About to lose a loved one... I don't know where to begin as this is really painful to write. My...

Pretzel · 61-69, M

First of all - I totally understand your pain.

The next thing is to gird your loins and realize that your next step will be the most unselfish thing you can ever do for a pet. And that is to let it go when there is little or no quality of life. This is the TRUE cost of owning a pet.

I've cried when two of my pets died. One died unexpectedly and the other one had to be put down.

Allow yourself time to grieve before you get another pet - and don't think of it as replacing your cat - go to the pound or shelter and rescue one - and provide them a good home.

Time will help. I have another one that will be headed over the bridge to meet my other pets - I'll enjoy as much good time as she has left and then I'll do what's best for her - even though I'll probably cry again.

You're not alone - a lot of us have lost pets.

AntisocialTroll · 56-60, F

When the time came for mine to need to be put down, I was able to get the vet to come to my home.

It cost me but it was worth every penny to not have to put him through the stress of one last visit to the vets.

Starcrossed · 41-45, F

I'm really sorry. Some of my pet losses have been my most heavy difficult grief. Be sure to give yourself time and compassion.

Eeyore122 · 36-40, F

I lost my Pumpkin in May. She was a rescue from a rescue sort of situation. She was old- 20 or 21. She passed on her own here. I had a feeling it was time, cuz after I kept telling her I was sorry and didnt know how to help n was scared over n over, she LOOKED at me and put her paw on my bedskirt. ( When I was that sad shed jump in bed.)

It gets better. Thank God she passed on a Friday, cuz had I found her after work any other day... I was a hot mess

Jake966 · 56-60, M

I lost my beloved Paul back in March he was my companion and a dear friend , we went through a lot together

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

Unfortunately everything passes. That is life. Life is change.

Remembering the past though can help with the new changes.

I have lost, far more than just pets. Though I always have a place in my heart for the pets that I have had.

[center]RIP Shady![/center]

I does hurt, yet it doesn't hurt to miss remembering the best times.

Hope you have lots of images of those times.

eyeno · M

Abba,
As we come together we pray for child and family known to us as American21.

We Bind the Spirit of Heaviness and Loose the garment of praise, oil of joy and comfort.
We choose to uproot every root from our lives and plant the seeds of the Word that keeps us free.

In Jesus's mighty name we pray,
Amen

Quetzalcoatlus · 46-50, M

So sorry, these kinds of losses are very painful. We just lost our big boy a couple months ago..

MoonlightLullaby · 41-45, F

I'm sorry. I think it's more difficult than losing people 🪻🌿

Eddiesolds · 61-69, M

This is so sad Im sorry . Losing pets is the worst thing ever.

SW-User

I was in the same boat recently with my dog, and just by luck a family member got another puppy around the same time. The distraction was an absolute blessing. So think about adding another animal to the family. It doesn't replace your best friend but it's a great distraction and they'll soon become a great family member as well.

ExperienceDLT · M

Enjoy the time left with Klaus
Then maybe in time you can find a new pet/companion

LordShadowfire · 100+, M

It never gets easier, but trust me when I say you want to be there for Klaus's final moment. It's much worse when you can't be there for him.

My best advice is on the day that you take him to the vet for that very last trip, treat him to something special before you go.