Coping with Pet Grief: Somewhere Over the Rainbow Bridge

If you're struggling with the loss of a pet, my heart goes out to you. No one experiences grief the same way. Be kind to yourself. And if you think it might help to imagine somewhere over the rainbow bridge, perhaps this meditation will help.

[appleoneill]

Wishing you so much love, and I hope you eventually feel the pain reduce. I believe the love of a pet can often be the first time a person has experienced Unconditional Positive Regard. This makes the pain of their loss and the gaping hole that they leave, an all consuming rawness. xx

[InterActis]

So sorry for your loss. We know how special he was. 😢 Sending you love.❤

[triciaostrander]

I feel your pain 😞 my Teddy is so missed, RIPARADISE Jack

[Penn_chill]

Oh, Michelle.
I let that statement stand alone on purpose, because I wanted it to have an impact.
I, too, am living in a state of anticipatory grief for my own version of Jack; Bailey, the rescued pitbull who actually chose me when I wasn’t sure I was ready to be adopted by another four legged family member. She had been rescued by a member of my vet’s staff and spent her days at the clinic, sort of as a mascot. I had seen her & petted her during vet visits, some of which involved the illness and of my previous canine best friend.
Several weeks after the final visit, I was back at the vet’s office and they tentatively asked how I was doing and if I had even thought of adopting another dog. Well, long story short, that led to them letting Bailey, my now Frosted Face pal who has several incurable illnesses and for whom I am struggling with anticipatory grief, loose from behind the counter. I was way across the room, no treats, no anything. She raced to me as if I was her long lost family and literally knocked me over with wildly enthusiasm leap and then covered me with kisses. The staff members were both amazed and apologetic. They were a bit worried that that unexpected behavior on Bailey’s part would be upsetting to me.
Ha! As if. She had me from that first, slipping, sliding on the polished floor, absolutely joyous leap. I didn’t adopt her that day, but it didn’t take long.
Now her days are limited and I can hardly stand to think about it, even as I think of the funny, silly, sweet, comforting, wonderful times I’ve had with her. So, that’s what the “Oh, Michelle.” salutation is about.
Thank you for creating this meditation at a time when it had to be difficult for you to make it. You did it anyway and I want to to know how much that means. I know it will bring me and others comfort. And I’m sure I will be back to tell you how it went.
Wishing you ever so much comfort,
Carla

[thebulldog]

Yeah, we lost our cat Wiley Riley and he helped me so much, it's like the animals have that 6th sense and they know we're having a bad day so it's such a loss when they're gone 💐💜😥

[krystalflores]

I know what you're going through 😢❤

[lloyd]

I just lost my pet bird shadow had him since he was hatched he was only in my life for a short time but left a big hole in my heart