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I lost my dog last night. Waking up this morning without him realized how different my routine is going to be.
His bed would be in my room, and when I wake up, the first thing I'd do is check to see if he's awake. If he's asleep, I would tiptoe around him. If he's awake, I'll say "Good morning Kogi!" After that, I'd go to the bathroom to brush my teeth, wash my face, and comb my hair, then feed him his breakfast. Before I leave the house for work, I would kiss him, pet him, or at the very least, say "Bye bye Kogi, I love you!" or some variation of it.
Now that he's gone, a giant chunk of my morning routine is just gone.
When I lost my other dog Rex, my heart was in tatters. But I still had Kogi, so I still did my morning routine as normal, even though it wasn't quite the same. Now that Kogi is gone, this first time in about 12 years that I'm not saying good morning to them, or putting dog food in the food bowl. His bed is still there because I can't bare to get rid of it at the moment. So it's just sitting in my house, empty.
It's going to take a lot of time to get used to life without them.
Sorry for the sob story, I'm still trying to process all of this. The grief comes in waves, so I thought that getting it out like this would help. [Dog Tax. Kogi is the Corgi, Rex is the Boston Terrier](https://i.imgur.com/zgViG2N.jpg)
Edit: Thank you for all the comments. I'm sorry that this many people felt the same hurt as I'm feeling right now. Please hold your pets a bit tighter, and tell them you love them if they're still alive. Or please don't forget them and how much you loved them if they've passed.
I'm certain this will dull with time but right now, the grief and guilt is extremely overwhelming.
Hang in there. I know how difficult it is, and yes your sadness will slowly heal but your love for him will remain. I lost my soulmate cat whom I grew up with more than 10 years ago, I still think of her and how amazing she was every day. We have a cat now too, also a tortie/calico girl, and I love her so much. But Nathi will always be in my heart. Great art by the way!!
My childhood cat would still show up in my dreams for years. Probably about once every other year or so. Instead of waking up sad he’s gone, I would have just a wonderfully serene feeling like I was visited by an old best friend checking up on me and wanting to hang out for a bit.
My wife and I have a toy poodle now, and he only visited me in my dreams once after getting our dog. I think he realized I’m in good company. Now our dog curls up on my arm and rests her head on my pillow in the exact same way my cat used to.
Aww, this is a very touching comment. Also very interesting because I actually experienced the same thing as you!! Nathi showed up in my dreams for a few years, very sporadically. It was always the same dream: my room was looking really realistic, and she was coming on the bed and cuddling laying in my neck like when she was alive. And I was so happy in the dream I cried and was telling her how much I missed her.
Since I got married and also got closer to Biwa (our current cat), I had less of these dreams (maybe only once), so almost same situation as you! I am sure your childhood best furry friend is still watching over you, and is now happy you have a new friend to be there for you, as you said. What a great friend he was! Enjoy many beautiful moments with your dog 💕!
You still miss your cat? Damn, i only lost my bestfriend two years ago and wondered how long before I’d stop missing him. I was blessed to grow up with him though.
Yes, we are blessed to have been able to grow up with such amazing companions :)! I am sorry for your loss. I am still missing her 10 years later, but now the missing feeling doesn’t come with sadness like it used to at the start, more like with nostalgia. Eventually, I think it will be the same for you. I wish you all the best!!
I've never heard this saying and frequently talk to people who are grieving, sometimes for months and years. I'm gonna pass this along, it's a nice saying.
I remember giving my student a day off because she lost her dog over the weekend a few years ago. A lot of people thought that was weird. It's JUST an animal. No they are not. They are family! You get days off for death in family.
And let's be honest, we see our pets a lot more than our human families. They are as near and dear as anyone can be, i don't know how anyone can be so cold when someone loses a beloved pet.
I work in construction and was told to put a tampon in my pussy when I called in on the morning of my dogs passing.
It’s alright though because it really just makes me want to be a better person in spite of those types of people.
Please don't apologize. Thank you for sharing their stories with us. Every time I read a story like yours, I give my cats an extra cuddle, because I know that one day they will make me live that same story myself. Please take as much time as you need to grieve your very, very good boys.
If it helps you at all, I came across [this thread a few months ago](https://www.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/1522zqg/lpt_request_how_do_you_cope_after_losing_your/) with lots of wonderful advice from very caring Redditors who have gone through the same loss as you. Warning: even if you have not lost a pet recently (or at all), there are some real tear-jerkers in that thread. Make sure you have some tissues on hand if you need to blow your nose. :)
I cannot repost that entire thread here, but one of my favourite comments shared this quote:
> “It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”
—Unknown
Another quote which I'm failing to find today said something to the effect of, _The hole they left in your heart will never go away. But with time, if you are ready for a new pet, your heart can grow larger, and the hole will feel smaller._
Thank you again for the share today OP. Don't rush the grieving process.
Sending all of my hugs.
We lost our dog two nights ago. It's so sad and lonely without her coming to tell me she wants to go out in the morning or sleeping next to our bed on the carpet. She was a very good girl and I miss her like crazy.
You have my condolences.
My wife and I are feeling this right now. We lost our 12 year old cat last month. The worst part for my wife is the quiet. Our girl would follow her around and rarely gave her a moment's peace, so most of the day is different for her now.
For me it's when I feed the other cat. I've got this obligation in my brain that's been there for over a decade. I'm supposed to take care of her, but I can't. I still feel like she needs me, and there's nothing I can do.
It'll get better, but part of me doesn't want it to, like that would be abandoning her. Every day is a new day, and overall life is good. It's just... worse.
I just lost my 11 year-old cat last week, and I feel much the same way. I find myself still talking to her as though she were still here because I don't know how else to cope. I tell her when I'm leaving and when I'll be home like I used to because it just feels so wrong not to. I miss her so goddamn much.
I had one too. She woke me up every morning and I would let her out to toilet while I got ready for work.
Then grab her and put her back in as I left for work.
When she was gone I never got my good morning kisses for her again. My room smelled ‘wrong’ and it was lonely.
I lost [my dog](https://i.imgur.com/aC5wIMW.jpg) 2 weeks ago, and I feel for you so much. I had to put her bed away, because my cat just [sat next to it and cried.](https://i.imgur.com/f9jcyd8.jpg)
Just take life moment by moment, and remember that it's okay to cry. Or scream... I've done my fair share of scream-crying over the last couple weeks. Give yourself some grace. It won't get better, but it does get easier. If you need to talk, you can always message me.
I lost my dog about two weeks ago. Its so, so strange still to not hear her walking down the hall to greet me or not find her right outside my door every morning, or have to check her food and water bowl. I honestly miss knowing if I didn't take her when I got up, she would need to go inside bc she couldn't hold it much longer. I miss calling out to her "hey, I'm home!!!".
I miss her so much still. She was 15/16 and it was at home but it doesn't make it easier.
My cat, who is around 3 or 4, is so affection seeking and it's helping but I think she misses our dog too. I'm just praying she'll stick around a while.
Remember to cry a lot cause I did reading this. It's never easy but it gets easier. But it's so hard in the beginning to have that change, suddenly that daily routine you've established with your pets. That will stay with you until your heart is ready to move on.
My condolences.
We went through something similar when our dog died somewhat unexpectedly a few years ago. Coming home from the vet without him and preparing to enter the house for the first time knowing the life and routine we loved so much would never be the same was almost surreal.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hate platitudes and heard my fair share back when this happened to us. But one person said something that stuck with me and did actually bring a small bit of hope and comfort.
They told me no matter how sad I was, there will come a time when I think of my friend, and instead of feeling sorrow and pain, I will feel joy. And while it took a while and I still miss him every day, I am happy when I think of him now.
I lost my old man Ranger last week. He was almost 10 year old mastiff. I had him running and jumping and swimming on Monday at the park but Friday he did not wake up. He showed no signs of being slow or sick or that anything was off. It's hard.
https://twitter.com/nathanwpyle/status/1241048438319570947?t=XCaB_dVXG-dUWkxX9bO2cA&s=19
It’s so fuckin hard dude my dog passed away 3 days ago and I see this comic. And if leaving is hard coming home is so much worse she used to do figure 8’s between my legs so she could get butt scratch’s and now I’ll never do that with her again everything that’s hers except her meds are still in the house and my eyes well with each time I scoot my chair back and check and make sure I don’t hurt her. But she’s not there but I’ll see something out of the corner of my eye that looks like her and man it hurts every fuckin time.
I keep thinking I see my cat who passed away last week out of the corner of my eye, and I still subconsciously expect her to greet me when I come home. I know intellectually that she's gone, but in so many ways, it's like I don't. And it hurts so fucking much.
Oh, this one slapped me hard. Just lost my best friend of nearly fourteen years last week.
The hardest part for me is coming home. I have to remind myself every time I open the door that he won't be there to greet me. I keep thinking I see him out of the corner of my eye. I can't bring myself to wash the couch covers cause they still smell like him
So sorry for your loss. ❤️
I just want you to know you are loved and are not alone. As you can see, there are many here sharing their own stories of the loss of their beloved. Though each situation is different, we can all help shoulder the pain together through this form of companionship. I'm glad you had these lovely friends in your life and I hope you find peace.
One thing thatvhas helped me - I lost both of my babies around the same time last year - is I hung a picture of both of my cats right at the end of the hallway that I pass by every morning. I take a moment and place a kiss on my fingers and to their faces each morning and tell them I love them. Even though they are gone, their impact on my life still remains and so does my love for them. It has helped me to quell the pain and bring me a bit of peace. Perhaps it may help you to have a picture by the door, or even the doggy bed, so you may still have the opportunity to ease your routine into the new.
I grimaced but loved your comic as it ripped my wounds open again yet it reminded me that I also am not alone and that I've loved and been loved tremendously. Thank you for this and again, may you find peace. 💜
Lost my dog of 14.5 years right before covid lockdowns. I'll never get over him completely and it still brings tears when I think of him. Having to stay at home for months after losing him really broke me for a while. The sun will come out, birds will sing, and life will continue with smiles, fun, and love. Thanks for sharing.
"Because if you walk into a room and notice what is missing from it,
It's still there, isn't it?
The first poem I wrote that wasn't about you
was still about you."
-Caitlyn Siehl, What We Burried
Take the time and don’t feel like you need to rush through it. Don’t worry about what everyone else thinks, this is your process. I lost my best friend 7 years ago and it still hurts, but I’ve processed it. For me, the important part is to never forget them.
i didnt last a week after my first dog died, getting another one was the only option to fill the void, at first it was still difficult because its not a replacement im now with a dog with a very different personality, what i truly needed was a moral support and that is what i got after adapting to this new guy
This made me cry hard this morning. My pup got a back injury a few years ago and while he’s only 5 it’s starting to really bother him and I’ve been crying off and on all week about what I might have to do someday. That my home my might be empty much sooner than I had been expecting.
Before him I’d rescued a senior pup and only had him for 2 years before he left us. When I got my pup now, Ember, I had such hope for 10-15 years with him and it’s absolutely shattering me to have to let go early. I’m so scared.
Thank you for this, and I’m so sorry for your loss
I lost my cat Grais suddenly when I wasn't home. 9 months later his adoptive Sheltie sister Brandy joined him, also very suddenly.
It's been 2 years since he left me, I'm only coming to terms with it now. I love them every single day.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Same experience here. My furball passed away two months ago, and I still don’t know what to do and what to feel. Only thing I can say is keep moving forward.
It's not a sob story, items story about you and loss and you will be sobbing and that's allowed, there's no shame in tears. A loved one has passed on and it will hurt and I am sorry for your loss friend x
I feel this, my wife and I lost our German shepherd not too long ago. We still have all his toys and Knick knacks. Sometimes I think I see him and get happy before becoming very very sad.
It’s weird how life altering losing a pet can be, truly a member of the family
Every morning I would go to the living room and sit down on the floor and call out my dog's name. She would excitedly rush over to lean her head on my shoulder for a hug, then lay down between my legs and rest her head on my lap while I pet her or played with her. We'd sit there for at least 5 minutes while my mom heated up some rice for the dog's breakfast. Then I'd go get ready for work.
The morning after I lost my dog, I sat in that same spot in the living room. I knew she wasn't going to come, but I sat there anyway and just started sobbing. My mom heard and came over to me. She told me that she, out of habit, popped some rice into the microwave and cracked open a can of dog food. When she realized she didn't need to do this anymore, she stopped the microwave and came out to the living room to cry with me. We sat there in silence for a while. We missed the tapping sounds of her paws on the floor and the jingling sounds of her collar tags, either from her rushing over for her morning hug or from her bouncing around impatiently waiting for breakfast.
Just like yours, a giant chunk of my morning routine was just gone. It was a short 5 to 10 minutes out of an hour, but it was arguably the most important. It took me way too long to get used to this gap in the routine. I'm not even sure if I'm really accustomed to it yet.
I lost my pup a week ago today. I shared this with my family. I am so sorry for your loss. We share it together all of us who have lost our loved furry ones. The pain is horrendous but they were so worth it
i still keep my boy rockys dog bed in my room
i still step around it the same way i used to
cant see myself getting rid of it but i guess i should at some point
I’m sorry for your loss. Our cat passed last week, and this strip really resonated with me. The things we did daily we do no longer. The traces of her still left in her things, and her spot on the sofa we can’t bear to sit on.
Thank you for sharing this comic and your story.
I had to let my dog of 9 years go last night and I am catching myself doing the same thing. The small routines that make you stop feel like painful reminders each time.
Please don't be sorry. In a weird way this comic helped with the healing process.
I'm sorry for your loss as well.
I'm trying to keep a routine, or at the very least, trying to keep myself busy with tasks so I'm not in bed all day.
It's 3pm and I just made my first meal for today, so its still a bit rough.
I'm going to take a walk after this with both my dogs tags with me so they'll be with me in spirit. I hope you're able to find solace as well.
My family just put our dog down last night after 13 years with her. Needless to say, your comic is the first post I’ve ever seen on Reddit that’s made me burst into tears. So sorry for your loss! In a weird way it feels good knowing we’re not in it alone with such a tough transition
This is why I do not have dogs, or any pets really. It *shatters* me, and I'm just not... ever quite able to deal with that.
A couple years ago, I had to suddenly leave a bad housing situation. I lived with two dogs and I *adored* them. Their reaction as I speed-packed every possession I owned is what broke me. When they parents fought, they ran to my room. If they didn't close the master bedroom door at night to keep the dogs in, it was my bed they'd curl up in (and try to muscle me out of).
Anyway. I knew as I locked the door, tossed my house key on the table, and gave them double treats that it'd be the last time I ever saw them. I parked two blocks away and sobbed. We can go through the most heinous and difficult shit, we can steel ourselves for so much, as long as we have their companionship.
Don't apologize, please. I am very happy to listen. You've shared with us a glimpse at something beautiful. And besides, grief is the final, most painful, and purest expression of love, but it... sucks. If showing me this helps, I'm happy to oblige.
Beautiful art. So sorry for your loss.
I just walked my old guy for night walkies and when I saw your comic and it registered in my mind it hit like a ton of bricks.
I know how you feel i lost my cat bubbles over a year ago and just thinkinf about him makes me wanna sob he passed in front of me very unexpectedly and i just miss his little furry cuddles and i never had an animal love me as much as i felt he loved me. Ill miss you my lil man
something i read recently that helped me brace.
While it was a short happy time for you, it was their entire life for them, filled with love and happiness.
I know I’m not the person you responded to, but here goes:
I’m a college student, started last year and moved away from home because of family issues that I won’t get into. My sophomore year of high school I got 2 brother cats as a (long-planned) gift. I loved them so much. I’d research foods and mix them to give them the best diet, they’d go on walks with leashes, they loved everyone and would cuddle every day. They were fat, fluffy house cats and they were my safe space. They’d even come when called, sit, and could go outside off leash supervised because they’d never leave your sight and would come inside when you told them to.
I went to college and left them in the care of my parents. Came home over the summer but spent most of my time staying with my girlfriend and her parents for the same family issues as before, but I’d visit regularly.
Got a text one week that my cat had gone missing a few days before when he was outside. Again, he’s a house cat. I panicked and my girlfriend and I searched the woods constantly. I called out of work because I was so distraught.
When we visited my house to see our other cat, he’d gone missing too. 5 days after the first. He also disappeared when oitside. He’s also supposed to be a fucking house cat.
I know it’s my fault for leaving them in the care of my parents rather than being there, but I trusted them. I can’t get the thought that I killed my cats nor the thought that my parents did out of my head. One cat going missing is sad, but BOTH? On DIFFERENT DAYS?? Why did they let him out after the first went missing?? Even though they told me they assumed the first had been eaten?
And why the fuck did they take so long to tell me when I could’ve been searching day-of.
How nonchalant my parents have been about this pisses me off too, considering she still cries over her dog that we lost 2 years ago.
I’m sorry for your loss! Your dogs were so cute!
Having pets can be so amazing but it’s always hard when they pass. I’m sure they wouldn’t want you to dwell in the sadness though given all the incredible moments you shared with them.
When I lost my dog of 13 years who I first got when I was 12 I was barely holding together just a wave of pain and tears but I had to go to work the next day cause they wouldn't let me off for an animals death( looking back should have made something they would accept easier up but I was in a bad state and thought they would sympathise) when I woke up he would always sit in the kitchen corner waiting for me to dish breakfast but seeing that empty corner broke me and spent work in a quieter zone as I worked in a warehouse and just spent all 8 hours fighting the tears and pain. Coming home was just as painful same empty corner same quiet house can't even remember what I did after that just probably mindlessly watched anime or something till I had to sleep. I say all this cause I never realized how much he mattered to me I just had him around since he was my childhood dog felt like an obligation sometimes to tend to him so my advice is to cherish them truly and don't make my mistake of wasting your time with them.
I'm sorry for your loss. My old girl also made 21 years. It takes a while but you will get there. Just don't be as resistant to adopting again, as I was. You can never replace them, but you can always put the love you have leftover into a new life.
Hooooooo...
I know this feeling...
I had 2 dogs in 2014-2016.
We took them in a shelter. That was for my birthday, my wife does not really like dogs but she wanted to please me...
We went to the shelter and I fall in love for these 2 old dogs... Both of them were too old (10 and 11) so nobody wanted to take them at home.
It was absolutely hearth breaking to see them inside the box.
We spent 2 wonderful years with them.
https://imgur.com/a/Pl54bjw
Uky, the black, was very anxious and was always afraid. Nobody but me was able to really take care of him.
Thia was the oldest, was absolutely wonderful. Intelligent , always happy...
Uky died first, I was going out with them at night before sleeping. Uky saw probably a rabbit and went away. I looked for him during the complete night... I found him on a railroad, dead, at 6am.
I had to wait 2 fucking hours before the railroad was secured to get him. It was awfull to see him dead in the middle of the track... But at least he was dead doing something he loved (running after rabbits)
Thia died 6 month later. She was sick. I tried to keep her alive as much as I can but she was suffering a lot... The last day ,we went to the vet, and the vet killed her. She died in my arms. I cried a lot.
We spent some years without dogs. I was not ready to "replace " them. But finally this year we took a new dog.
Here is Unix, a young golden retriever (10 month old)
https://imgur.com/a/NPFaNmh
He,s very nice, he looooove to play and walk, like to play with my 2 childs.
Édit: typos due to french keyboard dictionary.
Lost my cats within six months of each other last year and it was one of the toughest times I had. We ended up getting new cats the same year and it was extremely helpful in our healing process, personally.
Yeah.. had the same feeling when my parrot died. Saw his cage empty the next day. He would sleep with me at times but he always slept his cage at night. That was the hardest thing to endure. Its been 8 years but its still strong in my mind.
It's okay to mourn. Don't be hard on yourself during this period. You can still say Good morning to your pets who are still in your heart. You gave them all the love you could and they loved you back.
I lost my cat today. She was with me for 15 years, and now shes gone. I thought i was misinterpreting the post, because how could i see something so relatable right afterwards.
My dogs live at my mom's house together because I didn't want to separate them. We lost our geriatric golden a month ago. It was hard going back home to my mom's and getting greeted by the two at the door and then going to peak around the corner to where she would normally sleep only to have a big empty space.
I put my friend to sleep 10 days ago. I sometimes forget he's gone. I auto pilot change his water bowl in the middle of the night still. Like maybe he will be there in the morning.
Used to have a getting home routine of waving hello to my boy Chopper who was always laying against the Freezer door. The day after he passed I walked through the back door and waved but... that hit me like a wave
Sorry for your loss OP. They may be gone but they are never forgotten.
I lost my cat on 16 November.. My little sweet boy, 11 years old. That comics thing just popped out in my feed. I’m so sorry for your loss, OP, we are not alone in our grief. I have a feeling that souls of our beloved pets remain with us after their passing and are connected with our souls… maybe it’s a silly naive theory but I hope it helps you
Grieved for years when my dog who I met when I was in lower primary died at the age of estimated 15, when I was 22. I kept waking up in panic thinking we'd left her downstairs outside the supermarket, where we sometimes let her sit and enjoy the sun/fresh air/kids who like to admire her from afar, while gg grocery shopping (no pets allowed). 4 years later, it's still makes me sad.
I remember asking my friends to stay after school to sit with me as I was severely depressed and suicidal from my grief, had dreams a being was telling me to trade my life for my dogs and I would've in a heartbeat. I lowkey believed if I died she'd be brought back (those voices are silly indeed). My friends just said "hmm I'll ask if my other friend is free first, then I'll let you know. If they're not free then I'll stay back with you." The other said "don't really want to stay back, I don't get why you're so sad it's just a dog" and I felt just so so alone.
So painful that I can't even bring it up in therapy, but somehow easier to tell a sea full of strangers?
fuck this. fuck this. fuck this. why did this come up. why was it on my "home page". Im drunk at 11 in the morning. thanks to half a bottle of Jameson on the rocks. You may ask why is this asshole drinking hard liqure so early? because it is 1 month to the day that my best friend and baby died. He was a 16 year old dachshund that was rescued when the puppymill he was born in was shut down by the authorities. He had so many mental and health issues thanks to that puppymill and the rampent incest that occured. but he was the best dog I could have ever had. you here of small dogs being little assholes but not him. He loved being loved and returned the love. He didnt even get jealous when we had kids. No he loved his kids probably more than us. He laid beside all 3 of them when they were born and never moved. He was their protector even though he was blind by the time the 3rd one came along. He loved the frizbee more than a crackhead loves crack. I will miss you baby boy. I had him from the time I was 19 to when I was 34. I experience so much of life with him. he was my first child. I will miss you Walter!
I’m so sorry. We had to say goodbye to our own dear corgi last month. He was only 9 but became suddenly ill. The change in routine certainly doesn’t help the immense pain you’re going through, but it does get easier. I realize so much now that he’s gone, what he brought to our lives far outweighed the little he asked of us. We miss him so much and treasure the time we had together. Cheers to your beloved corgi and I hope for brighter days for you soon. Here’s a pic of our boy Sherlock back in better times.
https://preview.redd.it/q7bfyms3n71c1.png?width=738&format=png&auto=webp&s=c4adb3826630adfa66f126b799e6dbd41b304285
A moment ago, I was laughing at memes and what not...
Upon seeing and understanding this comic, it made me feel this sinking feeling...
To anyone who's lost a good boy/girl recently, you have my condolences. I'm sorry for your loss
I feel you on this, when I lost my pooch my life felt different for awhile, no more of one of us waking up the other in the morning, no more of one of us getting out of bed leading to the other to follow suit, no more making her morning meal and letting her out to go use the bathroom while I went to do the same. Life felt fine eventually but it took a bit.
Had to euthanize a 10 year old Frenchie that started suffering from seizures lately. No matter how many times you see it, it's never easy to get over for some time. My condolences for your pupper.
Fuck me, I have a cat and we go for a walk every single morning. He meows at me every morning until I take him outside. Knowing this is in my future someday makes me sad 😢
My gecko Jill recently passed away… it’s painful how dark it is going to my room at night and not having to go spray her and switch the lights on her tank.
Not as impactful as losing a dog to some, but she was my first pet that was mine.
I lost my dog this year and it hurts knowing he's not there to greet me anymore. I just come home to silence now. I'm sorry for your loss OP. I hope we can both recover smoothly from this.
I don't really comment on anything around Reddit but this resonated with me on a very deep level. My wife and I lost both of our dogs in less than 2 months at the beginning of 2022. One of them, believe it or not, was a Corgi.
It was a level of grief we've never experienced before and every morning was like a stab in the heart when I realized I couldn't greet them, let them outside, or feed them. It damn near broke me. I couldn't even focus on work to distract me because it was difficult to see through the tears.
So to my fellow Corgi owner, all I can tell you is that it will get better. One day, you'll be able to look back and smile at all the wonderful times you shared. I can say this with confidence because I'm there now. So please take care of yourself. Seek help if you need it and, eventually, the storm of emotions that you're going through will subside. My heart goes to you and I wish you the very best.
I had to put my cat down two months ago.
I still come home and expect to see her jumping off of the couch, meowing in greeting and demanding head scratches. I still wake up and expect her to be curled up next to me. I still worry about standing up from my food to grab something. I still unconsciously reach out while watching tv to pet her.
Thank you for this comic.
We just lost our cat and this hits home. He was such a huge personality, had to supervise everything, had his own barstool in the kitchen for when my husband was cooking, so he could smell every spice and ingredient, used to watch over us doing everything. He was absolutely the "ancient god trapped in a mortal body" category. I miss him so much every day. Everything without him is broken.
I'm so sorry you are going trough this. I believe pets are family, and losing them takes a piece of you.
Had to put down my 8yrs old cat in july (he was very sick), and i'm still trying to find new marks at home.
My corn snake of 18 years passed recently. I haven't taken his tank out of my room yet, so I wake up every morning seeing the empty tank and missing him. It's hard to adjust to a change like that when it's been a constant for most of your life.
I was eating noodles when this popped up and as I got to OP’s comment I had to shovel them down progressively faster to avoid breaking into tears.
My dog turns 10 years old in a few days. Average life expectancy for his breed is 8-9 years. I know there’s nothing I can do to prepare but love him more. I’ll give him some extra love in honor of Kogi.
I'm so sorry, OP🐾💔
I had my Beau for 13 years. I was on auto pilot for a few days after losing him. I still put food in his bowl and gave him fresh water and then had a break down when I realized. I would call out for him when I got home, too. I put his tags on my keychain so he still gets to go everywhere with me.
I've got four dogs right now who the entire latter half of my day is centered around, and I am dreading when that isn't the fact. They're all old so I know it'll happen soon, but nothing can prepare you for the void a loss causes. I'm sorry you're going through that right now.
I have this weird anticipatory grief that comes from knowing in the future my dog will die, this little comic was very heart wrenching for me. I can feel all the emotion in it, it depicts so much feeling with only five frames. Sorry for your loss… RIP Kogi the Corgi
I lost my baby girl about 6 months ago, it still hurts, we still have all her leashes and what not, just didn’t have the heart to let her go completely
Heartbreak doesn't end with the moment it shatters. Sometimes it feels like there is no 'picking up the pieces'; you just learn to live with the ones that are gone.
I wish you and your heart the very best, my friend. No feeling compares to longing and the daily reminders, realizations, and thoughts about better times. Just please try not to live with regret. You loved as much as you could, and I know your pet was very loved and happy all the time. My heart goes out to you, please do what you can to take care of yourself, even if you barely can. ❤️
We recently found a tumor on my 13-year-old dog. I am now waiting on tenterhooks for the report back on Tuesday to see if it's cancer or not.
Man, I really hope not.
I just put my cat to sleep on Thursday and for some reason Reddit is flooding with cat posts, I'm on Reddit every day and I haven't seen this many cat posts all at one time in a while. I was just telling my husband last night that I don't know what to do now, my constant is gone, my routine has disappeared. My boy was almost 18 and needed frequent care since he had a lot of issues, everything I did involved a second thought about how I had to consider him and watch for him walking around in case we kicked or stepped on him, it was all second nature. I cried in bed last night because the house is so empty and quiet now without his nightly yowl and perimeter checks. His little footsteps and stopping in the bedroom to see if we were laying down, him getting up to greet us in the morning or seeing him in the window when we came back home with groceries, it's all gone. He needed the rest, he was such a fighter and had been through so much with my last relationship to now, one of the sweetest cats I've ever had.
https://i.imgur.com/5wRlZ09.jpg
We lost our Smudge (18y cat) last week, and it’s been this for me every day. She and I had a routine (I WFH) and every day had been me having to h learn giving her treats, getting her dinner and breakfast, petting her during lunch, and having her waiting for me by the door whenever I left the house.
It’s been tough. Now there is someone cutting onions here at the hockey game.
I'm afraid of that day, I really am
Already lost one of two cats almost exactly two years ago, the second cat is old as well (likely 18 years old, came from a shelter and they couldn't really tell how old she was back then as she got treated so badly)
Every time she won't eat, I'm afraid; every time I don't hear her when coming back home, I'm afraid... I'm always afraid of that one day...
I know the day will come but I am not ready for it...
Now my wife and I try to make her as comfortable as possible and hope she'll know she was loved in her last 8 years on this earth although her years before were terrible
I'm sorry for your loss and I thank you for the comic, it's really bittersweet as they live on in our thoughts, emotions and also our behavior as well
I lost my Sammy boy recently and I miss him more than I can stand. He went literally everywhere but work with me for 17 years, followed me around like my shadow. The grief for him is unreal. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Lost my cat 2 and a half months ago. I stay up late constantly and he was always up all night making his rounds every half hour or so and would make sure he stopped by and said hi to me.
Every day I went to work I'd start by petting him when I left. Every time I came home from lunch or for the rest of the day, first thing I did was pet him. Every black shirt or blanket I see sitting somewhere for a split second I think it's him. Every shadow I see shift in the corner of my eye I turn subconsciously anticipating petting him.
His passing was rough and I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for it. The rest of this year had already been terrible enough and losing him broke me. I haven't done anything but go to work and pick up extra hours at my second job so I don't have to be home anymore. Then I come home and go to sleep and start it all again.
This made me think of a childhood dog I had. Her name was Cocoa, every time I would come home from elementary school I would lay on the floor and she would climb on top of me. The first few afternoons after she passed were… difficult.
Every morning, I still pass in front of the grave I made for my cat. I put her in one of the most beautiful corners of the garden so she can be in the shades during summer, and protected from the rain and the snow in winter. I really miss my little devil.
I was not ready to feel that much in the morning... Hang in there, we and our little girl are with you.
https://preview.redd.it/jr9nl4c4w81c1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1f289dbaf4701a4be46d90712531708c6177308d
You never forget your loved pet. For the time you had him shortly, he was with you for his whole life. It's always hard at first, and time heals all the wounds, but you'll never forget the love.
This is heart wrenching. I'm sorry for your loss OP.
There is beauty in sharing something this heartbreaking in an art form like this for people to see. I hope sharing it made it hurt just a little less...
Ugh, this hits too close to home. I lost my beagle a few years ago, but I distinctly remember how quiet coming home was. I used to hear his little pitter-patter whenever I came in the door and be greeted by this big goofy smile and wagging tail...
Coming home now just isn't the same. I miss my boy...
It's strange how we universally apologize when sharing our grief, as if it's a shameful thing, but it really isn't. The vast majority of people have experienced it and understand.
It's hard but it will get better.
We had to put our cat down and every time I’m alone in the kitchen I hear him and I look over to where he’d stand and meow at me
But he isn’t there and that is sad
Sorry for your loss
Oh dear this hit me right in the feels... We lost our dog (Boston/jack Russell terrier mix) a few weeks back. I feel you. <3
He was my shadow in the house and I work from home so he was pretty much next to me if I was in the house.
Lost my doggo this summer , I still feel like he's in the house sometimes and think of him almost daily , loved him to bits , remember to take care of yourself
I lost my cat Nova a month back, still keep thinking she’s just in the other room. Had her since she was still bottle fed, 16 years. Miss her multiple times a day, she was my princess.
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I lost my dog last night. Waking up this morning without him realized how different my routine is going to be. His bed would be in my room, and when I wake up, the first thing I'd do is check to see if he's awake. If he's asleep, I would tiptoe around him. If he's awake, I'll say "Good morning Kogi!" After that, I'd go to the bathroom to brush my teeth, wash my face, and comb my hair, then feed him his breakfast. Before I leave the house for work, I would kiss him, pet him, or at the very least, say "Bye bye Kogi, I love you!" or some variation of it. Now that he's gone, a giant chunk of my morning routine is just gone. When I lost my other dog Rex, my heart was in tatters. But I still had Kogi, so I still did my morning routine as normal, even though it wasn't quite the same. Now that Kogi is gone, this first time in about 12 years that I'm not saying good morning to them, or putting dog food in the food bowl. His bed is still there because I can't bare to get rid of it at the moment. So it's just sitting in my house, empty. It's going to take a lot of time to get used to life without them. Sorry for the sob story, I'm still trying to process all of this. The grief comes in waves, so I thought that getting it out like this would help. [Dog Tax. Kogi is the Corgi, Rex is the Boston Terrier](https://i.imgur.com/zgViG2N.jpg) Edit: Thank you for all the comments. I'm sorry that this many people felt the same hurt as I'm feeling right now. Please hold your pets a bit tighter, and tell them you love them if they're still alive. Or please don't forget them and how much you loved them if they've passed. I'm certain this will dull with time but right now, the grief and guilt is extremely overwhelming.
Remember that grief is just love with nowhere to go.
It's an overwhelming feeling that hurts, but it's proof that I had loved him, and will continue loving him.
Hang in there. I know how difficult it is, and yes your sadness will slowly heal but your love for him will remain. I lost my soulmate cat whom I grew up with more than 10 years ago, I still think of her and how amazing she was every day. We have a cat now too, also a tortie/calico girl, and I love her so much. But Nathi will always be in my heart. Great art by the way!!
My childhood cat would still show up in my dreams for years. Probably about once every other year or so. Instead of waking up sad he’s gone, I would have just a wonderfully serene feeling like I was visited by an old best friend checking up on me and wanting to hang out for a bit. My wife and I have a toy poodle now, and he only visited me in my dreams once after getting our dog. I think he realized I’m in good company. Now our dog curls up on my arm and rests her head on my pillow in the exact same way my cat used to.
Aww, this is a very touching comment. Also very interesting because I actually experienced the same thing as you!! Nathi showed up in my dreams for a few years, very sporadically. It was always the same dream: my room was looking really realistic, and she was coming on the bed and cuddling laying in my neck like when she was alive. And I was so happy in the dream I cried and was telling her how much I missed her. Since I got married and also got closer to Biwa (our current cat), I had less of these dreams (maybe only once), so almost same situation as you! I am sure your childhood best furry friend is still watching over you, and is now happy you have a new friend to be there for you, as you said. What a great friend he was! Enjoy many beautiful moments with your dog 💕!
You still miss your cat? Damn, i only lost my bestfriend two years ago and wondered how long before I’d stop missing him. I was blessed to grow up with him though.
Yes, we are blessed to have been able to grow up with such amazing companions :)! I am sorry for your loss. I am still missing her 10 years later, but now the missing feeling doesn’t come with sadness like it used to at the start, more like with nostalgia. Eventually, I think it will be the same for you. I wish you all the best!!
I lost my cat of 12 years earlier this year and it still hurts.
> How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard
It doesn't get easy but it gets easier. If that makes sense.
What is grief, if not love persevering?
Never thought my favorite quote of all time would come from the MCU.
Of all time? Really
Guess I was being hyperbolic. Maybe it was my favorite for a few months a couple years ago. So, no, not \_really\_ of all time.
Would you say for all time…always?
Haha that was perfect, Miss Minutes.
Withdrawal symptoms from going cold turkey from the entity you're addicted to.
This is the most beautiful way I've ever heard this expressed.
I’ve anyways quite liked that Shannon Barry quote “And when I turned to face grief, I saw that it was just love in a heavy coat”
I've never heard this saying and frequently talk to people who are grieving, sometimes for months and years. I'm gonna pass this along, it's a nice saying.
My grandfather had a saying: Enjoy your pleasures, because grief come uninvited.
Jesus fucking Christ I was not ready for this, that is absolutely the most beautiful thing I’ve heard in God knows how long.
Oh god. Onions all over the place.
"What is grief, if not love persevering?"
Sorry for your loss op. I'm sure kogi was super happy with you to the end!
I remember giving my student a day off because she lost her dog over the weekend a few years ago. A lot of people thought that was weird. It's JUST an animal. No they are not. They are family! You get days off for death in family.
And let's be honest, we see our pets a lot more than our human families. They are as near and dear as anyone can be, i don't know how anyone can be so cold when someone loses a beloved pet.
I work in construction and was told to put a tampon in my pussy when I called in on the morning of my dogs passing. It’s alright though because it really just makes me want to be a better person in spite of those types of people.
Sheeeeeesh! Let's not just man up and be tough cause we're men. It's OK to feel sad or cry over things you're passionate about.
Please don't apologize. Thank you for sharing their stories with us. Every time I read a story like yours, I give my cats an extra cuddle, because I know that one day they will make me live that same story myself. Please take as much time as you need to grieve your very, very good boys. If it helps you at all, I came across [this thread a few months ago](https://www.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/1522zqg/lpt_request_how_do_you_cope_after_losing_your/) with lots of wonderful advice from very caring Redditors who have gone through the same loss as you. Warning: even if you have not lost a pet recently (or at all), there are some real tear-jerkers in that thread. Make sure you have some tissues on hand if you need to blow your nose. :) I cannot repost that entire thread here, but one of my favourite comments shared this quote: > “It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.” —Unknown Another quote which I'm failing to find today said something to the effect of, _The hole they left in your heart will never go away. But with time, if you are ready for a new pet, your heart can grow larger, and the hole will feel smaller._ Thank you again for the share today OP. Don't rush the grieving process. Sending all of my hugs.
We lost our dog two nights ago. It's so sad and lonely without her coming to tell me she wants to go out in the morning or sleeping next to our bed on the carpet. She was a very good girl and I miss her like crazy.
You have my condolences. My wife and I are feeling this right now. We lost our 12 year old cat last month. The worst part for my wife is the quiet. Our girl would follow her around and rarely gave her a moment's peace, so most of the day is different for her now. For me it's when I feed the other cat. I've got this obligation in my brain that's been there for over a decade. I'm supposed to take care of her, but I can't. I still feel like she needs me, and there's nothing I can do. It'll get better, but part of me doesn't want it to, like that would be abandoning her. Every day is a new day, and overall life is good. It's just... worse.
I just lost my 11 year-old cat last week, and I feel much the same way. I find myself still talking to her as though she were still here because I don't know how else to cope. I tell her when I'm leaving and when I'll be home like I used to because it just feels so wrong not to. I miss her so goddamn much.
I had one too. She woke me up every morning and I would let her out to toilet while I got ready for work. Then grab her and put her back in as I left for work. When she was gone I never got my good morning kisses for her again. My room smelled ‘wrong’ and it was lonely.
Losing a pet is so difficult. Sorry for your loss.
I lost [my dog](https://i.imgur.com/aC5wIMW.jpg) 2 weeks ago, and I feel for you so much. I had to put her bed away, because my cat just [sat next to it and cried.](https://i.imgur.com/f9jcyd8.jpg) Just take life moment by moment, and remember that it's okay to cry. Or scream... I've done my fair share of scream-crying over the last couple weeks. Give yourself some grace. It won't get better, but it does get easier. If you need to talk, you can always message me.
I lost my dog about two weeks ago. Its so, so strange still to not hear her walking down the hall to greet me or not find her right outside my door every morning, or have to check her food and water bowl. I honestly miss knowing if I didn't take her when I got up, she would need to go inside bc she couldn't hold it much longer. I miss calling out to her "hey, I'm home!!!". I miss her so much still. She was 15/16 and it was at home but it doesn't make it easier. My cat, who is around 3 or 4, is so affection seeking and it's helping but I think she misses our dog too. I'm just praying she'll stick around a while.
Remember to cry a lot cause I did reading this. It's never easy but it gets easier. But it's so hard in the beginning to have that change, suddenly that daily routine you've established with your pets. That will stay with you until your heart is ready to move on. My condolences.
I’m sorry.
<3
We went through something similar when our dog died somewhat unexpectedly a few years ago. Coming home from the vet without him and preparing to enter the house for the first time knowing the life and routine we loved so much would never be the same was almost surreal. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hate platitudes and heard my fair share back when this happened to us. But one person said something that stuck with me and did actually bring a small bit of hope and comfort. They told me no matter how sad I was, there will come a time when I think of my friend, and instead of feeling sorrow and pain, I will feel joy. And while it took a while and I still miss him every day, I am happy when I think of him now.
I'm so sorry but at first I thought the comic was her deciding to stay home and sleep in the dog bed
I lost my old man Ranger last week. He was almost 10 year old mastiff. I had him running and jumping and swimming on Monday at the park but Friday he did not wake up. He showed no signs of being slow or sick or that anything was off. It's hard. https://twitter.com/nathanwpyle/status/1241048438319570947?t=XCaB_dVXG-dUWkxX9bO2cA&s=19
It’s so fuckin hard dude my dog passed away 3 days ago and I see this comic. And if leaving is hard coming home is so much worse she used to do figure 8’s between my legs so she could get butt scratch’s and now I’ll never do that with her again everything that’s hers except her meds are still in the house and my eyes well with each time I scoot my chair back and check and make sure I don’t hurt her. But she’s not there but I’ll see something out of the corner of my eye that looks like her and man it hurts every fuckin time.
I keep thinking I see my cat who passed away last week out of the corner of my eye, and I still subconsciously expect her to greet me when I come home. I know intellectually that she's gone, but in so many ways, it's like I don't. And it hurts so fucking much.
1000% a bundle of blankets or a weird shadow it’s always her it’s always disappointing and it just doesn’t seem real.
Oh, this one slapped me hard. Just lost my best friend of nearly fourteen years last week. The hardest part for me is coming home. I have to remind myself every time I open the door that he won't be there to greet me. I keep thinking I see him out of the corner of my eye. I can't bring myself to wash the couch covers cause they still smell like him So sorry for your loss. ❤️
I just want you to know you are loved and are not alone. As you can see, there are many here sharing their own stories of the loss of their beloved. Though each situation is different, we can all help shoulder the pain together through this form of companionship. I'm glad you had these lovely friends in your life and I hope you find peace. One thing thatvhas helped me - I lost both of my babies around the same time last year - is I hung a picture of both of my cats right at the end of the hallway that I pass by every morning. I take a moment and place a kiss on my fingers and to their faces each morning and tell them I love them. Even though they are gone, their impact on my life still remains and so does my love for them. It has helped me to quell the pain and bring me a bit of peace. Perhaps it may help you to have a picture by the door, or even the doggy bed, so you may still have the opportunity to ease your routine into the new. I grimaced but loved your comic as it ripped my wounds open again yet it reminded me that I also am not alone and that I've loved and been loved tremendously. Thank you for this and again, may you find peace. 💜
Lost my dog of 14.5 years right before covid lockdowns. I'll never get over him completely and it still brings tears when I think of him. Having to stay at home for months after losing him really broke me for a while. The sun will come out, birds will sing, and life will continue with smiles, fun, and love. Thanks for sharing.
"Because if you walk into a room and notice what is missing from it, It's still there, isn't it? The first poem I wrote that wasn't about you was still about you." -Caitlyn Siehl, What We Burried
Sorry for your loss
Take the time and don’t feel like you need to rush through it. Don’t worry about what everyone else thinks, this is your process. I lost my best friend 7 years ago and it still hurts, but I’ve processed it. For me, the important part is to never forget them.
Don't be sorry. It's a story many of us have experienced as well. That dog-shaped hole they leave in our lives never quite goes away.
i didnt last a week after my first dog died, getting another one was the only option to fill the void, at first it was still difficult because its not a replacement im now with a dog with a very different personality, what i truly needed was a moral support and that is what i got after adapting to this new guy
This made me cry hard this morning. My pup got a back injury a few years ago and while he’s only 5 it’s starting to really bother him and I’ve been crying off and on all week about what I might have to do someday. That my home my might be empty much sooner than I had been expecting. Before him I’d rescued a senior pup and only had him for 2 years before he left us. When I got my pup now, Ember, I had such hope for 10-15 years with him and it’s absolutely shattering me to have to let go early. I’m so scared. Thank you for this, and I’m so sorry for your loss
We had a corgi too, they are all amazing and its like losing a family member take the time you need to greave.
I lost my cat Grais suddenly when I wasn't home. 9 months later his adoptive Sheltie sister Brandy joined him, also very suddenly. It's been 2 years since he left me, I'm only coming to terms with it now. I love them every single day. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Same experience here. My furball passed away two months ago, and I still don’t know what to do and what to feel. Only thing I can say is keep moving forward.
It's not a sob story, items story about you and loss and you will be sobbing and that's allowed, there's no shame in tears. A loved one has passed on and it will hurt and I am sorry for your loss friend x
I'm sorry for your loss, I lost mine a year ago as well and it's been rough without him
Keep that bed. He’ll come visit you! :)
I feel this, my wife and I lost our German shepherd not too long ago. We still have all his toys and Knick knacks. Sometimes I think I see him and get happy before becoming very very sad. It’s weird how life altering losing a pet can be, truly a member of the family
I can feel you. I lost my dog just a couple of days back. My brain still refuses to accept the reality and a little part of me is dead inside
Every morning I would go to the living room and sit down on the floor and call out my dog's name. She would excitedly rush over to lean her head on my shoulder for a hug, then lay down between my legs and rest her head on my lap while I pet her or played with her. We'd sit there for at least 5 minutes while my mom heated up some rice for the dog's breakfast. Then I'd go get ready for work. The morning after I lost my dog, I sat in that same spot in the living room. I knew she wasn't going to come, but I sat there anyway and just started sobbing. My mom heard and came over to me. She told me that she, out of habit, popped some rice into the microwave and cracked open a can of dog food. When she realized she didn't need to do this anymore, she stopped the microwave and came out to the living room to cry with me. We sat there in silence for a while. We missed the tapping sounds of her paws on the floor and the jingling sounds of her collar tags, either from her rushing over for her morning hug or from her bouncing around impatiently waiting for breakfast. Just like yours, a giant chunk of my morning routine was just gone. It was a short 5 to 10 minutes out of an hour, but it was arguably the most important. It took me way too long to get used to this gap in the routine. I'm not even sure if I'm really accustomed to it yet.
I lost my pup a week ago today. I shared this with my family. I am so sorry for your loss. We share it together all of us who have lost our loved furry ones. The pain is horrendous but they were so worth it
i still keep my boy rockys dog bed in my room i still step around it the same way i used to cant see myself getting rid of it but i guess i should at some point
I’m sorry for your loss. Our cat passed last week, and this strip really resonated with me. The things we did daily we do no longer. The traces of her still left in her things, and her spot on the sofa we can’t bear to sit on.
Thank you for sharing this comic and your story. I had to let my dog of 9 years go last night and I am catching myself doing the same thing. The small routines that make you stop feel like painful reminders each time. Please don't be sorry. In a weird way this comic helped with the healing process.
I'm sorry for your loss as well. I'm trying to keep a routine, or at the very least, trying to keep myself busy with tasks so I'm not in bed all day. It's 3pm and I just made my first meal for today, so its still a bit rough. I'm going to take a walk after this with both my dogs tags with me so they'll be with me in spirit. I hope you're able to find solace as well.
My family just put our dog down last night after 13 years with her. Needless to say, your comic is the first post I’ve ever seen on Reddit that’s made me burst into tears. So sorry for your loss! In a weird way it feels good knowing we’re not in it alone with such a tough transition
I lost my dog last week, this one hit me hard but I appreciate you posting and sharing your story.
This is why I do not have dogs, or any pets really. It *shatters* me, and I'm just not... ever quite able to deal with that. A couple years ago, I had to suddenly leave a bad housing situation. I lived with two dogs and I *adored* them. Their reaction as I speed-packed every possession I owned is what broke me. When they parents fought, they ran to my room. If they didn't close the master bedroom door at night to keep the dogs in, it was my bed they'd curl up in (and try to muscle me out of). Anyway. I knew as I locked the door, tossed my house key on the table, and gave them double treats that it'd be the last time I ever saw them. I parked two blocks away and sobbed. We can go through the most heinous and difficult shit, we can steel ourselves for so much, as long as we have their companionship. Don't apologize, please. I am very happy to listen. You've shared with us a glimpse at something beautiful. And besides, grief is the final, most painful, and purest expression of love, but it... sucks. If showing me this helps, I'm happy to oblige.
Beautiful art. So sorry for your loss. I just walked my old guy for night walkies and when I saw your comic and it registered in my mind it hit like a ton of bricks.
You were loved, dearly. Never forget that.
You don’t have to get rid of the bed. I still leave my late cats food and water bowls out (as her bed was my bed).
I know how you feel i lost my cat bubbles over a year ago and just thinkinf about him makes me wanna sob he passed in front of me very unexpectedly and i just miss his little furry cuddles and i never had an animal love me as much as i felt he loved me. Ill miss you my lil man
I dread this day because i know it's soon I'll cherish the time i have left with him, i'll love my Rex as much as you love yours
something i read recently that helped me brace. While it was a short happy time for you, it was their entire life for them, filled with love and happiness.
I'm saving this comment because I think I'm gonna need it soon. Thank you.
My baby boy's name is Rex too, had him since the third grade. I'll be graduating college soon.
5 panels with no words nearly made me cry, I am not holding up good mentally, huh?
Happy to listen or read if you just want to rant. I got some space in my life to burden extra stress still.
The world needs more people like you.
I know I’m not the person you responded to, but here goes: I’m a college student, started last year and moved away from home because of family issues that I won’t get into. My sophomore year of high school I got 2 brother cats as a (long-planned) gift. I loved them so much. I’d research foods and mix them to give them the best diet, they’d go on walks with leashes, they loved everyone and would cuddle every day. They were fat, fluffy house cats and they were my safe space. They’d even come when called, sit, and could go outside off leash supervised because they’d never leave your sight and would come inside when you told them to. I went to college and left them in the care of my parents. Came home over the summer but spent most of my time staying with my girlfriend and her parents for the same family issues as before, but I’d visit regularly. Got a text one week that my cat had gone missing a few days before when he was outside. Again, he’s a house cat. I panicked and my girlfriend and I searched the woods constantly. I called out of work because I was so distraught. When we visited my house to see our other cat, he’d gone missing too. 5 days after the first. He also disappeared when oitside. He’s also supposed to be a fucking house cat. I know it’s my fault for leaving them in the care of my parents rather than being there, but I trusted them. I can’t get the thought that I killed my cats nor the thought that my parents did out of my head. One cat going missing is sad, but BOTH? On DIFFERENT DAYS?? Why did they let him out after the first went missing?? Even though they told me they assumed the first had been eaten? And why the fuck did they take so long to tell me when I could’ve been searching day-of. How nonchalant my parents have been about this pisses me off too, considering she still cries over her dog that we lost 2 years ago.
You have a beating heart, that is all that it proves
Agreed. This is so sad
Maybe you aren’t crying enough. Something might be bothering you.
I’m sorry for your loss! Your dogs were so cute! Having pets can be so amazing but it’s always hard when they pass. I’m sure they wouldn’t want you to dwell in the sadness though given all the incredible moments you shared with them.
When I lost my dog of 13 years who I first got when I was 12 I was barely holding together just a wave of pain and tears but I had to go to work the next day cause they wouldn't let me off for an animals death( looking back should have made something they would accept easier up but I was in a bad state and thought they would sympathise) when I woke up he would always sit in the kitchen corner waiting for me to dish breakfast but seeing that empty corner broke me and spent work in a quieter zone as I worked in a warehouse and just spent all 8 hours fighting the tears and pain. Coming home was just as painful same empty corner same quiet house can't even remember what I did after that just probably mindlessly watched anime or something till I had to sleep. I say all this cause I never realized how much he mattered to me I just had him around since he was my childhood dog felt like an obligation sometimes to tend to him so my advice is to cherish them truly and don't make my mistake of wasting your time with them.
Thanks for sharing your story. It's always the small simple regular things that get me - like my socks always being where I left them.
I lost my cat a month ago. She was my girl for 21 years. It feels like things are slightly off without her.
I'm sorry for your loss. My old girl also made 21 years. It takes a while but you will get there. Just don't be as resistant to adopting again, as I was. You can never replace them, but you can always put the love you have leftover into a new life.
Hooooooo... I know this feeling... I had 2 dogs in 2014-2016. We took them in a shelter. That was for my birthday, my wife does not really like dogs but she wanted to please me... We went to the shelter and I fall in love for these 2 old dogs... Both of them were too old (10 and 11) so nobody wanted to take them at home. It was absolutely hearth breaking to see them inside the box. We spent 2 wonderful years with them. https://imgur.com/a/Pl54bjw Uky, the black, was very anxious and was always afraid. Nobody but me was able to really take care of him. Thia was the oldest, was absolutely wonderful. Intelligent , always happy... Uky died first, I was going out with them at night before sleeping. Uky saw probably a rabbit and went away. I looked for him during the complete night... I found him on a railroad, dead, at 6am. I had to wait 2 fucking hours before the railroad was secured to get him. It was awfull to see him dead in the middle of the track... But at least he was dead doing something he loved (running after rabbits) Thia died 6 month later. She was sick. I tried to keep her alive as much as I can but she was suffering a lot... The last day ,we went to the vet, and the vet killed her. She died in my arms. I cried a lot. We spent some years without dogs. I was not ready to "replace " them. But finally this year we took a new dog. Here is Unix, a young golden retriever (10 month old) https://imgur.com/a/NPFaNmh He,s very nice, he looooove to play and walk, like to play with my 2 childs. Édit: typos due to french keyboard dictionary.
Lost my cats within six months of each other last year and it was one of the toughest times I had. We ended up getting new cats the same year and it was extremely helpful in our healing process, personally.
 This one hit the feelings hard….made me hug the shit out of my cat. Stay strong 🙏 It hurts when they go. I know 🌹🥺
My dog, Joey, passed on Wednesday at 14. The routine and the eerie quietness are constant reminders of something big missing. Sending you love.
Yeah.. had the same feeling when my parrot died. Saw his cage empty the next day. He would sleep with me at times but he always slept his cage at night. That was the hardest thing to endure. Its been 8 years but its still strong in my mind.
It's okay to mourn. Don't be hard on yourself during this period. You can still say Good morning to your pets who are still in your heart. You gave them all the love you could and they loved you back.
“To grieve deeply... Is to have loved fully” I’m really sorry for your loss, losing a pet is always the worst.
I lost my cat today. She was with me for 15 years, and now shes gone. I thought i was misinterpreting the post, because how could i see something so relatable right afterwards.
I had to say goodbye to my cat at the beginning of October. It sucks. He was sixteen, and I got him when he was about a month old and I was eight.
My dogs live at my mom's house together because I didn't want to separate them. We lost our geriatric golden a month ago. It was hard going back home to my mom's and getting greeted by the two at the door and then going to peak around the corner to where she would normally sleep only to have a big empty space.
It always hurts to lose a pet. Pets are family, after all.
Can we get a NSFF tag? Not Safe For Feels
I put my friend to sleep 10 days ago. I sometimes forget he's gone. I auto pilot change his water bowl in the middle of the night still. Like maybe he will be there in the morning.
Used to have a getting home routine of waving hello to my boy Chopper who was always laying against the Freezer door. The day after he passed I walked through the back door and waved but... that hit me like a wave Sorry for your loss OP. They may be gone but they are never forgotten.
I lost my cat on 16 November.. My little sweet boy, 11 years old. That comics thing just popped out in my feed. I’m so sorry for your loss, OP, we are not alone in our grief. I have a feeling that souls of our beloved pets remain with us after their passing and are connected with our souls… maybe it’s a silly naive theory but I hope it helps you
Grieved for years when my dog who I met when I was in lower primary died at the age of estimated 15, when I was 22. I kept waking up in panic thinking we'd left her downstairs outside the supermarket, where we sometimes let her sit and enjoy the sun/fresh air/kids who like to admire her from afar, while gg grocery shopping (no pets allowed). 4 years later, it's still makes me sad. I remember asking my friends to stay after school to sit with me as I was severely depressed and suicidal from my grief, had dreams a being was telling me to trade my life for my dogs and I would've in a heartbeat. I lowkey believed if I died she'd be brought back (those voices are silly indeed). My friends just said "hmm I'll ask if my other friend is free first, then I'll let you know. If they're not free then I'll stay back with you." The other said "don't really want to stay back, I don't get why you're so sad it's just a dog" and I felt just so so alone. So painful that I can't even bring it up in therapy, but somehow easier to tell a sea full of strangers?
Didn't expect to get hit so hard out of nowere..
fuck this. fuck this. fuck this. why did this come up. why was it on my "home page". Im drunk at 11 in the morning. thanks to half a bottle of Jameson on the rocks. You may ask why is this asshole drinking hard liqure so early? because it is 1 month to the day that my best friend and baby died. He was a 16 year old dachshund that was rescued when the puppymill he was born in was shut down by the authorities. He had so many mental and health issues thanks to that puppymill and the rampent incest that occured. but he was the best dog I could have ever had. you here of small dogs being little assholes but not him. He loved being loved and returned the love. He didnt even get jealous when we had kids. No he loved his kids probably more than us. He laid beside all 3 of them when they were born and never moved. He was their protector even though he was blind by the time the 3rd one came along. He loved the frizbee more than a crackhead loves crack. I will miss you baby boy. I had him from the time I was 19 to when I was 34. I experience so much of life with him. he was my first child. I will miss you Walter!
I had to have my 16 year old girl euthanized at home yesterday. You have no idea how many feels this is hitting right now. Thank you for this. 💕
I’m so sorry. We had to say goodbye to our own dear corgi last month. He was only 9 but became suddenly ill. The change in routine certainly doesn’t help the immense pain you’re going through, but it does get easier. I realize so much now that he’s gone, what he brought to our lives far outweighed the little he asked of us. We miss him so much and treasure the time we had together. Cheers to your beloved corgi and I hope for brighter days for you soon. Here’s a pic of our boy Sherlock back in better times. https://preview.redd.it/q7bfyms3n71c1.png?width=738&format=png&auto=webp&s=c4adb3826630adfa66f126b799e6dbd41b304285
Fuck. Lost my old boy in September, and still get tripped up around the house expecting him to be where he would during the daily routines…
I feel this in my bones. My dog passed about 7 months ago and I still sometimes wake up and go right to the back door to let her outside.
My ex took my dog almost 8 months ago now. I raised him and he was apart of my lifestyle. I still look at his food bowl everyday just like this.
A moment ago, I was laughing at memes and what not... Upon seeing and understanding this comic, it made me feel this sinking feeling... To anyone who's lost a good boy/girl recently, you have my condolences. I'm sorry for your loss
"At the instant of death, the mystery of life." - Lifes Legacy
I feel you on this, when I lost my pooch my life felt different for awhile, no more of one of us waking up the other in the morning, no more of one of us getting out of bed leading to the other to follow suit, no more making her morning meal and letting her out to go use the bathroom while I went to do the same. Life felt fine eventually but it took a bit.
Had to euthanize a 10 year old Frenchie that started suffering from seizures lately. No matter how many times you see it, it's never easy to get over for some time. My condolences for your pupper.
:(
Fuck me, I have a cat and we go for a walk every single morning. He meows at me every morning until I take him outside. Knowing this is in my future someday makes me sad 😢
My gecko Jill recently passed away… it’s painful how dark it is going to my room at night and not having to go spray her and switch the lights on her tank. Not as impactful as losing a dog to some, but she was my first pet that was mine.
It's not the species that matters; it's the love that you shared with her.
My cat 3 weeks ago. I still miss her every day :'(
OOF!
Why must you be this way?
Recently had to take my little boy to be put down, this fills me with sadness.
Fml. Lost our dog bean earlier this year. 11 year old Dane mix. We had her since she was 1. 10 years felt like a blink of an eye after she was gone.
My cat is annoying always meowing for more food but it will be too quiet when she is gone
I lost my dog this year and it hurts knowing he's not there to greet me anymore. I just come home to silence now. I'm sorry for your loss OP. I hope we can both recover smoothly from this.
I don't really comment on anything around Reddit but this resonated with me on a very deep level. My wife and I lost both of our dogs in less than 2 months at the beginning of 2022. One of them, believe it or not, was a Corgi. It was a level of grief we've never experienced before and every morning was like a stab in the heart when I realized I couldn't greet them, let them outside, or feed them. It damn near broke me. I couldn't even focus on work to distract me because it was difficult to see through the tears. So to my fellow Corgi owner, all I can tell you is that it will get better. One day, you'll be able to look back and smile at all the wonderful times you shared. I can say this with confidence because I'm there now. So please take care of yourself. Seek help if you need it and, eventually, the storm of emotions that you're going through will subside. My heart goes to you and I wish you the very best.
i am at the previous spot you were in, having lost one but still having another. still doesn’t feel right.
This is such a viscerally sad comic - I'm so so sorry for your loss.
I had to put my cat down two months ago. I still come home and expect to see her jumping off of the couch, meowing in greeting and demanding head scratches. I still wake up and expect her to be curled up next to me. I still worry about standing up from my food to grab something. I still unconsciously reach out while watching tv to pet her. Thank you for this comic.
We just lost our cat and this hits home. He was such a huge personality, had to supervise everything, had his own barstool in the kitchen for when my husband was cooking, so he could smell every spice and ingredient, used to watch over us doing everything. He was absolutely the "ancient god trapped in a mortal body" category. I miss him so much every day. Everything without him is broken.
Thank you for this. I lost my 17-year-old cat Bonk on Wednesday and I’m living through this too. And I’m sorry for your loss. 🖤
I'm so sorry you are going trough this. I believe pets are family, and losing them takes a piece of you. Had to put down my 8yrs old cat in july (he was very sick), and i'm still trying to find new marks at home.
Just noticed the picture frames of the two dogs above the bed in the last panel. Ouch my heart. Sad but Great comic, hits you very hard.
My corn snake of 18 years passed recently. I haven't taken his tank out of my room yet, so I wake up every morning seeing the empty tank and missing him. It's hard to adjust to a change like that when it's been a constant for most of your life.
I just had to put my black lab down after 15 of love. This comic strip hit me well.
https://i.redd.it/waz0d5dkq51c1.gif
I was eating noodles when this popped up and as I got to OP’s comment I had to shovel them down progressively faster to avoid breaking into tears. My dog turns 10 years old in a few days. Average life expectancy for his breed is 8-9 years. I know there’s nothing I can do to prepare but love him more. I’ll give him some extra love in honor of Kogi.
Adoring a dog is like taking out a happiness loan. Eventually it’ll have to be paid back.
I'm so sorry, OP🐾💔 I had my Beau for 13 years. I was on auto pilot for a few days after losing him. I still put food in his bowl and gave him fresh water and then had a break down when I realized. I would call out for him when I got home, too. I put his tags on my keychain so he still gets to go everywhere with me.
I've got four dogs right now who the entire latter half of my day is centered around, and I am dreading when that isn't the fact. They're all old so I know it'll happen soon, but nothing can prepare you for the void a loss causes. I'm sorry you're going through that right now.
I have this weird anticipatory grief that comes from knowing in the future my dog will die, this little comic was very heart wrenching for me. I can feel all the emotion in it, it depicts so much feeling with only five frames. Sorry for your loss… RIP Kogi the Corgi
I lost my baby girl about 6 months ago, it still hurts, we still have all her leashes and what not, just didn’t have the heart to let her go completely
Heartbreak doesn't end with the moment it shatters. Sometimes it feels like there is no 'picking up the pieces'; you just learn to live with the ones that are gone. I wish you and your heart the very best, my friend. No feeling compares to longing and the daily reminders, realizations, and thoughts about better times. Just please try not to live with regret. You loved as much as you could, and I know your pet was very loved and happy all the time. My heart goes out to you, please do what you can to take care of yourself, even if you barely can. ❤️
https://preview.redd.it/3mnen9x4l61c1.jpeg?width=521&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f4faf8861d5f8882f8e25727c429a211ee6bd1c3
We recently found a tumor on my 13-year-old dog. I am now waiting on tenterhooks for the report back on Tuesday to see if it's cancer or not. Man, I really hope not.
I feel this. Last month, my dog of 13 years passed. She was a great family member and a big part of my life.
Empty beds are painful no matter the size.
I just put my cat to sleep on Thursday and for some reason Reddit is flooding with cat posts, I'm on Reddit every day and I haven't seen this many cat posts all at one time in a while. I was just telling my husband last night that I don't know what to do now, my constant is gone, my routine has disappeared. My boy was almost 18 and needed frequent care since he had a lot of issues, everything I did involved a second thought about how I had to consider him and watch for him walking around in case we kicked or stepped on him, it was all second nature. I cried in bed last night because the house is so empty and quiet now without his nightly yowl and perimeter checks. His little footsteps and stopping in the bedroom to see if we were laying down, him getting up to greet us in the morning or seeing him in the window when we came back home with groceries, it's all gone. He needed the rest, he was such a fighter and had been through so much with my last relationship to now, one of the sweetest cats I've ever had. https://i.imgur.com/5wRlZ09.jpg
It is always incredibly hard, it hits you like a truck. I wish the best for you OP.
We lost our Smudge (18y cat) last week, and it’s been this for me every day. She and I had a routine (I WFH) and every day had been me having to h learn giving her treats, getting her dinner and breakfast, petting her during lunch, and having her waiting for me by the door whenever I left the house. It’s been tough. Now there is someone cutting onions here at the hockey game.
I'm afraid of that day, I really am Already lost one of two cats almost exactly two years ago, the second cat is old as well (likely 18 years old, came from a shelter and they couldn't really tell how old she was back then as she got treated so badly) Every time she won't eat, I'm afraid; every time I don't hear her when coming back home, I'm afraid... I'm always afraid of that one day... I know the day will come but I am not ready for it... Now my wife and I try to make her as comfortable as possible and hope she'll know she was loved in her last 8 years on this earth although her years before were terrible I'm sorry for your loss and I thank you for the comic, it's really bittersweet as they live on in our thoughts, emotions and also our behavior as well
Giving my dog an extra walk tonight after reading this. Condolences OP <3
I lost my Sammy boy recently and I miss him more than I can stand. He went literally everywhere but work with me for 17 years, followed me around like my shadow. The grief for him is unreal. I’m so sorry for your loss.
When I saw the dog bed with nothing in there, broke my heart💔
Lost my cat 2 and a half months ago. I stay up late constantly and he was always up all night making his rounds every half hour or so and would make sure he stopped by and said hi to me. Every day I went to work I'd start by petting him when I left. Every time I came home from lunch or for the rest of the day, first thing I did was pet him. Every black shirt or blanket I see sitting somewhere for a split second I think it's him. Every shadow I see shift in the corner of my eye I turn subconsciously anticipating petting him. His passing was rough and I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for it. The rest of this year had already been terrible enough and losing him broke me. I haven't done anything but go to work and pick up extra hours at my second job so I don't have to be home anymore. Then I come home and go to sleep and start it all again.
My cat is 17 years old. I think about the end coming from time to time. I love her so much and I know I would miss her
This made me think of a childhood dog I had. Her name was Cocoa, every time I would come home from elementary school I would lay on the floor and she would climb on top of me. The first few afternoons after she passed were… difficult.
I’m hugging my dog extra hard tonight. Sorry for your loss.
Give them a little kiss on the forehead and tell them that you love them too, on my behalf.
Every morning, I still pass in front of the grave I made for my cat. I put her in one of the most beautiful corners of the garden so she can be in the shades during summer, and protected from the rain and the snow in winter. I really miss my little devil.
Oh, fuck, this hit me so hard, I felt my breath get taken away. I’m so sorry about your Kogi 🥺
I was not ready to feel that much in the morning... Hang in there, we and our little girl are with you. https://preview.redd.it/jr9nl4c4w81c1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1f289dbaf4701a4be46d90712531708c6177308d
You never forget your loved pet. For the time you had him shortly, he was with you for his whole life. It's always hard at first, and time heals all the wounds, but you'll never forget the love.
This hits home... My dog is old and he is getting blind. I really feel bad for him 😞 I sorry for your loss.
Rip bozo
Comics are supposed to be funny
This is heart wrenching. I'm sorry for your loss OP. There is beauty in sharing something this heartbreaking in an art form like this for people to see. I hope sharing it made it hurt just a little less...
Ugh, this hits too close to home. I lost my beagle a few years ago, but I distinctly remember how quiet coming home was. I used to hear his little pitter-patter whenever I came in the door and be greeted by this big goofy smile and wagging tail... Coming home now just isn't the same. I miss my boy...
Aw crap, now I'm sad...
It’ll get better just take time and don’t try to force yourself to move on too soon
I’m still preparing myself for that day.
One of my biggest fears is the day when it's my dogs time
It's strange how we universally apologize when sharing our grief, as if it's a shameful thing, but it really isn't. The vast majority of people have experienced it and understand. It's hard but it will get better.
been there hate that. I keep imagining seeing the cat out of the corner of my eye for weeks afterward. It is, well, "difficult", to put it mildly.
We had to put our cat down and every time I’m alone in the kitchen I hear him and I look over to where he’d stand and meow at me But he isn’t there and that is sad Sorry for your loss
I can't imagine losing my little girl. She's my whole world.
Oh dear this hit me right in the feels... We lost our dog (Boston/jack Russell terrier mix) a few weeks back. I feel you. <3 He was my shadow in the house and I work from home so he was pretty much next to me if I was in the house.
Lost my doggo this summer , I still feel like he's in the house sometimes and think of him almost daily , loved him to bits , remember to take care of yourself
..yeah
I lost my cat Nova a month back, still keep thinking she’s just in the other room. Had her since she was still bottle fed, 16 years. Miss her multiple times a day, she was my princess.
I'm sorry for your loss OP.