How do you move on after the loss of a pet?

babymonty

we lost our puppy (9mths old) last year, he jumped from a bridge, and all I can say is it will get easier over time. We bought a puppy soon after to replace him, more for the children because they witnessed the accident. I wouldnt recommend this as it was too soon. I still think about my baby 6 months on and he will never be forgot, but as with a pet or human time is a great healer and it will get easier.

Turtle

Hello Emma, hope you are OK. Six weeks ago we had to have our bunny put to sleep. He was a rescue rabbit, 1 year old when we got him and nearly 7 when he died. He was a house rabbit, so cute and funny and we were devastated when he was diagnosed with a tumour. A couple of days after we lost him there was a really big, bright rainbow shining all the way to work. I had never believed in signs but I believe this was sent by Bob from the rainbow bridge to tell us he was ok, my OH had also seen the rainbow and he thought so too (and he's really not a 'signs' person).

We have gone through a lot of pain, we both absolutely adored him and the house has been very quiet without him. I often still cry for him, and did so yesterday in fact. In the last couple of weeks however we've been thinking about a new bunny. Today we went to a local rescue and have reserved a little girl of approx 2 years old. She will not replace Bob and is very different in looks. Part of me feels a bit guilty and apprehensive, but I also feel excited and am pleased to be giving a home to an unwanted bun.

Please believe that it does get easier and you won't forget your friend but in time you will be able to remember the good times without all the pain. Hope you are coping.

hethmar

Hope that you are feeling a bit better now xxx

Mutter_2

mrcow,my worst pet bereavement ever was a bunny. Made worse because my daughter was only little and didn't seem to care, and my husband wasn't upset.
It was me, sobbing for a day. I can still see little Sarah now,lying in state on a cushion.

Just saw your post Turtle, a touching story. Well done to new bunny for finding you both.

Mutter_2

babymonty, I remember it. No one should have to witness an incident like that, let alone children. So, so terrible.

raggirose

Emma I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to have my beloved dog put to sleep last Friday, I've had her since she was 4 months old and she has been my faithful constant companion for the last 16 years. Nothing anyone says will ease your pain, you need to grieve in your own way and in your own time. It's been nearly 2 weeks for me and I still dread coming home and I'm sure I will for a long time. I find myself standing in the kitchen at bedtime fetching her last treat for the day, then I remember she's not here and I start crying all over again. They come into our lives and bring us so much joy and break our hearts when they have to leave. I know I will never forget her and it will get easier, but like you, at the moment I just can't see it. My thoughts are with you and remember, his pawprints will always be in your heart.

Raksha

Raggierose, I am going through the same. I'd had Bonnie since she was 5 weeks old, and I'd known her since the day she was born. She too was over 16 years old. I have two other dogs who certainly ease the pain, but it helps to remember those special moments with Bonnie - the daft things she did, the scrapes she got into, the way she would head but you with her hard little head and wriggle under your legs when you were sitting down and she thought she needed affection. The way her tongue would get right up your nose when she washed your face............

Our hearts break because we loved them.

Pass the tissues.........

singlehouseholder

Hi Emma, sorry to hear of your loss. I know what you're going through, I recently lost my best friend too, she was 18 years old and I rescued her when she was a tiny dot. I had her cremated, it was the worst day of my life, I vomitted on the way back from the crem. Didn't want to eat, couldn't stop crying.I've never experienced the gut wrenching grief and the heaviness of my heart before. I don't know how life will go on without her. I think one of the hardest part's is the attitude of some people, you know, the "its only a dog" brigade.I don't have any kids and she was my baby. I've been off work for 3 weeks now because I know thats the attitude of some of the women I work with. I'm dreading going back to work Monday, I don't want to.
When she was cremated I got her ashes in a casket and a Bute marker, which is like a memorial stake for the garden. I've found huge comfort from being able to look at the marker and just be alone with her. I talk to her all the time, I still say the same thing to her everynight, "mammy loves you very much, have a nice peepies baby." I've got lots of photos printed of her and have put two big frames up with photos of her having happy times.My brother took me to the tattoo shop and I got her name on the inside of my wrist so she will always always be a part of me. When I die I want her ashes in with me. It's so hard, she was like my baby, she comforted me, kept me company she was a constant in my life and now she's gone. I know I will see her again and I can't wait. I will never get another dog, 'cos she can never be replaced and I'd feel like i'd be betraying her by having another dog in the house. Get yourself lots of nice photo's, talk to your pet, one day you will be reunited. Remember all the happy times and cry when you want to, you have to get it out. I hope you can get comfort. Thinking of you.

hethmar

Im so sorry for your loss single. I know that gut wrenching feeling when you just cant believe that they have gone. I never get used to losing a loved dog and each and every one of them is with me every day.

Please reconsider getting another one. It really isnt being unfaithful to your girl - its actually a tribute to her that you want another companion. There are so many sad and lonely dogs waiting for a good home. Do have a think later on and see if you can take another out of a rescue or pound.

xxx

claireac

Emma I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, and everyone else's. It's so hard.

Our cocker spaniel Jasper was pts on 2nd Jan, after a short but awful illness. He was a couple of weeks short of his 10th birthday.

I still miss him every single day, although it has got easier and most days now I can get through without crying!! It affected the whole family. My 2yr old daughter is convinced that the green light on top of the grain store at the back of our house is Jasper's star. We told her he'd gone to heaven and was a star and all better now. Even now she says she wants her puppy back. Ok todays gonna be a crying one!!

The emptiness of the house was the worst, so we now have a little kitten who we all dote on and she has helped - but not the same.

Hope you're doing ok xxx