How do you deal with a loss of a pet?

[J_Ariel]

I just loss my kitten Kiarra, someone ran her over and left her on the side of the street. I too her to the vet. 4 hours and $800 later and I still couldn’t save her. I can stop thinking I did something wrong or could of done more

[Hidden]

Please don’t go there with your thoughts! You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s very unfortunate and I’m so sorry for the loss of your kitten...sending you much love and hugs!

[laurafazz]

Hi Ariel, I’m dealing with grief over pet loss right now and it’s so hard. Something that has been helping me is I’ve been searching online for info about pet loss and finding so many articles and books written, and people sharing stories, and it helps me to know my feelings of grief are normal even if I feel awful. I hope I’m allowed to share resources here - this website has been especially comforting: petlosshelp.org

I also found aplb.org. This site has an online support group chat 5 times a week with trained moderators. I’m actually planning to log in for today’s chat for the first time.

You could also look for in-person support groups in your area. I found one not too far from me that meets twice a month. Check with humane societies or vet offices and they could have resources.

Those resources and the idea of support groups are good for me because they are free. I also just resumed individual therapy because my anxiety has been out of control, but this of course is not free and the added cost is another stressor. It will be worth it though if it helps me work through the depression and anxiety that have flared up since losing my cat.

I’m here if you want to talk. Try to be kind to yourself. Of course you would have saved her if you could have, and it’s ok to mourn her like you would any friend or family member. ❤️

[Etier in reply to laurafazz]

Dear Laurafazz, your post was so kind, insightful and helpful. I will look at that site also since I lost my beloved pets. Thank you for your caring heart to J_Ariel. It meant a lot to me also.

[hypercat54]

Hi I am so sorry for the loss of your kitten. It's very difficult to train a kitten on safety outdoors isn't it? I let my kitten out for around half an hour a day under constant supervision until he was around 6 months old. Then I took him in. Then he was unsupervised for an hour or so but I was close by until he was about a year old. Then I figured I couldn't do any more but at least I was happy I did all I could to make him safe. He is 4 now. x

[melbrown]

I am very sorry about the lost of Kiarra. You did everything you could... unfortunately we all feel guilty when something like this happens, I did when we lost our cat Ava. Trust me you did nothing wrong. Talk to people, let yourself grieve... do it at your own pace, don't let anyone dismiss your pain. Try to think of the good times with her. She loved you. Sending you warm hugs.

[Etier]

Dear J_Ariel, I am so sorry for your great loss. You certainly loved your kitten and I know that she knew that. You did all that you could to help her. I have lost pets too and always I felt like you that I could have done more too but you did all that was earthly possible.

Please reach out to support groups in your area where you can find comfort from other pet owners who too have lost beloved pets. The more support you get the better.

Thank you for reaching out and know we all support you in our hearts!

[kenster1]

hi Im sorry to hear about the loss of your kitten that's a real shame.ive had many a dog pass away and its the worst thing other than a family member.please don't blame yourself its not your fault.sounds like you really want a little pet so maybe you could go get another one im sure you would make a great owner of a little kitten again.