How is everyone doing?

[Judy246]

Hi, how is everyone coming along? Sending hugs and hope all is well. Love, Judy

[Jade59]

You're very sweet, Judy.  Thank you for your very kind words.  I do check on your wonderful forum every so often to "test" myself, so to speak :)

[Judy246]

Loving and losing a pet is one of the most devistating experience in life that I have experienced and to be honest, although I loss my Toby in 2001, he will always be in my heart and I suggest that you come and visit, when you are ready and when your heart tells you too. This group is here to help, listen, share and comfort, but if it is affecting you in an unhealthy way, they come back when you feel you can talk without it effecting you in such a strong, emotional way. Watching a precious pet or animal in general suffer with illness or when you can actually see death upon them, is sooo difficult, because you want to do everything in your power to help this animal. You don't wan to want to see any animal suffering, in pain, ill or dying, but unfortunately, it's a natural part of life the life cycle, yet so hard to take.

With a sick pet, we do everything humanly possible and also, when our pets no longer have the quality of life that they deserve or are in pain and suffering, we must make the most humane act of love, along with the vet and not prolong unecessary suffering. Also, I recommend that you contact your previous pet and ask all the questions you want. Believe me, they do understand. When Toby died, I contacted the crematorium and asked for the Director and told him that my beloved pet had died and I wanted to know what next, What will they do to my do, how long will it take, how ashes where picked up, how am I assured that it is my pet, what happens to ashes that the family will ask them to dispose. They were fantastic, compassionate, understanding and answered every question that I have. So, it's ok to help yourself heal and contact the vet, crematorium or whomever will give you answers that will help the healing process. Come back here, when you are read and only if you want to share your experience with others just starting through this painful journey. I hope this helps and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  Hugs.

[Jade59]

Hi Judy, doin' okay here.  I've been a member of your group since it's inception, but I find it so sad to come here.  When you told me about it, I thought it was such a great idea for a forum, but had little idea how I would actually react to it.  I'm having such a strong reaction (and now just writing this I'm going to cry) since I watched my next door neighbors dog be diagnosed with cancer last Dec, then watch him every day get worse and worse until he was finally put down on Apr 8th at age 11.  Even though he wasn't my dog, I loved him and miss him so much and I've wanted to write about him, but just can't yet.  All I need to see is the heading of this group and I start to cry.  

We also had a member on the cat forum who's beautiful kitty got cancer, too and being there for the owner for months at the same time my neighbors dog was dying, has taken it's toll on me and I'm having such trouble pulling myself out of all this sadness and depression.  They weren't even my animals, but I feel so awful for what their owners are going through since I've been in that situation myself with our first cat who had to be put to sleep due to some mysterious head injury.  Took me 6mos to stop crying over her.  I don't have children so tend to invest all my emotions and energy into my pets...and other peoples pets.  

Thanks again for starting this group, Judy.  It gave me a place to write and thank you for listening.