Has anyone suffered the loss of a pet? How did you deal with the pain and loss? Did you suffer from depression

Question

Do you have any pet bereavement numbers i could call or advice please?

Answer 1

It sounds mercenary, but getting a new pooch may help a little.

Answer 2

First of all, I am sorry for your loss. A pet is a part of the family, and losing a pet is painful. Do not think there is anything wrong with being depressed or sad or any other emotion. You are going through the grieving process, and it is the same for a pet as it is a person. I had to put my dog down in 2004. I have just now gotten a new puppy. I personally don't think trying to replace the animal you lost with a new one is the answer. I think you need to acknowledge the loss, and work through it, just as you would a person. And, now, 2 years later, I do love my new puppy, but don't think for a minute I have forgotten Brittany. Just take time and work through the grief. And, know it is normal to feel the way you do!~

Answer 3

I lost one cat that I was so close to. What particularly broke my heart was that the cat was killed on purpose by some teenage boys just being mean, and he was only 2 yrs old. Still to this day, I think about my Murphy and wonder what would be different had those boys not cut his life short. I cried and cried. I had him cremated, and buried him in his favorite place in the yard. After a time, I did get myself another cat, but it wasn't to replace him. Don't ever get another animal until you are ready to love and care for that animal for who it is.

Your animal becomes a part of your life, your existence (if you are a good pet owner), and when they pass, it leaves a void. I don't know of any pet bereavement numbers, but try on Yahoo, under groups and see if there is any there on line that can help you through this. I actually used a Yahoo group while going through my divorce and starting on again in life and found the people very understanding, helpful and supportive.

I wish you the best, and my heart is with you

Answer 4

Last September my cat began to gradually sound congested. It graudally got worse and worse. He began to stop eating and was lethargic. At first when I noticed the congestion, I attributed it the fact he was over weight and always snored when asleep. After I noticed it wasn't his "normal" snore, I took him to the Vet. We did several sets of x-rays (weeks apart) the Vet looked for an obstruction, we tried allergy meds, eye and nose drops, antibiotics...all with no sucess. I felt so bad shoving pills down his throat. Finally with no sucess from any of the medications, I took him to a specialist for a endoscopy so they could scope his nose and throat. They found a large mass obstructing his throat, which paritally blocked off his air supply causing him to sound congested. They biopsied it (they really thought is was cancer) and did a funal culture. Turns out it was a fungus called cryptococcius which causes masses and lesions. There is treatment, but 1) he was already so far gone, and 2) the treatment can be any where from 6 mos to a year. I wasn't going to put him through the torture of giving him a pill everyday, sometimes they even require life long treatment, so I had my poor baby euthanized. I've been a Vet Tech for almost 8 years and have seen so many pets suffer unneccessarily. He was a rescue cat, he only had 3 legs (poor baby)....I gave him a good 5 years of life, he was a happy fat cat. Although, that still didn't make me feel better, I wanted my baby back in the same condition he was in months prior...but I knew that wasn't a possibility. It took a couple weeks before I could get through a day without crying. It's now 9 months later and I still get upset thinking about him, but time does heal all wounds (or at least most of them). Just know that you're making the right decision, although that doesn't make it easier. You're doing the right thing by not letting him suffer and not putting him through things that aren't even guaranteed to make him better. I felt as though I'd never get over it and I'm still not and probably won't ever be. I feel like I failed him in a way, but I did everything I could for him. You will be very sad at first, but day by day it will get better. So sorry about your baby.

Answer 5

Hi, I lost my 1st dog Misty who was 14 and a half years. I was devasted as were all the family. Initially I cried a lot and thought I could see her spirit - and still do! I went to view a litter of puppies to help me get over the grief, although I didn't intent to get another dog for a year or so. However, my current dog, Pepper put paid to that when he kept begging to be picked up and cuddled and kept pulling my trainer lace! Since having him, I've never looked back, but will never forget Misty and if I see a dog that looks like her, a tear still comes into my eye. Because of this, I am now training with the Blue Cross to become a qualified Pet Bereavement Supporter.

Answer 6

I wish I knew of a number that offered pet bereavement but I don't. Several years ago I lost my 14 year old best friend. He was a beautiful red Chow. He was like a son to me-it was very heartbreaking. I still miss him. It takes time. It took 1 1/2 years before I was ready to adopt another pet. Comfort yourself with the good times you had to share. No other pet will fill the special place your lost pet still holds in your heart, but when the time is right-and you will know when the time is right, share your love with a new special friend that needs you.

Answer 7

Sorry for your loss. Some people think, "It's just a tortoise", or just_____". I pity those people because they have missed out on the joy that each pet brings into our lives. Be sure to allow yourself to grieve. Even if you need to find a quiet place, think about your pet, the fun things you remember, think about the events leading up to the death and what you did after. You may find that at some moments you are smiling and then all of a sudden you'll be crying. When you are through, you will feel a sense of peace. It doesn't mean you won't miss your pet, after all, it was a part of your family. Allow yourself time and the saddness will decrease.
I feel blessed to have such wonderful animals in my life. They have included Horses,
Dogs, Gerbils, Rats, Hamsters, Parakeets, a Russian Tortoise, tropical fish and an African Grey Parrot.
Would you ever think of a tortoise as having a personality? She did! We were devastated when my husband's sister was visiting and found their dog with out tortoise in her mouth. Her response was,"Do you want me to buy another one?"She was clueless about our attachment. I've had female rats. One in particular was a good pet. She would sit on my shoulder while I walked around helping the students in my classroom. The kids loved her. She got a tumor and we had it removed. Some adults thought is was a waste of money, spending $ for a rat. The dogs we have had have each been unique and once they are gone, we miss them dearly but cherish the memories. The same holds true for our horses, the old saying,"The best thing for the inside of a person, is the outside of a horse". I raised this foal from my mare and he died a year ago. I was given 28 yrs to enjoy him, many stories come to mind as I think of him. When he died, we just had one horse left. I suggested to my husband that maybe we should find a home for this horse. Fortunately, he declared that he knew how much they meant to me, and especially right now, I have a disease that limits me due to the extreme fatigue. The horse that was left was very lonely, we were finally able to find a buddy for him. They are like two peas in a pod. They have brought such joy. It is terrible when we lose one of our pets. You don't forget them, or replace them. You may find another animal to bring into your heart and home (not recommended with a horse) and you'll love that animal too.
Just think, when the time comes that you die, they will be very happy to see you in heaven!

Answer 8

When I was six years old my parents bought a dog. He was my best friend and died when I was 18. It was really hard for me at first and I couldn't get over it. In fact, all of us regarded him as part of the family. He was there during my whole childhood and even though I am 31 now, I sometimes think about him. Even though it's hard, you must let go. Your pet will never be forgotten. Cherish the memories you have and talk about your pain. How about your family?

Don't know any numbers cause I'm not from the Us. Sorry for your loss

Answer 9

University of IL. 217 244 2273 pet loss helpline
tu, th 7-9pm
delta society pet loss helpline 800 869 6898
I've had these numbers for several years but never used them. Let me know if they help you.
I am so sorry for your loss. Yes, you will be depressed for a while. Hang in there one day at a time.It will get better.Keep a picture of the baby with you. Try going to sleep dreaming about your little friend. I hope they will be happy dreams.

to kasarpk, you went a little overboard on the medical stuff.

Answer 10

i haven't had a pet die on me, but I had to rehome home my Shepherd due to financial problems and it broke my heart. I still get depressed now six months on. There's a dog magazine called Dogs Today in Uk which has numbers for pet bereavement councillors. Try and get in touch with one of these.

there is a book by laura lee, a pet bereavement counsellor called Absent Friends:How to cope with the loss of a treasured pet.

Answer 11

So very sorry about your pet, it is hard when you loose your animal, as they become a part of the family. The best way i found to deal with it is to weep buckets then get out all the old pictures of your pet and remember the fun you had. Remember what you did and how he or she made you laugh. soon you will only remember the good times you had and the sadness of your loss wont seem so bad. will take a long time i know, I lost my dear sweet gentle dog. broke my heart but we have her pictures around the house and she is never forgotten. hope this helps a little. x