Loss of a beloved pet

[michele2042]

Yesterday (Saturday) we lost our cat of 15 years.  We knew for several days he was on his last days.  He wasn't in any pain and mostly slept peacefully in our laps or laying on the floor as we continually petted him.   We chose to let him die at home rather than have him euthanized because there was no pain and he seemed so peaceful.   Suddenly he just stopped breathing.    Although we knew it was happening and we were thrilled we had 15 years with him, the tears still flowed.    We also have a small dog and him and our cat were like best friends.   They were always laying/sleeping together and the cat always licked our dog as he feel asleep.  Now our dog (Midas) seems lost.   Wandering around the house looking for his best friend.  There, of course, seems no way to comfort Midas except to play with him and let him lay in my lap.  As sad as I am, I am even sadder for my dog.   I know some will think it's silly but it just hurts so much to see him wander around the house looking for Puck (our cat).
 Although I said, no more, I already am feeling that urge to go get a new kitten.   How did any of you handle it if/when you lost a pet.    Immediately get another or wait?    My husband is leaving it up to me.   

[Nancy5]

I am so very very sorry for your loss.  Even if you expect it, it is never easy.  I have had my share of pets crossing over to the bridge and it hurts us, but it also hurts the remaining pets as they look for their buddy.  I usually get another pet (not trying to replace the lost pet), but to ease the empty feeling of the remaining pet.  Good luck with your decision.

[ericdavid26]

I'm so sorry for your loss. a pet truly becomes a family member. Always a sad day when you lose a family member.

[Skyisbluetoday]

The loss of a pet is sad. I would wait awhile before getting a another.

[ladycasshmere]

Losing a pet is never easy and I'm sorry for your loss. I would definitely get another pet when you are ready. It would definitely be good for your dog that is use to having a cat to get a new one. I know you are hurting and I know he is lonely.

[BlackSheepNY]

Yesterday (Saturday) we lost our cat of 15 years.  We knew for several days he was on his last days.  He wasn't in any pain and mostly slept peacefully in our laps or laying on the floor as we continually petted him.   We chose to let him die at home rather than have him euthanized because there was no pain and he seemed so peaceful.   Suddenly he just stopped breathing.    Although we knew it was happening and we were thrilled we had 15 years with him, the tears still flowed.    We also have a small dog and him and our cat were like best friends.   They were always laying/sleeping together and the cat always licked our dog as he feel asleep.  Now our dog (Midas) seems lost.   Wandering around the house looking for his best friend.  There, of course, seems no way to comfort Midas except to play with him and let him lay in my lap.  As sad as I am, I am even sadder for my dog.   I know some will think it's silly but it just hurts so much to see him wander around the house looking for Puck (our cat).
 Although I said, no more, I already am feeling that urge to go get a new kitten.   How did any of you handle it if/when you lost a pet.    Immediately get another or wait?    My husband is leaving it up to me.   

I'm so very sorry for the loss of Puck.  I know how you feel.  It's just awful to lose one of your best friends, and more so, a member of your family.  I consider all of my pets "family."  Some people don't believe it, but other pets know the loss, too, just like your Midas.  Although I've never gone out and got another animal right away, your situation is different.  Midas is obviously feeling the loss of Puck, as you are.  A new baby may help you both ease the pain of losing Puck.  Not only that, you'll be opening up your heart and home to yet another animal that needs a home and your love.  RIP, Puck! 

[hitch0403]

Yes,amazing how you get attached to our pets.We had an irish setter in 1987 and had to put her to sleep in 2002 and i cried like a baby.

Now we have a dach/beagle mix for 7 yrs now.My son rescued her when she was 2.We are much closer with her than our first dog.I dont even wanna think when shes not here anymore.

I guess all we can do is find another pet.But then you always have to go thru the sad part.Maybe goldfish are the answer!!

[bonzie]

Sorry for your lost. We lost a 2 pets in a month last 2010 that was not easy. Even if they were old, still so sad to lost them.

[ancmetro]

     It is part of the life cycle: Birth, life and death.

[Shandara09]

Sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is.  When I lost my pets, I didn't get another right afterwards, but that's just up to how you feel.  It works for some, but it wasn't what felt right to me.

[sherryinutah]

I don't think your grief, or your dog's grief is silly.  Unfortunately, grieving is part of love when you've been blessed to have a spirit-to-spirit connection with another person or animal.  I've never felt "intense" grief like I did when I had to release a beloved pet.  I've decided the only "downside" to having a pet is that they never live as long as I want them to.

Follow your heart...when it comes to getting a new pet.  It's interesting, to me, that some people react to the pain of losing a pet by never wanting a pet, again.  I'm the opposite.  For me, it's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.

Hang in there.  You and your dog are in transition; however, there is a light at the end of that tunnel.   

[autumnsparklemom]

I am so sorry for the loss of your cat. Though your cat can not be replaced, it might help getting another cat. It might help ease your pain and help you move forward. But do take your time finding another cat. Do be hasty.

[bleyd]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Most of my friends that lost pets waited 2 - 4 months to get a new pet. They took sometime to grieve of their family member. For them, it helped to wait.

[melissajh44]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Skyenkit]

I feel you there. I know how sad it is to loss a pet.