Layout
English-speaking Japan & Taiwan

Guides

Come back to this page on each of the days ahead.

Counted the way it is done in Japan and Taiwan: the day they died is day 1.

By time

The first week

Is it normal to cry all the time and feel so empty?How do I remember them? I want to write about their last daysThey died so suddenly. I never got to say goodbyeHow did you get through it? Does this pain ever go away?Should I keep their things? I want to keep a paw print or furA friend's dog died. What should I say?Where did they go after they died? What is the Rainbow Bridge people talk about? Are they lonely over there?They just passed and the cremation is tomorrow. What can I do for them before then, and how do I say a proper goodbye?They died suddenly. Is it my fault for not noticing sooner or getting them checked?What can I do with the ashes? Do I need to decide now?I keep hearing their sounds around the house. Is that normal?People around me don't understand. They think it was just a dogI keep blaming myself for choosing euthanasiaHow do I tell the kids?

The first month

Is it okay to keep the ashes at home?Will they come back to visit me?I can't cry anymore. Did I not love them enough?I did everything I could. Why did they still go so soon?Our other dog seems to be grieving too

Months later

It has been so long and it still hurts. Is that normal?What does it mean when I dream about them?Is it okay to get another dog?When my own time comes, can I have their things (treats, ashes, collar) placed in my coffin with me?Where and when should I scatter the ashes?

The anniversary and after

I want to share how lovely they were as a seniorHow can we mark the anniversary?The anniversary is coming and the grief is back

While they are still here

They are still here, but I am already terrified of losing them. Is that normal?How do I know when it is time?Ask your vetThey don't have much time left. What can we do together and what memories can I make in these last days?How do I stay with them on the day?Caring for a senior dog (dementia, blindness, diapers)Ask your vetMy old dog is sick (coughing, stroke, arthritis, gut problems). I'm so worried. How do I care for them?Ask your vetMy old dog has lost their appetite and often won't eat. How should I feed them and choose their food?Ask your vetVet bills for my senior dog are so expensive. How do I manage?If a disaster hits and we have to evacuate, how do I take my old dog with me?My old dog is losing teeth and slowing down. Is this just normal aging, or is something wrong?Ask your vet