Why does it hurt so bad that my sweet JoJo went to Heaven?

Question

I can't stop sobbing. She was pregnant and starving when I found her 9 years ago. She let me witness the birth of her 4 beautiful kittens a day later. She let me watch in amazement at what good mothering skills are all about. She let me take her kittens from her so they could grow up in loving homes. And ever since, she's been the sweetest companion I ever did know. When she got sick a year ago, she swallow a pill for me twice a day with no fuss. Every night she'd follow me up the stairs, jump up on my bed, and curl up in a little ball near my feet. When she could no longer walk, she let me pick her up and she'd purr softly as I carried her up the stairs and put her in my bed so she could continue to sleep by my feet. And even knowing I did a good thing...knowing I gave her peace--an end to her suffering...it still hurts sooooo bad. Help me please. When does it stop hurting?

Thank you all so much. I relunctantly went to work today and am trying to keep myself distracted. I have her photos on my desk of when she was healthy and beautiful and it helps me think of happier days. You are all so kind and compassionate. God bless you for that.

Answer 1

You did so much more thn give her peace. Here was a lost soul, and you were her angel. You gave JoJo nine years of knowing she was loved every single day. There is no greater gift. Not one.

I'm so sorry for your loss - you will hurt for a little while. You will be sad for a little longer, then you will realize that you had something special, and that you made a difference in this world, because one life was better for your presence. I suspect a heart as big as yours makes a difference in many lives, even if you don't see it.

Here's to JoJo - much loved and lucky, lucky kitty. And here's to you getting to the point where you can think of her and smile at the great memories you made together.

The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....


Pet loss support on line
http://www.pet-loss.net/
http://www.chancesspot.org/
http://www.petloss.com/

Answer 2

You've lost a close companion, a confidante, a child, a best friend. It will take a while. Did you give her permission to come back and visit often? Because I know she will want to! I had a little dog since she was just barely 6 weeks old. She was the sister to my daughter, my companion, my little friend. About 7 years ago she had such a hard time walking and was suffering so, I had to do the same thing. She understood. She knew where she was going and was relieved for it. But, She did want to come and visit from time to time. So I gave her permission to do so. And every now and then, I get woke up in the wee hours of the night with a start. I feel something lying next to me, shivering softly with anticipation, and nervousness that she's upset me!
We have a visit and then she's gone. She comes to check on me. And that is the salve that eases my pain and loss. Even now, I still feel so bad for her loss, and then she comes for one of her little visits. Letting me know that she's o.k. and waiting. For one day we will again, be together! Hang in there! It will take a while but by and by the pain will soften!!

Answer 3

Dear Allycat,
I feel your pain. But just keep this in mind. You, You gave her a good life which she wouldn't have had but for your kindness and generosity. You got to spend 9 wonderful years with her, Now she is needed elswhere and you are hurting. Please don't blame yourself for putting her out of her misery. You did a good thing for her. Grief is a funny thing no one can say how long or how hard you will grieve. But when the tears start to flow get a favorite picture of her out and remind yourself that you were the author of all that love and companionship because you have a big heart and brought home a bedraggled stray and took good care of her. Remember some of the fun things you did together or remember some of the funny things she used to do. It will help to ease your pain. When you are able to maybe you could have a little memorial service for her in your back yard. Put up a plaque or a stone in a place she may have enjoyed sitting if she went out. You will heal, we all do. Pray for peace before you go to sleep. My prayers are with you. Be happy that she is not in any more pain and that someday when you cross over she will be there to greet you.
LL

Answer 4

I'm so sorry fo rthe loss of your sweet JoJo.
It does sound like she had a really blessed life with you and you are both so lucky that you found each other. You know you made a huge difference in her life and she obviously loved you for it.
The first few days to a couple of weeks are the hardest and it will gradually get better after that. Be sure to spend time with people and other animals who love you and keep up on your interests in life. I still grieve sometimes for pets that I have lost many years ago but the edge comes off and I have the sweet memories of their lives along with the loss. Best wishes and be strong.

Answer 5

My husband and I had to put our sweet Tigger to sleep two years ago (6 days before Christmas). She had terminal cancer and she was only five years old. I still think of her almost every day and reading about your cat made me cry again. I am so sorry for your loss. You never really stop hurting. We did go and get a new kitten and he is now the love of my life (Eeyore.) So I recommend to go out and get a new kitten soon. It helps take the hurt away!

Answer 6

I cried when I read this... Only Time will heal the grief. When my Pezza died, I was devastated... couldn't stop crying for a couple of weeks. But I was working then and that kinda helped becuase it forced me to focus on other things... but when i get home, that's when the grief grabs me again... It will hurt bad for awhile, but really, time does heal. Other things will crowd around your days and your life... In the meantime, try to be with sympathetic and understanding people when the grief hits you... keep busy... and imagine JoJo waiting for you by the RainBow Bridge.

Answer 7

Such very sweet answers. I have lost pets in the past and I remember how much it hurts... I suppose they say time heals all wounds... but I think it's good to hurt (easy for me to say at the moment) when something like this happens - because that is real you know - it's good to feel your feelings but that being said I hope that somehow all of these sweet answers from people around the world helps you feel better. She sounds like she was a wonderful cat and she was lucky to have someone like you to be her friend.

Answer 8

I know some of what you are going through, I didn't have my KodaBear no wear near as long, but I loved him just as much. I too had to let him go, 11/27/06, the sadness cuts deep but, in our hearts we know they are no longer suffering, no longer in pain, they are all better. Our pain though will linger for a while and gradually give way to happy memories. It will get better, it just takes time, nows to soon.

Answer 9

Hey...its alright. everyone knows how it feels to have a pet/family member die, and its the worst thing ever! But over time you get over it. you just gotta realize that its not over between your kitty and you. you have all the memories of you and JoJo and you will never forget them. you shouldnt be sad at all. You should be very happy that you were able to save her and spend the rest of her life with you. If anything you should be happy. Its not the end, just no more new memories. You will never forget all the amazing times you had together : ] They remain, you gotta think positive

Answer 10

I have had my heart broken many times from losing many friends
But, rest assured....your beloved kittty is with you in spirit. I know
she still curls up with you sometimes.....it is painful, because u
don't have her here anymore. But yet she IS with you, I KNOW.
And she will always love you and thank you for taking such good
care of her, and giving her LOVE. Heaven has a special place
for animals....she is loved and in God's hands.