One week

Sorry for your loss. There will be difficult days ahead but your dogs will be with you giving unconditional love and support. Be kind to yourself and don't let well meaning family and friends push you to make decisions before you are ready.

First of all, let me express my sorrow for your loss. The only explanation I can think of for the people who give us their "advice" when we are in such pain is that they have not been in our place and don't really understand what grieving people feel. I lost a child almost 40 years ago and I still feel the pangs from what some people said. The good news is, the losses in our lives and the resulting pain, makes us more compassionate to others. Hopefully, when it is our turn to comfort someone, we can learn from other's mistakes and be more loving and caring. God bless you and may your dogs love you and help you in your healing.

His soul flies free xxx One day at a time. The dogs will help you through this.... I don't think people were meaning to be hurtful. They were just thinking of you so don't be too hard on them. Virtual hugs being sent.

What a great loss. A week is a very short time to be making any decisions, and I’m sure you will know when is the right time to make changes. I remember when I lost my husband, my dear dog was such a comfort and dried many of my tears. Animals are so good at picking up moods, and you can talk to them without getting any answers or comments back. Take time to grieve.

I have just seen this post as I’ve just popped onto Gransnet for a little look before I go out. I apologise in advance if I am repeating much of what others have said - but this has really touched me. I am SO sorry to hear of your loss and nothing anyone can say right now will take away that raw ache. But ... please don’t let anyone persuade you to part with your dogs! Well meaning folk will say ‘you can’t cope’ with them - but I assure you, you will find a way - and as you say - they are now your reason to keep on going each day. Dogs give so so much, unconditionally, and you love them. If times are tricky, there are plenty of dog walkers around who will help you. Very much love to you and your lovely - and loving dogs.

Just be gentle with yourself! It's an enormous change in your life. As for comments about your dogs, it might help to have a response ready...just saying you're coping with them fine. (And IF you would like help at any point friends would I'm sure,or there are dog walkers etc or Borrow My Doggy)

A day at a time....you will have been through so much I am sure....take all the support and comfort that you need, wherever that comes from (dogs and all) ...and stay away from any of that, that doesn’t help you, no matter how well meaning. Don’t expect to feel great any time soon. It’s a long journey so baby steps...and be kind to yourself.?

Bumblebee said everything I wanted to so perfectly. I send you so much love.

So sorry to hear of your loss, keep your dogs they will be a comfort in the days to come. Don’t decide anything yet, take your time and be kind to yourself. ?

So , so sorry for your loss. It's still hard even when it is expected. We just have to accept and learn to live our new life, No one understands better than those who have been there.

Just take small steps , an hour at a time, a day at a time. It takes time for you to return to 'normal' whatever normal is. It will be your life as you choose.

If you have been caring for your husband you don't realise what it has taken out of you.

I know I have written this before but a friend who had been a widow for eight years gave me some very good advice. Don't take tablets- you still have to face it. Don't drink at home alone it can become addictive, Always cook you must look after yourself. Don't make any major decisions for at least two years. Accept all invitations (people give up asking if you keep refusing.)

There's no denying it is a rocky road but it does get easier along the way as we come to terms with the fact that it is your life now.

Big hug. take care x

I can't say anything to help, of course, but I just wanted to post to offer my sympathies. I haven't lost a partner yet (other than to divorce) so I can't imagine the full extent of how you must be feeling, but I wish you strength and peace of mind.

It must be tough for you - we all dread it. But if the dogs are keeping you going and giving you their unconditional love, they seem essential to me.

So sorry for your loss .Your dogs will spur you on and get you out the house, i suffer from agrophobia after losing my mum and dad i left my job and locked myself away, my life is a mess, grieve however you need too and get out in the fresh air with the dogs sending you big hugs and lots of love

A lot of very good advice here. From my own experience I would say don't do anything big for a year, so that you can learn to cope on your own. There is so much that has to be done whilst still in an emotional state - paying bills, managing the house etc. You don't forget (how could you?). You just learn to live with it and, as someone said, a scar grows over.

I don’t think I can add anything to the comments already made by others but wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. People don’t always think things through before they speak even with the best of intentions. From experience after the death of my DH, having to get up every day to walk our dog gave me a reason to get out of bed and get dressed on days when I wouldn’t otherwise have done. So enjoy your dogs and the comfort they will bring

Where you are now is where I was five years ago, and it's hell. Losing a partner is like emotional amputation without any anaesthetic. Grief never really goes away - you just build scar tissue around it. Your dogs will be of enormous help - hang on to them. Warm hugs and deepest sympathy.

So sorry for your loss. You are right to keep the dogs. Caring for them is a help to you in these dreadful days and will be for a very long time, I hope.

Please do not make any major decisions yet. Give yourself time to mourn your husband and let all decisions about your future wait until you feel able to cope again.

Oh dear - such a tough, and bewildering, time for you. Sending you (and your dogs) love and hugs.

So sorry to hear of your loss. People are so insensitive, why would you get rid of your beloved pets too and make the grief and loss worse.
I have found that homeopathic remedies which are gentle and can be taken as well as conventional drugs with no problems considerably help with loss and grief.
Rescue Remedy (a mix of Bach flower essences) which you can buy freely is a good help too.

So sorry for your loss..?..but whatever you do don’t give up your dogs ..hugs xx

My lovely, it's all been said already and put far better than i can, but my deepest sympathies to you. Keep your dogs, support each other (as they will miss your husband too), and ignore the welk-meaning but crass people who think you need to lose yet more souls who are dear to you.

So sorry for your loss
Your dogs will be a great comfort to you x?

Notoveryet. You are not alone. My late DH passing was sudden, gut wrenching and the experience is one I will have with me for ever.
Although hospitalised we had been having a very animated and enjoyable conversation only hours before.
You must ignore the comments made by others, not easy I know, but it is your life and DH was part of your life.Do what you want to do and if you need help then there are those who will listen to you without any condemnation as to what is right /what is wrong. Age Concern the Red Cross are very helpful.
Blue Cross have a bereavement service and not just to help over the loss of a pet but will listen to your concerns over the unsolicited advice you have been given concerning your own dogs They would never advise you to give up your pets as pets can be of great comfort to you in your loss of a loved one and my own pet was of great comfort to me on the sudden loss of my DH.
Be strong.

I am so very sorry for your loss. As for those people who say you can't keep the dogs, well honestly they have a nerve. How very insenstive of them. It's entirely your decision. I would imagine the dogs will be of great comfort to you.