One attachment to pet

[Poppy]

Hey there.

so tonight I spent about an hour crying over the fact that my dog is ageing ; I have always loved animals especially dogs and my dog Lola and I have always been really close. Im not sure why but her death / her getting sick / ageing has always been a huge huge fear for me. Im seeing a psychologist partly because of this later this year ( a waiting list ) and due to general anxiety. But losing my dog who is seven and showing signs of ageing really scares me. I was wondering if anyone else has this with anxiety ? I am an only child and my parents are divorced so the two of us have always been together a lot. both my dad and boyfriend find it hard to understand and I think I frustrate them with how often it worries me. 

Excuse the essay 🙂 

thanks for reading ! 

[Narniakid]

Hey Poppy, thank you for sharing and reaching out to us.

Death in the family is always hard, but unfortunately it is inevitable. As a fellow animal lover myself, and living on a farm with many pets, I know exactly where you are coming from. Loosing a much loved pet is really tough, but you must remember that it is part of the experience of having a pet; their life expectancy isn't as long as humans.

The change that comes along with loosing a pet can be hard, and the house may feel a little empty for a little while. Perhaps consider getting another pet afterwards, if you still want to have a dog around? 

You will cope with the grief in due time and remember that it is okay to cry. 

Crystal

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Poppy,

Thanks for reaching out to us.

I'm so sorry to hear of your dog Lola.  As a fellow animal lover myself I get it; we can get so attached to animals that they feel like family.  I too am an only child and I feel like a lot of the dogs have been my biggest companions over the years.

I think the biggest tip that I can give for you is telling you that it's going to be okay, and that it's okay to grieve.  A lot of people don't have special relationships with their dogs - for them they are just animals, but I know mine felt like children!  It can also help to take lots of photos of Lola so that you'll have some pretty treasured memories to remember her.  Knowing that she is safe and not in pain is the best outcome.

Take care,