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Ilsa

(64,653 posts)
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 06:13 PM 4 hrs ago

My dog died this morning.

I was becoming convinced that my brother's spirit passed on, and I was starting feel more emotionally normal. But I knew my dog's time was coming. I spent alot of time with him and helped him get around outside, and he brought himself back into the house. He quietly passed away.

I miss him already. He was a lab-mix rescue, and very protective of me. He would body block my autistic son if he was coming to hit me. He would bark to warn my other son.

I hate cranking up the grief process again.

65 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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My dog died this morning. (Original Post) Ilsa 4 hrs ago OP
I'm sorry ZDU 4 hrs ago #1
Sorry for your loss. Jim__ 4 hrs ago #2
Deepest condolences SheltieLover 4 hrs ago #3
I am so sorry. LoisB 4 hrs ago #4
I am sorry for your loss - dogs are like angels with fur. waterwatcher123 4 hrs ago #5
I'm sorry for your loss. Solly Mack 4 hrs ago #6
According to Edgar Casey.... padfun 4 hrs ago #7
Been there, done that,,,a few times. OAITW r.2.0 4 hrs ago #8
I am so sorry, llsa debm55 4 hrs ago #9
I'm sorry, sounds like you lost a good dog and friend, there's few things worse. dem4decades 3 hrs ago #10
sorry for your loss ExtraGriz 3 hrs ago #11
Ilsa, I'm so sorry. LuckyCharms 3 hrs ago #12
I am so sorry, Ilsa MIButterfly 3 hrs ago #13
I'm so sorry for your loss. ABC123Easy 3 hrs ago #14
I've lived long enough to loose several dogs. It is painful every time. TomSlick 3 hrs ago #15
Peace. cachukis 3 hrs ago #16
So sorry Lifeafter70 3 hrs ago #17
Hugs. Joinfortmill 3 hrs ago #18
This message was self-deleted by its author Escape 3 hrs ago #19
I'm so sorry. Nt spooky3 3 hrs ago #20
I'm so very sorry for your loss. StarryNite 3 hrs ago #21
Oh dear I am so sorry. Losing a beloved fur baby is so hard. I hope your memories can sustain Maraya1969 3 hrs ago #22
That's so sad. Figarosmom 3 hrs ago #23
My condolences. Charlie Chapulin 3 hrs ago #24
Oh, I'm so very sorry DarthDem 3 hrs ago #25
So sorry. FalloutShelter 3 hrs ago #26
I am so very sorry to read this. irisblue 3 hrs ago #27
so sorry Ilsa Skittles 3 hrs ago #28
Labs are the best dogs Tesha 3 hrs ago #29
Sorry for your loss orangecrush 3 hrs ago #30
I'm so sorry Ilsa, JMCKUSICK 3 hrs ago #31
I am so very sorry, llsa Grim Chieftain 3 hrs ago #32
If I knew something to say or something I could to make you hurt less I would do it. Botany 3 hrs ago #33
I'm sorry about the loss of your dog. lindalou65 3 hrs ago #34
So Sorry snowybirdie 3 hrs ago #35
I am so so sorry, Ilsa Trueblue Texan 3 hrs ago #36
So sorry about this, Ilsa. calimary 3 hrs ago #37
I'm so sorry for your loss. sinkingfeeling 3 hrs ago #38
That is so hard.. Permanut 2 hrs ago #39
I am so sorry KT2000 2 hrs ago #40
I am very sorry for your pain JoseBalow 2 hrs ago #41
I'm so sorry Oneironaut 2 hrs ago #42
I hear you Ilsa, and I feel your pain FakeNoose 2 hrs ago #43
My heart breaks for you. I lost two senior doggies in last two years. Hugs. iluvtennis 2 hrs ago #44
""" AllaN01Bear 2 hrs ago #45
My heart is with you ilsa popsdenver 2 hrs ago #46
🫂 mwmisses4289 2 hrs ago #47
So sorry your doggie passed kimbutgar 2 hrs ago #48
Bummer ProfessorGAC 2 hrs ago #49
It is hard saying goodbye to a family member LetMyPeopleVote 2 hrs ago #50
❤️ BittyJenkins 1 hr ago #51
I'm so sorry for your loss, Ilsa. I hope that your happy brer cat 1 hr ago #52
that's so sad. my heart goes out to you, Ilsa. orleans 1 hr ago #53
I'm so sorry for your loss, Ilsa Niagara 1 hr ago #54
I'm so sorry Laurelin 1 hr ago #55
I'm sorry. Our time with those miraculous creatures is much too short. 70sEraVet 1 hr ago #56
I'm so sorry! paleotn 1 hr ago #57
I'm so sorry! Diamond_Dog 1 hr ago #58
Nothing is as 'pure' some_of_us_are_sane 1 hr ago #59
Male labs are the best - TBF 1 hr ago #60
I'm so sorry for your loss. Luciferous 1 hr ago #61
He's not dead, he may come back to visit you...mine did! BigmanPigman 1 hr ago #62
Peace to you Ilsa lonely bird 1 hr ago #63
That's hard when they pass on wendyb-NC 1 hr ago #64
I'm so sorry. Dogs are the best things on the planet. FoxNewsSucks 39 min ago #65

Jim__

(15,294 posts)
2. Sorry for your loss.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 06:16 PM
4 hrs ago

My last dog was a lab-mix rescue. I had to put him down about 5 years ago. Still miss him.

OAITW r.2.0

(32,820 posts)
8. Been there, done that,,,a few times.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 06:22 PM
4 hrs ago

You love them like your kids. Kills you to have to deal with the loss.

ExtraGriz

(512 posts)
11. sorry for your loss
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 06:26 PM
3 hrs ago

You were there for him. Always remember that!

I have 3 dogs, one is a chocolate lab mix, he's 14 years old and don't have a lot of time. I spoil him!!!
.

MIButterfly

(3,285 posts)
13. I am so sorry, Ilsa
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 06:29 PM
3 hrs ago

I know how painful it is. My thoughts and sympathy are with you on the loss of your precious dog. He sounds like he was a wonderful dog.



ABC123Easy

(424 posts)
14. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 06:30 PM
3 hrs ago

I can commiserate with you. Lost my Aussie last year and my last one, a chow mix is getting close to her time now.

Sounds like your best buddy loved you very, very much. It's good you were there with him in his last moments.

Wish you the best.

TomSlick

(13,104 posts)
15. I've lived long enough to loose several dogs. It is painful every time.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 06:36 PM
3 hrs ago

I have concluded that nothing that loves as unconditionally as a dog can live as long as we would like. The grief is the cost we pay for the love.

I continue to be willing to pay the cost.

Response to Ilsa (Original post)

StarryNite

(12,178 posts)
21. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 06:46 PM
3 hrs ago

Dogs and cats are family and when they die it is terribly heartbreaking 💔 Watch for signs, he’s gone in body but not in spirit.

Maraya1969

(23,604 posts)
22. Oh dear I am so sorry. Losing a beloved fur baby is so hard. I hope your memories can sustain
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 06:51 PM
3 hrs ago

you,

Figarosmom

(13,978 posts)
23. That's so sad.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 06:51 PM
3 hrs ago

Dogs are such friends. It's not easy to come to terms with their loss. Sounds like he loved you completely. Always there to protect you. Peace.

Charlie Chapulin

(402 posts)
24. My condolences.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 06:56 PM
3 hrs ago

I lost my all time favorite dog this past February. Hard to lose our canine pals.

DarthDem

(5,469 posts)
25. Oh, I'm so very sorry
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:01 PM
3 hrs ago

It sounds like he had a wonderful life with you. I'm glad he passed in peace and may he rest the same.

FalloutShelter

(14,680 posts)
26. So sorry.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:04 PM
3 hrs ago

Remember he will always be with you.
I have a thirteen year old pittie and I cherish every day, but I feel my precious pets around me all the time.

Skittles

(173,304 posts)
28. so sorry Ilsa
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:06 PM
3 hrs ago
Grieve not
nor speak of me with tears
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you
I loved you so
’twas Heaven here with you


- Isla Paschal Richardson

JMCKUSICK

(6,712 posts)
31. I'm so sorry Ilsa,
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:12 PM
3 hrs ago

Please help your grief process by celebrating his life and all he gave to you. The tears should about equal the joys.

May it be so for you.

Grim Chieftain

(2,156 posts)
32. I am so very sorry, llsa
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:14 PM
3 hrs ago

Losing a beloved pet is absolutely heartbreaking, been there done that. I hope you can take some comfort from the wonderful memories you shared.

You are in my thoughts.

Botany

(77,998 posts)
33. If I knew something to say or something I could to make you hurt less I would do it.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:15 PM
3 hrs ago

Sadly, that is beyond my skill set. The more you loved your dog and the more the dog
loved you the more you will hurt. However your dog will live on in your heart forever.
When you are ready there are lots of dog shelters that can use volunteers to walk, talk,
and just be a buddy to a dog.

lindalou65

(396 posts)
34. I'm sorry about the loss of your dog.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:19 PM
3 hrs ago

Our pets are like our kids and when they go, some part of us dies too. I'm sure he knew he was very loved. May he rest in peace.

Trueblue Texan

(4,673 posts)
36. I am so so sorry, Ilsa
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:19 PM
3 hrs ago

I lost my baby Emo boy on May 1st and I so know that pain. It will be some time before we can talk about it and I truly think the grief is compounded by losing a family member in a timely proximity. I don't let myself cry at all if I can help it--it just seems to deepen the grief for me, but God, it is so painful. My heart goes out to you and my arms are around you virtually.

calimary

(91,084 posts)
37. So sorry about this, Ilsa.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:20 PM
3 hrs ago

Our pets are VERY special Gifts From Above.

Right now, I’m out on our deck, surrounded by our three cats. And with the kids grown and gone, THEY’RE our “babies” now. I know they’ll all gonna leave at some point. And I know I’m gonna be a mess when that happens.

Just know you’re not alone in your grief. We’re here for you, even while every one of us pet owners knows it’ll be us, too, soon enough.

(((((((((( * ))))))))))

Permanut

(8,628 posts)
39. That is so hard..
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:28 PM
2 hrs ago

I'm glad you were able to spend a lot of time with him.

All the best healing to you, Ilsa.

JoseBalow

(9,807 posts)
41. I am very sorry for your pain
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:35 PM
2 hrs ago

I recently lost my dog, and my partner, so I know how terribly painful your grief is. You're not alone.

Please be kind to yourself and care for yourself as best as you can. I hope you can enjoy the good memories when you are able, and can begin to feel a little better soon.

FakeNoose

(42,693 posts)
43. I hear you Ilsa, and I feel your pain
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:44 PM
2 hrs ago

I lost my gorgeous, loving Buddy almost exactly a year ago and I still miss him and love him to pieces.

I wish I'd been a better Mom, I wish I'd spent more time giving him rubby-tummies and scratchy-backs because he loved them so much. He used to be so patient, waiting all day for me to sit on the couch at night to watch TV, and he would jump right up in my lap. But so many nights, I didn't give him that pleasure, and now I can't do that any more.

I'm convinced that we never get over losing our favorite dogs. It's hard to think about getting another dog ... maybe some day. Maybe I will, I don't know. For me, there will never be another dog like Buddy. That's the only thing I know.

popsdenver

(2,718 posts)
46. My heart is with you ilsa
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:46 PM
2 hrs ago

Take all the time you need to grieve. I seriously grieved my last one for three whole months solid, then slowly for another six months......
Each time, I swear I am never going to get another dog and go through that again......but after awhile I give in (nine times now)

brer cat

(27,721 posts)
52. I'm so sorry for your loss, Ilsa. I hope that your happy
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 08:38 PM
1 hr ago

memories will comfort you during this terrible time.

Laurelin

(968 posts)
55. I'm so sorry
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 08:44 PM
1 hr ago

I wish there were words to help you in your grief, but I don't know any. I hope you find strength. ❤️‍🩹

paleotn

(22,908 posts)
57. I'm so sorry!
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 08:56 PM
1 hr ago

Been there. It's never easy. My wife and I have been dog parents virtually our entire lives so we've been through this a few times. We miss them all. But after a while, the pain recedes, and your left with wonderful memories of sweet, sweet puppers. We still laugh about their antics long after they've left us. They still live on in our hearts.

some_of_us_are_sane

(3,763 posts)
59. Nothing is as 'pure'
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 09:04 PM
1 hr ago
as grief over the loss of a pet. Animals "are" exactly as they are.

There's no 'inference' or ulterior motives. They love PURELY and openly.

I understand your grief, Ilsa.

TBF

(37,444 posts)
60. Male labs are the best -
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 09:06 PM
1 hr ago

I had one for 12+ years that was a big English lab and wouldn't let anyone near me on walks. Absolute best. I am so sorry for your loss!

BigmanPigman

(55,665 posts)
62. He's not dead, he may come back to visit you...mine did!
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 09:11 PM
1 hr ago

My first dog died on Dec 15th and for 10 days I heard her distinct sounds...like trying to open the closet door to sleep, opening the bedroom door to go out and she even moved around under my bed like when she was young. My friend who loved her as much as I did experienced the same thing. This friend taught me about metaphysical stuff when I was younger.

I know of several people who saw their own dog or cat walk past them in the days after the soul went home. This is fairly common but most people don't want to share for fear of being called crazy. That sucks!

The energies of animals (especially dogs) communicate with you after they have passed. Their entire lives are about giving you unconditional love and that is why the come back to visit you. They want to calm you down and make sure that you know they are not dead but are waiting for you to go home with them.

It happened after my dad died when a year later my second dog passed at 11AM. A few days later I was resting and that's when she came to visit me and I saw my dad. It was as clear as day. I saw my dad sort of floating and Spike standing on the floor next to me as usual. When I saw my dad I realized Spike was NOT standing next to me since my dad had already died. I tried to bend down and scoop her up in my arms (she was tiny...7 pounds) but then she went with my dad and they went around a corner together. It was meant to show me that my dad was taking care of Spike until I join them.

Guess what? She STILL comes back to visit me (6 years later)!!! I have learned to keep a Post It pad on my nightstand. Since she usually visits when I am in between asleep and awake I force myself to document her visits so I don't forget them in the morning. I've done research and this seems to be the time when the "soul's energy" is able to break through to the human subconscious. Animals communicate on a different vibration level than people so it's easier for them to reach us when we are in the most acceptable time which is when you are half asleep. I have heard her distinct bark outside the bedroom and on my bed next to the window where she slept, I have felt her move past me (she slept on the bed next to me), I have dreamt about us doing normal stuff, etc. But the time she most often she comes is from the floor next to my side of the bed. She whines, like she always did, to wake me up and let her go outside (I have severe insomnia so she needed to wake me up and that's how she did it). Also, since she died at 11 AM she actually visits at that time more than any other time.

Once you experience something like this yourself you know it isn't crazy BS. Many people share their experiences with me since I don't care about anyone's opinion and if they think I'm crazy. Too many people are afraid of sharing their own experiences since societies and cultures are so close minded but once you DO share so many people finally feel free to open up and tell you that they had similar experiences.

This is a loooooong post but I feel very strongly about this subject. My baby died on June 2 and I lit candles for her on Tuesday I tell her I love her every night and I believe she comes to visit, hoping to cheer me up and to let me know she IS waiting for me. I hope you are open to any experiences you may have and I hope you keep a pad of paper and a pen so you can document any visits. You will feel much better when that happens.



lonely bird

(3,070 posts)
63. Peace to you Ilsa
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 09:12 PM
1 hr ago

Have gone through that twice. It is never easy but the memories soothe the pain over time.

wendyb-NC

(4,742 posts)
64. That's hard when they pass on
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 09:21 PM
1 hr ago

Pets are family members they become essential to our lives. They have a heart, soul, spirit and mind, they understand us.
Take care, may you find peace as you grieve in your own way.

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