I feel it getting bad again - Anxiety and Depre...

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I feel it getting bad again

EmbraceYourself profile image
12 Replies

We had to put our family pet down, We've had him for 13years. Ever since I was in elementary school. I know some will say, "He is just a pet" but it still hurts. Having him there everyday, to just nothing. It breaks my heart, it's been a week, and I already notice myself being isolate, not wanting to do anything, go anywhere, or be myself. Honestly I miss my Cat, Smokey more than anything. Growing up, he was always there for me, when No one else was. This is really hard for me.

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EmbraceYourself profile image
EmbraceYourself
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12 Replies
jkl5500 profile image
jkl5500

I've seen many, many people openly cry when their pet died. They feel like it's a family member.

Most of them "solve" the problem by getting another pet. I don't want to sound cold, but you have to remember that, compared to humans, dogs and cats simply don't live that long. If you're a dog or cat lover, you will have a number of them throughout your life.

Singinglady1985 profile image
Singinglady1985 in reply tojkl5500

So sorry you lost your pet I lost mine in September

Hello

I’m so sorry you’re going through this . It is one of the most horrible things to go through.

I went through this a couple of years ago with my cat and honestly my world shattered.

I thought I would never get another and never stop crying. But I did x

I will say time heals ... it really does x

Hugs xx

So so sorry for your loss, it's true that the loss of a pet can be as painful as any other loss, you have to go through the grieving process, just like any bereavement it will be painful and difficult but eventually you'll be able to cope with this and remember with a comfortable heart, you will be able to smile when you think of the happy years you had together, you'll always have those memories, so for now, be kind to yourself, cry if you need to, allow yourself to grieve and allow time to pass, and don't you bat an eyelid at those who may say "it's only a pet" there the one's that will never have the joy from a pet as you have had because they don't have that special heart that you have, many many people will relate to how your feeling, you'll be ok though, just takes time :-) xxxxx big hugs

Coryelva77 profile image
Coryelva77 in reply to

I too needed too hear that. Thx you

I’m so sorry to hear about Smokey. I’m an old lady and have lost 6 cats and dogs in my lifetime. It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever go through.

When you lose a human family member, people will tell you how sad they are for your loss, and will listen as you talk about your lost loved one. But these same people can be quite dismissive when it comes to your non-human family.

As an example of how terrible it can be to lose a cat or dog, when we lost our lovely Harry the Westie 2 years ago, we were both distraught. My macho Scottish husband cried his eyes out, which he never did when his parents died.

I think it’s because losing a much-loved pet is a little like losing a child. (And I hope anyone who has lost a child and is reading this won’t be offended). You have this little creature who is totally dependent on you, and who loves you unconditionally. You are responsible for every aspect of their care, and you are the most important person in their life.

What you’re feeling is perfectly normal, and not a sign of mental illness. This is what happens when you invest your love in a pet. Take time to grieve. Make a little box or bag with Smokey’s collar and toys and anything else you associate with him. Cry as much as you need to.

If there is a God, he made a mistake in making the lives of companion animals so much shorter than human lives. Everyone who loves cats or dogs has to go through this so many times, it doesn’t seem fair.

Ultimately, I’ve found the only thing that helps is getting a new pet. You’ll never forget Smokey, of course you won’t. But if you can find a rescue cat in need of a home, you’ll have another little creature in need of care and love to look after. It won’t be the same, of course not. But I think giving a rescue cat a home would be a tribute to Smokey, in a way.

Take your time, don’t rush into anything, but when you’re ready, think about it.

Rest in peace, Smokey xx

dillydally1 profile image
dillydally1

hi, I am sorry to hear of your loss. many say it can be the worst loss. pets are always there when you come home and give lot's of love, when they have gone there is a big emptiness in the home and your life.

I lost my dog jack aged 17 years on my 60th birthday last year. it still hurts. I had him cremated and found a rose named jack, so now I go out to the garden and talk to him. it will take time but it does get easier.

would you consider another pet,( I don't mean to replace your lost pet) maybe a rescue pet that way it would help both of you.

take care, what you are feeling is very normal x

Lilly5 profile image
Lilly5

Sorry about your cat. Please know that what you're feeling is normal. You need time to grieve. Try to talk to people and keep yourself busy these days that might help.

gogogirl profile image
gogogirl

Animals are part of the family. I know our dog is. I am so sorry for your loss.

Coryelva77 profile image
Coryelva77

I too lost my 12 cocker spaniels in one week 3 days apart. A week 1/2 ago. It devasted me, the quietness of the house makes me nervous. Try new coping skills. Hoping to get more puppies soon. They will never replace Ramsey and Duke, but i gotta lot of love to give. Hope u feel better soon. This too shall pass, one day at a time.

Periham12 profile image
Periham12

I am so sorry for your loss of your precious little one. This is one of the biggest heartbreaks as all losses of our loved ones are each different and all painful. Our pets are our children too. People that don’t get that are missing such a huge part of joy that this life can bring and no one can ever take those precious memories away from you. Sending you so much love..💙

Poodie profile image
Poodie

I am sorry for your loss. Pets are part of the family. It is so sad when they die. We have lost a few and it is never easy and sometimes others do not understand the depth of our sense of loss.

We have a 16 yr old dog. He is so much a part of us that I can not imagine him not being around, We did recently get a puppy but I know we will deeply mourn the loss when our old guy passes.

Sincere condolences. Take care.

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