pet loss grief

The loss of a pet is devastating. They are family members who love us unconditionally, and when we lose them, the pain can be unbearable. I've been there a number of times and I know the pain you feel. Sometimes we second-guess ourselves, asking, "Did I do the right thing?" No one wants to see their beloved pet suffer from illness, and sometimes setting them free is the best decision. Your pet is in a beautiful, wonderful place now. You will see him again. Keep faith in that. I do not agree with the poster who said you must get another pet NOW. Only you will know when the time is right for another pet. You must make the decision to do that when the time is right for you and your family. Of course, you may want to get another pet, but no animal can replace the friend you just lost. The time for grieving is different for everyone and there is no set amount of time. Let yourself feel what you feel, but do try to get out there and do some fun things. I made a scrapbook for all of my cats who have now passed. It is filled with pictures from happy times, and looking at these books later on helps me to cherish the great times we had with our cats, not just the illnesses. You will find peace in those memories.

I am so sorry you had to go through that. My mom had to do the same thing with my grandmothers cat (I believe she was 17) she was suffering so it was the right thing to do, but doing the right thing doesn't make it less sad. It was even harder for my mom because my grandma passed away a year ago February, we keep thinking that Murphy must be with my grandma now. When you would hold her and say are you grandma's kitty she would purr up a storm :) It is good to cry, lord knows we have done our share, it's part of the healing process, don't ever let anyone make you think you should be over the loss of any family member in a specific time, each person is different :) Sorry to go on and on, I too believe getting another little one to love would be great! When you have someone to care for that needs you it just lifts your heart a bit. Praying helps me as well as talking :) I will pray for you, take care, Serena

:/ Try to focus on something else.. whether getting another pet (that is not, of course, to replace the last) or try to go out with your friends.. do something to distract yourself from your grief... but make sure that you do grieve. thirteen is a wonderful age for a dog...

My family just had my 12 year old doberman put to sleep in June. I am sorry for your loss. What we did that makes it easier is we put a stone marker in our backyard where he used to play and that is what we consider his grave headstone. If someone feels sad or just misses him then they go out to his stone in the backyard. Don't feel sad about putting him to sleep... You did a great thing because otherwise he would have suffered for an undeterminable amount of time and this way he went peacefully with you by his side.