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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riseup98 05/12/2013

This is my first time visiting the Pet bereavement Support Group. I felt the need to be here today because I feel a void in my life without my dog Jazz.

Several months ago I had to make the decision to surrender my dog to a Collie Rescue Organization because I had to take on additional employment to make ends meet. I believed my dog deserved a better life other than sitting around lonely waiting for me to come home from long and unpredictable hours at work. It felt like I had abandoned him after he was gone, and it hurts. We were best friends.

I've learned that he is with a family getting the proper exercise and attention that I couldn't continue to provide. I loved him and he loved me, but I wanted him to have a better life. After I became single again, he was showing signs of separation anxiety. I just felt it wasn't fair to him to live like that anymore.

I believe I made the right decision, but it sure does hurt.

Thanks for reading my bereavement rant.

Rise

yogacat 05/12/2013

Sometimes, the 'Right' decision can be painful. I also think you made the best decision for the well being of the dog you loved. From my experience, the pain will ease as time passes. I have times of extreme sadness because Sebastian Kitty was euphonized. He was feral, yet became tame with me for 10 yrs. He lost sight in one eye, than the other, he was blind......I let him go. I Know this was a blessing for him, his fears were so strong and so many....but knowing does not help the loss sometimes. Sebastian left 10 mos. ago....I still have times of great sadness and I need to remind myself that I did the best for him....you will have to do this also. We do the best we know to do for those we Love!!!!!!

riseup98 05/12/2013

Yogacat,

Thank you for understanding the situation I was confronted with. It helps to get confirmation from someone who loves pets and has had a similar experience. I just hope he's okay and happy.

I'm sorry about Sebastian and I share your pain and sadness.

Thank you,

Rise

mountaingirl55 05/13/2013

Oh I'm so sorry. What a tough decision to make. It sounds as though you did what was best for Jazz. My parents took in a dog from a family who was unable to keep him for health reasons. They loved him so much and knew how hard it was to for the family to give him up. Until the day he died they were thankful for gift they received. I'm sure Jazz's new family thanks you every day for sharing him with them. I hope that thought will help bring you comfort in the decision you made for him. Pets may not be human but they have memories and I'm sure Jazz will always remember the friend he has in you.

riseup98 05/14/2013

Thank you Mountaing,

A great big man like me holding back tears as I read his name on this post. " Jazz. " Pets are a treasured gift. They are more trustworthy than humans.

Thanks for the love and support my friends.

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