Anyone know how to cope with the loss of a pet?

Question

My pet rat, Maya, passed while I was away today, I feel like it was my fault, and I did something wrong. Any way I can calm myself?

Knuffle, Though you obviously don't care. I can't get over it like that. I can't get a new one either.

Her name was Maya Kitic Clark, She left behind her sister (Kaya) Foster mom, (August) as she went. The horrible thing is she was eight months old, and died alone, This is what upset me so bad, Maya was soooo young and I truly wanted to be at her side, holding her, comforting her, telling her it was okay to die. I never said Goodbye.

Answer 1

Time will dull the pain remember the good times with your pet.
Rats make wonderful pets. They are the only rodents that do not bite in captivity. They have personalities. And they are clean. I am sorry to hear that your pet died.
Suggestion. Get 2 male rats and enjoy them. The only drawbacks to rats as pets is that they do not live long. 3 and a half years is the max, whatever you do.
I understand your sorrow. I spent $350 for cancer surgery for my daughter's pet rat. It bought 10 more months of companionship. Crazy sum for an animal with a replacement cost of $6.00 but the pet was family, had a nice personality and what I do with my money is my business.
I share your pain,
Dan.
Knuff, you are truly callous. Life is too short to waste time putting people down. Compassion (for yourself and for others) is a better investment.

Answer 2

I like old cat lady's answer (and Dan S.!), but I have some stuff to add. Two weeks ago we lost our family dog that we had for 12 years...

It is NORMAL and HEALTHY to grieve over the loss of a loved one - be it a family member or a pet rat. Dont try to squash your feelings...if you want to cry, cry. It is a terrible, sad event and you are simply expressing yourself.

Dont hold it in, talk to people about it. Friends or family members are there to help, even if you just have to 'vent' sometimes. The first day our dog died all I did was cry and think about how life was going to be so different without our beloved friend Bobo. I didnt say anything for the longest time, but when I did, talking to my boyfriend helped so much.

But after a while I started to accept it and began to think about all the great memories I had, memories that will always be mine. Why be upset that our pets are gone when we could also be so happy and greatful that we got to share our lives with them, even if just for a short time?

When the time is right (it could be a week, a month, a year) definitely get a new pet. When we experience a loss one of our first reactions is to shut our hearts off. If we dont open ourselves up then we cant get hurt. But life is about opening ourselves up. Its a risk, its a gamble...but the rewards are great. A new pet will help you deal with the loss...not because you want to forget about the old pet, but because the old pet taught you that you have so much love and attention to give and receive, and old pets and new pets alike deserve a loving owner.

If you're concerned that maybe you did something wrong, dont beat yourself up about it. Its all part of the cycle, and if it happened, it was meant to be. But you can educate yourself for the next pet. Whatever the pet is, learn all about caring for it and its specific needs. Education will only make you a better pet owner in the long run.

I hope this helps. I teared up while answering this question when talking about my dog. It will take a while till things are completely okay, but it only gets better...

Answer 3

Life happens. I haven't lost a pet yet and haven't wondered if it was my own fault. there are a lot of "if I had only..."s in life, all you can do is learn from it, apply it, and keep living. It hurts - it always hurts, and I can't say it gets better, but that's life and everything effects everyone differently. Your rat loved you, I'm sure, and I am sure you did all you could. We live and we die. Nothing can stop death. Just remember, one day you will die too, and if you believe in afterlifes and so on, you will meet up with all of those who have gone before. I don't believe life just ends and that's that, but maybe that's how I cope with it? -hugs- Don't know what else to say, sorry...

Answer 4

Well, I've lost 2 different rodents, but it depends on how much you loved. Well, if you loved your pet... rat a lot, and you didn't do anything to harm her while she was alive, you have nothing against her. But if you're really that sad, you should listen to some soothing music. I always love to cry to the best sad songs, but, this is your choice. Plus, like probably everyone else has said, don't bottle up your feelings. Talk to your very best friend.

Answer 5

I don't think even vets know a lot about caring for rats. They are great pets and they do have a short life-span.

So you probably didn't do anything at all to cause your pet's death.

You will feel better with time though you will miss your friend.

Answer 6

I have lost a few pets over the years and it is hard. The way that I grieved was to simply remember the good times. Think back to how unconditionally loyal they were. It is hard. I still feel sadness after all these years. But just remember the good times.

Answer 7

I know how you feel...our pig died and i was very upset. Unless you poisoned it..don't feel any guilt. Pets are here to help us feel love and devotion,but they have to move on,and now so do you.Find a nice wood box for the rat and bury it. I hope you gain closure.

Answer 8

I don't think there is a quick way to "cope" Doesn't matter if it is a rat, cat, or dog, rabbit, etc. I would strongly recommend burying and making a grave for it in the yard.

Answer 9

i'm sorry you are hurting over the loss of your rat. had she been ill? i personally believe that all pets go to heaven, so you can rest assured that she is still with you in spirit and she knows that you love her. just because you have to bury her body doesn't mean that you will put her memories away.

Answer 10

I've had my pets die too...........I usually cry for awhile. But what's really odd is that every time they pass away a stray ends up being adopted into our family who looks just like them. That helps because I think that the pet who passes away sent them because they were in need.........Hope this help's =)