Losing a pet

Oh dear how sad for you, you must miss her terribly. I do know what its like. When our dog Toby had to be put to sleep some years ago we were both bereft. Sadly the experience put my husband off having another dog I think he doesn't feel able to go through it again. I hope this doesn't happen to you and you find another dog to love who though will never be a replacement for Lilly will be a comfort.

So sorry to hear about Lilly, pets get into our hearts very quickly don't they, even their foibles are endearing to us.
Lilly enjoyed her time with you poohbear and was well loved.

Poohbear so sorry to hear about the loss of dear Lilly. I know exactly how you feel. I have lost 3 much-loved cats in 4 years and it's been heartbreaking. They quickly become members of our family and we love them, even with their quirky or naughty ways. But know that you gave lovely Lilly a chance of a happy family life, and you can hold her in your hearts until you feel able ... perhaps .... to give that love to another pet in desperate need. There are so many, and they just want to be loved (as, indeed, do we!) and I have always felt that the joy they bring us far outweighs our sadness at the end.

Sending you and know that eventually you will be able to think of Lilly without feeling tearful. Big hugs.

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....

So sorry for your loss - it's so terribly sad when we have to say goodbye to them no matter how much they've tied us down, caused ructions in the house, been destructive or made us think we'd have been better off not taking them on. We have lost 3 dogs and 5 cats over the last 30 years - one cat was my soulmate and I was totally devastated when he had to leave and vowed never to have any more (although back then we still had 2 left one of which we lost 2 years ago). 6 months later we ended up with a feral girl who is a nightmare but I love her to bits - she is all of the above things but I wouldn't be without her and dread the day when she too has to go. My husband says she has to go on a weekly basis - 5 years later - he too doesn't really mean it!

jacksmum, that is a beautiful, beautiful image.

Oh dear

poohbear I am so sorry you have lost your dear Lilly. Our pets do become members of our families and the space they leave empty is horrible and cannot be filled in our hearts, even when if we have another pet in time.

Please try not to be so hard on yourself - there is no way that such an unexpected illness came about because of any failing in you. Rather, you took Lilly in and you made the last part of her life very happy. When we give rescue animals a good home, I think they are always extra grateful and give back so much back to us.

I hope you find as time passes that you are able to remember the better, happier times with Lilly and to be kinder to yourself about the loving home you undoubtedly gave to her.

I have lost many pets and it always hurts physically.
I wrote a poem..here's part of it.

The tears will dry,
But you'll never forget,
And the memories will always be there.

The grief is so strong , when I reach Rainbow Bridge I will have nine waiting for me , grieved for everyone, I have the ashes of seven in my house to be interred with me

Pooobear The pain is real. It feels as if a heavy weight is pushing down on your chest. I know how you feel. A gentle arm around your shoulder from me to you.

Anniebach we have 2 lots of ashes now to be scattered with us when we go.
There will be another one, sooner rather than later, but not just yet.
Thanks all for the kind comments.

I sympathise so much with you. My cat Sasha was run over four weeks ago, and I still end up in tears when I think of him. You loved your pet enough to do the right thing for her. Remember her with love as she remembers you. She will be waiting for you. Sending a hug.
Margaret

It wasn't because of any of the things you have been worrying about. It was because she had cancer. And it's very, very sad but don't make it worse by thinking it had anything to do with thought you had. You loved her and gave her a lovely life for the time she had with you. You must mourn properly and then get the next dog.

So sorry ,you lost your dog in such a short time after rescuing her, the grief is real and awful to bear
I lost 2 cats in January, only 2 weeks apart, one was only 7 the other was 14,
Over the last few years i have lost 10, most were very elderly, the oldest being 17
I have them all in my garden, so remember them every day
They all have a special plant where they are buried, and a little plaque saying Angels gather here
I hope one day you will find it in your hearts to help another rescue dog find a loving home
RIP Lilly

Hi, our rescue cat was run over and killed last week. We'd had him for nearly three years and at the time we got him,I was very very ill and he was my constant companion and so special. I'm shocked at how dreadful I feel. He was a big ginger cat, very intelligent and communicative and a big presence in my life. I feel lost without him and feel the pain physically and emotionally. I too am wracked with guilt about how we looked after him...or not...for this to happen. I just want him back. Just hoping we both feel a little better soon...

Each pet we've lost we have said "never again" the grief is so intense.

Throughout our married life there have been hardly any years when we didn't have a pet.

Duncan WILL be our last as the next may well outlive us and we couldn't do that to any animal.

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I felt the same whe I took the decision to let our lovely 14 year old greyhound "run free"
It was (for her) totally unthreatening and painfree, but of course for me it was heartbreaking.
Two months on I have come round to thinking that perhaps the best way to honour her part in our lives and her memory, is to look for another greyhound seeking a forever home and offer it the love we shared with Grace.

You have my utmost sympathy poohbear2811, I lost my little cat on Sunday, Hope what jacksmum wrote is true and my little Sooty is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge.

Mawbroon I think you're right. There are so many animals that need the love and happy home that you can give ... and it would be honouring Grace's memory.

I had to make the heartbreaking decision to let my lovely Westie Angus go in April. It was for the best but heartbreaking. My Granddaughter sent me a message saying "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" and that was what I decided to do. May not be a comfort to everyone but it touched a cord in me.

So sorry for your loss. Thanks to you the last 14 months of her life were filled with love and that is what you should focus on.

The grief we suffer is the price we pay for their love, loyalty, trust, the laughter they bring to our homes, the licks and nuzzling , the joy