Pet lovers... I'm curious, please don't get upset with me, but how would you handle it if?

Question

your pet suddenly died? I know it must be devastating... but could you ever get over it? I've always wanted a pet, but couldn't have one because of the conditions in the place where I live... plus, my mom is always hesitant to get us one because she's afraid of how we would handle it if he died...
I can sort of understand, because this saloon I used to go to had this big, lovable German shepherd and she was like the owner lady's little kid... I got so used to seeing her there every month, and suddenly on one visit, she was missing, and the owner told us she died, and she had tears in her eyes... That was very upsetting. So, do you think the death of a pet will upset one as much as the death of a family member? Should this fear of death discourage me from getting a pet if I ever move and get my own place?

Answer 1

I don't think that your fear of death should discourage you from getting a pet of your own.
Yes, the death of a pet can upset one as much as the death of a family member because that is what your pet is...a family member.
I had a cat, got him when he was 8 weeks old. When he was 8 yrs. he was diagnosed with kidney failure. I treated the problem for 2 years, flushing his system out, meds everyday. He really responded well to the treatment for the first year or so. But then I began to notice that he was going downhill and quickly. I finally decided to put him to sleep. I realized that I was making him suffer because I couldn't imagine my house without him in it.
I was there when the vet put him to sleep, was the hardest thing I have done in my life. But that little ball of purring fur had helped me through some difficults time in my life just by being there for me and I had to be there for him for this last thing.
It's been almost 3 yrs that he is gone now and yes sometimes when I think or talk about him I still get choked up. But I wouldn't change the time we had together for anything.
A year after his death my children wanted another pet...I wasn't sure if I was ready. I didn't get a cat but the new member of our family is a dog. He is just as much a member of this household as anyone else. I know the day will come when I will once again find myself in the vet's office stroking the fur of the animal I love as they go to sleep for the last time but until that day comes I just enjoy him and love him.
Pets are wonderful company, and they will love you no matter what. They don't care if you have gained 5 lbs, or if you did something wrong. They love you regardless.
Sorry for being so long winded. Get a pet, you won't regret it.

Answer 2

The weird thing is, the death of my beloved maltese Koty in February has lessened my fear of death. I did a lot of research and meditating and now know that in my heart, he is up in heaven and I will see him again someday. Yes, his death was the most painful thing that I've had to go through, mainly because I adopted him when I was in elementary school and he was there all through the time I graduated college. He was around for more than half of my life. The difference I think between losing a pet and losing a family member is a pet is an extension of yourself. I felt like part of my identity died that day too. After three months have I gotten over it? No, of course not. But like others have said I have learned to deal with it. The pain has lessened to a dull throb but it's still there. Even though loosing him was the worst moment in my life (he died in my arms at home) I would never trade all the wonderful memories and moments I had with him for anything in the world. Pets are wonderful gifts from God. So in conclusion, I think that if you really want a pet you should go for it. If you are afraid of how you will handle their death you could possibly be a foster home for a local humane society. That way you would still experience the joys of having a pet in your house. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Yes, the death of a pet can be as upsetting as the death of a family member, and the same grieving process is followed. This is no reason not to have a pet. The love shared with a pet is an experience and special joy I wish for everyone. I believe death is a natural extension of life on this planet, and when someone dies it is very sad because I will miss having them in my daily life. To me, death does not mean the end of the soul, which I believe lives on.

Answer 4

The hardest part about being a responsible pet owner is knowing that your beloved pet will die much sooner than you ever want them to. Their life span is not a lot and one must really drive this point home before bringing a pet into their lives. Is it devastating? Yes, absolutely. Do you get over it? No, not so much..you learn to live without them...just like you would when a family member dies. I have had many pets and will have many more in the future. It's the cycle of life and if you are a true animal lover you should not prevent their mortality from bringing their unconditional love and warmth into your home. I am a better person because of them being in my life!

Answer 5

Losing a pet can hurt just as much as a family member or close friend. I still mourn the loss my german shepherd that I had for almost 15 years...and that was 7 years ago. Everyone experiences loss with pets and family members, it's the cycle of life. As much as it hurts I would not stop myself from bringing a pet into my heart because of knowing one day it will gone. It's better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.

Answer 6

First off I'm very sorry for the lose of you friend and your friends pet Yes when an animal died (cat ,dog to even a hamster ) it's like losing a family member, And everyone that has a heart grieves for them . Just like when an animal owner dies's they also grieve for us. To help though your lost some time getting a picture of the animal and posting it up on the wall of the salon with something about it will help. A lot of elderly people when they lose a pet it divesting to them too . Placing an memorial in yard will also help your passing

Answer 7

I grew up with lots of pets, so I have lost lots of pets.:( It is devastating when one of them passes. I am not sure if most people feel the same way that I do when I lose a pet. But they are like my children (don't have any human children)....so it is very much like losing a family member to me. I still miss every one of the cats and dogs that I have lost. But I am glad to have had them in my life.
I would not let the fear of losing a pet discourage you from getting one. They are wonderful companions, who bring vast amounts of love and joy to your life. Death is an unfortunate fact of life. You take the risk of losing someone every time you allow your heart to become involved, rather that be with people or animals. If you have always wanted a pet and you feel that you can provide it with a loving and safe home.....go ahead and adopt one!:)

Answer 8

Our pets are like part of our family. And yes, when they pass it is very sad. What we have done, that helps me through it is get our pets from the local pound. The pounds usually will only keep an animal for 3-5 days and then they kill them. This way, when I have a pet for 5-10 years from the pound, I know it has lived a great life compared to what WOULD have been their fate. I don't know why, but this helps me get through their loss. I am also the kind of person who goes and get's another cat/dog a little while after one passes. Again, as a rescue. Then I feel that my beloved pet's passing, has actually turned into a possitive, be allowing another animal to be rescued.

Answer 9

Life and death can be upsetting when you live in fear of it. Death should not be the deciding factor of pet ownership. Everything dies. Do you stay away from friends and family in fear they would die?
I Lost 2 cats last year, and I miss them terribly, however I would not trade the last 7 years I had with them. I have comfort in knowing I made their lives as enjoyable as they made mine.

In answer to your questions, Yes, death of a pet is upsetting!
Yes, your fear should discourage you.

( If you really want unconditional love, someone always happy to see you, and someone that will listen to you and NEVER say anything negative. conquer your fear and get a pet!)

Answer 10

It's hard to get over a pet's death, even if you think you got over it. It will always be in the back of your mind, especially with short lived pets. This is the price of being a pet owner. I have gotten over many deaths of kittens that I raised because they had access to the road and I lost many of them to cars and neighboring dogs, and even people killing them with rat poison and even beating them to death. But it's really worth it getting a pet because the relationship is so truly unique and gifted. Even if you have lots of friends, you will never be able to share such a loving relationship as the kind with a pet. It's ok that the pet dies, because they have to move on. The important thing is protecting your pet from threats and giving it as long as possible life with your care and love.

Hope this helped,
Sunshine G.