Inconsolable

I'm so so sorry for your loss and I too know your pain all too well and many of us do. Please take everyone's advice and find yourself another sheltie!! It really DOES help you heal. I made this comment years ago after losing our dog of 12 yrs: "A new dog doesn't take their place, but, it will fill their space".
 
So sorry to read of your loss. It's not easy to have them leave. Remember the good, fun, and even worrying times, and tears of loss will be replaced by those of joy in being the one chosen to share that life.
 
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you are not alone. I lost my first Sheltie, Neechee two years ago this coming Easter. He was my heart dog for 17 years, and I will always mourn him. I still cry for him, but I know he'll be waiting for me at the Bridge.

Something that helped me deal with his passing was to make arrangements to have his body cremated, and his ashes are to be buried with me when the time comes. My family knows all my wishes, and I have them written out as well. I have a wall in my den devoted to his memory - photos, his CD title, his ribbons, etc. It really helped to do that.

My second Sheltie, Bela, could not be more different than Neechee was. But she's unique in her own way and has a troubled past (former puppy mill mama). Most of all, she needs me and loves me. She'll never be Neechee, and I don't expect her to be. But she is the companion that I desperately needed when I lost him.

My prayers are with you - it's not easy, that first year. May you be able to at least find some peace and be able to go on from here.
 
My heart goes out to you. I have lost two over the years, one not so sudden, one very suddenly. Our Shelties have such a big part of our hearts that when we lose them, it just tears us up. Don't worry about missing him or crying - you need to do this for yourself to start to heal. We never get over them - we keep them close to our hearts. Remember what he brought into your life, who he filled up a Sheltie-size hole that was there.

When the time is right, please consider another Sheltie. There is always room in our hearts for another one. They never replace our lost one but they make a place all of their own.

Take care.
 
I would agree with everyone who says that it has helped to get another sheltie to share your love and life with. When I lost my first sheltie I waited 2 years to get another but when the second sheltie died (I call her my soul dog) I was taken by surprise by a lovely girl who was with a sheltie rescue friend and who needed a home. Was I ready? I was not sure, but she was ready and she needed me. Now she has lived with us for 5 years and has brought us a lot of love and joy. She did not replace my soul dog and I still think of that one often but she has taken her own place in my heart. I like to think that my soul dog found this rescue girl for me. I am not urging you to get a dog now, you need this time to grieve. But, in the future, when your heart begins to lighten a bit, then is the time to consider opening your heart to a new friend.
I do send hugs to you. We all have been where you are...it is the price we have to pay to be able to share our lives with our furry friends. I don't think any of us would give up that love in order to avoid the pain of loss.
 
Thanks to all for your replies.

According to some reading I have done, I have multiple risk factors for Complicated Grief, also known as Prolonged Grief Disorder. It worries me that my pain is going to go on and on and on forever, without getting even a little bit better.

In terms of roles, my precious Sheltieboy was my spouce, my son, my therapist, and more - all roled into one. I feel like I have lost everything.

I hope to have another Sheltieboy in the future, but not for at least twelve months. Some time in the future, I plan on going to a local Sheltie Club meeting, so I can at least have a short visit with a Sheltie. He will probably end up soggy from tears.
 
When I lost my first sheltie, I thought I would never want another and was looking at other breeds. It took 2 years before I came across a pup that made my heart skip a beat. And it was a sheltie.

I'd always thought that I'd be replacing my boy, but no, they are completely different dogs. I always ask my old boy to look after my dogs now. My mum thinks that Romeo is my old boy reincarnated. :lol: I'll let her believe what she will!

It just takes time. You'll never forget but you'll make room to love another.
 
I really don't know what to say, other than time will heal, and soon you will be smiling when you remember to wonderful times you had together.
My heart goes out to you
Sylvia & our two shelties Bonnie and Morgan at the bridge
and our three at home William Patrick & Sophie.
 
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