My beautiful wife Rosie passed away 21 February 2023. She had IPF, a lung disease which she had for 7yr. Her weakened lung’s could not beat the viruses and infections of this last winter, Rosie passed away at home after a 3 week stay in a not very nice hospital. It was her last wish to come home thankfully Rosie got her wish and died 4 days later.
I miss her terribly and have her photos in every room, I kiss her photos good night and again good morning.
Rosie’s and I both loved dogs and had them for most of our married life. I feel if I got a dog would this help with my grief or is 5 weeks too soon Ted 1941
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Hi Ted I lost my husband of 47years to covid almost 3 years ago. I got a little dog 2 years ago . He is the reason I get up in a morning and the reason I leave the house to go walking. He as helped me enormously although it is still hard to carry on without my husband .
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Hi Ted. I honestly dont know how I would have coped without my two little poochons. I talk to them all the time, they sleep on my bed. They get me out of the house, They provide fun, joy and laughs as they tumble and play, chasing each other round the woods.
One of them is very sensitive, and if I get emotional she runs over, jumps on my chest, stares into my eyes as if to say “It will be ok Dad, Im here!”. If I cry, she licks my tears.
Probably the biggest benefit is that so many strangers come over and say ooh! What sort of dogs are these, can I give them a pat? So I get a few minutes conversation, and a couple of ladies have become firm friends.
So, should you get a dog? NO!, Get TWO!!!
Good luck!
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Hi Ted
So sorry for your loss, it’s heartbreaking and life changing isn’t it. I lost my partner aged 62 , 3 weeks ago from sudden heart attack. I have a dog but he is getting on now at 14.5 but he is my reason to get up everyday, however, dogs are a huge commitment, time, walking in all weather, expensive upkeep, ie, food, vets, etc and also you need someone who can look after them if you are ill, have to go away, etc. Think long and hard first before you make any decision. They are the best companion you will ever have but it’s like having a child as they need a lot of looking after, I am finding it a struggle now my partner has gone and he is grieving the loss of his daddy too. Take care Lyn
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Hello all, I thought I would add to this conversation. My lovely Martin and I had been fostering for The Dogstrust since 2016. In total we fostered around 22 little souls. I would highly recommend this. If you reach out to them, they are very helpful. This means you won’t have to make the full commitment, and can look after the little ones before they go to their forever home.
The reason why we went down this route was, we lost our two little Yorkies within a year of each other, it just broke our hearts, we could never have owned another dog, however this was a great compromise. You can decide what doggies you can take, big, small etc.
Big hugs x❤️
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Good idea @Dottie72 . Fostering is a good idea because it isnt a permanent commitment. I used to do the same for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
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Absolutely Ted. A dog is a saviour. I have two furry four legged therapists and have found they have got me through the trauma of losing my husband with their unconditional love, their ability to listen, make me laugh and take me for walks.
Regardless of all the downsides that have been pointed out the ups are more than worth it a thousand times over.
By all means try fostering. I also fostered but kept my last dog. Plenty of dogs in need of a loving home. Don’t hesitate Ted go and sort out a little friend. Plus you will also meet up with other people with dogs and it can become a social life with exercise and fresh air. A win, win situation so good luck.
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Hi Ted1941,
I’m very sorry for your loss.
I lost my dad in November 2022 and my mum lost her husband of 50 years. A year before we found out that dad was ill I got a lovely pup and my parents adored her. She braught us so many happy memories in what we now know was sadly the last year of my dad’s life.
My dog has been a huge source of love and support for myself and also my mum. My mum loves her to bits and she is definitely helping with providing purpose and unconditional love during this very difficult time.
Take care
X
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Ironically l have a cat who got me through, l have rescently got a puppy and they both give me a reason to get up in a morning xx
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Jeanine1,
Cats are fantastic and so therapeutic. I have two cats and my dog. Wouldn’t be without one of each.
Xx
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Thanks Marl for your inspiration
Thank you Pattidot
Your comments have made me all the more determined to get a dog. I know that my late wife Rosie would love me to have a faithful friend.
Dogs gave both of us tremendous love over the years so I hope I able to adopt a needy one to help fill my void
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Well done Ted.
What I have done is found a local Dog Walker who my dogs know well and I have her phone number in case I am ever ill. I also have another couple who will take over my dogs and make sure they are cared for if anything should happen to me.
Most people who have dogs are only too happy to help. We don’t have much choice with rescue centres near me so most of the rehomed dogs are from abroard and absolutely lovely and so happy to be loved and cared for. There are also a rehoming service for Greyhounds who are so gentle and easy to handle which surprised me. I have never known such lazy dogs who like to sleep most of the time.
Good luck Ted and do keep us informed on how you get on.
Pat
xx
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I lost my husband 6 months ago after a 2 year battle with plural mesothelioma. I have a brilliant family and 3 lovely grandchildren that keep me going, but it’s my 18 months sprollie that keeps me going. He gives me a reason to get up and out each day.
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I have a weshan named Doris and she’s amazing. She knows when I need her and curls up by or on me. She was more Jennys dog and followed her everywhere so obviously she’s going through her own grief, so fussing and talking to her helps me as well as Doris.
My advice is if you love animals, go for it, just looking after a new pup will give you a reason to get up in the morning and a reason to smile. Good luck, I hope you find the perfect dog for you, they’re truly amazing best friends. I wish you all the best.
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Thanks for sharing. I have just sent a request to the DT to hopefully become a Home from Home Fosterer.
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Living alone now, our dog Lottie is my best friend. I have to go on for her, just like others have said, she gives me a purpose, gets me out of bed, gets distressed if I do and tries to lick my tears. Cost does have to be a consideration though. I can’t walk her due to arthritis, so I have to pay a dog walker twice a week, £10 a time. She’s a very lively, very energetic Jack Russell, 6 years old, so not really the most suitable dog for a disabled person. My husband walked her every day. Fortunately we have a large garden so I can get her running, fetching a ball with one of those plastic throwers that throw it a long way. We manage. She’s on my lap as I write this. She’s become extremely affectionate and needing my attention since my husband has disappeared from our home. I wouldn’t be without her though. We’re in this together.
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Hi @AngelinaH . Purely by coincidence, I read your post and then noticed this. I thought of you!
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Tykey that made me smile. What a great idea. Also someone recently told me you can get a little machine that ejects the ball, the dog has to return the ball and drop it in herself, then it ejects the ball again. I haven’t looked into it yet, and I think it would take some patience to train the dog, but it sounds great as she never tires of this game 
unlike me.
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That’s brilliant will definitely get one for my border collie pup xxx