Guilt

[WhiteShark]

My dog gave birth yesterday. I tought I did what I could to make her labor as easy as possible, but in the end I made a mistake and we lost one of her puppies. This was my first time attending to a dog giving birth, I kept telling myself; but it can't erase the sense of guilt that I feel. The vet took her and the rest of the puppies for proper care and incubation and they will stay there until they're strong enough. That night when I tried to sleep I kept seeing the deceased puppy's peaceful face. Although she looked so peaceful, I can't let go of the fact that I am partly to blame. I keep hating myself and I cry a lot just thinking about it. This is my first experience of actual death in front of me, and I'm having a very difficult time.

[kenster1]

hi sorry to hear that about the pup its really not your fault its very common and happened with my old dog more than once.

[SongAndSoul]

I am so very sorry you had this experience.

1) Please be gentle with yourself.

You didn’t do anything wrong.

2) Try to accept that we don’t always understand why things happen.

3) Allow yourself your feelings but don’t stay stuck.

You are a beautiful soul who cared for another soul and did the best you could.

[Elise5]

Please don't blame yourself. I'm sure if you knew it was going to happen, you would have done whatever you could to prevent it. And these things do happen, it's just part of nature. It's not your fault, really, it's not.

[ChubbaGiz]

I'm so sorry this happened and that you had to experience this. I will echo the sentiments of SongAndSoul; you are a beautiful soul who cared for and helped another creature in need. We can't and don't always understand why things happen, and it is difficult. I understand the feeling of guilt. When my kitty died, I felt tremendous guilt, thinking I didn't do enough, even though I did everything I could. So I really do understand how you are feeling. You are allowed to have your feelings. I pray you will see the positive influence you had in helping the surviving puppies survive.