Death Of A Pet
I wanted to offer some hope for those who have lost a pet. I have lost two of my pets and multiple family pets. It can be as painful as losing a human companion. I know this because I've lost my father as well. It can feel absolutely, indescribably horrible. Hang in there. I know life seems like it will never be the same; and it won't. However, the pain will ease. Memories will be there. You will slowly stop crying. You will recover to a point where you will be able to accept a new pet into your life - even though right now you may feel guilty about doing so; hang in there. The best thing I've done in honour of my pet - is to try my best and open my heart to other animals (even if you decide not to get another pet).
@SCUBAwish
My condolences on the loss of your father.
@SCUBAwish
My condolences on the loss of your pets.
I needed this reminder today. We had to put my little calico down about a year ago. It was a month after my favorite aunt died (which today would be the 1st anniversary of her death), so it was just an added loss. Peitho had been there the entire way of my marriage and she had been my anchor when my husband wasn't around. We adopted her just after he and I were married, she was 17 and had kidney failure.
We were fortunate and even with covid we found a vet who could put her down in our home. She died in my husband's arms and I have never seen so much grief from him before. I always thought that she was my kitty, but she was such a symbol of home to him (he travels frequently). The pain of losing her and empathizing with his pain just crushed me. Honestly, I'm sobbing right now while I type this.
While we have her urn on display in the family room, I wanted something more I could keep with me. I have her paw print tattooed on me so she will always walk with me. I also found a company that did pet memorial rings with her ashes. I ordered one with peridot to match her eyes.
It took me months to send her ashes to the jewelers. I could not manage with my grief. The jeweler was so patient and caring when they checked to see if I still wanted the ring. They finally finished the ring and I got it in the mail. Today is my first day wearing it. It's comforting
While I know grief is different for everyone, I am confused by my pain. My aunt, grandmother, and Peitho all died last year. Losing my cat hurts the most. It's a heartache I've never felt before.
Thank you all for listening. My tears have subsided now.
@ypestis1347- I understand so well. I lost both my in laws, a dear neighbor, my mother in the space of a year. But it was the death of my horses that brought me to my knees ( and to 7 cups) Especially my beloved gorgeous pinto Sonny. The last horse of that herd of five was put down this September. Tears still well up thinking about all of them. Our animals hold a special place in our hearts. It took a lot of soul searching to continue having horses in my life. But the joy they bring daily overshadows the loss.
My cat lived for 17 years old, I miss her and think about what I could of done differently, the night she was sick..., I should of never left her there...
@motionalcoaster2- be easy on yourself. The fact your cat lived to be 17 says a lot of the care and attention you lavished on her.