Dogs

[MoChara]

Possibly covered before, but why do some dog owners tie the poo-bags on hedges?

This is such a dickhead thing to do, leaving the poo lying would be better at least it could biodegrade

[Milltown Row2]

Possibly covered before, but why do some dog owners tie the poo-bags on hedges?

This is such a dickhead thing to do, leaving the poo lying would be better at least it could biodegrade

Now this is only workable when let's say you head off to a Forrest walk with the dogs, the entrance generally fine, bins aplenty but the whole way through the trail there isn't one bin!

Now the best thing to do is just carry the shit bag till you come back 2 hours later! Or, I've done it a couple of times I place it by the path go finish your walk and pick it up on the way back.

Only works if you pick it up though, absolutely no excuse to do it in areas that have plenty bins, the worst is just leaving it at the foot of the bin WTF!

[AustinPowers]

Anyone got any advice  dealing with the sudden death of  a family dog?

Moreso  the  kids (nephews/nieces). Youngest is 15, dog about 12 or 13,  so  it's been there  most of their lives.  A couple  of them are at  awkward ages , currently dealing with teen/school issues , so this won't help.

I know I was devastated  when our own dog died , so  not sure how to  approach this .

Any advice welcome.

[Jell 0 Biafra]

Let them know it's OK to be sad.  You miss the dog too.  Look at photos of you all with the dog in happier times.  Get used to the absence.  And, after a suitable time, go to the dog pound together and pick out another one.

Least, that's what we did when ours old pitbull died just over 4 years ago.

[SaffronSports]

Last time I got a photo made up of all the photos of the kids with the dog. Unfortunately our current dog (only 4 and a half) doesn't have long left. Recently diagnosed with cancer.

[lurganblue]

Let them know it's OK to be sad.  You miss the dog too.  Look at photos of you all with the dog in happier times.  Get used to the absence.  And, after a suitable time, go to the dog pound together and pick out another one.

Least, that's what we did when ours old pitbull died just over 4 years ago.

I'd agree with this. Our dog died last year. It has taken me until now to want another. We took in a wee rescue dog last week, who is 8, so no spring chicken. She has never had a name and was just a number on a puppy farm. Awful sad.

[Mario]

Let them know it's OK to be sad.  You miss the dog too.  Look at photos of you all with the dog in happier times.  Get used to the absence.  And, after a suitable time, go to the dog pound together and pick out another one.

Least, that's what we did when ours old pitbull died just over 4 years ago.

I'd agree with this. Our dog died last year. It has taken me until now to want another. We took in a wee rescue dog last week, who is 8, so no spring chicken. She has never had a name and was just a number on a puppy farm. Awful sad.

How is it going with her?

I've a cocker spaniel, I love the dog but he is hard work too. I have two kids under 2 and the dog needs walked about 1.5 hours a day or he acts up. I can't see me getting another dog when he is gone but difficult to say until it happens.

[Milltown Row2]

I'll struggle when my wee ones go, hopefully for not a few years yet, the bond is crazy and there would be a serious void in our lives once they go, we purposely got them when the kids were a bit older, knowing at some point they would have been heading off to college and they really have made it easier for that void the kids leave..

As for dealing with it, the cushions with their photos on it have helped my friend once their dog died

I don't think I'll get another one or two after these though.

[lurganblue]

Let them know it's OK to be sad.  You miss the dog too.  Look at photos of you all with the dog in happier times.  Get used to the absence.  And, after a suitable time, go to the dog pound together and pick out another one.

Least, that's what we did when ours old pitbull died just over 4 years ago.

I'd agree with this. Our dog died last year. It has taken me until now to want another. We took in a wee rescue dog last week, who is 8, so no spring chicken. She has never had a name and was just a number on a puppy farm. Awful sad.

How is it going with her?

I've a cocker spaniel, I love the dog but he is hard work too. I have two kids under 2 and the dog needs walked about 1.5 hours a day or he acts up. I can't see me getting another dog when he is gone but difficult to say until it happens.

Going well so far.  She's a cavalier. Very nervous as expected, but there is a glimmer of some confidence coming through. She's never been on a lead before, so that is a work in progress. Thankfully we have a large enough secure back garden that she can freely roam, when the weather isnt awful. It'll be small steps, but every wee one will feel like a victory.

[JoG2]

Our wains were 9 and 18 when we lost ours just before lockdown. It was brutal, but, albeit extremely tough, helps the kids deal with loss. Keep the pics up, our boy is still in a wee wooden box on the mantlepiece, and still missed. The mobile phone gallery keeps popping up reminders from years gone by.

Took us 3 years before we went again such was the heartache, 2 from the rescue centre in Moira. I walk them early and late each day, total, about 90 mins, love getting the steps up.. Couldn't imagine the house without them, two dotes

[mackers]

Anyone got any advice  dealing with the sudden death of  a family dog?

Moreso  the  kids (nephews/nieces). Youngest is 15, dog about 12 or 13,  so  it's been there  most of their lives.  A couple  of them are at  awkward ages , currently dealing with teen/school issues , so this won't help.

I know I was devastated  when our own dog died , so  not sure how to  approach this .

Any advice welcome.

Our family dog was run over in Newcastle on Easter Tuesday.  It was a traumatic experience for my daughter and I who witnessed it. There was complete devastation in the house. I went out and got a puppy within a week of this happening.  Eldest daughter felt guilty over replacing him so quickly but we talked it through as I wouldn't have done it without her permission.  We still look at photos of the dog that passed away and have great memories but the new dog filled the hole that he left and took our minds off it.  I don't know how we would have coped without the new dog.  Honestly think it was the best thing we could have done.

[JoG2]

Anyone got any advice  dealing with the sudden death of  a family dog?

Moreso  the  kids (nephews/nieces). Youngest is 15, dog about 12 or 13,  so  it's been there  most of their lives.  A couple  of them are at  awkward ages , currently dealing with teen/school issues , so this won't help.

I know I was devastated  when our own dog died , so  not sure how to  approach this .

Any advice welcome.

Our family dog was run over in Newcastle on Easter Tuesday.  It was a traumatic experience for my daughter and I who witnessed it. There was complete devastation in the house. I went out and got a puppy within a week of this happening.  Eldest daughter felt guilty over replacing him so quickly but we talked it through as I wouldn't have done it without her permission.  We still look at photos of the dog that passed away and have great memories but the new dog filled the hole that he left and took our minds off it.  I don't know how we would have coped without the new dog.  Honestly think it was the best thing we could have done.

Ah man, absolutely awful 

[AustinPowers]

All good advice, thanks.

Everyone deals with it  differently I suppose. But as someone said, getting another dog  soon after might help  with the loss.  I'm not sure if they will go with that , given  he was  in the family so long , it might feel like they're replacing him  very quickly  without  really grieving. I know that's how I still  feel nearly three years later, after our dog died.

It's just the hours and days in particular , after it that's going to hit them hard.  Getting cushions made  and photos printed  will be done I'm sure,  but it's just the emptiness  immediately afterwards

[Jell 0 Biafra]

Just on the point made above about the amount of exercise dogs need, that differs by breed.  Pitbulls don't need a lot of exercise, nor do greyhounds (surprisingly enough).  Young hound breeds are going to need a lot of exercise though, or they'll wreck your gaff.  And yes, our "new" dog (a few years now, actually) is a young hound.  Pain in the arse sometimes, but the nipper loves her.

[Sportacus]

All good advice, thanks.

Everyone deals with it  differently I suppose. But as someone said, getting another dog  soon after might help  with the loss.  I'm not sure if they will go with that , given  he was  in the family so long , it might feel like they're replacing him  very quickly  without  really grieving. I know that's how I still  feel nearly three years later, after our dog died.

It's just the hours and days in particular , after it that's going to hit them hard.  Getting cushions made  and photos printed  will be done I'm sure,  but it's just the emptiness  immediately afterwards

It's a very very tough loss. Do what you're doing: talk about it; enjoy the memories; grieve; take your time on any future decisions, there are a lot of pros and cons.