I am so sorry for you Gareth. During his all too short life, you had Charlieās love and he had yours. That is worth a world entire.
Think of him often.
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@Gareth my heart goes out to you.
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Know the feeling only too well and there are no words that cover it. We lost our beloved whippet back in September and even though she was 17+ and had a long and full life. What was the point going for a walk without a dog by your side? We have had to learn to live differently and 5 months later I am still adjusting to returning to an empty house but now in our 70s I donāt think we will have another dog and we have to get our canine fix looking after other peopleās dogs from time to time.
I am guessing you are much younger and, impossible and disloyal though it may seem now, a puppy is one of the best tonics at a time like this, when you are ready.
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We thought the same when we said goodbye to Bertie in the spring of 2025. That idea lasted for a month. OH was in bed with flu. I was in the lounge, alone, watching late night TV and there was a space on the sofa where a dog should have been.
OH wanted (and only wanted) another Airedale. I thought it was madness (Iām 78 and they are big, strong dogs) but then relented. And 9 month old Rona came into our lives. Best thing we ever did. She keeps us young. We have to get out and walk her (3 times a day) whatever the weather. She makes us laugh and fills our home with love. And sets up conversations with other people "Quelle est la race de votre chien ?"
When Iāve been travelling back to the UK I know OH is safe, has company and someone to talk to and is in a routine that revolves around her, so he cannot sit all day in front of the computer.
To have a dog in our lives (whatever our age) is very precious.
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It is a tough thing to do, but the kindest.
Give yourselves time to grieve and then look for another companion, perhaps one who is in need of a loving home.
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I know exactly what you mean, but the past couple of years have been seriously limiting for us, with the past 6 months at least meaning that we could barely leave the house alone, and certainly not to travel overseas together (and even the previous 12 months entailed 3:00am clean-ups in hotel corridors and etc). Even if we opt for a rescue dog I am not sure we will be able to cope with that again as we age, and with grandchildren in the UK not travelling is much harder, much as we love staying home.
We really do miss her, though.
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So sorry to hear your news Gareth. Its very hard to say goodbye to such a good friend. We had to do the same for our old labrit, a long time ago now. But I have lots of photos that remind us of the old guy and the scrapes we got into. You gave Charlie a good life and vice versa. It leaves a hole though. Thinking of you.
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I know how you feel i have lost a son and many pets in my long life. The heartache is still the same. The loss of a family member, no matter what species, human or animal, is devastating. You should go and get another dog to offset the grief. I wish I could go out and get another son though. I wish you all the very best.
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For Charlie!
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āDogs never die.
They just fall asleep in your heart.ā
ā Anon
So sorry for your loss.
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As lifetime dog owners we feel your pain. If it doesnāt feel like someone has just torn your heart out, then you shouldnāt have had a dog.
Sadly it is our last obligation in return for their lifetime of unconditional love.
My wife and I have always had rescue dogs and unfortunately there always seems to be plenty available.
In our experience we find that the latest rescue helps the heartache but never displaces their lifetime of memories left by their predecessor.
How ridiculous . . . 74 year old guy sat here on a saturday lunchtime one fingered typing on a pad with tears running down my cheeksā
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I am sorry to hear your news Gareth. I think Sue is correct, when the time feels right for you both. He brought you together, time to do the same for another looking for his forever family. Lots of love from Bob and me. XXX
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Have been meaning to sign up for ages but this story prompted me. We have loved and lost three dogs previously so know the heartache. Six years ago another visit to SPA found our current pal. Now in our 70ās I worry constantly that she will outlive us and wish I could somehow safeguard her future in a home where she would be loved and spoiled as much as now.
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Welcome, @Daisy1
I agree. Like babies, they bring their own love, quirks, bad habits, fun with them . Charlieās place will not be usurped.
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If you have already reached your 70s, you have a good chance of living into your 80s, especially if you are keeping fit walking the dog.
Fingers crossed!
Talk to your notaire. You canāt leave money to a dog, but you can leave money to someone to care for them. If no relative, then talk to SPA. We have clauses in our wills for ādogā.
Yes we have spoken to our Notaire. Our furry friend came from SPA 6 years ago, she is now 7. She was in quite a state, matted fur and very frightened of men in particular. I know rescue organisations do their best Iād just like to ensure that, if necessary, she had a special person to take care of her. I hope, of course that her whole life will be with us.
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