How can I cope with my pet's passing away?

Question

Well New Years was supposed to be a time of cheering, but only an hour after 12:00 my pet died. I am extremely sad because I had my pet gerbil since I was 8. Is there any way I can be less sad? I feel absolutely terrible and it's hard to get over it....

Answer 1

I know exactly how you feel. I had a hamster who was the sweetest animal you would ever meet. I called her Vanilla. Anyways I had her for about 2.5 years. I got her in 5th grade and then she died after the first 6 weeks of 7th grade. I was really really really sad. She was my buddy and the vet said you can just get another one at petsmart for 5 bucks. That really made me mad. She wasnt just an ordinary hamster that you just watched for 2 years I played with her and loved her, my buddy. Anyways I had taken a lot of pictures of her with my cell phone and disposable cameras. So I gathered all of her pictures and made a cute scrapbook with them. It really helps because when I have bad days or I just miss her I open up the scrap book and I can relive those good times. Try and find some pictures or draw or write your memories down and put them in a scrap book that you can make. That way everything is in one place and you can look at it whenever you want.

I also read the Bible. I read certain passages about death and it helped me deal with it better. I prayed to god everyday about it for a long time. And I asked him to take good care of her until I came up there to join her. That reassured me more that I knew she was in a better place with her siblings and parents. And that she wouldnt have to be worried about being eaten by other animals and what not and she didnt have to worry about surviving because she was taken care of in heaven. Just think about how your gerbil is feeling in heaven. I'm sure he is happy and wants you to join him. He is probably playing around with his buddies and meeting new people and God. Think about his death as sort of a good thing for him. He no longer has to suffer anymore and has no worries. I often wished that Vanilla would come back but later I realized I wouldnt want that to happen because I would just make her suffer even more and that would be unfair. Remember you will see your pet sometime in the future and you both will be happy. I hope for the best, good luck and happy holidays.

Answer 2

So sorry for your loss. It's terrible to lose a friend. One of the best websites I found when I was sad and depressed about my pet's passing is www.petloss.com It's a wonderful place to visit and helps to get all those feelings out. You can post a memorial to your pet on the site. Be sure to read about the "Rainbow Bridge"....it will make you cry, but then you will feel better. Good luck, and never forget your friend!

Answer 3

Grieving is a normal, healthy process that you will get over in time.
But you might find it helpful to go out and find another pet. Whether it's another gerbil or some other animal, having something to care for will help ease the pain of your lose.
Besides, the gerbil that you did lose would want you to find another pet so you can be happy again.

Answer 4

Look at old pictures and let yourself cry until you can't cry anymore, let it all out. Never forget your pet but try to move on. Eventually you'll get to a point where you can look at old pictures and think of your pet and smile. I lost my beloved horse they day after Easter last year and though we are still grieving her loss, just last night I looked at several pictures of her and I and through tears I was able to smile and remember how much fun we had they day we took that picture. I know your pet must have meant a lot to you so I hope this helps, you will probably never fully recover from it as I wont but as each day passes, you will be able to remember your beloved pet with more of a smile than a tear. Sorry for the loss.

Answer 5

I've had a lot of pets when I was small. Of course, as time pass, each of them leave me and this world. I think the best way to feel less sad is to share this with people who had similar experiences. (what you are doing right now)

Talk to them, even if they are Internet strangers, I can guarantee you that you'll feel better after talking with them. After all, you are not the only one whose had their beloved pets died.

Also, in my opinion, pets and your loved ones don't just leave you when they die. You can always feel them in your heart. Remember the good times you've had with your gerbil and you'll soon realize that it's still with you. (maybe it's watching you from its old cage or a favourite spot you liked to hang out together) No matter death or life.

Answer 6

The only real way is to grieve for a while. I had a mouse for 2 years and it had to be put down. I grieved for like a week and I made a little shire for it and drew some pictures of it with as an angel. I was still upset but i got over it after i was sad for a while. You are going to be sad about your loss. You are supposed to be. In time you will get over it and everything will be okay. I promise.

Answer 7

I am so sorry for the passing of your pet i was very sad when my pet kitty died also i think the best thing to do is remember the good times and go and get a new one

Answer 8

I'm so sorry for your loss! Most of us who love animals have survived our friends - it's one of the hardest parts of being a pet partner, knowing you will probably outlive your friend.

Of course you feel terrible - who is every prepared to lose a loved one? Your friend was always there for you, and the loss leaves a hole in your life. First off, no matter what "non-animal" people may tell you, know that what you're feeling is natural, and part of love and loss.

How to cope? Everyone finds his own way, but I can tell you that when I lost my beloved dog (an incredible dog - she died a year ago Thanksgiving), I allowed myself to miss her and cry when I needed to. I also did something to honor her memory - I took a donation to a local animal shelter to help animals in need. We also took in a new dog from a rescue group, and we honor her in the way we take care of him.

Take the love you shared with your pet with you into the world and do something kind for someone else, as your friend was loving to you. In that way, the love you shared will live on in every kind thing you do.

Over the years, I've lost good friends, human and animal, and I try to make sure their love for me goes on by doing good in the world in their honor.

Good luck. I hope you are able to share yourself with a new friend soon.

Answer 9

I am sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose someone that we care about. I am not sure how to be less sad, unless you look at it from a larger perspective.. Your pet is happier now. He is in a happier place.

Hope things go well for you.
F

Answer 10

Feeling sad over the passing of an animal is normal and expected......when the times right......do what I have done after a dog or cat dies.......I go to the animal shelter and get another.....its called life.......you'll be fine.