Chris
Premium Member
Dawn, I'll say a prayer that your sleep becomes restful once again. The resting boxes are just beautiful...
My beloved Chandler is truly an Angel
- Thread starter dawns2shelties
- Start date
Dawn I am so sorry to hear that you and Gypsy are having problems with sleep and adjusting. You get so used to having to get up to check on the elderly/ailing pet that its impossible not to have that gear in your brain spinning looking and listening and searching even in sleep.
It may help to institute a walk time with Gypsy that is outside the regular pattern that you had with Chandler...maybe use his leash? OR get a new leash? Also, a slight re-arrangement of the bedroom may be helpful (different comforter, light a scented candle for a half hour or so before bedtime, add a night light, etc). Sometimes just a little change is enough to "reset" the subconscious for both of you so that you can sleep better. Gypsy will probably "search" for Chandler for a few days to a few weeks. Emma called and searched for Indy for a little over a week. Newton took to sleeping on Indy's orthopedic bed for about 3 days, and then returned to sleeping in our bed. In the first few days after Indy crossed the bridge I IMMERSED myself in his photos....crying and smiling at the same time. Alan and Russell went into avoidance/denial and they are still having some coping issues. For me...my heart is light now. Coming home to a house full of shelties certainly helped me, but acknowledging Indy's long life and really seeing the changes in his activity level and appearance in the last 1.5 years of pictures really made everything hit home and fall into perspective.
Everyone goes through the process of grieving and loss and coping in a different way and time frame. You feel the way that you feel, it IS personal, it IS important and most importantly you have a whole forum of people here who GET IT even if non-pet families around you DON'T get it.
It may help to institute a walk time with Gypsy that is outside the regular pattern that you had with Chandler...maybe use his leash? OR get a new leash? Also, a slight re-arrangement of the bedroom may be helpful (different comforter, light a scented candle for a half hour or so before bedtime, add a night light, etc). Sometimes just a little change is enough to "reset" the subconscious for both of you so that you can sleep better. Gypsy will probably "search" for Chandler for a few days to a few weeks. Emma called and searched for Indy for a little over a week. Newton took to sleeping on Indy's orthopedic bed for about 3 days, and then returned to sleeping in our bed. In the first few days after Indy crossed the bridge I IMMERSED myself in his photos....crying and smiling at the same time. Alan and Russell went into avoidance/denial and they are still having some coping issues. For me...my heart is light now. Coming home to a house full of shelties certainly helped me, but acknowledging Indy's long life and really seeing the changes in his activity level and appearance in the last 1.5 years of pictures really made everything hit home and fall into perspective.
Everyone goes through the process of grieving and loss and coping in a different way and time frame. You feel the way that you feel, it IS personal, it IS important and most importantly you have a whole forum of people here who GET IT even if non-pet families around you DON'T get it.
Calliesmom
Moderator
Dawn I am so sorry to hear that you and Gypsy are having problems with sleep and adjusting. You get so used to having to get up to check on the elderly/ailing pet that its impossible not to have that gear in your brain spinning looking and listening and searching even in sleep.
It may help to institute a walk time with Gypsy that is outside the regular pattern that you had with Chandler...maybe use his leash? OR get a new leash? Also, a slight re-arrangement of the bedroom may be helpful (different comforter, light a scented candle for a half hour or so before bedtime, add a night light, etc). Sometimes just a little change is enough to "reset" the subconscious for both of you so that you can sleep better. Gypsy will probably "search" for Chandler for a few days to a few weeks. Emma called and searched for Indy for a little over a week. Newton took to sleeping on Indy's orthopedic bed for about 3 days, and then returned to sleeping in our bed. In the first few days after Indy crossed the bridge I IMMERSED myself in his photos....crying and smiling at the same time. Alan and Russell went into avoidance/denial and they are still having some coping issues. For me...my heart is light now. Coming home to a house full of shelties certainly helped me, but acknowledging Indy's long life and really seeing the changes in his activity level and appearance in the last 1.5 years of pictures really made everything hit home and fall into perspective.
Everyone goes through the process of grieving and loss and coping in a different way and time frame. You feel the way that you feel, it IS personal, it IS important and most importantly you have a whole forum of people here who GET IT even if non-pet families around you DON'T get it.
well said
danisgoat
Moderator
Wishing you peaceful dreams tonight, Dawn.
dawns2shelties
Forums Sage
Dawn I am so sorry to hear that you and Gypsy are having problems with sleep and adjusting. You get so used to having to get up to check on the elderly/ailing pet that its impossible not to have that gear in your brain spinning looking and listening and searching even in sleep.
It may help to institute a walk time with Gypsy that is outside the regular pattern that you had with Chandler...maybe use his leash? OR get a new leash? Also, a slight re-arrangement of the bedroom may be helpful (different comforter, light a scented candle for a half hour or so before bedtime, add a night light, etc). Sometimes just a little change is enough to "reset" the subconscious for both of you so that you can sleep better. Gypsy will probably "search" for Chandler for a few days to a few weeks. Emma called and searched for Indy for a little over a week. Newton took to sleeping on Indy's orthopedic bed for about 3 days, and then returned to sleeping in our bed. In the first few days after Indy crossed the bridge I IMMERSED myself in his photos....crying and smiling at the same time. Alan and Russell went into avoidance/denial and they are still having some coping issues. For me...my heart is light now. Coming home to a house full of shelties certainly helped me, but acknowledging Indy's long life and really seeing the changes in his activity level and appearance in the last 1.5 years of pictures really made everything hit home and fall into perspective.
Everyone goes through the process of grieving and loss and coping in a different way and time frame. You feel the way that you feel, it IS personal, it IS important and most importantly you have a whole forum of people here who GET IT even if non-pet families around you DON'T get it.
Thanks so much Janet. We went for a nice long walk yesterday in the park and enjoyed the beautiful weather. I did sleep more peacefully yesterday and Gypsy seemed very peaceful at the park.
sheltiemom4
Forums Enthusiast
My thoughts are with you.......I can't read your posts without tearing up. 
Only time will heal your and Gypsy's pain. Please take comfort in knowing we all understand how you feel and what you and Gypsy are going through..............prayers being sent
Only time will heal your and Gypsy's pain. Please take comfort in knowing we all understand how you feel and what you and Gypsy are going through..............prayers being sent
Awww Dawn, so sorry to hear about Chandler. You are always helping me out when I come here for advice with Lucy's health issues and it is so very appreciated. You are an excellent, caring, sheltie mama. So many of us have been through this and know we are all here feeling for you after your loss.
tentcamp
Forums Enthusiast
I am so sorry about Chandler, he had a wonderful and loved life with you, you both were blessed.......