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.
I had to unexpectedly put down my 10 year old border collie yesterday. I had Angel and her sister,Cali out for a walk 2 days ago in the morning and Angel was fine, no signs of anything wrong. We were home for an hour when all of a sudden she stood up, vomited, and fell over. She couldn't walk or eat anything all day. I tried to get the emrgency vet to see her, but because I don't have a credit card, my paycheck hadn't cleared noone would see her Thanksgiving day at the emergency clinics. The kids and I tried to keep her comfortable all Thanksgiving day, but when I left for work yesterday, she was no better. My son took her to her regular vet and I authorized an echocardiogram for her. It showed a tumor in her heart that had torn her heart muscle. There was no choice, her heart was bleeding.. by that time, she was depressed, lethargic, groaning in pain, not eating and her breathing was labored. I couldn't watch her like that, so I had them sedate her and then euthanise her. I held her in my arms the whole time and she laid her head on my shoulder, while I sang to her and petted her. I felt her life slip away under my hands. I am now having such a hard time even looking at her sister Cali, and she keeps looking for Angel. Cali is more the family dog, and Angel was MY dog. They are truely sisters as they are from the same litter. Cali beat cancer earlier this year too. My emotions are so raw right now. I feel so numb, and then I burst out crying again. How do I not shut out Cali at this time? It hurts so much to be with her, but she needs me right now too. I don't feel guilty about putting Angel down, bacause she was in pain and I truly beleive I'll see her again in heaven, but I do feel guilty about having such a hard time even touching Cali. How do I help both me and Cali cope with this?
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
Now we just have her sister, and it's creepy how much they are alike. It is hard at first to feel ok about loving the sister that survived. I made a memorial video of the one who passed away including clips of her meowing, and every time I play it, the sister jumps up on the desk and meows back, looking for her sister in my computer screen. I'm sure on some level, both my cat and Cali know that their sisters have gone somewhere else. It's been 7 weeks since my cat died, and I am alot closer to the sister kitty now. Every now and then, I catch a glimps of my other cat in her eye, and it brings me some comfort, although I still miss her alot.
I hope you are able to heal, although I know it takes a while. You did do the right thing for Angel, because no animal deserves to be in that ammount of pain. Best of luck.