When a pet dies

[tantricia44]

It's kind of weird, I was curled up with my two cats & a sad thought comes to mind.What am I gona do when my pets die.What behaviors & traits annoying/loved  am I gona miss.The phone rings, it's my mom, giving me the sad news that my brother's dog, Koda died today! The rest of the day I cried over my 4legged nephew, he was 18yrs old! My brother posted on Facebook that Koda automatically had 1st class golden tickets to doggy heaven!Koda was a very good dog in life! Good dog Koda, good dog!😡😢

[snuggleycutejc]

That is an awful thoughts but pets do pass. I thought that way with all of mine. Had a cat he was so active that we could not wait for him to get older so he would calm down. sadly, my kids made a pet crematory under the tree that is in my back yard, with a funeral. Keep your good thought always 

[ghunter]

It is sad and hurtful because your pets becomes a part of the family and you grief just like it was a real person, but it does not last as long.

[UGetPaid]

We had a cat die a little over a year ago that still troubles me some days. 


We had two female cats, one chose me and the other chose my wife.  My wife's cat has been sick since day one with asthma (which she gets regular medicine for and used to get breathing treatments).  I have a cute video online of her breathing with a mask!  The vets told us that she likely would not live as long as a normal healthy cat, but she doesn't know that she is sick, and medicine or breathing treatments always come with a treat, so she always thought she was getting something special.  I don't think it is related to the asthma, but she was the clumsiest cat I have EVER seen in my life. Cannot judge her jumps for anything and sometimes falls off tables or chairs when she missteps.


My cat on the other hand was always very healthy and graceful.  But SHE is the one who died unexpectedly after developing a liver problem that caught us completely by surprise.  After she died, a friend recommended the book "Cat Heaven" by Cynthia Rylant.  It is geared toward little kids, but you would be amazed the comfort it can provide even to adults.  I found a copy of it at our local library.


If you Google "Shadows Roses No Coincidences", I have a blog post about our cats and it includes the breathing treatment video.


My advice to the OP is to not be concerned about what will eventually happen.  It will be sad, and it will be difficult, but the joys you receive now will far outweigh the sadness you feel at some unknown point in the future.

[michele2042]

Anyone who has ever had a pet understands the sadness that goes with losing one.  We have lost a few during our lives.  Each time I promise myself, that's it, no more, can't go through this again.  But then after a bit of time passes we always wind up getting another.   They bring such joy to our lives.

[nannycoe1]

Pets can become like family, I had a cat for 18 years and he was like a child.

[JaniceSW]

Pets often provide unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship.  We had a bunny named Thumper for 8 years and when he died I cried off and on for days.  I still think of his gentle, sweet soul on occasion.

[miltonarmitage]

Pets are awesome, they truly are like your kids and become part of the family. I have two cats myself and dread the day when G-D calls them to Heaven. I firmly believe in the golden paradise of Heaven and that death isn't what it seems it's a continuation in a much better place. It's hard for us because we miss them so much but hopefully knowing that Koda isn't REALLY gone will help your brother and you deal with the sadness you're feeling. 

[luvh8tragedy87]

We've had pets die and it's always hard. One of our dogs is really getting up there. She still wants to play and stuff but she has a lot of trouble getting up off the floor.

[6265AT99]

I'm sorry for your brothers' loss but I do understand the feelings and emotions.  My son lost his cat of 14 yrs. about 2 mos. ago and we were all hysterical crying.  It's as bad as losing a human member of your family cause after all, they aren't just pets, they are family.

[bowrunner]

That's the hardest thing about having pets but I wouldn't be without dogs ever.

[BlackSheepNY]

It's kind of weird, I was curled up with my two cats & a sad thought comes to mind.What am I gona do when my pets die.What behaviors & traits annoying/loved  am I gona miss.The phone rings, it's my mom, giving me the sad news that my brother's dog, Koda died today! The rest of the day I cried over my 4legged nephew, he was 18yrs old! My brother posted on Facebook that Koda automatically had 1st class golden tickets to doggy heaven!Koda was a very good dog in life! Good dog Koda, good dog!😡😢

Awww, so sorry to hear of the loss of Koda.  Obviously, he was loved and well taken care of.  Eighteen years is a VERY long time for a dog to live!  He's as much a member of your family as your human members are.  Our pets are very important parts of our lives.  I have my cat's and dog's ashes in urns and have saved mementos for all the pets I've lost.  I'm thankful that each of them came in to my life and spent their days on Earth with me.  The little things I've saved (my bird's favorite bell, my dog's first and last collars, my cat's favorite toy, and photos I have of each of them really help me to smile and remember them in a positive way when I'm having a day when I miss them or think about them.  RIP, Koda, you sound like you were an awesome friend and family member.

[Skyisbluetoday]

it's sad to lose a pet, their just like family!

[lguzman1]

I remember when my kids pets died, we all did a ceremony. They were fishes but for my girls that was hard to take. They cried so we made a ceremony for the fishes and buried them in the back yard. They felt better, of course you can't just bury a dog in the back yard unless you have a huge back hard.

[bremer51]

I can't even talk about the day my parrot died. I was his person.