How do I cope with the loss of my pet?

Question

It was just a fish, and I know this is going to sound stupid, but he died less than an hour ago, and I still feel like crying. How can I handle the pain I'm feeling right now? I really loved him, he was the sweetest goldfish, only 8 weeks old. The ammonia in his tank surged, despite proper care. My family did everything we could. Yet, I still feel as though this is all my fault. How do I deal with this?

I had a large aquarium for him, and we kept up on water changes and testing. But in just two days, it spiked from 0 ppm ammonia to 4. And we treated it within two hours of it happening, and took him out, so we were doing exactly what the instructions said, he just got really sick all of a sudden.

Answer 1

A pet is love and love isn't stupid. Losing anyone or anything we love hurts. Some people deal with this loss by replacing the loved one as soon as they can. Some, by grieving for a little or a long while. Don't feel badly for hurting. I lost many goldfish when I first began and I got to a point where I felt so guilty for killing all of those fish that I swore I would never keep them again. And for a long, long time, I stayed away. But, eventually, I began missing those cute little faces with their funny ways. So, I began researching and reading and learning all I could to be sure that I would never do anything again to hurt them. There is a forum on Koko's World just for all the little goldies that we goldfish keepers have lost, so, you are not alone in the mistakes that happen when keeping goldies. We all make mistakes and we all feel badly because we know that it was because of us that our sweet little friend lost its life. But, it is just an accident. Take your time to mourn your baby's loss, no matter how long that might be. The fact that you care like this shows that you are a responsible pet owner and would never intentionally do anything to hurt your pet. You will know when you are ready to try again and the next time, you will be sure that you know all you can to prevent the accident from happening again. I am sooo sorry. I know how sad you feel.

Answer 2

I'm realy sorry to hear about your loss. It doesn't matter if it's a fish, a mouse, a dog or a cat, if you loved the animal and it was your pet then it's got to hurt when you lose it. This falls into the same thing as a car accident. It's no one's fault when it happens and sometimes people are hurt or killed. Don't blame yourself, you did all you could.

Find a few neat websites about goldfish and read about different kinds and how to care for different kinds. No doubt you will find some cool stories about goldfish and probably find out some new info too.

Honor your lost friend with a painted rock in your flower bed or write a poem or short story about him that you can keep forever.

Sorry again.

MM

Answer 3

If it is any comfort, goldfish are not hardy animals. Ay number of things could have caused the death. Don't blame yourself. And don't worry about it "Just being a fish." You are the one who is mourning, not the fish and you are a sweet caring person. Cry until you don't feel like crying anymore and if you know someone who might not understand, don't tell them.

I once had 4 painted parrot fish. They were all dead in a couple days. It turned out I wasn't circulating the water enough and they weren't getting enough oxygen. I cried and I was 42 at the time.

Answer 4

I went through the same thing with an upside down catfish few months ago. i know how you feel. its alright to be upset. its part of the grieving. dont be hard on yourself.
dont replace the fish thinking a new one will take his place. i got a new catfish but he didnt have the same personality as my old one. that made me even more upset.
if you want to get a new goldfish, wait awhile. get water samples from your tank and take it to your local pet store and get it tested for PH and ammonia. be careful over feeding your fish cuz this will cause ammonia spikes from the waste of the food.
take care and i'm sorry for your loss!! :)

Answer 5

I hope you have some pictures of him/her, then you'll have that for comfort. When you're ready, get another fish to love.

If you ever get a chance, get an aquarium! Make sure to get as much info on setup, etc. initially. A business specializing in aquariums and fish, etc. is the best, they can answer your questions as they arise. Fish will get sick and die, except it; but, don't let it keep you from the pleasure.

Answer 6

You are a very sweet sensitive person. I am the same way with pets - no matter how small. Cry if you need to. You and your family did everything you could. Take care of yourself. There should be more pet owners like you in this world.

Answer 7

I know how you feel. There is nothing worse than loosing something you love. Try keeping yourself busy so your mind doesn't go back to your fish. Maybe when you are feeling better buy some new ones. Make sure your water is good first.

Answer 8

Well when my brothers fish died. A lot of baby guppies and two older guppies died my mom got him two goldfish and one of the guppie that survived. Try getting a new pet, you will still be sad but this will help you recover a little.

Answer 9

Go into bed and have a good cry, then buy yourself a treat. Maybe your fish has some siblings or cousins you could buy?

Answer 10

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