Why Everyone Should Talk About Pet Death | E. B. Bartels | TEDxWellesleyCollege

NOTE FROM TED: TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...
Nearly every pet owner has experienced pet death - so why do we hardly talk about it? E.B. Bartels shares humorous and heartfelt anecdotes about loving pets, here and hereafter, and the potential connections we may be missing by not sharing our grief with others. E.B. Bartels is a nonfiction writer, a former Newtonville Books bookseller, and a GrubStreet instructor, with an MFA from Columbia University and a BA from Wellesley College. Her writing has appeared in Slate, Salon, Literary Hub, WBUR, Catapult, Electric Literature, The Believer, and The Rumpus, among others. She is the author of Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter, a narrative nonfiction book about the world of loving and losing animals, exploring the singular nature of our bonds with our companion animals, and how best to grieve for them once they’ve passed away, which was published in August 2022 by Mariner Books/HarperCollins. E.B. lives in Arlington, Massachusetts with her husband, Richie, and their dog (Seymour), tortoise (Terrence), pigeons (Bert and Dan), and dozen African cichlids (all named Milton). This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@DenTan30]

I just lost my dog today and I am trying to find ways to cope. She has always been there for 7 years. She loved me unconditionally until her last breath. I will always miss and love her. It feels like i am missing a huge chunk of my life.

[@TheHowardski]

See below...I lost my beloved Henry 3 weeks ago, he was my beautiful weimaraner and his loss has left me with a huge hole in my life. However awful it might be, as mentioned below it is NOT the end but the return home. You will meet again

[@rachelr8837]

So sorry for your loss...I had to put my sweet dog down (17 years) just this past March. I'm still crying and in deep pain. We will get through it. Thankful for resources and knowledge like this video. Thank you, TED talks for bringing it out in the open. Sharing is important!

[@TheHowardski]

@@rachelr8837 wishing you love and positive thoughts, were gonna miss our dogs for sure. It’s just Au Revoir, not goodbye, Although we might have to wait a while! ❤️

[@rachelr8837]

@@TheHowardski Thank you so much. Your words mean a lot...so sorry for the loss of your sweet dog as well. It's see you later...yes...💜

[@TheHowardski]

@@rachelr8837 Take care ❤️

[@TheVoiceInYourHeadd]

Just lost my best friend for 14 years. Now I am telling strangers about it on the internet. I am in pain and it is very hard getting used to not seeing her in the house.

[@minttumaria10]

I lost my 14 year old dog yesterday. My heart is so heavy and everything reminds me of him💔 Sending love your way!

[@bevedwards2461]

12:20 pm. Yes the pain is excruciating.

[@TheVoiceInYourHeadd]

@@bevedwards2461I hope time heals you soon. Had no idea so many others are going through this right now

[@gracefulgirl8153]

Pet loss brings an unbearable grief, and it's true that not everyone understands the depth of our sorrow. Yes, we are strangers, but we are connected in a very unique, if sorrowful, way. I'm very sorry for the loss of your best friend. Hang in there, and go easy because this grief journey takes time. 💔🙏

[@user-by3me4vr5j]

We just lost our dog 3 days ago. So grateful we didn't have to make that decision because he died in my husband's arms. He was a daddy's boy so he couldn't have passed in a better way. As heartbreaking and devastating that is for us, it also brought us comfort. I know that one day I'll see him again, along with my other 2 who has passed. My heart goes out to all of you who are also hurting from the loss of your fur babies.

[@Christina-ys9rb]

I just lost my baby suddenly 3 days ago and the devastation I’m feeling is indescribable. She was only 5; she went to lay down in the shade after running around the yard and just didn’t get back up. Everywhere I look I see her shadow.

[@banaweekidane2630]

I'm so sorry for what your going through, I lost my cat today after 13 years and I feel like my heart and soul are gone.....I hope you feel better ❤

[@holocene2164]

​@banaweekidane2630 I'm so, so sorry for your loss. I lost was baby girl Micha 3 months ago and it's still difficult. She too was 13. My thoughts are with you. Take care dear 🫂

[@jasnajulija]

So sorry for your loss 😭😭 I feel your pain 💔

[@user-gg1vs6wv6u]

It feels the same as when anyone else you love dies. But it's not treated the same.

[@littlesusieofficial]

Losing my dogs 3.5 years ago were the most devastating part of my life. I cried more for my pets than when my folks died. And I still do cry once in a while when I think about them.😭

[@RohanChoppin]

Me too. You are not alone.

[@sawsansalim2447]

The same here. I don't know what to do

@@RohanChoppin Me, too. Someone says it takes at least 7 years.😭

[@benthread]

I don’t speak about it. It different than any other grief. It’s more personal.

[@gavipositano4774]

This makes so much sense. I’ve heard in spiritual ways our pets exist with parts of our own souls even before we die. Soul families are a thing. Grateful for animals.

[@the_glitter_is]

My beloved 18 year old boy went to Heaven a few days ago. The grief is unbearable. Much love to anyone in the same boat ❤

[@micmor517]

I lost bubba on march 30th , I feel your pain and anguish.

[@donnawhittaker5197]

I just lost my beloved almost 19-year-old tabby boy two days ago. We had to give him a soft goodbye in the patio where he loved to hang out. I am so very sad and don’t know what to do with this emotional pain. Hugs to all the people in these comments who have also lost their beloved furry companions.

[@banaweekidane2630]

I feel the same way, I lost my cat today, I don't know what to do with the overwhelming emotional pain

[@seer1623]

Thank you to all the bereft pet owners commenting here who've loved and lost. Just lost my kitty a week ago, and it was more devastating than the loss of both parents and a sibling combined. You gave love and a safe home to these wonderful creatures and good on you for it. I hope you can recover and bring another little furry (feathered?) friend into your hearts and homes. They need it so much.

[@banaweekidane2630]

I lost my cat today, I know what you mean. My cat was 13 years old and I tried to prepare myself but it's easily 10x worse than I imagined, devastating is the right term like a hurricane

[@christinadodd5780]

I'm so sorry for your loss! It's so hard losing a pet.💔💔🌈🌈🐾🐾@@banaweekidane2630

[@TheYazmanian]

Not everyone will understand even if they had a pet of their own. My boss had a cat that she had to put down yet when my dog passed away and I couldn't come into work the next day she literally said "it's just a dog". I quit that week

[@ticker6027]

I am grieving the loss of my little Fergie. She died 3 days ago. She was a 16 year old Pomeranian. I got her at 8 weeks. I have such a hole in my heart. I woke this morning with the thought that she needed something. My heart was stabbed with her loss. I was so blessed to be her person. She helped me through so much. I became a widow 3 years ago. I don’t know how I could have survived that without her. I loved her so much. She always loved me to the moon and it showed even in her old age. She lost her hearing and eyesight but her nose still worked very well. She knew when I got home from work and came looking for me. 😢 Thanks so much for this talk. ❤

[@JK-hm8qd]

Awe, me too pomeranian. They are so devoted, pleasers so deserving. Mine was 16 too. He just died 5weeks ago. Thank you 💞

[@zTheChosenOne]

I just had to put my almost 13 year old pup down yesterday. Sweetest girl ever. She’s been with me through so many memories. Start of a relationship, start of my career, moving out of my parents house, getting married. She was there for it all. I just feel so out of it, I don’t want to think about never being able to see her wagging her tail as I walk in the door from work. I just want to turn a corner and find her sitting there like she never left.

[@sawsansalim2447]

You have described my feelings exactly

[@Josh.19]

@@sawsansalim2447same here.

[@TobydeCorgi]

Yesterday I had put my shihtzu down😢 She was 14 years old always by my side…. I was 16 years old when I have her. I have the same story as you. It hurts so much 😢I only feel sadness and I cry the whole day…

[@zTheChosenOne]

@@TobydeCorgi I’m very sorry for your loss. It is not easy at all. I still tear up months later thinking about my dog. But you do start to feel better. We adopted another dog a few weeks after her passing. He has been great and has brought a lot of joy to our lives. He will never replace her but I don’t expect him to. They’re each their own little beings with their own personalities and I’m ok with that. If you decide to get another dog at some point I’m sure you’ll find that out to! Good luck!

[@TobydeCorgi]

@@zTheChosenOne Thank you for your reaction. Good that you have found a place ❤️ You have a lot of love to give. So I get why people get a new animal. I have 1 dog left now. And for now it’s enough for me. But also my other dog is quiet now. Together we try to cope with the situation 😞

[@Here4TheHeckOfIt]

16:50 "I'll always be grateful to my fellow humans who get what it's like to love and lose a pet." Thanks to everyone here for sharing your stories. It helps to know that this is widely shared ❤

[@PassBluntBoss]

He was my best friend he lost a battle to cancer. It was yesterday I'm so sad and depressed he helped me get through a hard battle with PTSD he was always there for me and I cant be thankful enough for his love and life Rest in Peace buddy I'll never forget you

[@banaweekidane2630]

I'm sorry for your loss, I had to euthanize my cat today after 13 years she got me through alot, the pain is surreal

[@PassBluntBoss]

​@@banaweekidane2630thanks for the condolences and same to you

[@bhavnak909]

I was feeding a street dog from past 4 years, he vanished from my area and then suddenly when he appeared near my stairs he was suffering very badly. I took him to SPCA, got him hospitalized and was going to meet him everyday. I didn't went to meet him yesterday and today I was going to meet him, I got the news that he is no more and they buried him. I didn't get a chance to meet him a last time. Never in my heart I knew he came to say goodbye.

[@TheHowardski]

Thats really beautiful ❤

[@bhavnak909]

@@TheHowardski I held some sort of deep connection with him. I really love him. May he be happy, pain free and return with a longer life. A same color dog came to meet me after the incident happened.

[@teresahiggs4896]

I lost my 15 year old cat, Phugazy…..diabetes, disgestive disorders, and kidney failure . We we tried so hard , the vet and I over months,…I spent thousands hoping we could get his problems resolved and he could have a good quality life….but he kept getting worse and worse and developing more and more issues. . But he couldn’t keep anything down , so his blood sugar would go crazy… And he went from seeing the vet once a month, to once a week , with Emergency vet visits them almost every day he would have a crisis and have to go to he vet….and he HATED and was so scared at the vet . I just couldn’t keep,putting him through all that , just so I wouid t loose him. I had to let him go. He passed away in my arms…. He knew he was loved, so loved! ……I’m bawling as I type this ….I miss him so much! Poor baby had so many healthy issues over the years and he had a severe anxiety disorder all his life , but he was such a wonderful, special cat . I’ll miss him forever. I’ve lost so many cats and dogs over the years…I still grieve for them all.

[@dianestevens2659]

My dear dog Honey died nearly 3 mths ago aged 9. Very suddenly. I am devastated, blaming myself because I should have seen she was sick. The house is so empty. I just cry on and off all day, feel so sad I will never get over it. I try and listen to other stories that say if you talk to your pet they will send a sign they are ok, I have been praying for this but nothing happens. I feel my life is on hold and I cant see myself getting better. I hope I see her again.

[@sawsansalim2447]

You have just described what I feel right now.

[@dianestevens2659]

@@sawsansalim2447 I hope things will get better for us both and we will see our pets again, best wishes from Qld Australia😢

[@sawsansalim2447]

@@dianestevens2659 thank you so much. God bless you

[@okaykoda]

I lost my cat today. He was only 3 years old and has never been sick before. There was nothing I could do for him. I love him so much. I told him everyday, that he is my favorite. I'm missing him.

[@joshjosh8301]

Just lost my Callie girl. I have not been this devastated over loss, since I lost my grandmother when I was 11.

[@michaelquillen2679]

Over the years, I've had to say farewell to several animal companions. Yes, I cried over the loss of each one. Why? Because I loved each one. With the loss of each one, I always told myself, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened” (Dr. Seuss?). Nevertheless, I still cried at first, but found such great comfort in thinking back to all the joy each of them gave me and how good they were for me. My screensaver on my computer is now a rolling photo album of my last two dogs. I love seeing the photos on the screen and fondly think back to all the good times. After the loss of my last dog, I told myself I didn't want any more dogs. Within a month and a half, I adopted a little guy from an unwanted litter. Not to replace my former dog, but to fill the void in my life. My current 67 lbs. of brown and white canine companion goes everywhere with me. He completes my life.

[@abbykoop5363]

I find that even people who have had pets pass often haven't dealt with their own grief, so if you share your own loss they will often brush it aside so they don't have to feel their own loss again. Or you get the boss who flat out says that the loss of your dog is no excuse to miss a day of work. I've shared my life with 76 pets so far. I currently have 3. That is a TON of loss to carry around.....

[@Here4TheHeckOfIt]

11:20 "Opening up is really scary but when you do find someone who gets it, it can feel good" You do you and take the time to mourn as needed. Other animal lovers will get this, here and everywhere ❤

[@christinadodd5780]

I bawled for a month when my dog passed away. He died 13 years ago and still think of him daily. I think of all my passed dogs. I never grieved for humans like I did for my pets.💔😭

[@annebijo]

I just lost my 17 year old tabby cat my first baby boy I’ve had for nearly 2/3rd of my life gone all of a sudden I don’t wish this pain of pet loss on my worst enemy I’m so broken 😞

[@TheHowardski]

Very sorry to hear this but It's not the end, just the return to oneness....Nothing with a consciousness dies we just leave our earth bodies to rejoin the light.

[@annebijo]

@@TheHowardski thank u for this ❤️ it really gave me comfort

[@tanK7528]

My 17 year old cat went to heaven on Friday and I feel the same 😞 broken, shattered, lost… it really is such a brutal pain and my only comfort is the hope that he is in heaven. I’ve never thought about heaven until my cat died and I just want heaven to be real for him cos he deserves the best and an eternity of happiness like he gave me 🩵

[@golin3760]

I just lost my cat Johnny yesterday. I'm devastated. I've never felt pain like this. It is brutal.

[@annebijo]

@@golin3760 I know how you feel I can’t believe it’s been 2 weeks already but still feels like yesterday. I miss mine so much too but just remember the good times you’ve had with your beloved cat, he knows that he’s been loved and cared for all his life and that’s what matters the most. Think about the happy memories he’s brought you to your life and the love and joy. He knows he’s been cared for and he’s lived a happy life with you. You did all you could but just know that he doesn’t have to suffer anymore and his soul is at peace in heaven waiting for you.

[@MrThekingb]

I just lost my Scrappy that was with us for over 13 years. It has torn my heart and soul in ways i never knew. As he was also a bridge to my son that passed away in the same month 2 years ago. Now he is in heaven with my son. I truly feel a deep loss and will cheeish ever single memory with him. He will always be in my heart and soul. It is truly a beautiful feeling for his unconditional love that i have felt over the years. RIP Scrappy. I Love & Miss You So Much!

[@levskib4272]

I lost my dog yesterday , he was dying in my home and I live him, he died in my lap I know he will die but I never expect that it was yesterday. I am still crying until now I lost my emotional bond friend

[@viewfromthemoon]

My 14 year old bull terrier passed away 3 days ago. She was my pride and joy, my best friend, the sweetest. Even in her senior years she was giving us all she had. Zoomies around the yard up until the last week, just so full of love. There was a rapid decline the last 2 days of her life. We knew her time was coming soon and did everything to make her last days as loving as possible, but it's still a shock. She was like my shadow, the silence in the house is devastating I can't stop crying. We are picking up her ashes this week, we picked out a beautiful urn and will create a shrine for her. She was like my baby. She helped me grieve through the loss of my brother, kept me sane during the pandemic and now I don't know I feel so lost.

[@rjay7019]

I hope your feeling better 😢 I lost my Aussie Dave on 2/13/24. I got him from the shelter just 2 months before my husband died in 2009. I don't know for sure how old he was. But he was by my side for 15 years. I live alone now except for the cats and even they are missing him. Devastated is exactly how I feel 💔 I have been trying to make myself get busy and trying not to be sad but I feel empty 😢

[@viewfromthemoon]

So sorry for your loss, pets are more important to us than we think and it's when they leave that it's the hardest. I'm still grieving and I know this grief will remain, it will evolve into something else and one day it will hurt less. Time heals a bit I guess.@@rjay7019

[@doca2891]

I just lost my best friend of 12 years very suddenly to a heart attack. I lost another dog that I rescued from a traumatic situation less than 3 weeks prior to this one. My heart is shattered in a million pieces. Only some people truly understand. The pain is real and deep. My beloved Georgie and Ruby I have also lost others along this life journey and I am connected and loved each one. Lost many pieces to my heart.

[@laytinkor]

I lost my mini Dachshund Rascal 2 months ago. Rascal was 19 years 4 months when she got her wings. She adopted us at 3 months old. We where inseparable during those years. Each day has Rascal moments . We miss her terribly.

[@rywolf]

Had to get my amazing cavoodle of 14 years put down today f@:k cancer! I hadn’t seen her in 5 months and I feel terrible, I’ve known her half my life. I’m glad there is videos like this out there, RIP Darcy ❤

[@lukec6108]

I lost my Sasha girl today. She was only 5 years old, she developed lymphoma. Its been a tough day, its been a tough couple weeks. All of you in the comments make me feel some comfort knowing that im not alone. Its like a piece of you leaves your soul. it really hurts.

[@SCFLEUR]

I had to put my cat to sleep on 10/21 😔. Still so sad I miss my Kitty. She gave me 16 years of joy. 🌈🐈

[@michellemu9094]

My Maddy passed away last Friday, she was the sweetest girl I have ever known. She was an extension of myself, and partly of me died with her. I miss her every day and I love her forever. Maddy, I will be strong just like you until we meet again.

[@DougieForlano]

Just lost our Yorkie and cried throughout this talk she was my baby girl! Athena is an Angel love how her ting would hang out and how she would frolic in the field. Not having here here hurts bad. I’m sad but happy I got to have a slice of life with her ❤

[@RohanChoppin]

Lost my doggie soul mate last night. Thank you for the video.

[@miken2kol4u]

A month ago yesterday my family lost our beloved cockatiel Sunshine. His passing came at a shock and surprise to my family. He was honestly the goodest boy even when he was chanting "Am I good boy?!" while he was getting into some kind of mischief around the house. I got him for my wife as we were not having any luck getting pregnant and seeing her want a baby and us having no luck I thought maybe if we were unable to have a baby we had our baby bird. Fast forward we finally got pregnant with twins the end of 2022. Our twins were due at the end of July but were born 13 weeks early in May. Their whole NICU stay was the hardest to watch my wife go through with our twins needing blood transfusions, fighting to breath, eye surgery, getting so sick and needing to be intubated, unable to hold our children until they were DAYS old, she was pumping around the clock and having to drive back and forth and spend most of her day/night at the NICU with our twins. He was her companion in this whole ordeal, he stayed with us exactly 2 months after our twins were brought home. We envisioned the twins and him growing up together since he would have been 2 years old at the end of Novemeber. I am glad he got to meet the twins and get promoted to "big brother", but there is not a day that goes by that we do not miss him dearly.

[@Roxy_8]

I just lost my 16 year old kitty Simba on 11/27/23. I am thankful he went on his own naturally. I can’t cope with his loss, I miss him too much.

[@carolynnmathisen8754]

Thank you so much! What a great perspective. I lost my beloved mare in 2017 and still can’t get over her

[@jorjaysmith5571]

Lost my 16 or 17 year old girl Tengo a month ago yesterday, I had her since she was small enough to fit in my hand. She was such a beautiful and sweet cat. Was the hardest thing I have ever had to do putting her down, but cancer would not let her live in peace, and I couldn’t watch her suffer anymore. The hardest part is trying not to break down in tears every time I think about her.

[@kirakiszka]

i just unexpectedly lost my baby girl izzy yesterday after having her for 6 years, where she helped me heal and become who i am now, nothing could ever have compared to the love and kindness she showed me throughout those years, and i know, even now, she will be by my side for the remaining time i have left in this life, i pray, and i hope, to see her again some day, for now, i know she will guide me to a pet, that she knows i will love as much as i love her, and that i will be able to feel her love through them.

[@jimonalimb]

Great and helpful talk in my time of loss. I wish that TEDx was able to fix the abrupt cut off. Thank you!

[@COLLETTETHOMAS]

I had to send my 14 year old Peekapoo Sugie to the Rainbow Bridge yesterday. I had her since she was 3 months old. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do. I was with her every day practically for all those 14 years. I never felt that loneliness I felt after my husband died 21 years ago. She kept it at bay. She was my best friend, my constant companion, my fur baby. She has sent me signs so I know she's okay. Still, the devastation I feel makes me glad I'm old at 77 and won't have as many years to spend without her here. I look forward to being with her again at the Rainbow Bridge. I made sure she had a good passing with my local vet. I held her, kissed her, sang to her and made sure the last words she heard was my voice telling her I love you Sugie. She died from acute renal failure, and though I tried, nothing anyone could do to save her.

[@morsecode5078]

I truly feel that our pets are waiting for us in Heaven. I’m sorry for your loss. I’m experiencing a similar loss as well.

[@jessicakoch2331]

I just lost my best friend Nico yesterday. It was so sudden, I am so grateful that I have my friends who have let me vent and cry to them. He was my everything and I wish I could spend more than the 15.5 years with him. It isn’t fair that they don’t live as long, I’d give everything to bring my soul pup back. Nico I love you.

[@j87waldo]

Big fur baby hugs from me to you ours had to go away on Tuesday cancer and old age

[@420dlo65]

My life changed so drastically 21 days ago when my 17 year old baby girl died. My heart hurts constantly.

[@viewlesscheese]

Experiencing my dog's euthanasia was the most traumatic thing I have ever experienced. I knew she had led a good life and was old and logically it was was time but a part of me still cannot accept it regardless of how illogical it seems. I have lost relatives and friends but nothing has ever hit me as hard as my dog's death - she was at my side for 10 years, going to work and holidays, my wingman and practically my shadow . It's been 8 months and I still cry and think about her daily. I'm known as a big tough guy and my family and friends don't understand it. It's got to the point where I cannot talk about her around people anymore because even though they were understanding in the beginning I know they have had enough. Life just seems so pointless now. I miss you Athena and cannot wait to see you again.

[@judyhowe3150]

I just experienced a dog's death at home. I am beating myself up for NOT having her euthanized, because she spent a whole day struggling to breathe. She was old, and she had started having seizures. I had 3 other dogs euthanized in the past. Believe me, it is much better to send them on their way than to watch them suffer, even if it's for a short while. I understand the pointless aspect of it, because your whole routine is broken. But after 8 months, it should be better. Having lost 5 dogs, I understand that the pain lingers forever, but it lessens over time. You might consider talking to a professional a couple times. Best wishes to you.

[@emily884]

It's been a month since I lost my dog of 18 years and it still hurts. I hope she's running through grass fields and snacking on her favourite treats all day.

[@madtrapper6186]

Put my 11 year old maltipoo down 4 days ago. Digestive issues. Tried lots over the summer with different medicine, but wasn't working. He couldn't keep weight on and food would just go through him. Spent about $1,100 on vet bills trying to fix it, but nothing was working. Miss how he'd hop up on my lap and put his front paws on my chest and stare into my eyes and lick my nose. I'd scratch his ears and kiss him back. I miss him lots, but I know it was the right decision to make.

[@tonyyero7231]

Thank You for sharing ❤

[@romaineknepp6620]

Thank you for sharing this talk with us.

[@binxwaxcap7832]

I had to make the choice to give my Brownie girl a soft goodbye yesterday.... It hurts in a way I never even fathomed was possible. I can't imagine my life without her, my house and heart feel so empty. I miss her so very much. But seeing all these comments makes me feel less alone

[@dcavfactory]

So thankful for this. Thank you

[@gracefulgirl8153]

Thank you, EB, for this immensely sensitive, true, and beautifully presented talk. Your words really helped me. My grief over the loss of my senior pet is very deep, and my heart is broken beyond repair right now. I do have friends that understand and "get it", but this grief journey is going to take time. I'm crushed, but I adored my little one, treated him with love, devotion, and respect, loved spoiling him and know he loved his life as much as I dearly loved him. ❤🙏 Peace and love to my little love, and to everyone here. ❤️🌈🐾❤️🐾

[@TheVoiceInYourHeadd]

We are with you in our pain. Hope you are recovering well

[@gracefulgirl8153]

@@TheVoiceInYourHeadd Thank you so much. Your kind words are very comforting. ❤️

[@TheVoiceInYourHeadd]

@@gracefulgirl8153 I understand all too well dear. We made it past the first few days. That is the toughest part. Know that you were a great pet parent and that you shared a beautiful love that many will never know or understand. That is a beautiful gift to be cherished forever. I don't like to ruin surprises but you will see your boy again. Keep the faith and find your strength to make it through

[@Verbsdescribeus]

as a pet owner for life, i am convinced that their pure love stay with us forever :)

[@amiinamo]

I just lost my cat almost 3 hours ago. I feel.. extremely sad

[@rudyrude8542]

I so sorry for your loss. My 13 year old dog passed away on Monday October 16. My heart is broken and my life will never be the same.

[@amiinamo]

@@rudyrude8542 I’m so sorry for your loss aswell😞 Hope you’ll heal soon and may they rest in peace🩷

[@pao-jl4hn]

I lost my cat yesterday, i feel miserable i can’t even explain how sad i am, i blame myself and i have so many what if’s in my mind. I love my cat so much.

[@Verbsdescribeus]

Actually, everyone should talk about the benefits of caring for a pet with all the responsibilities involved. With all the neglect cases I see at my vet in this decade, I truly believe that not all people are meant to have a pet. Neglecting an animal until he or she becomes sick and dies at the vet it is a crime!

[@siat11]

I had to put my dog of 14 years Woody down yesterday. The decision and pain of losing him is brutal and devastating!

[@j87waldo]

Our 13 year old 7 pound Chihuahua had to leave earth side the 2nd we are so sad 😭

[@larryp4995]

we just buried part of our family TODAY ..LOLA.. I'm very HEART BROKEN she will be missed

[@afprincess7622]

Awesome talk

[@warmbloodydew]

Thank you for this. I just loss my soul 13 kitty with an accident. She had metastasized cancer but still doing good. I failed her

[@TheHowardski]

You haven't failed, It was her time to go. Life is Eternal. She is one of Gods creations. You will see her again, one day.❤

[@Here4TheHeckOfIt]

I'm so sorry for your loss 😢. Your kitty knows that you loved her and wouldn't do anything to harm her. She knows it was an accident. My deepest condolences, and take care ❤

[@warmbloodydew]

@@Here4TheHeckOfIt thank you for your kind word

[@warmbloodydew]

@@TheHowardski ❤️

[@christinadodd5780]

I live alone with my 2 dogs. I don't have kids or a partner, and I'm not close to family or friends. My dogs mean everything to me and are the reasons I want to keep living. ❤❤🐾🐾

[@jaredwhitaker2795]

Lost my dog tonight. Walked into a house covered in blood. The two males fought over a female in heat and my boy Taz died. Blood everywhere. Had to bury him at 1 am. Its not 4 am. I am so lost. I am so numb. I just want to cry but i cant. It sucks. I just want to mourn but ive got so many coping mechanisms for trauma from a young age. I just want to cry. It doesnt seem real.

[@user-hh6ks6wp4y]

We are going to lose our wonderful male cat Rags in a few hours. He has been the greatest cat ever, a beautiful gray and white boy with large paws. Our other cats respected him as the elder statesman. We believe he is close to 20 years old. He has been so durable and loving. I will never forget him. He showed up on our front porch with his best friend Rocky all those years ago. Rags fur was matted. That is why we called him Rags or Raggy but once we brushed and untangled his fur he was an extremely handsome boy. We lost Rocky a few years ago. We will bury Rags by his side. I would give just about anything to have both of them with me forever.

[@user-et2qi6of8m]

I love my Max. He passed away with dressed cancer and sad. He was always with me he love me and I loved him. Always love my Max my pet. Thank you. My name is Maryann.❤

[@GenerationJones-zq6sg]

I just lost my little grrl kitty, yesterday. I'm shattered.

[@silvaadourian3185]

Me too I’m a mess I don’t want to live 😢😢😢😢😢

[@daze4341]

​@@silvaadourian3185I didn't either even though I have a fiance and physical earthly possessions , it didn't matter . I will live to keep her memory alive in my heart and behave/ live in ways she can look down on me and be proud of her cat daddy .

[@roygocuan9519]

Just lost my goodest-boy Milo to cancer this morning.

[@KeeKooKee]

😢

[@indumani7776]

I lost my pet of 9 years a week ago.. I could not be with him in his last moments.. it was all of a sudden .. please help me dealing with the grief and sadness. Will it help if I have another pup of same breed.. will it make me feel even worse.. what should I do.. how should I live my again all alone now? Please someone help

[@nerd9347.]

They always start as pets. They become your family.

[@jennyli7780]

We lost our dog- Casper last night . It is really really sad…

[@k4bella795]

lost mine last night as well. i’m going through the worst emotions

[@carolglover3582]

Ohhh I’m sorry

[@kacey4569]

Missing you Ronnie!

[@carolevolcy7608]

We had to euthanize our 3 year old Yorkie this morning. He suffered a trauma and lost his ability to move his hind end. After his morning walk he slowly lost his ability to move. He could not urinate. He was a miracle an angel. I am so heart broken. He was with us yesterday and now my home is empty and so quiet. My beautiful boy my handsome Prada

[@maluisatorres8784]

my two beloved dog died a year a ago I still miss them so much even though I have a new dog now I still miss my two darlings chichi (6yrs old) soonyang (7yrs old)😢

[@Verbsdescribeus]

whoa... why so young? my dog is 11 and the other was was 16 when she passed away...

[@cheavila8764]

I just loss my 7 years old dog in a much painful way.. she left me with 3 puppies..

[@mariee.5912]

Nobody talks about having to rehome a dog without judgements either.

[@21rajah]

It's a horrible terrible feeling

[@jds6964]

I cried when my friends dog died.