Pet Bereavement Support Group
The loss of a pet or animal to which one has become emotionally bonded can be an intense loss, comparable with the death of a loved one. Whilst there is strong evidence that animals can feel such loss for other animals, this community focuses on human feelings, when an animal is lost, dies or otherwise is departed.
Hi everyone,
I am new to DS. I am in many support groups but was recommended DS by my roommate since I am having trouble coping with the passing of my 13 year old beloved pit bull. I rescued her from an abusive boyfriend. I had her for 10 years and she was like my child. I am 33 and have no children so she was my baby. I also have another dog (a 7 year old lab). I adopted her as a puppy and she knows no life without her "sister" and is lost without her. I knew she was older but this all happened so suddenly. She was not feeling well so my roommate took her to the emergency animal hospital. My boyfriend's father passed away the night before suddenly so I was in the hospital late and was on my way to make arrangements with him and family. My roommate called me and told me it was serious so I headed down there immediately. I wanted to be there for my boyfriend and her at the same time. When I got there, I was told she was bleeding internally and had no chance. I held her in my arms while she was put to sleep. I know I should feel happy that she had no previous symptoms and was playing the day before. I am happy she didn't suffer more than a few hours. I just wasn't prepared despite her age. I can't talk to most people because they don't get it and think I am crazy for grieving so much over her. This honestly hurts as much as losing family members in the past. Has anyone had a similar situation? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
I am new to DS. I am in many support groups but was recommended DS by my roommate since I am having trouble coping with the passing of my 13 year old beloved pit bull. I rescued her from an abusive boyfriend. I had her for 10 years and she was like my child. I am 33 and have no children so she was my baby. I also have another dog (a 7 year old lab). I adopted her as a puppy and she knows no life without her "sister" and is lost without her. I knew she was older but this all happened so suddenly. She was not feeling well so my roommate took her to the emergency animal hospital. My boyfriend's father passed away the night before suddenly so I was in the hospital late and was on my way to make arrangements with him and family. My roommate called me and told me it was serious so I headed down there immediately. I wanted to be there for my boyfriend and her at the same time. When I got there, I was told she was bleeding internally and had no chance. I held her in my arms while she was put to sleep. I know I should feel happy that she had no previous symptoms and was playing the day before. I am happy she didn't suffer more than a few hours. I just wasn't prepared despite her age. I can't talk to most people because they don't get it and think I am crazy for grieving so much over her. This honestly hurts as much as losing family members in the past. Has anyone had a similar situation? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Lucy570
When a person really loves their pet, they will grieve. It is natural for loving owners to grieve. It is natural for you to feel so bad, and I truly mean that. I know how much it hurts, and there are things you can do. Create a memorial for your baby, grieve, think of the good memories, know that there are different stages of grieving with your pet. Surround yourself with support from pet lovers. This is a great group and again, I am sorry for your loss. You do have my sympathy.
Meeniebeans
Thank you so much for your support. I am actually a dog trainer and volunteer at an animal shelter so I am around many animal lovers but don't want to talk about me when working. I have a picture of both of my girls on my work shirts. I am happy I got the picture before she passed. This is the first time I've ever joined a support group and am happy I did. I know people here understand and I am grateful for the support. I think there is a memorial at the pet cemetery/crematory where I can put up her picture.
JOYHOLY
HELLO ,I AM SORRY ABOUT YOUR BELOVED DOG LOSS, YES IT HURT SO MUCH WHEN WE LOSE A BELOVED PET, THEY ARE OUR FAMILY, HARD FOR YOU THAT IT HAPPEND AT SUCH SAD TIME, I REALLY FEEL FOR YOU HAVING TO RUSH TO THE VET TO FIND YOUR PET SO POORLY, YOU DID THE RIGHT THING, WHAT COULD YOU HAVE DONE, WHEN THEY ARE OLD IT IS HARDER TO TREAT THEM, MY OWN OLDIE IS NOT WELL AND AT TIME I JUST CRY,I LOVE HIM SO MUCH,,THEY ARE SO PRECIOUS TO US, I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL, GRIEVING AND CRYING IS NORMAL AND IT EASES THE LOSS, HUGS LUCY.
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