Coping with the loss of a pet




Time heals the loss of a pet


It has been 5 years now since my Yorkshire Terrier Holly had to be put down because of cancer. I can now write about it still teary eyed
I began to notice slight bumps on her belly and brought her to the vet. She was only 9 years old. I knew in my heart something was very wrong. The veterinarian told me it was cancer and the tears just started to flow. He told me I would know when it was time to put her to sleep. It was two months before Christmas 2000. I started to notice her eating less and not very active. As the days and weeks went on I knew it was time. I will never forget that sad and hopeless feeling I had and did not want to let go.


                   Holly


Christmas day 2000, I knew it was time. I knew I had to bring her the following day. The sadness overwhelmed me that Christmas Day. My little Holly was living her last day. I remember comforting her any way I could. She was no longer eating. My daughter and I just held her in our arms and cried.

I remember waking up the next day calling the veterinarian and letting them know I will be bringing her in. Our family all went and I remember sitting in the back seat with her in a blanket and just could not comprehend what I was about to do. We sat in the office, Holly still in my arms. They wanted to know if we wanted to be with her while she was put to sleep. I had to stay with her and comfort her and hold her and let her know she will be ok.

Within 1 second of the IV going in she was fast asleep. I held her and just told her how sorry I am and that she will be ok in doggy heaven. I just could not control my hurt and tears. I finally had to let go of her and watched the veterinarian take her. The hardest moment, I lost my little best friend.

Holly was my first dog we brought into our family. I always grew up with pets but never was the main caretaker. Holly looked to me for everything. She was a wonderful dog.

I had her cremated and she is still with us today. She lived a great life and was dearly loved by my children. It was their first dog and pet. The first year was very hard on me. I would cry occasionally thinking about her. As time moved on it has gotten easier. I do have another Yorkshire Terrier and Shih-Tzu. As they say “Time heals all wounds” is true. It might take some longer than others. I believe time is the only healing process to cope with the loss of a pet.
I truly am an animal lover just like my mom and daughter. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Coming home to a pet that accepts us for who we are and loves us unconditionally may be a source of comfort and joy.If you have a pet I am sure you can relate. Dogs truly can be our little "best friends".

14 comments

  1. A loss is a loss even when it is a pet....you have gotten attached to this and it is hard to deal with.

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  2. It's not easy losing a pet, they become part of the family. I lost my cat Gatsby in September and itvtore me apart. Big hug xx

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  3. we have lost pets before we keep the memory and for some time after the death we stay very sad

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  4. I could not imagine life without our pets. This is so tough :/

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  5. I'm sorry about what happened. I lost my shih tzu last 2013 and it was terrible. They already buried him when I got home from work... so I never got the chance to say goodbye.

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  6. my beloved cat had to be put to sleep a few weeks after i had gone home for a visit. i sleep with my phone on silent but somehow woke up and saw my Dad was face timing me. My parents had said that she was sick and they would take her to the vet. The vet said she couldn't do anything so my Dad had me FaceTime to say goodbye to my cat. Two years later and i still miss her everyday. I am so sorry for you loss of Holly

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  7. Aw bless you poor Holly she is still with you in spirit. The bond between pet and you is incredible, my aunty had a beautiful Persian cat called Lily or as she affectionately called 'Lindo' in Portuguese who died on my 15th birthday and he was 15 as well. I still miss him and his beautiful green eyes x

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  8. I can feel the loss...I am also a pet lover and recently lost 2 dogs from a deadly virus...that was difficult...

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  9. Aww I know time can heal but I'm still so sorry for your loss x

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  10. So sorry for your loss. Loosing a pet can be so tough.

    Happy New year! Best wishes in 2016 and keep up the great work on your blog!

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  11. We've lost dogs in the past so I can totally relate. They are part of the family too. Sorry for your loss.

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  12. I am so sorry - we lost our cat a couple of years ago - the first time I had a pet die. I was absolutely heart broken, I didn't realise how painful it would be. Kaz :)

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  13. When a dog is refusing to eat, then it probably is time. I have a yorkie. She is 7 years. I can't imagine life without her.

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  14. {{Hugs}} and I feel for you! We lost our 12 1/2-year-old black lab Nikita back in December 2012. We also lost our oldest cat, Mack (10 years old), at the beginning of November, just two months ago. It's never easy, because they really are part of the family!

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