How to deal with a pet death

[pacu mom]

For me it helps to fill the void as quickly as possible following the passing of a beloved pet. I've had three silver persians in the last 31 years. Each cat was/is totally different than her predessors. My second cat had a lot of issues and was as naughty/bad as the first one was angelic/good. Over time she developed into the most talkative want-to-cuddle cat. I called her the love monster, because she woke me up multiple times every night, jumping up onto the bed and working her way into my arms. Her death was sudden and unexpected when she developed a brain tumor and had to be put down. The cat that filled our hearts next is the most wonderful, joyful cat with an exuberant personality. She is a well-traveled cat who has experienced more things than most cats. My husband calls her "P P Cat", which I thought was most derogatory until he said it stood for "precious princess".


So for me, getting a new baby ASAP works. The new pet can not be compared to the old one. A new kitten with all its playful antics brings a smile to my sad heart....and I quickly realize how old and elderly my last cat had become.

My former pets are just sweet memories now. Our pets today help us focus on the present and not on a previous loss. When I look at my cat, I cannot even think about her two predecessors.

Here she is trying to wakesurf
http://s148.photobucket.com/albums/s29/pacumom/pro/Cat surfer/?action=view&current=Farah1.flv

http://s148.photobucket.com/albums/s29/pacumom/pro/Cat surfer/?action=view&current=Farah2-1.flv

 

[bettagurl]

Princess, you obviously love animals, why not volunteer? You get to love on as many animals as you want, and you can find a rodent rescue.
OR, you could foster hamsters, that way you're not technically bringing them home to keep, and you're doing a good deed by helping them out. You can cycle them out of shelters or just people who are sick of them, or people who got one for their kids, and surprise surprise, the kids didn't take care of him.


Or if rescue is not for you, I'd replace, but wait for a little while after he's gone...

I think you ought to get a well bred rat, to be honest, they are loving, live longer than a hammy, they can be trained, and are smart.

 

[princess]

For me it helps to fill the void as quickly as possible following the passing of a beloved pet. I've had three silver persians in the last 31 years. Each cat was/is totally different than her predessors. My second cat had a lot of issues and was as naughty/bad as the first one was angelic/good. Over time she developed into the most talkative want-to-cuddle cat. I called her the love monster, because she woke me up multiple times every night, jumping up onto the bed and working her way into my arms. Her death was sudden and unexpected when she developed a brain tumor and had to be put down. The cat that filled our hearts next is the most wonderful, joyful cat with an exuberant personality. She is a well-traveled cat who has experienced more things than most cats. My husband calls her "P P Cat", which I thought was most derogatory until he said it stood for "precious princess".


So for me, getting a new baby ASAP works. The new pet can not be compared to the old one. A new kitten with all its playful antics brings a smile to my sad heart....and I quickly realize how old and elderly my last cat had become.

I was watching video's on youtube of hamsters before and they are all fast and zippy but Charlie is a really old man and i've had to make his house 1 level, i'm trying to make his last days comfortable ones.

Princess, you obviously love animals, why not volunteer? You get to love on as many animals as you want, and you can find a rodent rescue.
OR, you could foster hamsters, that way you're not technically bringing them home to keep, and you're doing a good deed by helping them out. You can cycle them out of shelters or just people who are sick of them, or people who got one for their kids, and surprise surprise, the kids didn't take care of him.


Or if rescue is not for you, I'd replace, but wait for a little while after he's gone...

I think you ought to get a well bred rat, to be honest, they are loving, live longer than a hammy, they can be trained, and are smart.

I did lots of volunteer work at the RSPCA when i was 14. I now volunteer in a school lol ( well they are kinda like animals )

As i'm older now i make a more conscious decision to adopt an animal and if i decide to get another hamster the rescue centre will be my first point of call.

 

[bettagurl]

I did lots of volunteer work at the RSPCA when i was 14. I now volunteer in a school lol ( well they are kinda like animals )

As i'm older now i make a more conscious decision to adopt an animal and if i decide to get another hamster the rescue centre will be my first point of call.

Kinda like animals? What are you talking about? Animals have more manners

I can't say I've ever loved a hammy. My first (and last) bit right through my finger for no reason, he was all sweet and cuddly at the store, but he turned evil as soon as he was home. I was 7 or so, so it really freaked me out.

 

[princess]

yeah i've been bit only once by my first hamster Monty lol it touched the bone and everything ouchy.....

to be honest i don't handle them that much just a stroke and tickle before its daily ball exercise lol after they come out of the ball i have no chance of handling it!

I like syrian hamsters when they are around 6month old, nice big chunky hamsters, maybe thats why an older hamster from a shelter might be a good choice.

 

[johnptc]

Bit of a morbid thread but it's an issue i'm sure we all have delt with.

I know everything HAS to die at some point and i have always had pets. I have a child like opinion on how to get over the death of a pet - i simply replace it.

With fish deaths i do get slightly upset depending on how long i've had them. 2 week's ago my 5year old goldfish died, i had a tear in my eye but i knew for a fact i wasn't going to replace him since i now know better and don't have a spare 50gallon tank hanging around.

The reason i'm making this thread is about my hamster Charlie, he's 2years and 8month old, i say he's got less than 2 weeks to live. The thing is i LOVE this hamster and every hamster i've ever had! I've kept hamsters since i was 10 and i can name EVERY hamster i've had in order.

I said to my mum i'm not going to get another about a year ago when Charlie was nice and healthy, but now i have this horrid feeling of emptyness like i HAVE to have another.

So my question is how do you deal with death? And is it wrong to want another? Not to replace your pet but to just fill the void, or is there a time period you should wait?

the more complete answer ....


this question is really about how to deal with losses in ones life.

when one suffers a loss in life it needs to be dealt with as such.........some type of mourning and some time for closure.

if every loss is immediately replaced the process of mourning and closure are never learned.

then when a serious loss occurs and an immediate replacement can not be found... serious side effects may then show up...... depression irrational behavior etc.

better to learn how to cope little by little ...give it some time and move on with life...........


my 2 cents

 

[FlamingFury5]

a hamster or goldfish wouldn't bother me. the thing is, when u experience losing a loved one, u get stronger as time goes by. theres not much u can do but wait it out. u can take a vacation to clear your mind. u might not feel like your in the mood for it but try going somewhere u really wanted to go. dont hang around places that has too much memories.

 

[arkmann]

3 years of happiness 1 day of mourning a life time of memories.

That line got me all emotional...

I definitely agree with johnptc. Losses have to be dealt with... eventually. Whether you like it or not. Its a part of life and it should make us better individuals in the long run.

 

[PennReels84]

my 3 friends always help me out, jack, jose, and johnny walker. sometimes i go visit jamison too.

 

[Stump]

the more complete answer ....


this question is really about how to deal with losses in ones life.

when one suffers a loss in life it needs to be dealt with as such.........some type of mourning and some time for closure.

if every loss is immediately replaced the process of mourning and closure are never learned.

then when a serious loss occurs and an immediate replacement can not be found... serious side effects may then show up...... depression irrational behavior etc.

better to learn how to cope little by little ...give it some time and move on with life...........


my 2 cents

I completely agree.