Coping with the loss of a pet

[mmcat]

my heart is with you. hugs...

[AXO_MOM_3]

Wow...our dog had to be put down unexpectedly last night. We made our book tonight with the girls, and it did help some. Still such a difficult thing to experience, such a sense of great loss.

thetalady - your words are so true - she was our "first" baby, and such a member of our family!

[ADPiAkron]

I did not have my first dog until I was 15 years old. Three years ago this upcoming August he passed away. He was seven and died of kidney failure. It was so sad to see him suffer and I took care of him day and night if needed...I was the only one who could handle it. When he passed away my family took it so hard. To this day I miss him and I know he is in doggy heaven! The best thing I did to help me get through it was to get another dog...we actually got two puppies. Lily and Arlo helped tremendously...but we will never forget Aladdin.

I know how you feel....just know they are all in a better place.

[G8Ralphaxi]

Find someone else who has gone through the same thing. Hug and cry. They will understand.

Anyone who tells you, "It's just a pet" - kick them in the shins and tell them they suck.

Also, talk to people who knew your pet and discuss your favorite things, the happy stuff.

In time when YOU decide you are ready (not when someone else thinks you are), adopt a new pet from a shelter. You will be doing a good deed by rescuing the new animal and have something to love. Or maybe donate money to a shelter in your pet's name.

Know that you will be fine. Remember you are lucky to have had such a special pet in your life. Some people never get to experience that, how sad! Life is not worth living without LOVE, whether it's from our family, friends, or pets.

[sairose]

Losing a pet is SOOOOO hard. Over the years my family has lost several of our beloved kitties. *sigh* We live in the country and can never turn down a hungry kitty that wanders up! It's always hard.

Funny thing is, I got a hamster last semester...a cute little teddy bear hammie named Penelope. I am so attached to the little thing! Hammies have short life spans, like 2-3 years. I hate that. I don't like the thought of losing little Penny. Or am I just really lame? Hammies are SOOOO easy to get attached to though! *sigh* I guess it's all about the love for your pet though, not the size of it.

[honeychile]

I had to put my cat down. My Sharlie had been shot once in the eye when he was only 6 months old; it healed, but his pupil went into the hole in the corner of his eye & he was left very cross-eyed. Since this happened when he should have been neutered, he couldn't be, and he was quite a lover - I still see his descendants! He was always being attacked by other cats (because of his blind spot), and I only found out after he died that the neighbors called his "the pirate cat" because the one side of his face was usually scratched.

He was very loving to me, though, sitting on my lap every night I was home, sleeping on my bed, and learning a LOT of tricks for a cat! He "kissed" on command, and could walk on his hind legs.

Anyhow, he developed bladder cancer, and passed blood with his urine as he was becoming incontinent. My mom also had a white sofa at the time - not fun! I started to steel myself, and one morning, it was obvious that it was necessary. Sharlie could barely move, and just looked at me in a painful way. I held him, and he "kissed" me, then put his head down. It was time, he knew it, I knew it, and my family all came over to say goodbye to him. I opened a can of tuna (his favorite treat), and he could only nibble at it - I think more to please me.

When we got to the vet, he pulled out the thick file on Sharlie, and said, "You've done right by this cat." I don't think I could have gone through with it otherwise. We said goodbye, he "kissed" me again, and the next time I saw him, he was gone. I'm typing this through the tears, because I don't think I could ever go through that again, and yet, knowing when to put a pet down is part of the responsibility of having a pet.

My mama's little dog has me wrapped around his little paw, and part of me is terrified by that. I never want to have to make the decision to euthanize again, because no matter what anyone EVER says, the pets you love are members of your family - and nothing less.

My prayers are with you, Dear One. This is a very hard time, and I hope you allow yourself time to grieve.

[UKDaisy]

Originally posted by honeychile
I had to put my cat down. My Sharlie had been shot once in the eye when he was only 6 months old; it healed, but his pupil went into the hole in the corner of his eye & he was left very cross-eyed. Since this happened when he should have been neutered, he couldn't be, and he was quite a lover - I still see his descendants! He was always being attacked by other cats (because of his blind spot), and I only found out after he died that the neighbors called his "the pirate cat" because the one side of his face was usually scratched.

He was very loving to me, though, sitting on my lap every night I was home, sleeping on my bed, and learning a LOT of tricks for a cat! He "kissed" on command, and could walk on his hind legs.

Anyhow, he developed bladder cancer, and passed blood with his urine as he was becoming incontinent. My mom also had a white sofa at the time - not fun! I started to steel myself, and one morning, it was obvious that it was necessary. Sharlie could barely move, and just looked at me in a painful way. I held him, and he "kissed" me, then put his head down. It was time, he knew it, I knew it, and my family all came over to say goodbye to him. I opened a can of tuna (his favorite treat), and he could only nibble at it - I think more to please me.

When we got to the vet, he pulled out the thick file on Sharlie, and said, "You've done right by this cat." I don't think I could have gone through with it otherwise. We said goodbye, he "kissed" me again, and the next time I saw him, he was gone. I'm typing this through the tears, because I don't think I could ever go through that again, and yet, knowing when to put a pet down is part of the responsibility of having a pet.

My mama's little dog has me wrapped around his little paw, and part of me is terrified by that. I never want to have to make the decision to euthanize again, because no matter what anyone EVER says, the pets you love are members of your family - and nothing less.

My prayers are with you, Dear One. This is a very hard time, and I hope you allow yourself time to grieve.

OMG I am crying so hard right now!

My roommate just lost her dog last night. They had to put Tipper down b/c they found a heart tumor. She was so upset b/c she has had her since she was in the 2nd grade.

[TigerLilly]

Wow, that poem "Rainbow Bridge" definitely made me cry -- I'm saving that for future comfort. My beloved dog, who we've had since I was 8, is getting older and older. I know the time is coming when she's going to die, and I dread it. I'll get through it, but it will feel like losing a family member because she IS a family member.
My sympathies go out to you all who have recently lost your own beloved pets.

[AGDee]

Untitled:
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep-
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle can't be won.
You will be sad- I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship stands the test.
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer,
So when the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend.
Only stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time, you too will see
It is a kindness you have done to me.
Although my tail, it's last has moved.
All pain and suffering, you have removed.
Don't grieve that it should be you,
Who, has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close- we two, these wonderful years.
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
I now rest my head and weary eyes
And wait for you at the next sunrise.
Far beyond the skies are blue.
My spirit will always run beside you.
And in your heart you will always love me.

[astroAPhi]

Mary,
A pet is a family member! You have every reason to be hurt, sad, angry, upset, etc. Almost everyone I know has lost a pet and knows how much it hurts. Talk about how you feel, whether it be here on GC or with a friend.

I was miserable when Princess died in November 02. She was my kindergarten graduation gift and (in my not-so-humble opinion) was the most precious puppy ever. It hurt our family so terribly to lose her. I can imagine your family feels the same way now.

Good luck with the healing process. I'll be thinking about you.