Do You Ever Feel Lonely?

[etexlady]

I'm typically a happy person who enjoys life. I have a nice income, own my home, have family and friends, work part-time at a job I enjoy. But lately, I just feel blue and lonely. I know the reason. My little miniature poodle, Jazz, my friend for 12 1/2 years, is dying from kidney failure. He has not eaten anything for three days. If he does try to eat something, even grass, he throws it up. I think it's time to say goodbye. I don't want him to suffer any longer. It's going to be so hard to let him go. And the house will be so much more lonely without him around. I know it sounds silly to be so sad about a dog when others have experienced even greater losses. Thanks for "listening".

[monik7]

It isn't silly at all. We love our "best friends" as if they're our children. They love us unconditionally. I''ve lost so many animals in my lifetime, but I've always gotten a new best friend. It's hard to lose them but we must remember the wonderful years of love and companionship we've had with them. I know it will be a hard decision to make when it's time to let Jazz go, but we need to always think of them first and us second. Waiting too long to make that ultimate decision can leave us with regrets that we should have made it sooner to relieve their suffering. I'm caring for my daughter's cat right now whose kidneys are barely working. Just gave her an IV of fluids. My daughter will have to decide in the near future I fear.

Hugs and prayers for you and your best friend, Jazz.

On edit: I definitely agree with Mitch (post below) about holding Jazz when the time comes. Make sure Jazz can see you. Again, hugs and sending prayers of strength for you.
Sandi

[mitch5252]

..
Judy, I'm so very sorry to hear about your little pooch.
Non-animal people have no concept of the immense love we feel for our pets, and the pain their sickness or loss cause us.
When we dedicate our lives to these little beasts, we know it won't be for nearly long enough, and we eventually must say good-bye.

Do you have a friend or family member who can be with you during Jazz's final journey, be it at home or at the doc's office?
I hope you won't be alone, but hold him in your arms when the time comes.
Hugs to you, and we know you'll do what's right for your little friend.

..

[Olive600]

Dear Judy, of course you're grieving and anticipating the empty spot where Jazz is now. That's how we prepare ourselves for doing the right thing whatever that might be. You're a good mom to worry about Jazz and wonder what life will be like when he's gone. I got my first dog about three years ago and just adopted another a few days ago. I cringe every time I think about how clueless I was when a friend grieved over the loss of a companion pet. Now I dread the day either of mine have to leave. So big big hugs to you and Jazz. You'll find lots of empathy here and women who truly know how you feel. So don't ever worry about sharing your journey. If you go through the "Pets" forum you'll see that many of us do and feel better for it. Welcome!

Nikki

[ellenw]

Tears here for the pain you're having to go through. Lonely and alone are not the same thing. You're not alone as long as you let us share your journey.

[Bethers]

Oh, Judy, I so understand. I have grieved for each loss of all my pets - they are family and I grieve the same for them as human family members. I know some don't understand that, but if you accept anyone as family, the pain is real. I've lost two canine members of my family since being on the forum ... and others have helped me make it through. I'm very lucky that I adopted Peaches before I lost the last one, Tips. I still grieved, but having her to take care of and to love (and to love me) helped me more than I can say. I've also lost a couple human members of my family - and other human members helped me through that - but none any more than the constant love of my pets who were with me day in and day out - to lick my tears and to cuddle me etc.

So, yes, I do understand. And I hurt for you having to make this decision ... big hugs to you.

[avalen]

oh yes, we do understand, and I have held all mine and yes, I bawled like a baby but it definately helps with my closure and I have ashes.

[BirdbyBird]

There are few words that can explain what are animals mean to our lives......those that haven't shared their lives with animals don't know or understand.....those of us that have and do...will be there for you....it won't stop the pain and emptiness of loss but know that you are not alone in recognizing the power and depth of the lives we share with our animals....

[linann]

Judy,
Losing a dearly loved pet is extremely difficult. Many of us have experienced this and understand what you are going through. Don't be afraid to lean on this group when you need someone.

[carolb]

I identify ....yes, other people have lost "more," but the love/feelings/emotional bonding you feel for your little guy is just as important to you, & that's not "silly/stupid" or any other "negative." Please keep reaching out for help to get through this, & treasure the moments you have with him til the very last one, no matter how painful....

[Redwahine]

My heart aches and I seriously cry every time one of our forum members has to say good bye to one of their best friends. Big hugs to you.

[SoCalGalcas]

We all understand what you are going through as we have been there ourselves. It is a very painful process and not silly at all to feel as you do. My deepest sympathy to you and little Jazz. Hold him and tell him you love him. lyn

[Nasoosie]

Making the decision to end the pain of our beloved four-footers is one of the most difficult life events we can experience. I have had to do it many times, and it never gets any easier. But, as some have said, being there and holding your friend tightly and talking softly to them makes it easier for them to slip into wherever we all will go some day. That we can make the decision for our 4-footed friends is really an honor, as I so wish someone could do the same for me some day should I be wishing to end pain. But it's that decision that is so damned difficult as, of course, we don't wish to lose them. I always try to think of it as the last act of love I can give them. The new drugs they give are so very easy for the transition, and there is no struggling if you are there with them. I think they actually thank us with their last breath. But be prepared to cry for a long time, at least I do. I even cry with each of you as you go through the losses, as it is such a poignant agony. And never be afraid to find a new lost soul in some ASPCA cage who is dying for a new home, as that little soul will become a part of you before you even realize it. I have found it's best not to remain alone, even though it might sometimes feel as if we are trying to replace our lost ones, which we know can never happen. It's just a new bond and sharing of love to keep us going and loving life. Hugs to you as you help your little Jazz go to the next wherever.

[grammynmaggie]

So sorry...so very painful for you and fur baby...
I would be feeling lonely also...prayers for you
both...donna

[retiredhappy]

All of us who have pets understand completely what you're going through. Maybe this Dog's Will will help.
A DOG'S LAST WILL

When human beings die they write their testament
To leave their home and all they have to those they love.

I'd do such if I could write.
To a poor, desperate, lonely stray
I'd give my happy home, my bowl and cozy bed my soft pillow and my toys.
The so loved lap, the tenderly stroking hand.
The lovely voice, the place I had in someone's heart.
The love, that at last, helped me to find a peaceful end, held firmly in a sheltering embrace.
When I die, please don't say "I will never have a pet again, the loss is far too much to stand."
Choose a lonely, unloved dog and give him MY place.
This is my inheritance.
The love I leave behind is all I am able to give.

When I lost my big lab Buddy and I still had Sophie, I said that's it - just one dog and no more. I lasted two weeks when I found Baxter and save him from a shelter. Now I can't imagine my life without both of them. I have the ashes of Sassy and Buddy and when I die, I've requested they mix our ashes and scatter them together.