How long did you mourn your deceased pet?

Question

I had him from six weeks to 12 years and am having a little trouble with it.

Answer 1

Mourning is mourning and depending on the love and time put into that relationship it can be very painful. Doesn't matter if it was a person or a pet. There is no set time limit on who, what, where, how long you mourn anything. YOU take the time that YOU need and be reasonable with yourself. You had your pet from infancy till it's death. You watched it go through almost every stage of life. It's very hard to spend that kind of time and not be upset.
While growing up my mother took care of many cats (there was not a stray in the neighborhood) yet when I look back I remember my Madeline (beautiful black cat that while in the sun shined as copper as could be) She had been hit by a car and left on my front yard. As soon as I found her I took her to the Vet, her injuries were too severe and I had to put her down. To this DAY I still think back about how fun and silly she was.
You will always miss, everyday that goes by the pain will turn into a loving fondness, a sweet memory of time, when you laughed.
Death is a profound thing and it affects everyone differently.
Smile and remember that time that he did that thing? :)

Answer 2

it really depends upon the individual, there is no one specific answer. I had a sealpoint Himalayan for only 2 months before he got sick - I had adopted him from a private owner and he was already 12. I was devastated. There are actually free pet loss support groups and plenty of books on pet loss on the market, including eBay...etc. Don't be ashamed, no matter how long you mourn and do not let anyone make you feel bad or wrong for mourning by saying it was only an animal...etc. Some people just do not get it and do not attempt to understand. Regardless, hang in there, take care and do whatever it is that you need to do for yourself. True pet lovers really do understand.

Answer 3

I would be heart-broken for a long time. Pet's are like family and they have a bond. I don't even think I would get another pet if mine passed away. Go ahead and mourn the loss of your pet. I think people are more supportive now than they used to be.

Answer 4

Awe, I'm so sorry. I had a dog named Sparky. He was the best buddy, my mom got him when he was a tiny puppy when I was about 3 years old. He was tied up in our backyard and someone got into our yard and poisoned him when I was about 11. I found him, laying there on the chain. It is still the most traumatic thing I have ever experienced. I saw him and just started crying and crying.

I cried for about a week, knowing someone would do that to him. All I really did was cry. And even though it would make me sad, I would just look at his pictures and think about him. Keeping him alive in my memory is all I could do. I couldn't get another dog for about 5 years later. All I could do to get over his death was let time heal. I know it's really hard at first, but in time, you will feel better. Again, I'm sorry to hear that

Answer 5

Actively, 2-3 days. After that it got better but we still missed her. That was 3 years ago so I can't remember exactly how long it took.

What I found helpful was digging out all the pics I had of her and putting them together in a special album. I already had one devoted to her, but I got sloppy and some ended up mixed with other pics. So I put them all together and put funny captions on them. I found that to be therapeutic and looking back over it is too.

We also decided the same day she died that we wanted to get another cat right away. No disrespect to her but we both thought we'd feel better if we had another kitty to love.

It ended up taking a couple weeks to find one, but that helped us a lot.

Answer 6

We had to put my dog to sleep on the fourteenth... its really tough because we had him for twelve amazing years and I cant remember not having him.

Then this morning I found out that my cat died last night. It was totally out of the blue and I didn't even get to have him for a year.

I'm devestated about both and as far as when I'll be done mourning them... I'll tell you when it happens... it feels like I'll never be done.

Ive never had to deal with a pet dying before but when one of my cats ran away a few years ago, it felt like she died. I was sad for a long long time, but slowly, over time, it became a more distant kind of sadness. Just have to believe it gets easier.

ps.. if you've never heard of it, look up the "rainbow bridge" on google and read it.

Answer 7

My pet pug of going on 10 years died in front of me while eating. I had him from the puppy stage to until March 6th 2017. He saw me through a lot of surgeries. From a triple by pass to back surgery. He was always there for moral support. It has only been 3 days but it seems like an eternity, especially when you are so use to tender kisses, greetings at the door and having him sleep with us in bed. A bundle of joy to me.

I cannot go to the pet aisle because it reminds me of him. I have another dog that my son left, but Rambo was my and my wife;s pug and he is sorely missed. I think my son's dog misses him too.

Answer 8

I still mourn my pets that have gone on. I just don't have the overwhelming sadness I suffered when I first lost them. I don't think you ever get over losing a pet if you really love them but you learn to accept what has happened. I always remember the poem "Rainbow Bridge" and find comfort there. I hope that God sees fit to let us have our pets join us when we have to go.

Answer 9

A few days but then I think they're in a better place and try to move on. The mourning period can be as long as you feel the pain. Just remember they are still with you in spirit and are happy.

Answer 10

This is something that is different for everyone. This pet was a part of your family for 12 years, you are bound to miss him and have a little trouble with it. Just give yourself as long as it takes, this is normal.