As my family prepares to say goodbye to one of our beloved family cats I thought it was timely to write on the second piece of saying goodbye to your pet.  Once you have come to terms with an end of life decision dealing with the loss is an entirely different battle.  As a companion animal veterinarian I can say from personal and professional experience people deal with grief in many MANY different ways.  Personally, pet loss hits me very hard, growing up and sharing memories with them it is heart wrenching to lose them, even though you know it’s time.  You reflect on the past, cherishing the fun happy memories and regretting the times you left them alone maybe too long, shouted or were angry and annoyed.  People mourn differently some people cry, some become angry, some people want reassurance and to talk it through others rather remain silent.  Some wish to be present as their pet is put to sleep, others cannot bare to watch.

It’s hard, it’s sad,…sad doesn’t even begin to describe it.  Please accept the hurt and the pain, it’s normal, don’t be ashamed of it.  If you need to talk to someone about it, talk, find someone who will listen because I promise whatever you feel is normal.  If you don’t have someone close you can (or want to) talk to there are many resources out there for people dealing with pet loss.  Call your clinic, call a friend, anything.  Maybe I’m harping on this too much but I honestly believe this is a difficult time and the best way to deal is to talk it through.

You provided a loving a caring home for your pet, watched them grow up and grow old.  You built memories, shared laughs and cries.  You provided food, shelter and love. You guided them paw in hand to the end of their journey and have given them one final gift, your compassion. Thank you.

You Did Me a Kindness

When my legs grew too weak to carry me,
And my tired eyes could no longer see,
When it pained me to struggle for each new breath,
When my heart beat weaker, and I drew closer to death,
You did me the kindness of letting me go.
You didn’t make me hang on when I was suffering so.
I promise I don’t think that you loved me any less,
And I love you all the more for your selflessness.
You freed my spirit from its body so wracked with pain,
And let me run the fields of Heaven, where I’m sure we’ll meet again.

-unknown author