The loss of a pet
Replies
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I am so sorry! I had to have one of my cats put down a couple of months ago (I had him since the day he was born) and I didn't worry about eating right or exercise for a few days either. All you can do is take it one day at a time and it does get better.
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*hugs* I'm so sorry for your loss.
It's not crazy to be as upset as you are. It just shows you to be a wonderful caring person. I had a one month downward spiral after my cat died last year. In some ways, it was as hard as losing my parents, and I was really, really close to my folks. It was different with my pets, because they were completely dependent on me, and I felt like I failed them. Not so much when I had to put my 18 year old cat with kidney and heart failure to sleep, because I knew I did everything I possibly could for her, and euthanasia was the kindest option. But with my 2 and a half year old cat who seemed healthy as a horse and only had a few days where he was sick, and I took him to the e-vet as soon as I couldn't get him to eat at all, and still died the next morning, I felt like I let him down.
Which isn't true, by the way. You gave Fletch a wonderful life, just like I did with my old Sheba and my young Fergus. You hurt because you loved. And that's a good thing.
Take care of yourself. Let yourself mourn. The exercise and all that stuff will still be there in a few days or however long it takes for you to feel up to it again.0 -
I am so sorry to hear about Fletch. Our pets are a member of our familys so hang in there....celebrate the life he had not his lose. Remember all joy he brought to your life and the lives of others. Some of us are such animal lovers I wonder how people sleep when they say things like its just a pet........I guess for those who really don't like kids they can say to someone if they had lost a child.....its just a kid.........or would they? My thoughts and prayers are with you. I don't even want to think of the time when losing my shepherd might happen......she's 2 1/2 yrs old......I have two boys that are gunna be 14 & 8.......thats going to be one tough life lesson for them to learn. I was 12 when we put my shepherd down.....it was the saddest day of my life.....something I will never ever forget. I swore i would never get attached to an animal again......4 cats and a dog later......0
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everyone handles death differently, i've had dogs and cats my entire life and so have gone thru 4 dogs who all lived 10-13yrs each. we have 6 cats from ages 1-20yrs currenly. ofcourse it's hard when they pass away .I don't cry because i miss them, I cry because they are in pain. i've always been right there when the vet comes to our house and puts them asleep, I then cry because they aren't in pain anymore then i'm fine and just think of all the great times i had.0
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Oh my! So so sorry to hear about your loss! ...of course, you're grieving! i have friends more devastated by the death of their pets than they were by the death of their parents. So often our animals are closer to us than anybody else on earth -- and when they go it's not just the pet but a whole chapter out of your life that has passed along with them. Personally, I have never been able to go more than about 48 hours before finding a new kitten after one of my beloved cats has died and despite loving the new ones, every bit as much... i remember each and every one of them for the very special friends and loveable characters they were.0
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So sorry for your loss. We had to put down our beloved Cookie on May 26 and it was horrible. I cried for an entire day and night. We are waiting to get another (long story) but really miss our beagle. I still cry when I tell people I haven't talked with or seen in awhile. I guess it will get easier. You are not nuts. Take care!0
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Sorry, about your dog. Yes other pet owners take it just as hard. My Golden has been gone for 6 years and I still miss her. Even having two just as awesome dogs as her right now.0
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I am sorry for your loss. I hope that soon enough you will be able to look on your photographs and memories with a smile rather than a tear.
I know where you are as I have been in the same place and I metaphorically hold your hand in this time as we walk through life together.
Be strong. (Hugs)
Gary.0 -
I totally understand what you are going through. I've lost pets over the years and grieved every one of them. They are like my children and very much my family. My advice....get yourself another pet as soon as you are able. That refills the space in your heart with love and joy. It won't replace the one you lost but it will bring back the joy and you will be giving that same joy and love to a wonderful new pet that needs you.On Monday I had to put my Golden Retriever, Fletch, down. I am completely crushed. I feel like I could burst into tears at any moment.... and everytime I'm alone, I do. I'm just heartbroken.
Paying attention to eating right and exercising is totally out the window. What little energy I have is focused on just getting throught the day.
Am I nuts?? Do others take the loss of a pet this hard.0 -
You are not alone. I lost my best friend to cancer 2 years ago. Since he was a puppy, we would do a doggy 5K - ok, so, we'd do more like 10 minutes of walking and then he would want to stop and we'd turn around, but he loved being by the beach and it was a lot of fun.
I've completed that 5K twice since his passing. I think of him everytime I run that course and although it hurts so badly that he's not there next to me, I know that he is in a way. Plus, the event is for the Anti-Cruelty society. The money I raise goes to shelter animals that are not as fortunate as my Sneakers was.
You might not be able to get back on track for days or even weeks. That's ok, you lost a part of you. You might not be able to get a new pet (I haven't been able to), that's ok. Just remember that your doggy will always be in your heart. So so so sorry for your loss.0 -
So sorry for your loss. I recently lost my four year old toy poodle as well. He was killed by our neighbor's German Shepard and her pups....I'm still taking it hard and took off work for a few days...pets are our family. Just take it day by day!0
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Condolences. You will see your friend again at the Rainbow Bridge.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...0 -
Grieving for a lost pet is totally normal (or at least it is to me
). You see your pet everday in your home and then one day they are gone. When I had to put my dog down 3 1/2 years ago it was one of the hardest things to do. I understand the waking up the next morning and the house just being quiet. All the sudden the clicking of the toe nails or the good morning bark to wake you up are gone. I totally get it. Grieve for as long as you need to and eventually you will be able to remember all of the good things and be ready to do it all over again. I have since rescued a dog from the shelter, and even though they aren't your Fletch, they do find a spot in your heart. Take care of yourself, everything else will come back together. 0 -
I'm sorry it took me so long to reply, but I can't tell you how much this out-pouring of support has helped me. I guess it made me feel ok with my grief and accept that this is just something that I am going to carry with me for a while. I miss my Fletch so much and still burst into tears... but I do look forward to the day when I can think of him and just smile and just feel the happiness and peace that he always brought to me.
One thing that I thought was interesting was a couple of you said you feel almost worse than when your parents past. This last week I kept thinking that I felt so sad, I just couldn't imagine what I will go through when I lose my parents. But after reading some of your posts I realized that my pain probably won't be more intense. I may feel it for longer, but when I do feel it I think it will be equally or less as intense. It was a comfort to me.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and respond to me. It really did help. 0 -
"A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself"- taken from words of encouragement I recently got from Facebook Friends.
I lost my "Remington" this week. My "baby" for 12 yrs. I have lost my in-laws, grandparents, and other family members -ALL that I LOVED very much and knew for longer... but this pain is different. I is OK to cry and grieve for our four legged family members.
My heart absolutely BREAKS for those parents that have suffered the loss of a human child. I can't imagine their pain.
Thank you for sharing your loss with us, the kind words sent to you are sooo much a blessing and help to others.0 -
I'm so sorry for your loss.
As for advice about what to do with your previous intentions to get healthier, I'd say to think more like our dear animal spirit companions. One thing that dogs in particular are very good at is living in the moment. I would hope for you that you continue to take moments to think only about yourself and how it feels to be in your body. Other moments take the time to greive and miss him, but don't let those define your existance. Be well! 0 -
No you are not nuts and if you are we are all with you! I had a collie dog Jed I bought him when he was 6wks old and he was my first dog and everything to me, If I could describe the relationship we had I would say he was my soulmate in fur! The long chat's I had with him he knew every secret, watched a lot of tears and made me laugh a lot. Jed and I were together for an amazing 16 years, and I was devastated when I had to let him go, life goes on though and things will get better it just takes time, I am not saying you will not miss him but you will learn to remember his funny storys and smile. It is three years since I lost Jed and two years ago my husband bought me a Westie Puppy, he is great and he is a lovely wee companion that I love more each day but every day I still miss Jed. My thoughts are with you, take care :flowerforyou:
P.S don't worry about your food/excersise at the moment you will get back on track soon enough.0 -
You're NOT nuts, you just cared about your pet, as you should. I'm really, REALLY sorry for what you're going through. It's really hard.
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no you're not nuts, don't feel bad about letting yourself grieve, it will get better with time.
isn't that one of the universe's cruelest jokes, giving us a best friend that offers unconditional love and loyalty - and then only letting it live a fraction of the time we do......0 -
i had my cat zelda from the age of 4. i asked my aunt for a toy cat for my birthday, and she brought me the most adorable kitten. i moved away to college and she died on my 19th birthday... my mom drove all the way to tell me in person, and bought me a bottle of jack haha.... i cried for weeks and missed a lot of my first classes for college. i will not get another cat for a long long time
its been quite some time since then, and i can look at her picture now. still very sad, infact im bawling right now. i will always love her, she was my first best friend. and i blame myself because i wasnt home to take care of her.
i know what you are going through, and i wish you the best of luck. unfortunatly i dont have any advice im so sorry for your loss.:c if you can handle it, you might want to do something you can remember them by, if you are ready.
i planted a beautiful tree ontop of her grave at home... but i couldnt stand to see her get burried.
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I am sorry for your loss and no you are not crazy. Pets become family and that's how it should be. My parent's were animal lovers which means we have mourned the death of many animals throughout my child/teen/adult hood. It's a very normal reaction. Just please don't decide you don't want anymore pets due to the pain of losing one. Animal lovers have a special place in their hearts for animals and you should never let it go to waste. There's plenty of animals out there deserving to be loved.0
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I'm sorry for your loss as it must be devastating. Take your time to grieve.0
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I am soooooo sorry to hear about your loss. I had to put down my 10 yr old chocolate lab last nov (and actually did not have the energy or motivation to even log into MFP for a long time) to make it worse my 14 yr old teddy bear mix died 6 months later followed by the death of our 1 month old puppy. It is absolutely normal to feel so lost and heartbroken. I am sending you lots and lots of positive energy. I book that helped me through my loss was " a dog's purpose" I bawled uncontrollably a few times, but it really helped me cope with my loss by putting it into a different perspective.
I hope that the memories of your best friend will keep you comfort in your pain.0 -
I am truly sorry for your loss...my most sincere and deepest condolences go out to you ((((((hugs))))))......you are absolutely normal for feeling the way you do. A good 'pet parent' will feel this way; as though our pets are our family....because they are! I can't say I understand how you feel, because I havent experienced this...but I do know that I love my two poodles so much so as if they were my daughter and son and have cried at the mere thought of them no longer being with me in the future.
Take as much time as you need to grieve and cherish the memories of your beloved pup. I'll be praying for your strength and peace. :flowerforyou:0 -
i'm so sorry for your loss it made me cry and remember my cats that passed away a couple of years ago. the vet sent me this poem that i want to share. it was good for me during my sad times
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies
that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm
and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health
and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and
looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs
carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your
special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head,
and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your
life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together
Author unknown0 -
I'm sorry about your loss.. It hurts for a while, the pain subsides after a while but the memory is still there.
When I lost my cat that I adopted (he was a stray) he got hit by a car and I was crushed.. devastated. He was the first pet that I could actually call my own, and he was such a good cat for being a stray. I didn't go to school the next day because I was so upset. A month later my mom bought me a kitten, a fluffy orange kitten. That was 6 years ago, he's my baby! I love him to pieces!0 -
I'm so sorry for your loss
I was devastated when I had to put down my cat. I had him from childhood all the way into my 20s. I still miss him. Just take one day at a time. It is hard to believe, but the pain eventually subsides. Try to take care of yourself and force yourself to do something enjoyable everyday (watch a movie, take a long bath...anything). I'm sorry that I don't have better advice. Wishing you the best.0 -
Absolutly!!! I had to put my baby girl Lucy Jane down last Oct 9th...she was 16 years old but will always be in my heart. I wrote a poem just between me and her....it helped...google some others for a start...
I now have a baby boy Jerry...he is VERY VERY VERY different but I love him...like children...they are all different but worth loving...
Hugs your way
xxxxxxxxxxx0 -
Oh my gosh..our pets are our babies! I am so very sorry as I know that kind of hurt. :brokenheart: I would rather have a tender heart and hurt than someone who is cold hearted and could care less. In my opinion, your grief is very normal. {{{hugs}}} to you 0
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i'm so sorry for your loss it made me cry and remember my cats that passed away a couple of years ago. the vet sent me this poem that i want to share. it was good for me during my sad times
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies
that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm
and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health
and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and
looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs
carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your
special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head,
and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your
life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together
Author unknown
This is beautiful and very touching. Thanks for sharing0
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