Comments on: On Losing a Beloved Pet

By: Christine Kane

Christine Kane — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:37:33 +0000

My heart goes out to you, John. One of the things about this post is that the comments that show up are always from someone who is experiencing the painful first moments of loss. In my infinite capacity for control-freakishness – I wish I could somehow take that away. I can let you know that time does heal the heartbreak. (though i still miss mr. patticus all the time!) And the gratitude piece (that Sooty existed at all) will become bigger and bigger too.

By: John

John — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:19:47 +0000

Dear Christine,
Way back in 1991 I was given two Persian cats (1 black and 1 blue-grey) and I called them Flossy and Sooty. Young Flossy had been involved in an accident and the vet told me that she was a lovely cat but I shouldn’t hold out too much hope of her living a long life. But a long and fantastic life she lived. I had to take the decision this morning (Jan 21st, 2010) to have Flossy put to sleep. Kidney failure and arthritis had finally caught up with her. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel inside. It has taken me completely by surprise and I’ve found myself on the internet trying to get advice. Your words (and all the kind posts submitted) have been really helpful in realizing I’m not alone in my grief. It’s late evening as I type this and I miss my little devil so much. I held her and stroked her as she passed from this existence to the next. I know that when this raw pain has dulled I’ll be able to see the happiness we both gave each other. Sooty is still with me and I can tell he misses her too. We have each other for now, and while I know Sooty is also a ripe old age, I intend to make the most of his company and unconditional love until it’s his turn. Thanks once again for your lovely words and wisdom.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:17:22 +0000

TYVM Christine.

I was one of those “it’s only a cat” people before I got my first kitten 12 years ago. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I just lost him 3 days ago, a sudden attack and he died. I consider myself an iceberg in many sad situations. The loss of my best friend of 12 years has left me in heartbreak, longing for his warmth and friendship, his purrs and whimpers, in this now empty home.
This page is a blessing for us in mourning a pet. The best I’ve come across on the internet in this sad time.

Thanks again.

By: Donna

Donna — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:38:19 +0000

we lost our best friend Rambo on November 8, 2009. our whole family is grieving over his passing. there is a deep sorrow in our hearts. he was our “dad dog”, the heart of our family. we have Roxy his life partner and three of their offspring (Marty, Molly and Mickey) still with us. it hurts to see the dog family also miss him as much as we do. he was a wonder and a joy with a heart the size of a mountain. his capacity to love was amazing. it is taking time to put his passing into perspective and for it to find a place in our daily routine…some days are better than most. we love you Rambo and hold our memories of you foremost in our hearts.

By: arlyn

arlyn — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:48:21 +0000

i lost my beloved dog exactly one week ago, this will be the saddest holiday in my life. 14 years of memories will always be in my heart. the whole family grieved for him.what makes the pain even greater was that he died while i was abroad, and that he was with a vet instead of his family. yes, if only i could read his mind, knew the pain he went through. he was the kindest, most loving dog we ever had…. i love him and will never forget him for the rest of my life….

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:53:04 +0000

Christine, my heart weeps for your loss and rejoices for your memories of your sweet kitty. I found myself teary-eyed while reading this entry. Knowing that there may come a day when I face the loss of my beloved Pomeranian who is very much like a child to me. [unhealthy, I know, but I still "humanize" her and find myself wishing that she could miraculously talk to me ] Thank you for your writing and I know that it will prepare hearts for the future.

By: 31 Flavors of Gratitude | Christine Kane

31 Flavors of Gratitude | Christine Kane — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 04:03:19 +0000

[...] That Mr. Patticus was in my life for a whole 13 years – even though I still miss him so much every [...]

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:24:46 +0000

I happened upon your words, and am so glad you took the time to examine your pain. I just lost my sweet yellow lab, Bessie. She was 15 years old. My head knows she had a Montana life that was canine paradise, but my heart is broken. I can still feel my cheek against hers, and if I close my eyes I can feel her leaning into me for a belly scratch. Bessie ran wildly through meadows and rolled in scat despite being absolutely ancient. She barreled into old age like a rolling keg. I hope to do likewise.

By: Christine Kane

Christine Kane — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:22:31 +0000

steve – i tried to send you a special email, but the addy didn’t work. yes, i understand how hard it is to go through that sudden loss. my first cat was hit by a car and i thought I’d never get over that. this experience with atticus was different. but like i said – there’s never a point where it’s easy and you can just let go! i’m sorry for your loss.

holly – i’m sending you lots of love and light. i was just thinking last night as I went to bed of those weeks before atticus died and how i can’t believe i made it through. i don’t know that there is actual JOY in that sadness. but i do know that it’s all a part of the joy of LIFE. I’ll ask mr. patticus to hang out and wait for Teddy. (he’ll be in good paws that way!)

By: Holly

Holly — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:53:00 +0000

Thank you so much for these gentle, comforting insights. My beloved old cat, Teddy, is nearing his final days and I’m finding it so hard to accept this reality. I expect that I’ll be turning to these words here again and again. I just need to remember–as you said–there is joy to be found, even in sadness.