Grieving couple commits suicide after dog dies

[dukedogsmom]

That is so very sad. I can certainly understand their grief. I've still got mine after almost five months. Everyone handles it in a different way. Some people can't cope. I'm kind of saddened by some of the callous remarks I've seen here. This, of all places, should be a place where some of those things weren't said.

[Whisk_Luva]

Look the person who said it was stupid: They were old, they have had this dog for 13 years, maybe they didnt want another dog because they might die when owning this dog and it would have to go to a shelter. People who lose children often go into depression, the dog was like a child to them. They maybe didnt know how to handle their dogs death, maybe they have seen to many friends die (they are old), maybe it wasnt just the dog, maybe the dog was just the last straw.

So it is not stupid. I admit it is not clever but it was their way of handling their grief.

[popcornbird]

That is very sad.

I can understand their grief and sorrow, however, I too, feel their reaction was not the way to go. Its heartbreaking. Suicide is never right. We're all going to die someday. People lose family members. They lose their spouses, parents, children. There are people in this world who lose entire families at once, due to war or earthquakes, or some other disaster. Still, there is never a reason to commit suicide.

Yes I understand that people do get hopeless. They get depressed. Sometimes depressed people cannot think straight...however, there is no reason strong enough to lose hope to the point that you just kill yourself. Anyone who has a pet knows they will die someday. Everyone who gets married knows their spouse will pass on one day, or they will pass on before the spouse. Everyone knows their parents will pass on one day. Their children, their brothers, sisters, grandparents...everyone. We're all going to die someday, and just because a loved one dies, doesn't mean we have to end our lives too.

Life goes on. If everyone committed suicide just because they lost a loved one, the whole world would be wiped out by now. We've all lost loved ones before...and I strongly believe that the love for a spouse or child/parent is generally much deeper than the love for a pet. It just doesn't compare. Until a person has a wonderful spouse or child, they cannot imagine. Even if someone loses a dear family member, one should not resort to committing suicide.

I know that we can never know how these people felt, but once again, suicide is never an answer. There is always hope in life...always light at the end of a tunnel, even though at the time of grief, we cannot see it. God pulls us out of hard times, if only we are patient.

[dukedogsmom]

Popcornbird, those are good points but just because we know we're going to lose our loved ones, be they humans or pets, does not make it easier. And how can you know how we feel about our lost pets? The loss of Duke has hurt me more than losing my dad. So, what does that make me? Some people will probably think me a horrible person for that statement. Yes, I loved my dad dearly and would have done anything for him. Duke was my furry soulmate. I'm really upset that you think that people like me don't know true grief because I don't have kids or a spouse. I never wanted kids. And no, my animals aren't a replacement for them. I had plenty of opportunities to have a kid if I wanted one. Now, I would never do suicide like this couple did but I can surely understand their despair because I'm living it right now. As a side note, I do know what it's like to lose an almost spouse. He's very ill and doesn't want to talk to anyone. Another reason my heart is breaking. So please, don't question someone else's grief.

[Kalei]

Well after reading all this, I will say my 2 cents worth I guess. I agree that sometimes the grief or sadness can be overwhelming and almost untamable as in that you would commit suicide or at least try. I have felt that way myself. But I would never actually do it. Anything that has loved you so much, animal or human, would never want you to end your life just because they passed on.

I am very as for this couple that they did end their life. All I can hope is that they are with their dog now. But I would never commit suicide over a pet or a relative, they would want me to live out my life and be happy.

Sadly suicide is getting more and more popular these days

[Roxyluvsme13]

It's not so easy to take your mind off of things when you lose the love of your life, especially when that life never even had a chance to live. You've obviously never suffered depression after a pet dies.

[popcornbird]

Popcornbird, those are good points but just because we know we're going to lose our loved ones, be they humans or pets, does not make it easier. And how can you know how we feel about our lost pets? The loss of Duke has hurt me more than losing my dad. So, what does that make me? Some people will probably think me a horrible person for that statement. Yes, I loved my dad dearly and would have done anything for him. Duke was my furry soulmate. I'm really upset that you think that people like me don't know true grief because I don't have kids or a spouse. I never wanted kids. And no, my animals aren't a replacement for them. I had plenty of opportunities to have a kid if I wanted one. Now, I would never do suicide like this couple did but I can surely understand their despair because I'm living it right now. As a side note, I do know what it's like to lose an almost spouse. He's very ill and doesn't want to talk to anyone. Another reason my heart is breaking. So please, don't question someone else's grief.

Val, I never said I know, or can imagine how someone who loses a beloved pet would feel. I have had my birds for 7 1/2 years. They've been through so many changes in life with me, and I cannot imagine losing them. That being said, I know that one day, we will all have to part from our loved ones. No, of course that doesn't make it any easier, but the thought that if we're patient, we will one day join them, does.

I would never judge your feelings for Duke, and would never judge you, or anyone negatively for grieving over the loss of their pet. I know that I would be in unbearable pain if I were in that situation, but again, its not a reason to commit suicide. I was only talking about my own personal feelings, because I personally feel a good spouse is like a person's other half. At least I feel that way about my husband. The love just doesn't compare to anything else. I love my pets tremendously, but I do have loving feelings towards all members of my family, and the love for pets, though very deep, is still different.