Coping with losing a pet

[Geranium]

So so sorry for you. I have no advice really - like any loss you just have to endure. I hope one day when the time is right you’ll love another cat.
in the meantime sending you love xx

 

[Tangent Tiger]

It's horrible to lose them. If you're in the UK the blue cross offer a counselling service.

 

[Shinythings]

I'm still really struggling and I feel totally stuck. This has absolutely destroyed me, I feel like it's forever changed me. I think I'll give the Blue Cross a go.

 

[Lonewolf]

I must stop reading this thread, it really upsets me, it's been 6 months since I lost my wee boy, I've loved and missed all my animals, but this one has hit me the hardest, I still haven't looked at pics of him, and @Lonewolf, the White feather I so get, couple of days after losing him, I was sitting on my usual step having a cig, looked to my right, where he always sat next to me, and there was white feather, have had other things happened too, I take comfort in that I did my best for him, but blimey, I don't half miss him.
Sending to you all

It's hard isn't it, I'm exactly the same with the pictures & things, I've had to deactivate my Instagram, memories off my camera roll, the lot as I just can't face it atm! Not many people understand the heartache in loosing a beloved pet, it takes a special kind of soul,like the many on this thread but we will get there as we have done so before

It's horrible to lose them. If you're in the UK the blue cross offer a counselling service.

Can't stress this wonderful charity enough they didn't half help me in the first few weeks, I created a Facebook just to join the group, lots of kind people on there

 

[Purrrrrrr]

I lost my( just over a yo ) cat,, Friday morning to a tragic accident due to a dog lead breaking. The D link snapped from the lead and the dog chased and caught my cat probably killing him instantly by breaking his neck as he was unmarked.

I feel very strange about it as feel I spent so much time comforting the dog owners that I neglected myself and my own grief and now that grief isn't coming out.

I feel absolutely no ill will towards the dog or its owners it was just one of those things. I'm just sad that I'm not feeling the sadness I normally would at a time like this. I'm not someone who beats my chest over my pets dying even though I love them dearly, but also I'm not blase about them dying either. . Or could it shock at how the little fella died?

 

[Rocknrolla]

This thread shows how amazing all animals are, they do so much for our well being. Big hugs to everybody. I love my dog to bits, I hold him up in front of the mirror and say ‘that’s you’ in a baby voice I dread anything happening to him, all these dog napping news stories aren’t helping with my anxiety.

 

[MrsBsDayOff]

My cat died over Xmas and I am beyond heart broken. He was my best friend, my baby and my companion. He was always with me. He sat with me every day through lock down working from home, he sat on my lap every evening, he’s sleep on our bed and come back to bed for a cuddle after his breakfast. He was only 8 and he wasn’t Ill on unwell that I was aware of. He seems totally fine. We put him in a Cattery and that’s where he died which makes it a million times worse that he wasn’t home with me. His brother was next to him which breaks my heart even more. I feel like I’ve lost my baby and I cry every day. I can’t imagine life without him he was such a character. I know it will get easier but right now I’m so so sad. I know I still have my other cat and I love him but he is very independent and not a lap cat at all.

I'm so so sorry to hear this and can relate to it, my cat sounds exactly the same. Stay strong and we're here if you need to vent.

 

[OutrageouslyScarlet]

It will be 3 years in august I lost my dog, and honestly we still talk about her every single day. To everyone that’s recently lost a pet massive hugs

 

[Sabbie]

I had to say goodbye to my dog tonight. She was a rescue, and I had her for almost 9 years. She was 15 but pretty healthy apart from horrible neurological issues. It took her over and her life was getting miserable apart from enjoying eating. Today she told me it was time. I am broken! I will read everyone else's stories on here now because there is no way I can sleep on the bed where she usually is!

 

[Melian]

(I'e mentioned this one before elsewhere - I wasn't aware there was a thread on this)

My parents have been talking about putting down their 13 year old dog and I'm really struggling with it. I don't know if it's different this time around because he's old and I know it's coming. My parents 2 previous dogs died suddenly and were much younger. (7 & 4)

 

[MrsBsDayOff]

Just bringing this thread back to life.

I've just lost my cat. He was my absolute best friend of nearly 12 years and I am absolutely inconsolable. I cannot stop crying and my eyes are swollen. The pain is absolutely unbearable. He was the sweetest, happiest, most loving boy. He had the most expressive face and sweet soul. I cannot imagine by life without him. I am devastated beyond words. I have never felt pain like this, it's worse than any human I've lost.

I just need people to know he existed and to know how much I love him.

How long does the initial gut wrenching, crushing pain last?

I'm so sorry. Hugs. That day is coming for me in a few years and I dread it. Feel free to private message me to vent if it helps

 

[Libbylulu]

So sorry for your loss

I had to have my cat put to sleep on Monday, I was a sobbing mess leaving the vets! Didn’t think I’d cry as much as I did - such a horrible experience I don’t ever want to experience again

I’m so sorry for your loss. Our pets are the fondest companions who love us unconditionally. I put our gorgeous boy to sleep last week and it hurts badly and the house is empty. I understand your loss and how much you are grieving. Sending big hugs

 

[JoeBloggs]

I'm so sorry for your loss. We lost out boy about 6 months ago, I found it really really hard and I am actually having some counselling due to the guilt I still carry for his accident. We made a photo book of him so I can go and look at his good times, it took me quite a while to do it but it's a lovely things to pick up and remember him by. We talk about him a lot, almost daily. I can now smile about him, but I have cried for months. Take time, it will get better.

Do not feel embarrassed about how you feel, just try to remember what a wonderful life you gave him.

 

[Lonewolf]

Honestly it's really hard. I haven't watched any videos of my boy since just after he was put to sleep in October and I was lonely at the weekend so watched a few and sobbed my heart out. I miss him so.

I'm the same its too hard I think I've sobbed most nights without my girl,

My heart goes out to you all struggling they really do take a big piece of us with them

 

[Namewithheld]

Hugs to all. I had to have my horse pts 8 weeks ago who I’d owned since I was 11 (now 27!) it’s an awful decision to make but I still stand by that I wanted her to go to sleep whilst she was still “her” and not regret that I had left it too late.
We are our animals worlds and they owe us nothing, as heartbreaking as it is. I’d always been lucky (or so to speak) before and lost animals naturally due to old age in their sleep. I think they give a sign when it’s time to go, as my horse definitely did. We tried not to make it such a sad occasion and spent the morning in the sun with lots of grass after a lovely groom and plenty of polos.

I wouldn’t say one decision is better than the other and for me personally I know it was the right thing to do but that definitely doesn’t make it any easier. It still breaks my heart now. For me personally, I just didn’t want to feel guilty later on if I’d kept her going for too long.

It’s a horrible situation to be in, they are family after all. hugs xx

ETA - important note is to also allow yourself to grieve, and give plenty of time x

 

[Libbylulu]

I’m in this position now with our cat (and read your post before this one too). She’s nearly 20 and has declined the last two weeks. She’s struggling to eat and has lost so much weight. The vet has said we could try sedation to scan / examine her more closely but she may not survive that and either way it would be stressful for her. She’s suddenly become very frail and for the first time looks her age. She won’t get properly better, as she’s likely too weak for treatment if they do find throat or mouth cancer (or something else) but like your boy she’s not literally at death’s door either. It’s hard to know when to say goodbye. It feels bizarre to arrange it ahead of time but I also don’t want her to suffer. Equally don’t want to rush.

My cat was very ill a year ago. I could see him deteriorating and I remember asking when will I know it’s time. A friend and the vet said that I would. Difficult to explain but you will. Sending you big hugs to you and and your girl. Pamper and spoil her xxxx

 

[Chickenandgravy]

(I'e mentioned this one before elsewhere - I wasn't aware there was a thread on this)

My parents have been talking about putting down their 13 year old dog and I'm really struggling with it. I don't know if it's different this time around because he's old and I know it's coming. My parents 2 previous dogs died suddenly and were much younger. (7 & 4)

I sometimes think it's worse when you actually have to make that decision. I had to make the decision to put my horse down and I gave us a week together, calling up the vets to arrange it and then the crematorium was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.
That week was pure torture because I knew what was coming, even though his last week was brilliant I spent the whole time crying. I really feel your pain.

I got my boys ashes made into rings so he's always with me.

 

[Kitty4321]

Aww I’m so sorry to hear about your cat I had to have my old boy put to sleep a few weeks ago and I felt so sad but he was really poorly so I knew I’d done the right thing! He used to think I was his mum he’d sleep on the bed every night so strange not having anyone way you up! I live alone and the house is sooo empty without him I want another one but I am worried he won’t be as cool as my old boy!! Iv got his ashes and going to plant a flower for him! All the neighbours etc were gutted he was such a character !

So sorry for your loss it does get easier though promise

 

[Maid22]

I hope my favourite QUOTE in regards to losing my old girl brings you all some comfort...
"You were my favourite hello but my hardest goodbye "

Thats made me tear up, so true.

 

[StillLucilleBluth]

I had to have one of my cats put to sleep 2 weeks ago after she was shot (more than likely by a neighbour). I’ve cried nearly every day, I can’t stop thinking about it. My 12 year old is especially upset, he cries every night as he misses her. She was only 1 we have her ashes and paw print.
This thread has helped me and made me feel more normal for my grief. 2 days after she died my dad told me to cheer up and that kids were dying in ukrain. He didn’t mean it nastily but it made me feel shit and abnormal for being so upset and low.
Sending love to everyone who has lost their beloved pets

Oh gosh, that’s so so sad. I’m so sorry for your loss. Don’t feel abnormal - we had to put our family cat down 10 days ago and we’re all out of sorts. We don’t know what to talk about without her. I’ve got her as my phone background and miss her so much. The paw print is such a lovely idea. I wish we’d done that. I’ll feel much better once we pick the ashes up, I think.

So all that to say, I’m glad this thread has helped, and everyone here more than understands your pain (and your son’s ). Sending lots of love. X