The Sorrow of Losing a Pet

The past few weeks I found myself grieving old losses.  Pets that I had years ago, still get me feeling a little sad when I think of them.  They were such a joy in my life, each having their own distinct personality, their own way of interacting with me.

The anniversaries of getting them also come to mind, bringing bittersweet memories.  Today I have two cats and a dog, so I still have the joy of animals being in my everyday life.  But never does one substitute another.

Luke, Bailey, & Lilly, my current pals

When I lost my first pet (by death, although as a child having them taken away is a horror all of its own) I felt I couldn’t share the reason I was so sad.  I ran into one or two people with the “it’s only a cat” or “it’s not like someone close to you died” responses.  Yeah, there really are people who are that out-of-touch with understanding and consolation.  “Get another pet,” was also a frequent response, as if substituting someone so precious with another would wipe away all that sadness.  I’ve always wanted to ask those people if they lost a child should they just get another one?  Harsh, yes. So be it.

Those of us who lose our dear pets know what I’m talking about.  Who do you talk to about your sorrow, without the fear of being looked at as being wimpy, or foolish, or weird?  I have major depression disorder, and in times of grief, symptoms can exacerbate. 

Bon Ami & Chelsea

When I lost Bon Ami years ago (my tiny Norwegian Forest Cat) I went to a counselor.  Sure he listened at first, but by the second or third session, he tried to persuade me to take one of his cats.  Yes, really.  A therapist minimizing my grief.  Good grief!

Mostly through the years I kept it to myself, when a pet died.  When I found Twitter two years ago, I found a community of pet lovers, freely expressing their feelings.  A lot of it is fun, silly stuff of what we pretend our cats or dogs are saying and doing, but when one dies, the grief is expressed, the sorrow is shared, and the condolences are lovingly posted.  Aren’t we mere strangers in a social media connection?  Yes, but I do believe the care is real.  There is a positive use of this social media that brings those who grieved in the shadows into a light of candlelit vigils that honor and understand our deep committed love to our pets.

Snapper & Nikki

Sometimes you do find there are people who understand.  Thank goodness my family does.  And where I used to work recently, we had a therapist who had patients expressing their grief about their loss of a beloved pet.  And he was gentle and understanding, helping them through their pain, not trying to side track it with a replacement pet.

There are those who care.  Finding them can be difficult.  Come look for us on Twitter if you need to start.  Our pets are a huge part of our life, and we “furever” love them. 🐱💖
Theresa M

This is dedicated to all our beloved pets

who have gone over the rainbow bridge

🌈💖

#OTRB

We know our pets will be there to greet us home.

I, for one, look forward to that.