Our family dog, Boots, died a few days ago. I needed every word of it. I put fliers about my cat in the doors of all my neighbours but only said to check sheds and garages etc. She would stand at the kitchen counter every day with her sister Sheba waiting for their food. He then started limping. My parents are on holiday and I feel so guilty that I am too scared to knock my neighbours doors and ask, as I know my little cat will probably be lying there at the bottom of a water butt. She would sit behind me on the chair when I was having my morning coffee, loved drinking water out of the bathroom sink and would but me with her head so I could pet her. She would be the only one who always listened to me play the piano. Every time I'm alone and it's quiet, all I can think about is how much I miss him. Posted Mar 12, 2017 When we experience the death of a pet, the impact is profound, … The only symptom she had until today was an occasional cough which I thought was caused by excitement. He was a good dog, a giant, slobbering, super-friendly, food-stealing behemoth. When we cry due to an emotional reaction, our tears are produced by the endocrine system. Now she's gone its a huge gap in my heart. My dear dear Moochie. She had the sweetest look in her eyes and the purest soul. I still cry, almost every day and some days, I wake up crying and it takes looking at a calendar for me to realize why. My dog died this morning while i was at my sisters, poison from his pancreas and gotten into his bloodstream and his heart failed. I lost my guinea pig on May 4th and there hasn't been a day since then where I've gone without crying. The vet didn't catch what was wrong with him... he had a kidney stone and he needed surgery to remove it. I assumed she was grieving - why not? His death was really traumatic. With no improvement and more weight loss, we had to make that awful decision. Last night my dog died, and I don't know what to do. I am devastated after my dog died and I am desperate for another one. My love doesn't stop just because they're gone. I am so sorry for your loss.I know the gutwrenching pain u are going through . I lost my best friend, my baby, yesterday.. She was 8 yrs old and died because of cardiac attack. Their love, happiness and comfort is worth any price I have to pay. As we grieve the loss of a pet, our bodies will experience immense ups and downs of emotion. Family and friends get tired of hearing about it all the time. I can only imagine you cannot go inside because of coronavirus you may be carrying, and suspect you are handed, kindly of course, a carrier with a silent form back. She hadn't eaten for close to a week and was just not herself. I know in time we will both get through the pain and hurt, but we can't rush this. For the next few weeks, Joie was more vocal, she was always a quiet cat but she'd meow often. While I know I love them and miss them, I've never felt this deep a sense of loss before, not from any of my losses, 2 legged or 4. And now, I am watching her die and the tears are just as all of you are reporting, and Pauline said it all when she mentioned that the sense of loss can be deeper that that for two-legged souls, that really hit the spot. She was suffering from left sided heart failure. I am grieving both of them. She was there when I had three separate surgeries and the loss of a child. be strong take it one minute at a time. Losing a pet can be as traumatic as losing any other family member. I will be sharing this with the bereaved owners that I meet with on a daily basis at the Cambridge Pet Crematorium. He was nearly 14 yrs old, a collie Labrador, a very sensitive dog. My Dog has died. Maybe someday I can smile without the tears. She took water first to let down her milk for the little ones, who were adopted later on, and then came for herself, almost fainting with hunger. In sleep do I only not feel the heartache. I was at work when it happened and my … I am utterly devastated, I'm in shock, I keep on crying so much I can't breath. It has been the hardest 12 weeks of my life. The Dogs Trust is currently matching dogs with new owners, by assessing homes virtually, and delivering dogs with social distancing (see dogstrust.org.uk or 020 7837 0006). I know it will get easier everyday but right now its just so hard to let her go. But I am hoping to buy a new dog soon --- praying for all the owners ... Well, after reading this article and some of the comments, I don't feel so crazy or that I am experiencing some ultra depression. I love both my dogs and consider them family. Every day I think I am doing better, and then I think of him and fall apart. If you need to talk, I am here. As we process through our grief, our bodies go through a multitude of grief processes. I miss her SO much. Dec of 2017, we were told Monkie had cancer - he never showed any symptoms, it was discovered or should I say suspected during a regular check up. My husband had the deepest bond a person can possibly have with her. I cannot stop crying. I got two more dogs, and love them so much, but will always love my old dogs. The pain is still there but the joy is too. When we first saw him he was with a litter of pups in the back of a … She and I would crouch down at night and survey the garden, dark as could be, for invaders, other cats especially, besides skunks and rabbits and raccoons. He was almost 15 and he was slowing down, so I knew it would happen eventually. For example, even before feeding ourselves we commonly feed the dog, play with the cat, or head out to the pasture to provide hay for our horses. I'm exhausted. For example, we sweat when we are too hot in order to cool off, and we shiver when we are too cold in an attempt to warm up. My thoughts are with you as you go through this heartbreaking time. Lily came to us, dying of starvation, and we took her in and life has been incredibly enriched for us through her. Both 16 years old. it go's over in my head did I make the right choice , should I kept trying. I don’t see an end to my pain. Each time we release our emotions, our bodies are working towards healing. If only the vet I had taken him to had caught the kidney stone he would probably still be here, instead of being dead at only 2 years old (guinea pigs can live up to 6 or 7 years.) I loved her. I cry over my dog all the time I am so lost without her.I feel her in every room. I am 99% sure my cat Scamp has drowned in either a pond or a water butt or something similar. She has been my dearest friend for the time we have had her. I can't stop crying. I can't seem to stop crying. Bentley was my best friend. Around 5am, up she'd come on the bed and sit on my chest for a short while, and because I didn't obey the unspoken command, she'd turn and face the doorway, and I felt the back legs tighten, and she'd push off into the air with a deliberate thrust that left me speechless! It took me close to 6 wks to put away her litter box and only because Christmas was coming and we were having company. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. I dont know when I will ever feel better. the pain will get better but the memories will always be there. Thank you for sharing your experiences. They couldn't tell me why it was happening but my fear was that she had some form of oral cancer. My … I, too just lost my chihuahua just shy of 16y. He stopped eating April 28th and I syringe fed him and took him to the vet twice to try and save him. Would sit on the laundry when I was folding it. When my German Shepherd, Hugo, died, it felt like a part of me had been clawed out and torn away. So sorry about your doggie . She has always been a terribly fierce and terrified responder to the carrier - I bought one years ago for future vet visits, and it has never, ever been used because she turned into a fury beyond belief and I could never get her inside one. We let her go on Nov 2, 2018. I haven't been pet free ever and this is the first holiday season where I truly understand when people say that the holidays are lonely, sad and depressing for them. Their regular litter box is still in it's regular spot, I can't bear to move it - it's been there since 1995. I know exactly the pain you are going through. I always wanted kids and they were how I became a mom. She was our daughter and love. Did he know I loved him.I just would give everything for one more day. They know how much we love them, they could never doubt it but we are hurting so much because of how much love we shared - them to us and us to them. He has been there through several major life events with me (good and bad). They make us their family so quickly when they choose us that when they leave us, it leaves a huge void in our heart, days and life. I'm devastated by the death of my dog today. I have 2 more cats but my boy was my best friend for so long. Noticed he was trying not to use not one but two of his legs.He had a tumor on his neck which seemed to be getting bigger. I just lost my dog a few days ago and the pain is overwhelming. He was such a joy to me and woke me up as a feline alarm clock :-) He sure loved his food and tummy rubs. His whole little life was for me! You have Love for her and that will always be. It's so hard to see the corner she always used to sleep in empty. We took him to the vet and started giving him some pain meds for his legs and an antibiotic for his kidneys. My dog Ralphy was 16 when he passed away next to me in his bed two days ago. Thanks to all of you on this platform. I don't know how to cope without her. I am at the end of my tether. But when we lost Smokie, I said I can't have anymore as losing him hurt so deep, knowing that at some point, I'd have to go through it 3 more times, I just couldn't do it again after that. Today I lost my 13-year-old doggie and I can't stop crying, no matter how bad my headache is, I can't even sleep because I can't stop thinking about her. I'm afraid the future weeks are going to be incredibly difficult, like it has been for you. I was assigned tummy-kissing after she had interrupted my husband's indoor golf, where he was to gently putt balls along the spine and the tummy. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. It was very hard for my parents too. A PET dog has died after being attacked by a snake while out on a walk at a Scottish beauty spot. I know I can't cry forever, but dear God, I can't understand how much it hurts. Hello Angie, thank you so much for your reply it means a LOT My Joie started to have blood in her mouth a few days prior and I took her in the same day. The manager understood and let me go in the back of the store[not in the pet play area] with the little kitty and talk and cry a while. Thank you for this comforting site. To experience the pain means that the connection we shared was real, was powerful, and that connection and memories shared are something that's never lost. Hugs to you and remember that it's ok to feel. I think about the beautiful time we were togetter her inconditional love, she was one of a kind even her meowing was so different that's why I loved her so much it was like she was talking to me. I am by myself as well and completely feel your pain. I don’t know what to do. write to me anytime. A Shitzu named Mario’. In the back of our minds, some believe that they shouldn't be grieving so much for a pet, which is made worse by the cultural stigma associated with grief and losing our companion animals. As such, our hormones allow the release of leucine-enkephalin, which removes toxins from the body in an attempt to reduce stress. I am so sorry about the loss of your cat. Hi Pauline, I'm so sorry for all of your losses. My days are so lonely when the husband is at work and my kids are in school. The part that really makes it horrible was that my guinea pig still showed interest in eating, he would jump up on his pigloo like he always did to beg for veggies, but when I offered them to him he couldn't eat it. I sit here looking at the four walls in my lounge, crying my eyes out. I lost my puppy 2 days ago and I can't seem to stop crying. He grieves more quietly. We let her go on Feb 25, 2018. Over time, I was able not to blame anyone and just remember his goofy habits and all the fun we had together. She was looking me in the eye as she passed. I can't seem to stop crying. She was at my side pretty much 24/7 for the last five years. It's just too painful. My team and I are working safely from home but we are here to help you as always. Sometimes it's difficult for friends and family of a bereaved owner to understand the pain and suffering pet loss can cause. A few weeks after that, Bandit, my 20 yr old took a turn for the worse w/her kidney disease. I can’t get that image out of my mind. to me it feels good to know that someone understand my He was a shelter cat and because he was already a senior cat no one wanted him except for me, I fell in love with him the minute I saw him and it's been love ever since. And I have cried so much and it will surface again and again, only an inch deep, no control ever. Why are so many people drawn to conspiracy theories in times of crisis? She was 17- I really don't know how I'm going to get through this- I can't stop crying- I can't handle the pain of knowing I'll never get to hold her again. To cut a long story short, in my country we have a long standing issue of stray dogs … It's also okay to feel relieved and sad at the same time, especially in cases when your … I live in New York City, the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic ― and I just lost my dog. The Dr heard fluid in his belly and suggested an ultrasound to be sure. I don't know if my heart will ever quit hurting. I can hardly see what I have written because of my tears, but hopefully it is legible. He took naps with me. Our pets provide us unconditional love and acceptance. I cry EVERY day----hard and I close my drapes so no one will know I am home and have to see me like this. It may seem silly to other people, but I really loved her and I can't stop crying. I try to focus on our fun, goofy times together... I’ve just discovered that my 10 years old cat has heart cancer and it is truly unbearable. Last summer we were sitting on the back porch watching the rain, Buster sat there with us. I cannot imagine my life without her! I had to get rid of my couch because everytime I looked at it and she wasn't there I cried. My dog died two weeks ago and I am devastated. How can I cope with this grief? Again, this is the body's way of working towards maintaining emotional homeostasis. I don't know how to function without him. We ran more tests and everything seemed 'fine' but then towards the end of Oct, nothing I can describe or put my finger on but my gut said "it was time". I lost my 11 year old dog, Bentley, on August 18th. … Came across this site and read about your losses. ... DEAR DEIDRE: AFTER my lovely dog died recently I have tried everywhere to get another. I understand completely what you are saying CJ. Some of us don't want to face the grief or move through the pain. Reintegration, Reclamation, Reconciliation. I’d had him since he was five and we had a good life together. I have been crying every day. It is the time of COVID. My dog died and I'm devastated...? The vet diagnosed him with congestive heart failure and gave the dog … I got her about a month after my previous dog of 15 years died. Nothing has ever hurt so bad. This is an article in the Healing Pet Loss Question and Answer Series. I had not had cats because of severe allergic reaction in the family, and only had some cooked rice and a scrambled egg. She had others issues that we were treating so I can't say that the blood wasn't a possible side effect. He was with us for 16 yrs. i know she's pain free now, happy and at peace. He was the most precious, loving and affectionate cat ever. I just don't know what to do. The strength of the human to animal bond can be incredibly strong. Putting dogs down is absolutely traumatizing, but it will get better in about a month. I lost my dog 11 weeks ago and still cry. If you want euthanasia, you must hand in the cat in a box from your car, and await findings. Hi everyone. And that makes me cry even more. I wanted a couple days with him before the procedure. I can't begin to imagine what the next 50 yrs has in store for me, it really doesn't mean much without them. Having to make decisions on behalf of our pet can leave us wondering if we have done the right thing. It haunts me when I try to sleep. I can't I have been through something similar with an Abyssinian cat. Now that is all said and done, I’m completely devastated. She'd been on meds for about 2 1/2 yrs and they seemed to keep her #'s at a good range but suddenly, in late Feb, she just went downhill. It's easy to think that you will be able to cope with the death of your pet, but people often discover that they are just as devastated by the loss of their dog as they would be by any death. 4 days ago, he started bleeding from the mouth, rushed him into the vet the next morning and a tumor was found in his mouth. I ache for him. Such a wonderful relationship and companionship, truly. I cry and can't stop went to work yesterday and had to call off today. It feels very surreal, I really wish this wasn't happening, so that tomorrow when I wake up I can go out and walk with her. thank you for letting me talk. He was truly my best friend and companion. I'm absolutely rambling but I can't eat, can't sleep, can't do anything but think of him there, and me being too scared and awful to go and try and find his body. I have contacted all the agencies but with no luck. She was a rescue and had had several close calls before, like a bad bite attack from another cat that we took her for emergency stitches for, so we expected she would pull through this time. Even if that includes a broken heart. My dog died a year ago and I cried like a baby. It was surreal. I feel so much pain and all I can do is cry. It has been a while since you posted your comment, I hope you've healed as much as possible. Reading others accounts that are similar to mine is gut-wrenching but I dont feel so alone. But I'm just not wired to make that decision, I only did it because they were mine to protect and keep safe, I can't willingly have another and possibly make that decision again. This is because our bodies are processing through the shock of loss and working hard to reduce the overwhelming emotional experience we are going through. My sweet boy began his downward spiral 2 weeks ago. I just don't know how to stop being so sad so often. My cat Ralph died a while ago, I know it hurts a lot. Its been 5 weeks now since I lost my Molly . I will keep crying and maybe some day, it will ease up a little bit. And when I gave her treats, she'd always leave one behind as if she was hoping Monkie or Bandit would come and eat it. Whenever you think of you baby and feel sad, just cry no matter where you are. Do not forget that we have given them safety masses of love in every way, security for always, too. Tears keep coming. I lost my baby girl a few months ago. I'm still struggling with the 'new normal' - Joie passed almost a year ago and this is the longest I've ever been without a furbaby in my entire life. I wish you peace and comfort , you are not alone. I look around the house This post highlights why it is healthy to express our emotions and to cry over the loss of our pet. Some things are unexplained. She had rebounded twice so we weren't prepared for this at all and don't know how we'll recover. but no, came the time this time, and I had to keep cancelling appointments, despite trying every which way shown on videos. My dog died and I'm devastated, help? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk, Pub-goers reveal secret hack to carry on boozing in Tier 2, Driver celebrates with bubbly after being cleared of crash that killed pal, Three tier 2 areas now among England's worst Covid hotspots, I’m A Celebrity fans spot moment Jordan North was being 'watched by a GHOST', Woman who slit throat of girl, 7, in park found NOT guilty of murder, ©News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. It's been 7 weeks since I had to let go of my soulmate dog, Aztec, and it's been the worst 7 weeks of my life. My beautiful cat Nina died on April 6th. I really don't know how to deal with his passing. Grief is never within a box, meaning that one grief experience impacts and can influence the way we experience grief later on within our lives. Is it just grief? Our appointment came and I thought about running away. I noticed I could feel his backbone. I would never have left him alone and not knowing what was going on. Absolutely useless things, and after so many cancellations at the good vet's down the street, I felt they might have come to the conclusion that I was mentally ill and didn't HAVE a cat! She was nursing two kittens somewhere outside, and wobbled onto the deck, starving, one morning. lean on me waiting for me to touched her. She had been really sick before, but she got back up. I loved that dog more than anyone ! My partner and I had to euthanize my cat Buster 3 weeks ago, he was 14. although we already know that it will happen, but it still shocks us to think that she's no longer here. Gutter was the best, most loving cat and after 11 months of struggle I decided to have him euthanized November 2, 2017. I meant to, but I kept delaying the trip. The pain is unbelievable and I have been through a lot. The emotional impact of loss and absence felt can leave us feeling out of control, even crazy. There is no timeline on grief, it takes however long it takes. Not to be there at her end unless her pain is so violent, is unthinkable. When we experience the death of a pet, the impact is profound, and at times it can be overwhelming. When I saw her in those early days as she emerged from her exile, I saw in her an elderly tall and thin lady, unmarried, in a tweed suit, carrying a battered suitcase, with impeccable manners and a desparate need for a place to stay and room with board. The muddy prints she left on the sliding door made us break down twice today. Everything about being home reminds me of him. Part of me thinks it might be because I don't have another to console and cuddle with to help me grieve. These tears chemically react within our bodies to promote a feel-good and pain-reduction cocktail. I saw her die. I feel your pain and heartache and I wish there were words that could be said to make us all feel better but I don't think there are. Grieving is immensely taxing on the body, and impacts us within every area of our lives. On the deck outside, I would find her beautiful tabby grey face waiting patiently to be let in. It's been six months since I had to put him down. Otherwise, the box would still be there. I just didn't expect it today. If we held our tears inside and attempted to stuff our emotional expression, it could lead to much more traumatic grief experience down the line. A Beadwork Garden Stepping Stone – Pet Footprint is a wonderful memorial for your dog. The media blasts photos and news reports of devastation ― refrigerated trucks for dead bodies, mass burials at … I did all the right thngs, left the carrier out with a trail of treats for weeks, etc. DEIDRE SAYS: I’m so sorry you have lost your companion. I know I'm sad, grieving and missing them all but I'm also concerned that crying every day since Dec 2017 isn't 'normal' or right. It's always a reason - an anniversary of getting their diagnosis, the day of having to let them go, something significant that my mind thinks about before I even open my eyes. I have never been in so much pain before in my life, I feel like I've lost a leg or an arm. I went to the pet store and explained that I'd like to hold an orange and white kitten and talk with it a while. Your dog’s death may be one of the hardest things you ever face. I can't stop crying. She was getting really sick and not eating anymore so we were thinking … I’ve lost my 3 year old puppie/best friend 4 days ago and I’m devastated I’ve lost dogs my whole life but I have never had this horrible feeling before Frankie was this 5 pound yorkie-poo I never had little dogs before so my wife and I decided to get Frankie what a great friend dog … Thank you for listening. He died at the age of 10. I had to euthanize my dog, Bailey, less than a week ago. She played piano when I did, crashing chords, whilst studying the music in front, so proud of the noise. He was only 14 … It can be easy to think, I must be going crazy for crying so much. He looked at me and fell asleep and then I felt his last breath. She went on meds and we got them under control, unfortunately the thyroid meds were tough on her KD so we gave her the lowest possible dose. I just want the pain to stop. I don’t know what to do. After 15 wonderful years with our dog, Beamer, my husband and I had to make the decision to euthanize him. We never truly "get over" our loss, but we can certainly move through it. I can't imaging what you must have gone through. There was huge demand for dogs and puppies through lockdown but equally many people discovered caring for and training a dog was more than they could cope with and are asking for them to be rehomed. Lily organised us beautifully. We adjust our daily routines around their needs. For herself, after almost a year living under the old fuel tank in the basement, she came out shyly and learned to love and especially trust. I took great care of her and her sister, brought her to the vets whenever needed, but now she is gone. The loss is unbearable. When we cry, our bodies are releasing the energy held inside. Crying through our pain allows our body the chance to work at reducing stress levels. He was so young and should have had so much more life to live. ... 'I'm devastated' - Owner's warning after dog dies from a snake bite at Scots beauty spot. The thought is haunting and keeps upsetting me. The thing is, most of the time (if not all), the pieces never fit back the same way. We are watching our lovely little Lily struggle on her last day or so, from the wonderfully strong-willed and darling soul she was when she came from outside into our house eleven years ago. Thank you for this post. He would greet me at the door, follow me everywhere. He had an on and off bout of blood in his urine. The vet came to my home and we lovingly let him go while he was on on my bed. I feel lonely even though my husband is here. He was everywhere with me, watched movies with me, sang with me. That’s what eventually killed my dog, Gracie, on Sept. 7, 2019. I found some solace in knowing I’m not alone but yet I’m devastated because I literally sent my dog to her death. I want him back so badly. Fate took my own dog only 3 weeks later, and very unexpectedly. This all feels like a nightmare, I can’t even speak or eat or feel anything other than pain, I know he can’t live like this anymore and it is killing me. She seemed to be fine, less vocal, eating normally (she never had troubles w/food until the end), her usual self. News Corp is a network of leading companies in the worlds of diversified media, news, education, and information services. GOT a story? Everyday before work I'd be stressed letting her decide if she wanted to be outside or indoors. I know all of the common sense things, many of which you are probably thinking: … 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. I loved that dog with all my heart. Why Are the Holidays So Hard While Grieving a Pet? My 14 year old apricot toy poodle also past yesterday... Been crying in a few hours. I knew it was time over the past week he went down hill fast few days before, his apointment he laid up against my chest and stared in my eyes. She was everything to me and a part of me died along with her. I keep questioning our decision. I understand what you're going through. My cat never came home last Sunday. I keep assessing the “what ifs.” I keep replaying every moment in my head and it all feels justified mentally, but emotionally I feel like I let him down. I am lost and I don’t know what to do any more without a companion like the one I have lost. She slept everywhere, spare room, all the beds, my baby's cradle, baskets, everywhere and anywhere. The grief can be overwhelming, particularly if it's unexpected. This article shows empathy and will help the owners I meet. After a week, took him back to the vet. It is so hard. I can't stand the pain. Sitting with our emotions can be incredibly hard within the grief process. I share your pain. He went missing 3 days ago and usually comes back after being gone for about 2 hours. Hi Brooke, I'm sorry for your loss. MY Best to You, Sherry. Will never forget him and he will always be in my heart. I'm so sorry for the loss of Nina. What If the Pain of Pet Loss Becomes Too Much to Bear. How can a hole in my life ever heal? Keeping busy helps but every time I walk into the house, I tear up because there isn't anyone to greet me and coo to me about their day. He's came back absolutely soaked to the skin on dry days a few times the last few weeks. I barely got to take a photo of us together, and I only had 8 months with my soul dog. 7 Self-Care Essentials While Grieving the Death of a Pet, Exhausted Grief: Can't Sleep After The Death of a Pet, Incomplete Endings: Coping With a Runaway or Lost Pet, The Quiet House and Empty Dog Bed: Coping After Pet Loss, The Cultural Stigma of Pet Loss and Grieving Their Death. Although she has been having health problems for two months that we have been treating, she took a drastic turn for the worse a few days ago. Remember, you will never have to feel alone with your pet … We gave it another day and seemed better than the day before but the next day, my gut told me not to let her outside as I was convinced that she'd run and hide and pass away somewhere that I couldn't find her.