My dog Ben had to be put down yesterday afternoon as he was very unwell the past week, hadn't eaten for 6 days and cried uncontrollably last night so the best decision was to take him to the vets and put him out of his misery. He was 16 and after first getting him when I was 4, I've really grown up with him and seen him as a family member.

I know it happens everyday but I just feel so alone right now. It's only really hit me now as I can usually hear him tottering around downstairs and would always bark when the doorbell rang.

I have another dog Mya who's 11 and whilst she is a very loving staffordshire bull terrior, Ben was a collie and they got on so well. I don't think she understands yet but when I'm back at college and everyone at work she'll then be on her own and might become lonely.

Apologies for the long message, just hit me now and would like to know how anyone else has coped with losing a dog? I have lost cats before but when I was very young but with Ben he was like a lifelong friend and saw me through being a toddler to an adult.

So sorry for you.We had two labs pass away last year.Ben was eleven and died in april,Holly was eleven and she died in November.We have always had dogs.Its so empty without them.

Sorry to hear OP, I know losing pets can be as hard as losing relatives. Just think that at least your dog is not suffering any more pain or discomfort and instead of seeing your dog getting worse day by day you can now remember all the good times when he was healthy.

I'm so sorry they do leave a huge hole in your heart when they go, but you did the last loving thing you could and that's all that matter to them at the end.

Sixteen was a grand age for your dog.
I am so sorry you are feeling like this, your sadness will ease in time just like it does with the loss of any loved one.

My dog went at 16 as well, I still miss him.
All the best to you.

Take comfort in the fact you gave your Dog a good a life as he could ask for.

Heartbreaking time so you have my sympathy. You have another dog to keep you going but the coming days and weeks will be hard.
Don't forget your other dog will miss their pal so much more, plenty of love and attention for them is a must.
Maybe long walks if you are able.
The only advice I can give you after being in your situation is not to focus on your last days and weeks with it but focus on the good, funny, happy times you shared.
I have another little fella now but I still think of the ones I've lost all the time but we laugh about how each dog is different with their funny little ways. The pain of losing them has almost gone but I will always think of them and smile.
Best wishes

I have lost a dear dog before and I'm not sure I did cope. I drunk a lot of whisky at the time to numb the pain and it didn't help. I think it is best just to let the grief out. But in my case it is still as raw as it was 20 years ago. The difference is I put the whole episode in a compartment in my head and unless I open the door (or read a post like this), I don't think about it.
Just now I am struggling to come to terms with the probable loss of my current partner of 14 years who has liver problems so my heart goes out to you.
Maybe plant something in their memory? I did that when my father died.

sorry for your loss

Thank you so much for your kind messages!

It's kind of a life lesson I've learnt from Ben passing away. I've definitely found out who my close friends are and aren't. One 'friend' said the narrow minded reply "It's only a dog!" but he isn't just a dog, he's a family member and I loved him just as much as the family.

It only really hit me last night. When I went downstairs this morning, I expected him to be in the middle room with my other dog asleep. Just the little things that stick out to me really. Feeding Mya (my other dog) before and seeing his bowl nearly made me choke up!

I certainly hope 2014 will get better now. Four days in and my laptop charger died on me, I've got tonsillitis and poor Ben passing. Onwards and upwards as they say I suppose!

I'm so sorry to hear that, My dog passed away almost 5 years ago but it will always stick with me (I was called home from work to deal with it because my family didn't want to accept what was happening and I had to be there when the vets came to help her). My partner lost their family dog 18 months ago and was utterly heartbroken. Their grandmother died 6 months later but they shed more tears over the dog.

Animals are such a large part of many peoples lives, where the hurt will never be understood by many, but it is true that these pets will never be forgotten. Just think about all the good times. It WILL get easier. Maybe not for a long time, but it will Xx

I am very sorry to hear your sad news. I had to have my 15 year old dog put to sleep last Sunday so I understand the pain you are going through now.

You ended Ben's suffering and as an owner and friend to our pets its the toughest decision to make but the kindest thing to do.

The next few days will be particularly hard. You'll still be expecting to see Ben walk into a room or see him sleeping in his favourite place. The important thing is to grieve. Our pets are a huge part of our lives, they are our friends, our family. It is a massive loss and you will feel very sad. In between the tears and sadness you will begin to remember the happier times and you will smile. You will cope and you will get through this. You have sixteen years worth of happy memories to think about.

Be kind to yourself.

I'm sorry for your loss. I've just lost my 14-year-old Bichon Frise so we're in the same boat. Just try to remember that you gave your dog a good life and you'll always have those wonderful memories to cherish. RIP Ben.

I'm so sorry for your loss Kieran. It's awful to lose such a special friend, especially one who has been with you for such a large part of your life. Our golden labrador who was 11 had to be put to sleep in November as he had liver cancer. It was awful at the time, and the first week or so was really, really hard. It really helped me and my family (my sister and my parents) to deal with the grief by grieving together and sharing memories of our dog, and supporting one another through our grief, and also trying not to think about his last few days but him in happier times (all the funny things he used to get up to!) Sharing our thoughts and feelings with one another about how upset we felt at our dog's passing really helped us through our grief.

Wishing you all the best and I'm so sorry again for your loss.
xx

PS: I'm so sorry to those of you who have answered who have lost pets yourselves xx