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.

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DG1 04/16/2010

I have been reading some of the posts here just trying to come to terms with a decision that I know I have to make for my ZoePuppy. She is a 15 year old Shep/Rott mix and I have had her since she was a puppy. About one month ago she came down with vestibular disease, the dog version of vertigo, and after about 10 days the dizzyness and nausia subsided, which is normal, and it looked like she was back to her old self again. Although she is no longer dizzy she has stopped eating and is very weak. She will take little nibbles and then just turns her head away. I am hoping that she will regain her appetite and then I'll get to have her for at least another year or two and that I won't have to make this decision now. I don't think that I am ready to let her go just yet. I have been crying for days and can barely see straight from the tears. I feel like I am already grieving her loss but she is still here.

deleted_user 04/17/2010

I am so sorry to hear about ZoePuppy. That can't be easy for her or you. Is there anything you can do to encourage her appetite? Perhaps a little treat? tasty wet food? I know when my cat Zachary was diagnosed with kidney disease getting him to eat at the end of the disease was a challenge. I gave him a little wet food that he especially enjoyed (in addition to his prescriptive food) and that seemed to jump start his appetie for a white.

I hope things improve! It is so hard to see any of our companions struggling. What I often thought was how much I wished I could talk to them and ask them questions "how do you feel" "what can I do for you". It is so hard when we have to guess how they are doing solely by their actions/demeanor. Right now focus on her comfort and try not to focus on her loss. I know that is hard to do as I had to discipline myself to do that with Zachary.

All the best to you and ZoePuppy!

summerbda 04/20/2010

The same thing happened to me, only my dog had chylorthrax (fluid around her lungs..and stopped eating. I knew after a6 days of NO food she didn't want to go on. I put her down and it was the most difficult thing I've ever done, the questions r haunting...should I have done it?! I knew in my heart she was tired and miserable...and it's done, nothing I can do now but cry... I'll pray your dog gets her appet. back. sorry

DG1 04/20/2010

Thank you both so much for your kind words. Sadly however, my ZoePuppy did not make it. She was my best, best friend for 15 years and it is a big shock to not have her around. To wake up and not have her at the foot of my bed. I heard a noise this morning and it sounded like the sound her feet made when she was dream running. I jumped out of bed and looked around for her and promptly burst into tears when I realized that it wasn't her. I know this will take a lot of time to accept but I don't think it's something that I will ever 'get over'.

summerbda 04/20/2010

I'm so sorry...cry.. and try not to think about her too much till you've healed a bit (I know how hard it is) again I'm sorry

deleted_user 04/23/2010

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was so hoping she would do better. Loosing a companion we love with all our heart is beyond difficult. It is a feeling like no other...extreme sadness, depression, guilt, missing them fiercely.

I have found it to be so difficult. I am still grieving the loss of my 3 pets I lost last year. Everyday I think of them and miss them. I find that it is difficult for me to be happy. I seem to be carrying a strong sense of loss around with me all the time. I long for life to be the "way it used to be" when they were alive with me. I sometimes dream of them on my lap, or holding them, and then I wake up and remember they are gone.

My thoughts are with you.....

deleted_user 04/24/2010

I am so sorry for your loss. I have lost 2 beloved companions this year and I know what you are going through.

Fifteen years for a large dog is a good long life which I'm sure had to do with your loving care. I'm sure she knew how much you loved her.

My thoughts are with you.

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