Saying Goodbye

A sad but true fact is that we will most likely outlive our pets. Death is a normal and inevitable part of life. We have loved our animals so much, and it’s very hard to lose them. The loss of any beloved pet has a drastic impact on our lives since many of our routine activities involve our companions.

Saying goodbye to a pet is never an easy thing to do. Sometimes the loss is sudden and unexpected, perhaps due to an accident. Being unprepared for an instant death can bring profound feelings of grief. In other cases, a pet may have injuries or a severe illness that causes immense pain and loss of quality of life. We don’t want our little loved ones to suffer and although it is heart-wrenching to have to make that dreaded and difficult decision of euthanasia, it may be viewed as a final act of love and kindness when all other hope is lost.

The loss of your companion animal can create an immeasurable void in your life and, understandably, in your heart. It may be difficult to imagine a time when you will not be filled with feelings of hurt and sadness. The grieving process is deeply personal. As we mourn it is a natural reaction to have feelings of shock, denial, anger, guilt, sorrow and depression. Some will pass through the different stages faster than others. It really depends on our own personalities and experiences.

When a pet dies, we want our pain to be acknowledged, even if it is not shared by friends and relatives. The bond shared with pets is a very real relationship, and it is okay to grieve. Our pets have been loyal family members, loving us unconditionally. Seek comfort in the support of people who will understand the great sense of loss being experienced.

Some people find that having a ceremony to say goodbye is helpful in overcoming the sorrow. Write a eulogy or a poem to express how much you loved your sweet angel, and talk about the good times and happiness you shared. Use pictures and tags or collars to create a special remembrance. Do something your pet would like for you to be doing, and remember that our little ones are waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge.

It has been said that pets are gifts from God, but we just don’t get to keep them long enough. It is true that animals’ lives are much shorter than human lives. A four-year old boy explained the reason this way. “Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody and being nice. Right? Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.” (from a story by Robin Downing, D.V.M.)

There are many poems and stories written to help comfort those of us who have lost pets.
Click on the links below to read some personal favorites.

Poetry

Rainbow Bridge

Living Love

The Journey

Perhaps the best testament to the value of a pet’s existence
is the fact that life was, and will continue to be,
brighter because of the time that was shared with our beloved companions.

Tux, Mimi's Boston TerrierTux, page 2Tux, page3
Mimi's Calendar Girl TUX Miss March 2000Happy 4th Birthday, Tux! (2001)Happy 5th Birthday, Tux! (2002)
Tux's Kitty SistersOreoSmudgeBeachy
God Bless AmericaRainbow Bridge 9-11
Season's Greetings from Mimi and her GirlsDogs Love Christmas, TooCats Love Christmas, Too
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Saying GoodbyePoetryRainbow BridgeLiving LoveThe Journey