Feel guilty for rehoming my pets...

peachfigs
peachfigs Posts: 831 Member
in Chit-Chat
Recently I had to make the heartbreaking decision of rehoming my pets because of a difficult situation that left me no other choice... I made the mistake of giving them away free to what I thought was a good home.

One of my pets died shortly after, after being left out in the cold. I can't prove they neglected her on purpose but I have often gotten the impression they never cared.

Now they are giving the other animal away because they're tired of her, and I can't adopt her back :(

I feel so heartbroken, and the guilt is overwhelming. I feel like this is all my fault.

:-( Regret is an awful feeling...

Replies

  • jbutterflye
    jbutterflye Posts: 1,914 Member
    I'm so sorry, that must be difficult. Hindsight is 20/20. We can't always know. I've adopted several pets for free over the years and loved them dearly.
  • Contrarian
    Contrarian Posts: 8,138 Member
    Why did you have to find new homes for them?
  • peachfigs
    peachfigs Posts: 831 Member
    Why did you have to find new homes for them?

    Landlord changed his mind about pets, and financial issues too, otherwise I would have kept them...
  • TeachTheGirl
    TeachTheGirl Posts: 2,091 Member
    Is there a reason you can't adopt her back, if only to find her a new loving home?
  • ArtemisMoon
    ArtemisMoon Posts: 144
    If you can, perhaps help them find someone who can adopt her who you feel would be more responsible and loving caretakers. That might help you with the guilt if you can contribute to helping the animal left in some way. You can't take the past back, but you can have influence over the future. If they adopt out the animal first, maybe you can get in contact with the new owner and give them a little helpful history about their new pet and some good memories you have. Hopefully that will spur a positive emotional connection for them.

    I am a huge animal lover, particularly cats, so I can only imagine how I would feel in your situation. I would try to keep up with my previous pet and whoever owns him/her if the owner seems open to it (within reason). Hope your pet finds a wonderful, loving home! :flowerforyou:
  • SwimKitty
    SwimKitty Posts: 122 Member
    You did the best that you could under the circumstances. You had the right intentions - what happened to your pet is not your fault. Is there any way you can take the 2nd pet, at least temporarily, until you can get it to a Humane Society or rescue group?
  • peachfigs
    peachfigs Posts: 831 Member
    You did the best that you could under the circumstances. You had the right intentions - what happened to your pet is not your fault. Is there any way you can take the 2nd pet, at least temporarily, until you can get it to a Humane Society or rescue group?

    This would be a really good idea. I did message them about it but they don't speak to me very much... I know they want her gone this week.
  • BrenWOW
    BrenWOW Posts: 95
    I am sorry. I had to give my 2 cats away about 6 years ago- bad situation I was in. The one family overfed her till she had a heart attack, and the other people left her outside and she got hit by a car and died. I felt sooo guilty and cried for a while. I thought I was doing the right thing.So I understand totally. I'm sorry :(
  • peachfigs
    peachfigs Posts: 831 Member
    I am sorry. I had to give my 2 cats away about 6 years ago- bad situation I was in. The one family overfed her till she had a heart attack, and the other people left her outside and she got hit by a car and died. I felt sooo guilty and cried for a while. I thought I was doing the right thing.So I understand totally. I'm sorry :(

    Virtual hugs :( glad I'm not alone
  • RhonndaJ
    RhonndaJ Posts: 1,615 Member
    You have my sympathy. I know how I'd feel in the same situation.

    My husband and I are the other side of the coin. Just over a year ago we adopted two 10 year old cats, along with a five year old, from a woman who was torn up about having to leave the brothers behind (the five year old came from the SPCA). We were glad to give them a loving home.
  • naomi8888
    naomi8888 Posts: 519 Member
    You did the best that you could under the circumstances. You had the right intentions - what happened to your pet is not your fault. Is there any way you can take the 2nd pet, at least temporarily, until you can get it to a Humane Society or rescue group?

    This would be a really good idea. I did message them about it but they don't speak to me very much... I know they want her gone this week.

    Well you might need to put in a bit of effort but go and get the pet and then try to find it a new home. Take it to a shelter at least. Maybe you will have to move so that you can keep it. I have been through this and it's hard but it is your responsibility. Worst comes to worst at least it will be put to sleep humanely.

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