when a cherished pet dies..

[melanie2]

a very good friend of mine just lost his pet..what do you say to someone? some feel that a pet's passing isn't that major of a deal..but believe me when i say that to me it's like losing a member of the family..i've lost two in the past myself..Tigger was fifteen when suddenly her entire system shut down..we didn't realize it, although she was losing weight before our eyes..and sleeping in different places..the day before she died, she kept sitting as close to me as possible..i didn't know..by the time we finally got her to the vet's it was too late..he couldn't save her..so we let the vet put her to sleep..i was in utter shock for months..she was my first pet ever..a white angora, beautiful green eyes..

Stevie our second cat lived to be eighteen..she began declining slowly the winter of 04..the same winter mom was dying..which was rather ironic, as mom had given her to us..she came to us as a tiny kitten..not more than four weeks old..i had to show her how to use the litter box..she looked like a tiny black rat..she died at home..a month after my mom..she died in David's arms late at night..we knew she was dying as i knew the symptoms of death, having taken care of dad his final days..her feet had begun to turn cold that morning..again utter devastation..David dug a hole out back and buried her in a box with her favorite toys..David sobbing the entire time..

After that, i said no more..i can't take another pet dying..it takes too much from your heart..but after a month had passed..i was empty..i needed a cat in my home..not to take Stevie's place..but to help heal our heart..so we got Chelsea..and she is queen of this castle..i love her so much it scares me at times..what if she suddenly got sick and died..she is four years old now..a beautiful animal..polydactyl..meaning she has six claws on both front paws..affectionate..rotten...chews paper..gets into everything..but i wouldn't have it any other way..

For anyone who thinks they can't go thru another loss..take your time..grieve properly..you willl know when or if the time is right to get another..not to replace that animal..but to help heal the process of grieving..i still remember Stevie and Tigger..i smile when i think of them..if Chelsea dies, i'll be terribly devastated..but eventually i will get another..as cats bring joy to my life..

 

[BigNorm]

Cheyenne, my cherished Finnish Spitz who looked exactly like a Dingo was hit by a hit and run driver and died slowly in pain before i could get to her. she was the best dog i have ever had. perfect in all ways. hardest thing was to pick up her body, agony still in her open eyes and take her to the vet for cremation. no way was she gonna get the conventional burial. i had just missed her last breath by minutes as i raced home when a neighbor called me for the news.

one of the worst days ever.

 

[Bashiku]

Miki, my parrot whom I nursed from an egg died last year. We had him for almost ten years, but I think of those times like good times with a brother. I am sorry he is gone, but that is the fate of this world.

 

[QueenBeeBeeMari]

There isn't anything you can say all you can do is be there and offer your sympathies.

 

[FeatherDaemon1]

Probably the best thing you could do would be to convey to them that you do understand their loss. A pet IS a family member. You've fed them, cleaned them, played with them, had arguments with them, everything that goes on with siblings or relatives. So yes I am totally empathetic to the passing of a pet.

Last Summer I lost my cat Foxy. She was with me for 15 years and it was not always an easy 15 years. She took it all in stride and was always a good little friend. I still miss her today. I have to other cats but nothing ever truly replaces a friend.

So yes just be a good friend and do whatever you would do as if a human life had passed on.

 

[J.Apolo6541]

I opened a pet memorial for Chyna Doll at Critters dot com
It helped me vent. I still miss my little girl;
But, At least every time I visit,
I feel her close to me.

J😛aw:

 

[desdemona]

Isabeau, this is something I often face as I console my clients at their time of loss. I remind them of the gift they have been given - the time spent with these wonderful companions who give their unconditional love to us day in and day out. It is something they will carry with them always that cannot be taken away. The pain will fade or at least dull and lessen with time. But I know each of our lives is better for having been touched by these special little souls (and yes, I believe animals have one). Rejoice in the good times. And consider that our furry or feathered friends are fortunate enough that we can aid them on the way in their hour of need. That is the greatest show of love and the final kindest gesture an owner can perform for a beloved pet.

 

[kopfhorer1]

[I tried replying to this thread, but my posting didn't take. Sorry if this ends up being a duplicate]

Izzy - I think you answered your own question. A companion animal is no different from a human friend or relative, emotionally speaking. One of the darkest moments in my life was coming home from school to find my beloved parakeet lying on the floor of his cage. That little creature was a friend to me back when I had no friends to speak of. He was smart, he was sassy, and my siblings and I spent many happy hours playing with him. (I was actually thinking of setting up a Myspace page for him, but I don't have a picture of him; back then I didn't have a camera capable of getting close enough to him for one).

BigNorm - Hit and run drivers are absolute scum. A former girlfriend lost 2 cats that way.

Feather Daemon - Very well-put. Goes for you too, Desdemona.

 

[HOLLYWOOD]

the hollywood brother knows the pain of losing a loved pet. it might even hurt more than losing a humaniod. there is no magic hollywood brother pill and it do not get easier at first but over the years you kind of get numb to the pain and then you keep moving on just like the hollywood brother does

 

[melanie2]

my presence seemed to help him the most..online that is..he will heal..it takes time..

hugs to you all who lost pets..Desdemona yes exactly..very well put..

here is my chelsea

 

[BigNorm]

BigNorm - Hit and run drivers are absolute scum. A former girlfriend lost 2 cats that way.

ya, i hunted for that bastard for a month with a tire slashing knife and a bottle of pure sugar for his gas tank. knew it was a red car, but i never found him.