How Do You Say Goodbye To Your Beloved Pets?

[Daryn Kagan]

Bittersweet times around here. Friday I had to say goodbye to Tripod the 3-Legged Wonder Cat. He was at least 19 years old and the most wonderful of friends. I tell you more about him in my blog. I'm so sad to let him go; yet so amazed that I got share his remarkable life.

I know many of you have had to go through a similar experience. Can you please share how you've said goodbye?

Many thanks.

[Sophia Andrews]

You were so fortunate to be able to be with Tripod during the course of his illness, and especially during his final moments. I wasn't so fortunate with my two favourite pets, as they both met tragic ends. The first finch I ever raised, Runt, was eaten by one of our cats. I found her head on the floor when I came downstairs one morning. My little grey cat, Noodles, was shaken to death by a dog. We found him dead in the middle of our lawn. In both cases, I wish that we'd been given time to say goodbye. Both of their lives were cut short by preventable accidents.

With regards to grieving afterwards, I found it helpful to just allow myself to feel the sadness and despair. I cried a lot while alone, and found great comfort in reading the stories of others who had lost beloved pets. I listened to music that moved and touched me. I didn't force myself to "get over" the deaths as quickly as possible. I gave myself as much time as I needed, and didn't make any unnecessary demands. I didn't feel like going out to do anything, and only did what was necessary (work, grocery shopping, etc.). I talked to others who could appreciate the special place that a pet has in one's life and heart. Time and patience were key to the healing process.

When Noodles (the cat) passed away, I discovered the following poem and found it particularly moving. Perhaps you've encountered it all ready:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

[Lynne Jones]

Daryn: I do hope you are doing some better today, but take time to grieve, then keep the fond memories. Each pet is so unique that comes into our lives, in turn gives us a special gift for, just you. That is how best friends are.
So for us: We Don't Say Goodbye, that is too permanent. We send up pet balloons with a message and favorite toy of our beloved pet, we even talk for them as though they were still here, it helps. Our heartache tells us we'll be lonely without this precious pet that loved us unconditionally. So give your heart a lift telling yourself, you were the one blessed to be chosen to share in Tripod's life, that is how Tripod felt and was grateful.

Treasure, our awesome aussie is top dog in my card game. She is a grateful rescued dog and has taught me to TraveLight. Rescued pets know you are their special friend for life. It is an honor to have them love us in return.
Thanks for the opportunity to share, TraveLight.

Lynne
www.traveLightgame.com

[Anne Butler Shepard]

We grieve with you as you adjust to life without Tripod. When we lose a beloved pet, it's like we have lost a child. In fact, we HAVE lost a child when a pet goes across the Rainbow Bridge. As time goes on we remember all the special times we shared and all the unique individual characteristics of each one. They are ALL so precious!
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Anne and Ben

[GeeCee]

The most difficult part of having a pet is the time when we have to say goodbye forever. They all provide such unconditional love and happiness to us. At 54 years old, I still find myself crying like a little boy whenever a pet passes on. I just had the sad experience over a month ago and still grieving. The thing that helps me in my grieving is arranging a private cremation for my beloved pets. I keep their urns in my home office which help bring closure to me. The journey I take with my precious pets will be forever etched in my heart and mind for the rest of my life.

[Dawn Molina]

Daryn,

My heart warm thoughts go out to you and DarlaDog over the passing of Tripod...Four legged furry family members are just that ...family members.

[Holly Lebed]

Daryn,
I was saddened to read about Tripod. I lost my Wonder Cat, Elber, in March. We had shared over 21 years together,and he was somewhere between 23 and 25 years old when he died. He brought me pure joy and happiness, and not a day goes by that I don't laugh and cry thinking of how much I loved him and how much I miss him. I don't have any words of wisdom......just wanted to acknowledge how much I had enjoyed reading about Tripod and both of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I would like to think that Elber was there to greet him. That image puts a smile on my face - hopefully it puts one on your face as well!

Sincerely,
Holly Lebed

[Zuke]

I lost my dalmatian, Nina, to canine cancer in June of 2008.........I still can say I haven't gotten over it, I held her head in my hands as she went to sleep on that Tuesday afternoon, her ashes are on my bookshelf with my favorite picture that my daughter took of us just a few weeks before she went..........the night I realized I was going to put her to sleep, a rainbow appeared over the house, I took a bunch of pictures and I believe it was a sign.

Then.......4 days later...........I went to the Humane Society and "Buster" found me.....I brought him home.........I don't want to say he is the reason for the divorce.......hahahaha......just kidding......we are now best buds and roomies in our apartment that we share, he was a handful at the start, but has come a long way, and has grown and gained 22 pounds in our year and 3 months together..........I don't know what I'd do without the big blockhead, though, we have formed a great bond.

I know some people find it hard to get another pet so quickly, but I'm just one that needed to have another dog right away. Except when he ran through the screen door the first day............twice............

[Zuke]

[Jennifer Brocato]

I'm sorry for your loss.... Any love lost is painful! With pets it's a loss we don't like to think about but we all end up going through due to their life expectancy. You really lucked out with 19 years :)! I happen to believe that our pets will be waiting for us when our life on earth ends!
I'd like to share how I received a pet!
I'm a recovering alcoholic (5 years, 2 months and 8 days) - the exact same age as my cat "Boo"! In the beginning, I had a really hard time staying sober, but July 1st 2004 I knew I had to if I wanted to live. Meetings saved my life! Then came Boo... A friendin recovery said her cat had a litter of kittens and wanted to know if I was interested. Oh boy- I was barely able to take care of myself at that time and was adviced that getting anything new in the first year was not wise. Well, I figured a visit to the lil kitties wasn't harmfu. So I went and fell in love with this scrawny lil black kitten with a splash of white on his chest! I asked my friend when they were born and she said July 1st! Something in my head clicked and thought this was really special. I took my lol "boo" home and told myself that I can keep him as long as I don't drink & if I drank I would have to give him away!
Well.... I'm still sober and loooove my life today!
A little thanks to my cat Boo who was my insurance to a happy healthy life!