Saying Goodbye to a much loved pet

ddebski_us

Vicx - am sat here at work with tears streaming. I am so sorry for your loss. I dread the day my Molly goes and she is only 10 months!

I can't say anything to help you feel less sad, but you did one final kind thing for Maxi.

(((HUGS)))

xDx

catkins

I am crying as I type this. I am so sorry for your loss. It is awful. I have lost quite a few dogs and cats over the years and will never forget any of them. Losing them is so hard because they are family.

It does eventually get easier but you never forget them. I still have a cry sometimes over the pets I have lost - the last one was my dog who had to be pts 15 years ago. Although we had lost pets before both me and my husband were absolutely distraught at the loss of Ozzie. We had got him as a puppy (all the other dogs were rescues and a lot older when we got them) so somehow seemed more attached to him although we thought the world of the others and were upset when we lost them. We said we would never ever get a dog again because we could not go through that but 4 1/2 years later we did in fact get another dog. We both missed the company of a dog, the long walks together, the waggy tail when you get home even if you have only been out for 10 minutes!!!!

Take care of yourself and, I know it's difficult, but try to think of the good times you had with Maxi and what a great life he had with a wonderful caring, loving owner like you

vicx

Thank you ddeb & catkins

I'm still crying, I feel like I am drowning in my own tears. He really suffered on Monday, his final few hours were awful and it's really hurting me. Saying Goodbye was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I always said I would never be strong enough to be there with my dogs if they had to be PTS because I break my heart at just the thought of it but I knew I couldnt let him go through it alone. I would have broke my heart even more and felt even more guilty for not being with him. Those final moments are going to be in my mind forever but I am pleased to have been there for his final breath.

He had separation anxiety since he lost his companion (our other Yorkshire Terrier) in 2007, so he would follow my every move. He would get distressed if he knew I was leaving the house and sit & shake and try to run out the door to come with me.

I am so used to him being by my side. Sleeping next to my bed, waking me up, telling me when it's dinner time. He wouldn't even let me go to the bathroom without him having to be there. He'd get so distressed if he couldn't see me. I always made sure someone was home with him if possible so he was never left alone for more than a couple of hours. He'd get over excited when I returned home, even if I only went out to put the wheelie bin out! He'd be running about, barking, crying with happiness and getting under my feet. I really miss all of that, the house is so empty. We had a strong bond that nothing could ever replace.

Why do our pets live such short lives?! Yorkshire Terriers have an average life span of 9 - 15 years. Maxi was 14 years and 9 months so I know he had a great life but I still didn't expect to lose him so soon. I just can't believe how he suddenly got ill, he was fine the night before. Although he had a cough and a loud heart murmur, he was a very fit and lively dog. He was so full of energy, no one could believe how old he really was. I just wish I could bring him back, nothing will ever replace him

spike7451

I know what you mean,10-15 years isn't a long time & it flies by,another thing is the home doesn't feel like a home once a pet is gone.it seems empty & soul less,almost depressing.It was a few days before I could move Orbit's litter & food,I half expected him to come bounding in looking for a feed.I have 'L' shaped hall in my apartment & Orbit used to lie on the corner so he could 'watch over' his domain.

Abbafan1972

Years ago when I lived with my parents we had 2 cats called Chloe & Tammy. Chloe had to be PTS. Me and Mom stayed at home and my dad took the cat to the vets. I can remember my Mom being beside herself with Grief. Tammy lasted a good few more years, even after I left home.

My Mom has recently had a new cat called Tilly and she's a little madam but lovely.

When I moved into my own house in 1995, we got Sophie from the cats protection and the following year we got Cindy.

Cindy died in August 2008, it was awful the way she went, she had been to the vets a couple of days ago and we had some medication for her as the vet said she'd got a chest infection. Giving her the tablet, she gave me an awful bite on my thumb which drew blood and made my thumb blow up and I had to have a tetanus jab. After she'd bit me, I noticed that her gums had gone white and eyes glazed over and she'd died in my arms.

We'd noticed Sophie's health going downhill and it looked like she had some kind of dementia as she kept walking round in circles and most of the time couldn't find her food bowl. She was also soiling in random places, so I think her eyesight was failing. About a month ago she disappeared a couple of times, but I managed to find her, looking a bit confused as I don't think she could remember where she lived. Then on the 3rd time she went missing, she didn't come back. So I think she went off to "die" somewhere.

We now have Mia who came to us on Feb 2010 and we have just got Jasper on 30th April this year. Felt a bit guilty getting him so soon after Sophie went, but he really is a lovely chap who snuggles into your neck for lots of cuddles!



Cindy (R.I.P)



Sophie (R.I.P)

vicx

I still have Maxi's bed in my bedroom, I know it's early days but I don't think I could part with it. My other dog occasionally lies in Maxis bed instead of her own so that's another reason I am keeping it. Although he's gone, I still want to keep his belongings (his bed and leader) for comfort as it feels like he's still with me. I keep looking for him and expecting him to walk through the door. I even cut a lock of hair for keepsake so I can frame it with my favourite photo of him.

vicx

Abbafan, that's such a sad story. So sorry for your loss. It must be breaking your heart not knowing what happened to Sophie. I have never owned a cat but I know they say when they become poorly they go away to die. It must be so painful to not get any closure, not knowing what happened and if she will return.

Don't feel guilty for getting Jasper. You didn't get him to replace Sophie, nothing can replace our pets. You just wanted something new to love that would help fill the emptiness and ease the pain your feeling.

jungle_jane

Vicx the pain is immense right now - it's so raw, isn't it? I hope you are able to grieve properly. I'm having to put my brave face on and come to work, but to be honest I feel my cat's presence everywhere i walk at home...it's like he is still there. Perhaps better to be away from it for now.

Do you have something to take your mind off things? It's awful remember those last few hours - I really feel for you. I know that each time I think of my darling boy, all i see is his body laid out at peace at last. It's awful.

((vicx))

jungle_jane

spike7451 wrote: »

That's a nice sweet gesture. Orbit was on Fortekor & was later put onto another diaretic to remove fluids off his body.

This was orbit a few weeks before;
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g38/spike7451/Orbit/Image0012.jpg

And about a week before he died;
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g38/spike7451/Orbit/Image0432.jpg

oh spike he really deteriorated, much the same as my little boy. It's heartbreaking - poor Orbit. So glad he went peacefully - he was a gorgeous kitty. the change in him is just shocking and must have been so hard to see...

undaunted

Bless, he looks as if he had a good & happy life with you. (some other lovely photos from others too)

Have you seen "rainbow bridge"? It's a happy thought really but may well nevertheless move you to tears!

http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html