Group Therapy: How can I help my sister cope?

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Saved 7/28/07 to Group Therapy

Group Therapy: How can I help my sister cope?

Today, My sister's Golden Retriever was hit by a car, and died of head injuries. The dog did not die instantly, but died like, 2 minutes later. Her finance` held their dog as she passed. My sister was heartbroken. This dog wasn't just a dog to them. She was like a baby to my sister. They had her trained to shake hands, and when they said "talk", she would bark. She was the smartest, sweetest, most lovable dog to ever walk this earth. She never went by the road until today. I was just needing advice on how to help my sister cope. Please help.

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cremationsilver 1 year 11 weeks

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suebree96 5 years 40 weeks

I lost my Golden Retriever as well this January. He was like one of my children and he too died in my arms and is was sudden and unexpected. I think all you can do is be supportive and let her cry when she needs to. It does hurt a lot and it is no different than a family member dying. It is still hard for me but I also lost my grandmother last June and I believe she is taking care of him in heaven until I get there. Time heals all wounds, but just help her by getting her to remember the good times she had with her dog. Talking about her keeps her alive.

BatKitty 5 years 42 weeks

As the others have said above, be there for her. When you lose a loved one, you feel alone, even more if it's a pet because you (generally) can't get off of work when your best friend who just happens to be a cat or a dog dies, you can't just cancel everything and expect everybody to leave you alone, and it's hard. I had to go to work the same day my eleven year old cat died in my arms. Someone that's mourning for their pet is going to have to put up with people not understanding, not being able to express their grief as another who has lost a human friend. Let her talk, don't avoid the subject unless she wants to, don't make her think you're uncomfortable when she's openly grieving, and don't ever make her think she has to "get over it", because you never do, you just learn to live with the situation. You can also read about grief (Kübler Ross is a fantastic author for this) knowing more about what she's going through can make her feel a lot better, and it could help both of you. It helped me, i could go on and on, :P but i think i've said enough already. Good luck and take care :)

BeachBarbie 5 years 42 weeks

I went through this, my dog dying, this past February. All I can say is just be there for her. Even if months have past and she needs to cry be there for her (and don't think she is crazy). It takes a long time for a wound like this to heal. I'll keep her in my prayers. :hug:

popgoestheworld 5 years 42 weeks

I'm so sorry. I know how pets can be like family members and losing them is heartbreaking. Whatever you do, don't try to go out and get a replacement. Just spend some time with her and let her mourn. DearSugar posted some good tips recently on how to help someone cope with loss and those would mostly apply to this situation as well.

pinupsweetheart 5 years 42 weeks

My mom just had to put our dog of 13 years down on Wednesday. He started to have seizures up to three times an hour. He was such an amazing dog and so smart. He even waved goodbye with his two front paws. Losing a dog is never easy, either by accident or my nature. They are like children to some of us. We feed them, bathe them, love them, sleep with them, etc. Did your sister have her dog cremated? If so, try to find a cute little picture of her and her dog and put it in a frame to place alongside the little box. Another suggestion is help create a little garden or spot for her to go to. Plant some flowers, place a couple little stepping stones etc. Give her a little spot for her to look at and remember her dog. You can get a little pet memorial stone made in his honor. Check out this website www.remmeer.com/pet-memorials-c-25.html . They have pretty good prices on little personal stones you can place in her garden. But in all try to remember all the good stories and the good times they had together. Talking to my mom about all the fun stuff we had with our dog really helps.