Many people are curious to know what happens to our pets when they die. Just like humans, the souls of our pets do not ‘die’. Their spirits often stay with us following their ‘physical’ death, but their spirits remain to provide us with the same companionship and love as they did when alive.
As humans we are often not able to consciously perceive their presence - but on a soul level we intuitively know when our deceased cat, dog, bird etc are around us.
So what happens to our pets when they die?
Animals are alive and well on the ‘Other Side’. All the animals that exist on earth, exist on ‘The Other Side’ - without fear or aggression - and they are appropriately cherished and respected as the pure, innocent spiritual creatures that they are.
The animals on the ‘Other Side’ include every pet we’ve had in this and all of our past lives, and they watch over us with the same pure, steadfast loyalty and unconditional love that they gave during their lifetime with us. When we first arrive on the ‘Other Side’, our Spirit Guides and transcended loved ones can hardly get to us through all the animals joyfully waiting to welcome us ‘Home’.
Most of us can recall the smell or softness of our pet’s fur, and/or its distinctive sound or personality. After the death of a pet many people are convinced that they are able to see, hear or sense their pet, even if only fleetingly.
Have you ever walked into a room and got the feeling that someone was standing in the corner or sitting on a particular chair – so you turn and look and you still feel it – but there is ‘no one’ there? Sometimes a surviving family pet may stare intently at a corner of a room and wag their tail or purr, indicating that they can sense the presence of their passed over friend.
On a personal note, I have been visited by a few of my passed-over pets through the years, and have felt a sense of love and peace when they have been around. I still often catch a glimpse of my pure white cat ‘Mange’ around my garden and inside the house in her favourite spots. ‘Daisy’, a young Jack Russell terrier I had many years ago, occasionally pays a visit as well.
When an animal’s body dies they are still contactable. Their physical body may have died, but their spirit is alive and well. Once our pet has passed over they often miss the physical contact with their human/owner, the hugs and stroking, the warmth, love and closeness with their owners and so on.
They can also become quite upset when they see their human/owner upset by their grief and loss. They know of no way to comfort their owner as the owner can’t hear or see them. They can be right next to them and their human/owner doesn’t realise it
Some passed over pets and animals take over new bodies and begin a new incarnation. When they have done this they are influenced by this new body and all it encompasses - it’s hunger and habits, its growing sensations and instincts, its sleepiness, its ‘newness’ at being so young again, and the personality of their new owners. They are called by a different name, are living in a new house with new smells, new humans to interact with and a new life in every way.
Despite entering into a new life, they are always accessible as it is their soul or spirit that is able to be contacted.
So what happens to our pets when they die and where do they go?
They can be in between bodies (or incarnations), hanging out by a rock or tree or lazing in their favourite chair. They can have new bodies and new lives. They could be your next door neighbour’s new kitten or a newborn lion in Africa, or they could even be the new puppy or kitten you introduce into the family. They may even be languishing in ‘heaven’, waiting for their owner’s arrival on the ‘Other Side’ or at the ‘Rainbow Bridge’.
When researching the topic of what happens to our pets when they die, the following anonymous passage kept presenting to me repeatedly. Therefore, (although not wishing to breach any copy laws) I feel it important to repeat it here. Unfortunately I am unable to credit the original source.
The RAINBOW BRIDGE
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 the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all 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 have been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; 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 begins to quiver. 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…
The concept of the ‘Rainbow Bridge’ is a way of expressing the everlasting bond of love between pets and humans and through research, intuition and personal experience, we are able to know what happens to our pets when they die.
I have just read your blurb about were do our pets go when they die, I lost my beloved pet just recently and my self and my son 19 are not handling it well but since reading this I was absolutly blessed and filled with calm during it~~I am sure he is with us always. every thing joanne said has happened to us! We look forward to seeing him at rainbow bridge! See ya soon Morky, love always xoxoxo
Our dear cat Benson passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning .following being very unwell, The bond we had with Benson was very strong he was our happiness and we are devastated at him being taken away . I have since heard a faint purring in my ear and my partner has heard a meowing . I really wish we could give us a a sign he is okay and that his spirit will stay with us as we have cried many times as we are struggling to come to terms with our sad loss.
We lost our beloved Pomeranian Jack on the 4th of July. All of our family has had such a hard time accepting that he is really gone. It came with no warning, he had been slowing down a bit as he was 12 years old this month. We later found out he’d had a mini stroke here at home and then as I held him in my arms really not thinking it would be for the last time, we drove him to the emergency vets and he died there early the next morning. It was so sudden and we were so unprepared for the grief which has followed. He was here one day and gone the next. I’ve had the worst time of everyone accepting his passing. I am now racked with guilt; I should have known he was so sick and anemic. I feel I really let him down. He just never let me know he was so ill. I miss him coming down in the morning and I miss him laying in the corner by the door during the day. I just really miss him and I feel like our house is not complete anymore. Yet last night after another mostly sleepless one, I dreamed of him. He appeared at our back sliding door on the outside just looking in sweetly as he always did. I remember the dream still very clearly and feel this was him letting me know he was okay and that he was with us still. Although I still ache to hold him again, I feel so comforted that he is here and waiting for me to join him one day.
My pomeranian of 15 years passed away on 13 March 2012, I am hurting terribly and miss him dearly. Poms are the cutest doggies around.
I can feel your pain my little pet Jewel pass away before 2 months and i m still crying on her loss. She was a true angel Rottweiler breed but pass away when she was only 6 months thats hurt like hell.
Sorry for your loss these pets are real angel on earth.Miss my Doggy a lot.
hi, i hope they are in heaven waiting for us 1 day. i just loss my 11yr golden retriver to kidney failure. i miss her terribly every day, she was my family
My husband and I lost our beloved cat Fred on Saturday. He was in renal Failure and had anemia for nine months now. We had him on a regimen of pills and subQ fluids. Fred had a terrible 10 minute seizure. We rushed him to the vet hospital who informed us that the seizure had left Fred blind. The vet said Fred was weak from his diseases and had little time and no quality of life. We decided that day to put him to rest. I thought I would be relived after his death as my husband has been the one most attached to him for the past 10 years. I was Freds only owner for the first five years of his life. Once he was gone it sank in how much I loved him. I feel a emptyiness thats leaves my stomach aching for my cat. I remember him in his younger years so vibrant and full of energy. Two days after Fred passed on, my husband and I bought a painting of a beautiful woods with a creek and rolling hills at a gallery. It has a rainbow in the background. I told my husband thats where Fred lives now. After reading about Rainbow Bridge it sent chills down me. That painting I feel was meant to be purchased and I really do feel Fred is at this wonderful place called Rainbow Bridge. I can’t wait to see him again.
Hi i just want to thank you so much for this site.My bird Lucy Died 8/10/11 of a apperant stroke,or heart attack. She suffered for about an hour before she went.This bird was the love of my life and i am totally devestated.I have ahard time sleeping or eating and I have been crying my eyes out.I am trying to be strong but a times i have a hard time.i feel so much better knowing now that her spirit is with me.And now I know it upsets her to see me cry I have a better handle on it.The weirdest thing happened the day after she passed I prayed for god to give me sign she is ok.I had went to the store afterwards and came out the door and there was a man leaning against his car with abig beautiful parrot on his left shoulder, i believe that was my sign.How often would that happen. thank you
Can’t wait till I get to Rainbow Bridge and see Buddy and Munchys again. It has been over a month that they died, still can’t fight tears when I think of them. and they were just 2 years, 8 months old and poisoned.
Buddy and Munchys, I’ll see you soon. Love you lots ladies, just like old times.
We lost our best friend PIP a Black Labrador he had to be put to sleep in late february this year owing to his suffering he was 15 years of age there isn’t a day go by that i will always remember him i often have a quiet cry thinking of him and wishing he was still here, if there really is a Rainbow Bridge i would dearly
love to be with all our deceased pets including our beloved cat Daisy who had to be put to sleep around 12 months earlier
We had to have our 14 year old beloved collie/lab cross put to sleep yesterday. His back legs had gone and he couldn’t walk anymore. He was so loved and fougt to the end. He didnt want to go to the vet which made it even harder and I feel so guilty as he struggled to get up and wanted to go home. Its awful and even though it was for the best for him as his quality of life had gone, I just wonder if he forgives us for taking him there. I wish I could receive a sign to know he is at peace and still loves us! We will miss him dreadfully
Dear Liz…just had to write you and let you know my daughter had to have her boxer put to sleep on November 11th also. His back legs were also non functional and she had to put a towel underneath him to carry him in and out of the house. Then, the next day my own beloved dog died. It was a horrid weekend. I cried all day sunday and today, just wishing so badly I could have some sort of sign that my
dog understands. I know that he is on the other side now and just pray that he will give me some sort of a sign that he’s ok. : (
We lost one of our 15 year old cats, Darla, last night. This comes one year and two days from losing our 10 year old cat Dooley and one year and one day from losing another cat, our 13 year old Belle. Christmas time has become something to dread. We have 3 cats remaining – one 14, one 15 and one 16. We know that the odds are that one or more may pass in the year to come. Despite having the remaining cats, a 26 year old cockatiel, an 11 year old African Gray parrot and two dogs, one 7 and one 3, our house feels and sounds empty. It’s hard to believe that three little kitties filled up so much space.
I think we miss them so intensly is because they gave so much and asked for so little in return. They were always there to offer comfort or comic relief, and they knew which one was appropriate. When one of our pets die, we find ourselves second-guessing ourselves and what we did or did not do just before they passed. Did we do enough?, did we do too much?, did they suffer?, and the list goes on and on.
We feel guilty in many ways. What we forget is that they were in our lives for a reason- Sometimes it was to teach us patience, sometimes to teach us the meaning of responsibility or love – and we did the best we could. Many only have to be here for a short time, but all leave an indelible mark on us. I can only hope that all of my pets will be there to show me the ropes when I reach that Rainbow Bridge. I hope that they remember that I am afraid of bridges and can muster the comfort, again, to help me cross with confidence.
My 3 year old cat was killed yesterday by a dog. We just (3 weeks ago) flew her half way around the world to keep her with us when we moved, bc we couldn’t imagine life without her. She was the sweetest cat. Funny enough when we got her from the shelter as a kitten I remember looking at her and thinking – it’s too bad there is no way I will ever love you as much as I love these dogs that I have had for years.I was so wrong – I couldn’t have loved her more. I am still in complete disbelief that she will no longer sleep on my bed at night, and talk to me as she follows me through the house. I guess I have to be thankful for her time in my life, but goodness it’s hard to let go of this perfect little gray tabby that stole my heart!
Hi my name is Steve Siles im a pet owner of 4 beautiful indoor cats. i had a total of 5 but i experianced a tragedy a lil over a mnth ago i found my cat laying dead on the bd rm floor! i lost my mind and went crazy i was in trauma i had him for 4 yrs he was 100% indoor cat never went out he had a family w the other ones including myself. i was in lots of pain he was doing fine the day before the tragedy occured! he didnt got into anything there was nothing there to had caused his death to occur. he showed no signs of illness. the last time i saw him alive was fri 4th at around 7pm and the last i heard his voice was around 9sh but it was just his way of attn. like he usually used to do and then i thought to my self thats his normal self wanting to play! after words i went to bed around midnight and in the morning as i usually do i do the kitty chores food water and litter. i found him laying dead i thought he was just fooling around. But then when i touched him and felt his whole body stiff and his eyes opened to the top of the brain i went crazy i called everyone for help. My girlfriend panic and was broking down too. we drove immiadtly to the vet and he suspected a open heart failair an acute possible cardiac arrest to the heart! part of my life was drained out of me i felt that i was dying right there. and then i never expected this in my life. he was happy and had a hm he didnt deserve this. to all the pet owners my condolenses for your loses and im sure i will try to go on w my own pain. sincerly steve siles
Hi Andy and Matt: my name is Steve S. i read your message on behalf on Benson im truly sorry for your guy’s loss. i experianced one my self on sat: Nov 5th very early morning i found 1 of my cats laying stiff i went crazy i was in trauma i forgot who i was. not knowing what happened to him. he was fine on the 4th the day before. its a mystery how this tragady happened to me he was 4yrs old he was indoors never went out, im still greaving for him. the last time i saw him alive was on fri 4th he was fine. the last i heard his maoo was at 9:30pm but that was he’s normal maoo as he normally did! he showed no signs of illness he was healthy. My girlfriend and i took him in to the vet it was too late to save him. the vet suspected it was more then likely he had a acute cardiac to the heart. a possible heart failiar more then likely” i never senced what was wrong w him. because i never suspected anything w him. Andy Matt: im w your pain i never expected this loss to happen like this w out any signs. i will never 100% know what really happened that morning, all i know is that i went to bed at midnight so there is no telling how long he was gone. rigo mortis settled in his body i tryed cpr and nothing he had no life anymore! i know that our heavenly father called him for a reason. And he didnt suffer when he rested i will never forget him: and as for Benson” he’s w my lil man his name was moo moo: up there there spirits are w us for ever! im in so much pain to even exept my loss. because i still can’t let go anyway my friends stay strong if u guys ever want to talk please feel free to email me at esiles1117@yahoo.com have a blessed day. sincerly steve s. i will always miss my lil boy! for ever.
I am very heartbroken and sad. My sweet 11 year old golden retriever, Dakota, passed away in my arms on Monday due to lymphoma. He held on until his body couldn’t take another breath. I am devastated, broken, sad and depressed with his passing. I look at all the places in my house where he would lay or come sit with me and they are empty spaces now. I have cried for the last two days and find myself wishing to be with him. My husband and daughter tell me how he doesn’t like me crying for him. It makes him sad and he is with me, I just can’t see him. I need to believe this, but can’t. I am praying for a sign from him to know he is okay. I miss him deeply.
I have a copy of Rainbow Bridge when I lost my Bassett Hound about 6 years ago. I read it and it makes my cry but brings some comfort knowing I will be at that same bridge to greet him some day. Pets love so unconditionally and are so forgiving. Dakota taught me so much over the last 11 years. His patience, kindness and deep love will be with me forever. I never knew a dog could love a human so deeply.
I love you Dakota. I hope you are running and enjoying the sunshine in heaven now. Your health and vigor has been restored. Send me a sign when you are ready. I will be waiting…
On 29/12/11 I lost my sweet liitle George, a 6 year old Cornish Rex to kidney failure. The pain is almost unbearable, he was my best friend and comforted me and loved me like nothing else and I loved him. after 18 yrs as a police officer and seeing so much death, I wasn’t prepared to feel what I am feeling, a tidal wave of grief and sorrow. More than anything I need a sign from Georgie to know that he is ok. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you, but if love would have been enough to save you, then you would have lived forever.
I lost my beautiful black cat Samantha on Friday 1/27 to what the Dr now thinks could have been either a heart attack or a blood vessel burst in her brain as she couldn’t move her head, couldn’t turn it or walk straight — to the point where she’d just collapse. During the x-rays that day he also found that she had an enlarged heart and liver – she was 13yrs old, but earlier in the week she was fine — playing , eating, jumping on windows and so happy. I noticed her head not being able to move on Wed evening — took her to the vet on Friday, he took blood tests for results on Sat, took her back home where she lay on the floor trying to breathe. I couldn’t accept that she was dying…I kept telling her we’d take her bk to the vet for oxygen. My guilt is that I felt I didn’t “prepare” her for the Rainbow Bridge / the Other World… I worry how she is doing, if she’s alright, where she is. I miss her so much, but I know she knows how much I loved her. I was looking for a bell as I heard that spirits come to bells, chimes, candles, but couldn’t find the bell and so went over to her toy box to throw out her old toys. I cleared everything out of the box only leaving some tissue papers, nothing else. On my way out the door to throw out the box, I heard a jingle — when I looked down, there was a small bell in the middle of the box that I had not seen there before. I take it as a gift from her and a sign so I put it on a blue ribbon and now wear it around my neck — hoping that soon, the jingle will draw her to visit me. I sit here and talk with her as she loved to watch me on the computer so I hope she’s nearby. Its always a guilt, a “what could I have done”, its a big hole of hurt and pain, its devastating to feel that we didn’t do enough because we didn’t expect it at the time it happened. I have learned you can never take too many pics, or tell someone how much we love them. I wish all of us great healing, for not many understand the depth of our emotions and pain. I wish for us all healing, wellness and continued love from beyond.
I lost my dog and Ihave a problem to cope with it.
I am very unhappy and devastated.I can not live normally. I have questions and no answers
I lost my beloved huskie when i was 11 she had been the most loving and adorable dog that i have ever had. One day after school i went in the backyard because for about a week she was ill. she lost all of her fur, and looked terrible. So when i went in the yard i saw just lyng there in the hot sun becaus she could not walk anymore. that very day we had her put down so she wouldn’t have to suffer. This beautiful dog was named shadow. i miss her deeply even thou its been 5 years.
I lost my baby Busta 5 days ago. He was a Maltese and poodle mix, only 4 years old. He was my world, my substitute child. He was hit by a car and died suddenly. The pain is so unbearable and I can’t stop crying. It feels like one horrible dream and I am waiting to wake up. Reading your words has comforted me tremendously. I so needed to hear this. I sometimes wait sitting on the couch for him to jump in my lap and give each other endless kisses. I love him so much and miss him so much. But to know that he is still playing and happy and that I will see him one day is an amazing feeling. I am looking forward to seeing him or sensing him or hearing him. Most importantly kissing and cuddling with him again…Mama Loves you Busta!
ive just come to this site looking for comfort after having my best friend put to sleep on monday 19th march 2012 he had heart failure and hid it so well till it was to late ,id have spent my entire savings to save him if the vet could have… he broke my heart watching him slip away . hes buried in his garden near my lovely kittens that didn`t get a chance of life they passed in october 2011 .. but i know i will see all my pets again on rainbow bridge so till that day all my pets are buried deep in my heart … hope thats of some comfort… to know george waits for you at the bridge . rip bingo love you always xxxx
Our Gypsy Queen died on Sunday 1st April 2012 at home, in a cool spot near our pond, surrounded by a special flowering orchids (the flower looks like an angel) and all the many other elements of nature in our garden. The spot where she lay to rest was so obviously marked by her and I am truly grateful as its a beautiful spot where I can spend time with her in these days just after her passing. It is almost as if she choose this spot. I practise kundalini yoga and do the sat siri siri akal mantra each day for her soul to be able to leave us peacefully. I am comforted by the fact that she sat with me everyday when I did yoga and as if she too enjoyed it and got a lot out of it herself. I tell her that I love her and I visualize myself hugging her. When I wake up in the early mornings I feel her presence very strongly and I instinctively open up all the doors for her to be with us. My partner hears her scratching the door to be let out and often sees her passing. I have been crying on and off for the whole week, sometimes it overtakes everything. I have found peace gardening and feel as if I am with her. Our other dog has come to sit with me when I do the mantra for 7 minutes near the spot where she died and then again at her grave.
Gypsy was a silky terrier and she was incredibly special to us, that is my entire family. I remember her youthful days when she hid every treat under my brothers pillow, playing with her ball and fetching it, and basically engaged every aspect of her life, to later years when she went on walks as often as we could, to the sea, to every beach and excursion with us, her command of the house and her demanding and fussy eating habits. But most of all I remember her helping us all through our difficult times, the death of my Dad, my siblings and partners depressions, operations, the death of my Mum. Its almost as if she tried to stay alive for us in her last couple years (after my Mums passing) and then again even in the last days to be there for us. I remember when my partner was going through a difficult time she would come every morning to greet him at the side of the bed, and she did the same for me when I came home from a major operation. To me she almost sacrificed for us to heal, she took on our pains and healed us. She became diabetic and lived I think approximately ten years on insulin shots twice a day, and in her later years became blind with cataracts due to the diabeties, and most recently lost her hearing and then even her sense of smell. We did witness it becoming more and more difficult for her to find us, find her way etc, but she ate well and functioned normally up to the day before she died. We supported her with constant hugs and cuddles and just being with her.
I am truly grateful that she died very peacefully by the pond, of normal old age and a natural death. I will forever be grateful to the universe for giving us Gypsy and for her sharing almost fourteen years of life with our family. I miss you Gypsy and will forever love you… I don’t know what made me do it, but I continuously told you that I loved you over and over again, every day of life for as long as I can remember and I hugged you so much. I which I could hug you again tightly now and it make me remember your last affectionate cuddles with me and with my partner the day before we went away and two days before you died. I wish so much I were her but for some reason the universe arranged that I would not be here so you could die very peacefully in the garden that you so loved. Now I know why you were making holes and looking for cool spot around the garden in the last month or so. I know I have to let you go so you can soar and be free. My psychic told me once that Gypsy was a healing dog and I did and do believe it. She was a caring and really connected companion to us all, she shared everything in our lives. Last night I missed her physically walking out our visitors to the front gate, as she always did, but I turned around I actually felt that she was there. I love you Gypsy, so much.
My Dog Charmin Reacently Died On Wensday And ive Been Sad When I Think Of Him Its Hard Not To Cry Because. I Loved Him So Much i Cant Wait Until I Meet Him Amd All My Beloved Lost pets At The Rainbow Bridge I Wish I Could Still Have Him Here With Me Now But I Guess That Disease Won The Fight He Had With It When I Found Him Layinq There In His Dog House Blood Dripping From His Rear End I Knew He Was Going To Be Gone Soon I Hoped He Wouldnt But I Happened So Fast I Couldnt React To Anything But Reading This Gave Me Confort And Hope That One Day Ill Be Reunited With Him At The Rainbow Bridge I Cant wait Until That Day Comes But Until Then He Will Allways Be In Heart Along With All My Other Loved Pets
I lost my beloved Susie on April 9th and I miss her more than words can say.
Susie came to us over 13 years ago when we lived in Dubai. She was a black
Cocker spaniel aged about 4 months and had 3 owners before us each takng turns
to beat her. I can only begin to imagine the pain she had gone through. When
I saw her I fell in love instantly but it took a long time for her to get over her
traumatic start in life. With a lot of love and patience she adapted to
life with us and followed us back to Scotland. Unfortunately she had
to go through quarantine for 6 months which was horribly hard but
easier than leaving her in the Middle East where she would have ended
up going from family to family. We lived in Scotland for 2 years then moved
to America. Susie came out with us and loved her time there, watching
all the wildlife in the garden and chasing the occasional unsusupecting
Chipmunk. After another couple of years we moved back to Scotland
and fortunately with her pet passport she disnt have to do quarantine.
Susie was such a gentle character and took everything in her stride. She
lost her sight 3 years ago to glaucoma and adated brilliantly
to being blind. She loved life but suffered a stroke in January and from
there her body slowly started to give up. She
had several infections then her legs went. I manged to find
a brilliant vet specialising in acupuncture who I’m sure
helped in Susie having a pain free final month. Although we knew she
was old and getting weaker the end was still a shock.
She packed such a lot into her life and I miss everything about her.
I’m so comfortated that she’ll be waiting for me
but I like to think shes with me evey day.
I miss and love you so much Sue Sue.
I got my beloved Sushi, 13 years ago as a birthday present. She was a little white ball of pumpek fluff when I got her and grew to a 12 inch, 8 pound little lady who ruled our home. I thanked God ever so often for the gift of her every day she was alive. She brought joy into my most darkest hours, and unconditional love when I needed it most. She shared all my good and all my bad, and through it all she always had a way of making you do as she beckoned, including forgetting your problems and focussing on her.
She was a often a passenger who required an open window (even though she had to be held the entire trip to actually reach the window) . She was a guest who attended our dinner parties (however this guest exclusively monopolised at least one family’s member time through-out entire events). And was even a guest at my sister’s wedding, (she’s in every family shot). This little white dog, even had her own guard-dogs and pets. She was so physically small in comparison (smallest member of our family, including the 6 remaining dogs) yet we all knew her place and ours.
Yet she was loyal and protective of her humans. Everyone excluding family members were afraid of this fierce little angel. She would quietly sneak up to strangers and make a mad rush for their legs when she was inches away. Not afraid of anyone or anything she had to be held with both hands on daily strolls if any very large vehicle (like trucks) should dare venture on the road she believed she owned. An excavator driver once had to stop his machine for fear of squishing her, as she dutifully ran around the tires instructing it to leave. I really don’t think this little lady knew how all our hearts stopped as she barked. She also had a habit of chasing neighbours dogs into hiding when she got the chance, which was always funny in my mother’s eyes because she is the smallest dog in the neighbourhood.
We shared walks in the citrus gardens, lazing around on our backs, breaking apart any reachable wooden furniture we felt my mom would not see (literally), breathing in the cool evening breeze and then blowing it out (I think she was trying to teach me some ancient yoga thing!) and lying on the floor mulling away at who she felt she could control.
I learnt the value of 1) a belly and head scratch, 2) nuzzling (which we dubbed a “narf”), 3) making up a bed until all blankets are just right 4) hiding bones for later smells and 5)cuddling up before bed as necks are rubbed as an awesome way to end the day.
She had been through all the typical dog aliments and even the not so typical including kidney stone surgery and surgery to remove tumours. All through of which we fretted and worried for “our baby”. Recently her arthritis became crippling, I had to hold her up to even urinate, her pain kept her up all through the night panting. All the possible courses the vet could have taken was done and in the end on the 18th of April (1day before my birthday) the vet came home and I euthanized by most beloved friend.
We buried her next to the house in a pain-filled ceremony.
I still feel her and look behind me ever so often as if she is following me as usual. I miss her dearly and I want to thank you for sharing your story, because even though you had a cat and my Sue Sue was a dog. I stopped and read your contribution because of her name. It made me stop to write what Sue meant to me, which helped in my own grief. Keep strong, pets give as so much pleasure, the memories, love and lessons they leave with us will last a life time.
My Sushi was my best friend, and I may never have that with anyone else. But I try very hard to remember all the brilliantly bossy ways she would bark me out of a slump and know she would want me to not be impaired by her moving on. She will always be there when I need her, but God felt her job was done. He needed her home pain-free and made it, so that I had to release her. I know she is with God, but there when I need her.
I love you Sue and I am comforted in knowing we will meet again.
I lost one of my fur kids on April 18, 2012. I had to put her down because she was suffering for Congestive Heart Failer. It’s been such an emotional few days and cannot stop thinking about her for a moment. I’ve been down this road before, but it never becomes easier losing a beautiful pet. I wish I would get a message or a feeling that she is still around. I miss her so much. She was so special in many ways and can never be replaced. I still have 3 other fur kids who I love just as much and will be in great pain when their time comes. I know that its part of the life cycle that we all must go through but it’s so painful. I know that some people think I’m crazy for being so emotional, but it’s like losing a family member. You are with this ball of fur for many years. You learn about each likes and dislikes. You don’t speak the same language but at the same time you know understand each other. They show you love no matter what. They are with you through thick and thin.
Raven you will always be in our hearts. You will never be forgotten. We will always love you.
I’m sorry in advance as this maybe long, I don’t know who to turn to or what I’m going to write so I will just type…
We lost our beloved Staffy on 30th April, we had to make the choice to put him to sleep, the most painful choice I have ever had to do, he looked so sad and I cant get the image out of my head….I know its only been 2 days but my heart is hurting like I have never ever felt before.
We have had Lloyd since he was 8 weeks old, along side his sister Peggy, they were inseparable, never ever been apart in the 10 and a half years we have had them, these two staffys were our two babies. I had to miscarriages and after suffering the second we decided to give up for a while and get two dogs, and that’s why we have Peggy and Lloyd.
I’m going to now just talk about Lloyd, but you must know I feel exactly the same way about Peggy, but she is still here next to me as I type
Everybody loved Lloyd, he wasn’t your normal Staff, he was a wimp and a little nervous boy, we dint know why as he had always been loved from day one….I think maybe I mothered him way too much , they slept in our bed, took the covers from us, life was just them…he was an absolute one in a million dog, so unique and so odd lol, makes me smile thinking of the stupid things hes done…
I fell pregnant again in 2007 and this time was a success, we had Ronnie in 2008, and Peggy and Lloyd were just BRILLIANT with him, looked after him, played with him, just so so brilliant…
Both dogs have never been poorly, we have been so lucky really….
About a month ago Lloyd started coughing here and there, we didn’t really take too much notice and carried on life, about 3 weeks ago he become very breathless all the time so we took him to the vets who said he had fluid on the lungs and pneumonia, he was given tablets and we was told to go back once the tablets had finished (2 weeks), we had a bit of joy thinking he would get better….on Saturday 28th April his condition started getting worse, he could hardly breath but was eating and drinking, so we thought maybe its the tablets, so we gave him lots of cuddles and affection…
On Sunday it was a different story, he was so so poorly, he didn’t want us to cuddle him, kiss him, he looked frightened, we took him to the emergency vet who gave him a water injection to release some of the fluid around his lungs, we were told to take him home as his breathing was bad and he needed to take him home to be comfortable and to take him back to the surgery first thing…that night was awful, I was so scared and upset
Next morning we took him the vets who when examining said it didn’t look good and they would run tests and we were to phone them midday, we went home, 20 minutes after getting home the vet called and said we must go back now as they were losing him (my heart is crumbling as I write this), we went back and poor Lloyd was on oxygen, his whole body was infected and there was absolutely nothing they could do for him, and he would be alive for a few hours, but we decided to have him put to rest there and then as we couldn’t see him suffer, it was the MOST HEARTBREAKING THING EVER..I am so glad we was with him the whole time
The guilt and the hurt is unbearable, I dint sense him around me in spirit at all, I feel this is because he wasn’t put to sleep at home and was somewhere strange, he hasn’t come to me or given me a sign he is OK and that he still loves me, I’m hurting so much, we have his ashes at home with us and he sleeps next to us, I cant quite believe he is gone, snatched so quickly…
Peggy is so sad, I’m wondering how she is feeling, they have never been apart since they were born, over 10 years ago….now I’m thinking Lloyd hates me for all the times he was a little ratbag and I told him off…..that’s all I can think about is when I told him off and how I wish I hadn’t,
I cant eat, sleep, stop crying, I cant even have my 4 year old child around me being so normal (I know its not his fault), I just want Peggy with me….I miss Lloyd like I never ever could imagine, I just want to die so I can be with him and he isn’t on his own, hes was so vulnerable…..I want this pain to go away, I want him home with me….please someone help me…please xx
Jodie
Rest in Peace my lovely beautiful boy, I cant wait for the day to come when we are together again xxxxxxxxx