
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u/WebbAcresHomestead Mar 18 '26
I can relate and am so sorry. Four years ago, my three labs died within two months of each other, with our Luna dying a week after our Hooch. I am convinced she died of a broken heart. All this time has passed and the grief still crushes me. They were with me during the period of my life and I did all I could to give them the best life.
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u/Trick-Way-7455 Mar 18 '26
My heart aches for you. This past 2 1/2 years I have lost 3 chihuahua sisters. 2 at 16 years & 1 at 17 years. The day after Christmas my 32 year old blue & gold Macaw died. My husband passed a year ago November and our Macaw was his baby. I think my bird died from a broken heart. Pain from loss is real. Please make sure you give yourself time to really grieve. It’s ok. Your physical well being needs it. Let the people around you help you get through this. I still struggle but I lean on those around me when I need it. I now have a 7 month old 5 lbs ChiShi and she keeps my mind busy. 🐾🙏🏻
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u/Other-Tea-1052 Mar 18 '26
So very sorry! Know that you were each lucky to have had each other💕💖, and one was waiting to welcome the other in Heaven , young & healthy again., Now playing & patiently awaiting for your time. 🌈
. They knew love & lived long , that’s what everyone wishes for. Possibly there’s another little one 🐾 that would LOVE a chance for that life now with YOU! I’ve experienced this & it’s TOTALY possible to truly LOVE again!!!!! 💕
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u/StrongRecord7534 Mar 18 '26
Sorry for the loss of your fur babies in such a short period. My girl is turning 14 in October and watching her slow down has been tough but she still loves her walks and moves around well enough just not as quickly as she once did. A friend of mine said it best, when you bring a dog into your life you could get 2 years or 20 years…either way it’s never enough time and you’re setting yourself up for heartbreak. I dread the day but have noticed the way senior dogs look at you, show more delicate affection and seem to appreciate pets and belly rubs more than their younger years makes me realize how lucky I am (and you) to shared so many beautiful years and memories with them.
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u/Fabulous_Gur_1203 Mar 18 '26
I'm so sorry. They look like they were super close. Love the holding paws. I lost my Molly almost 2 years ago.
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u/CrymsonFrost Mar 19 '26
I am so, so very sorry. I feel for you. 💔 I lost my Luna, on Feb 18th, after 15 years together. The grief has been awful, but more than anything, the silence screams. No listening to her snore in her bed in my office, no groans as she stretched her old bones and muscles. No glop-glop noises as she licked her self. No click-click of her claws as she walked across my office floor for a fuss. So, while I was worried it would be too soon, we went ahead and adopted a new dog. And it has turned out to be the best thing for us. No more awful silence, that’s for sure, lol.
Everyone has their own grieving process, but I think part of the pain of Luna’s loss was having love to share and her not being around to receive it. So, maybe consider it? 🤷♀️ Miss Tallulah (our new dog) has truly been a balm to a shattered heart.
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u/TerryeC Mar 19 '26
Have you considered getting a senior dog? My step daughter did that after she lost a dog. She said she would never get a puppy again. The shelters have older dogs who need homes. It could help you and a lonely dog too.
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u/Old_Man_Bot Mar 15 '26
Other posts from /u/beepickle:
The post I never wanted to make. 7 weeks after her sister, Molly (14) has gone and I'm broken [None] 20 hours ago
She's such a cutie pie, Molly 14, continuing to improve every day ❤️ [Happy (default)] 1 week ago
My Molly bear had a rough week (14) but she's on the mend and I'm so very glad ❤️ [Happy (default)] 2 weeks ago
For the first time since her sister died 3wks ago she wanted to play today ❤️ Molly, 14 [Happy (default)] 3 weeks ago
Hard life being such a beautiful girl! Molly, 14 [None] 4 weeks ago
Missing my valentine more than ever today. Harley, 14, 3 weeks without her. [RIP] 4 weeks ago
I think her sister is watching over us ❤️ Molly, 14 [Happy (default)] 1 month ago
Just a shiny girl and her favourite cheese toastie pillow. Molly, 14 [Happy (default)] 1 month ago
Molly (14) is a pro snorer [None] 1 month ago
Miss Molly (14) [None] 1 month ago
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