The stages of grief after losing a pet are denial or shock, bargaining, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance, plus a seventh stage: making meaning. They rarely happen in order, and after 15+ years with a pet, moving through any of the stages can feel like an impossible task. I’m Paige Rechtman, a licensed therapist (and bereaved pet parent). Here’s what I learned about the stages after losing my cat, and how to move through each one.
If you’re a pet parent, you know the worst part about having a pet it isn’t cleaning up their poop. Or the torn-up furniture. It isn’t even the expensive vet bills.
It’s the fact that one day, you will have to say goodbye.
Your pet is going to get old (if you’re lucky). And eventually, their body will no longer be able to house their beautiful soul.
We never get enough time with our pets. Even if they lived a long and happy life.
Back in June, I was finally forced to say goodbye to my best friend. My soul-creature. My perfect, one-of-a-kind cat, Squiggles. For the past few months, I have been slowly moving through the stages of grief after losing her.
And it’s really, really hard.
My special bond with Squiggles
I’ve had Squiggles since the day she was born. Our other cat, Flopsy, gave birth to her when I was just 16-years-old, which was almost 22 years ago.
And boy did she live her 9 lives to the fullest! She lived in 3 different states, got lost in the wilderness for a whole week, and traveled cross-country with me for 4+ months during Covid.
The bond she and I shared, without a doubt, is one of the most meaningful I will ever have in my life.
She could communicate her needs to me with a single look on her face, and would even lick the tears from my eyes when I was crying.
And for the past 15+ years, I have been *trying* to prepare myself for the reality that one day, Squiggles would die.
And that I would somehow have to continue on without her.
Why Grieving a Pet Is So Hard
When you lose a pet, especially one that you’ve had for a long time, you might face unique challenges around your grief.
Even though you’re going through painstaking sadness, it might seem like your friends aren’t checking in. Or don’t know what to say.
Everyone seems to forget that your life has been forever changed. Which may cause you to feel like you should move on quickly, or not be as sad as you are.
The sadness you feel about losing your pet is valid. There is nothing wrong with you.
A recent study found that when a pet dies, society doesn’t deem it as serious as when a human dies. This lack of validation can cause you to have unresolved feelings about your pet’s death. Which can lead to disenfranchised grief – having nowhere to put your feelings after a loss.
But losing a pet is one of the most devastating life events one can go through. Especially if the loss was sudden, traumatic, or drawn out.
And even if your pet lived a good life, when the time comes to let them go, it can feel like an impossible pill to swallow. Here’s why.
1. Your Pet Is Your Family
Even though your pet is an animal, one fact remains: your pet is also part of your family.
And for some pet-lovers, the bond you create feels like even more; a pet might feel like part of your identity. Or even like an extension of your soul.
So when a pet dies, you don’t just lose an animal.
You lose a cherished loved one. You lose a piece of yourself.
Acknowledging the depth of your bond and validating how you feel is essential to healing. And being around others who “get it” will help too.
2. You Lose One Of Your Greatest Sources of Comfort
Your pet provides more than companionship – they can become a major source of comfort and help you relieve stress. So when the one thing you would turn to when you’re feeling sad is no longer there, it may seem impossible to find relief. You can feel more isolated and alone than ever.
Remembering your pet, or looking at photos and videos may feel really hard at first, and unleash a floodgate of tears. There is nothing wrong with releasing your emotions when and if this happens, and can actually benefit you.
Eventually remembering your pet in this way can provide the comfort you’re seeking when longing for your pet.
And, talking to others about them can also ease some of your pain and help you feel less alone.
3. Your Pet Is A Part Of Your Daily Routine
Typically, you spend more time with your pet than anyone else. When that presence is gone from your life, it completely disrupts your routine and makes you feel like you have no reason to get up in the morning.
Now that many of us work more hours from home, we have grown an even deeper attachment to our pets, because they are with us all day long.
If your pet was always by your side, you may automatically turn to talk to them, forgetting that they are gone. You are constantly reminded of the loss, from the time you wake up until you fall asleep. And perhaps in your dreams too.
Give yourself time to get used to your new routine without them there. And have compassion for yourself as you move through your new normal.
4. Your Pet Loves You Unconditionally
The bond and connection that you create with your pet is rare and unique. Relationships with humans come with more complications, more drama, deep insecurities and fears of what others may think.
With a pet, you can be completely who you are, and they will love you no matter what.
And even though your pet can’t quite communicate their feelings with words, you know in your heart how much they love you.
Stages of Grief After Losing A Pet
Grief is something you can try to understand logically, but you have to let yourself experience it to get through it.
What this means is, you can’t skip over your emotional pain. Or bury it forever. Try to let yourself be with it.
Easier said than done, right?
There really isn’t a right or wrong way to grieve. But understanding the different stages of grief after losing a pet, and pinpointing which stage you might be in at any given moment, offers some space for your feelings.
The Stages of Grief After Losing a Pet (Quick Overview)
The stages of grief after losing a pet are denial/shock, bargaining, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance — plus a bonus stage, making meaning. Grief isn’t linear, so you may move through them out of order, revisit ones you thought you’d passed, or feel several at once. There’s no set timeline and no wrong way to grieve.
- Denial / Shock — it feels unreal; you may be numb, foggy, or unable to cry at first.
- Bargaining — pleading with or making promises to a higher power to bring them back.
- Guilt — especially around euthanasia, accidents, or for letting yourself have fun again.
- Anger — at yourself, your vet, loved ones, even your pet for leaving.
- Depression — the longest, heaviest stage, as the reality settles in.
- Acceptance — not “being over it,” but adjusting to a life that’s forever changed.
- Making meaning — channeling the loss by honoring your pet — through art, a memorial, fostering, helping others.
Grief is something you can try to understand logically, but you have to let yourself experience it to get through it.
What this means is, you can’t skip over your emotional pain. Or bury it forever. Try to let yourself be with it.
Easier said than done, right?
There really isn’t a right or wrong way to grieve. But understanding the different stages of grief after losing a pet, and pinpointing which stage you might be in at any given moment, offers some space for your feelings.
Denial/Shock (“I still call out their name.”)
This is what many experience as the first stage of grief after a pet dies. It feels like what is happening is completely unreal.
You may not be able to cry or feel sad because you are so in shock. You may have moments where you reach out to touch them, then suddenly remember they are no longer around.
It may feel impossible to focus, to sleep, to wake up, or be around others.
You may feel like you’re in a haze.
These symptoms may feel even stronger if you witnessed the death of your pet, or it was traumatic.
Typically this stage of grief will not last more than a few days. But remember, it might come and go in waves for months after your pet is gone.
Bargaining (“I just want them back.”)
The bargaining stage of grief is a period when you try to make promises to a higher power in exchange for helping your pet survive. Or you find yourself begging for relief from the pain.
For someone who may have a terminally ill pet, or a pet that has gone missing, the bargaining stage can be quite significant.
Even though you know in your heart that it is their time to go, you may still find yourself pleading to a higher power for help. Or keep wishing that you could do something to save them.
Guilt (“I should have done better sooner.”)
One of the more unique stages of grief for someone who has lost a pet is guilt.
Oftentimes as a pet-owner, you have to be the one who decides when it is time to say goodbye. When you have to choose euthanasia to end your pet’s suffering (like I did for Squiggles), it can leave you feeling ridden with guilt, even when you know it’s the best option.
Guilt can also show up in moments when you notice you are feeling happy again. Or forget about your pet for a few hours. Or get through the day without crying.
This doesn’t mean that you are over the loss, or don’t love your pet – it just means that you’re human, and doing the best you can to get through your grief.
Anger (“There’s nothing I can do to bring them back.”)
When anger bubbles up after loss, you might direct it towards anyone – yourself, your vet, your loved ones, even your pet for leaving you. Sometimes you might feel angry or irritable and you don’t know why.
You have a right to feel angry when you pet dies – it totally sucks! It’s the worst thing ever.
You might be angry about how it happened. Or that you have to try and go to sleep without them laying by your side. And angry about having to get through each day without them there to comfort you.
After Squiggles died, I became much more irritable in my day-to-day. Recognizing that this is a part of the stages of grief helped me have more compassion and understanding for myself and explain to others why I was getting so easily frustrated (“it’s not you – it’s Squiggles”).
Oftentimes, anger is just empowered sadness. Which is why it is such an important emotion to feel during your grieving process. It can help you express the depth of your pain. Because eventually that anger will lead to the most challenging stage of grief to process.
Depression (“I’m never going to be happy without them.”)
The depression stage of grief is when the reality of the loss starts to settle in. And the sadness you feel about your pet being gone starts to hit.
You may be very tearful, and desperately miss your pet. You may also start to think that you’re never going to feel better, and that you’re alone in your pain.
It’s common for symptoms of depression to show up during this phase, like having trouble sleeping or sleeping all day, changes in appetite, having low energy, inability to focus, or trouble finding pleasure in activities that used to interest you. You may feel more withdrawn and isolated than usual.
This stage of grief is typically the most painful, and happens to be the longest.
During this phase, it is okay to let yourself feel your emotions. Never think that you should be over the loss by a certain time. Or that you should not feel as sad as you do.
Let yourself cry. It’s okay to still miss your pet. It’s okay to give yourself as much time as you need.
You may not feel like being around people, but having support from someone you trust and can lean on during this stage will help.
And if you currently don’t have someone to turn to for emotional support, I recommend going to therapy to process your emotions.
Acceptance (“I will always miss them.”)
Acceptance doesn’t mean that your grief journey is over; it’s accepting the fact that your life is forever changed.
You may be resistant to move through this phase of grief after losing a pet. You might be afraid that your memories will start to fade – like you’ll forget the sound of their meow. Or the softness of their fur. Or the pitter-patter of their paws.
You might worry that if you accept the loss, it means you aren’t as sad anymore. And that being less sad somehow equates to the love fading. This simply isn’t true.
The acceptance stage of grief is about honoring your pet and having gratitude for all the love you shared.
At the same time, you’re getting used to the “new normal.” And trying your best to live your life the way they would want you to.
Remember, acceptance isn’t an end goal to reach, it’s a continual practice. Some days it may feel like you’re at peace.
But if months later you find yourself sobbing on the couch looking at photos of your pet, barely able to catch your breath (like me 🙋♀️, hi!), that’s okay too.
The Bonus Stage of Grief After Losing A Pet: Making Meaning
As you move through the stages of grief after losing a pet, you may also gain new perspectives on life. And eventually, turn your profound grief into an opportunity for transformation and deeper meaning.
Making meaning takes acceptance a bit further. It’s a phase where you are able to integrate the loss into your life in a way that inspires positive change, connection, and hope.
You can do this by channeling your grief into art, and putting something up in your home to remember your pet. Or planting a tree in your backyard to honor their memory. If you aren’t ready for another pet yet, you can try fostering animals as a way to give back.
I’m currently fostering cats because I love having the feline energy in my home. But I know I’m not ready for another cat to call my own yet, and that’s okay. It still feels good to know I’m helping other animals while they are looking for their forever homes.
If you happen to live in the NYC area, this is the organization I foster with: Brooklyn Animal Action. And if you’re in a different place, some good ole’ googling can help you find an organization to foster with.
When you are able to make meaning out of the loss of your pet, you are able to find a deeper sense of inner peace. And eventually allow the joyous moments to outweigh the sorrow.
How to Grieve a Pet: Other Things To Remember
Grief is Non-Linear
Many people think you move through the stages of grief in order. And that you can check off each stage once you’ve gone through it. This isn’t always true.
It is common to jump from one stage of grief to another without any rhyme or reason. You may go from feeling depressed, back to being in denial. Then thinking you’ve reached acceptance, right before you fall back into depression all over again.
You may also feel like you’re in more than one phase of grief at once. That too, is normal.
Grief is Highly Personal
Although these stages can help you pinpoint where you’re at, some days, they may not resonate. That’s okay. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Maybe you have a family member who seems like they’ve already moved on and you haven’t. Or maybe you want to talk about your pet and they are not ready. You are both valid. You can experience your grief in different ways.
Grief Is Unexpressed Love
Taking time to grieve the loss of a cherished pet is a natural process. And it is likely that you’ll miss your pet for the rest of your life. This is a difficult thing, but it is not a bad thing!
Missing your pet is a reminder of how much they meant to you. And the grief is so painful because it’s the unexpressed love you still have, and will always feel for them.
Over time, that pain and that grief does become more manageable. I find this box and ball analogy to be an incredibly helpful visualization to understand how.
And if you are grieving your pet-best-friend, I am so very sorry for your loss.
I know that it is impossibly hard.
I have no doubt in my mind that your pet was so grateful to be yours.
They knew, without a doubt, how much you loved them.
Take good care of yourself during this time.
If this article resonated with you, please like and share it below.
And if you’re feeling open to it, I invite you to share your pet’s name in the comments, and any happy memory or story you experienced together. <3
Grieving Pet Owners Also Ask:
What are the stages of grief after losing a pet?
There are seven main stages: denial/shock, bargaining, guilt, anger, depression, acceptance, and oftentimes a bonus stage — making meaning. Guilt is especially common for pet parents who had to choose euthanasia. Grief isn’t linear, so you may experience them out of order, feel more than one at once, or skip a few.
How long does grief last after losing a pet?
There’s no set timeline, and a lot depends on how your pet died, your bond with your pet, and other types of support and meaning in your daily life. Early shock often lasts a few days but can return in waves for months. Research shows that acute grief for most pet parents eases up by the year mark, but it can be longer or shorter. I have found in my work with bereaved pet parents that for many individuals, the 6-month mark is unexpectedly difficult. It’s normal to miss your pet for the rest of your life; grief simply becomes more manageable over time. You should never feel you have to “be over it” by a certain point.
Why does losing a pet hurt so much, sometimes more than losing a person?
Because your pet is one of your greatest sources of comfort, woven into your daily routine, and they love you unconditionally, without the complications human relationships carry. Society often doesn’t validate this loss (“it was just a pet”), which can lead to disenfranchised grief and shame for being so deeply impacted by the loss. The depth of your bond was real and valid, and there is nothing wrong with missing them immensely after they die.
Is it normal to feel guilty after putting your pet down?
Yes. Having to decide when it’s time to end their suffering is one of the hardest parts of loving a pet, and guilt is one of the most common and difficult stages of pet grief to move through. Guilt can also surface when you catch yourself feeling happy again or getting through a day without crying. It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong; it means you’re human just trying to survive and you loved them.
What is the hardest stage of pet loss?
For most people, guilt is the hardest stage to move through. Because you’re often the one who has to make the impossible decision to end your pet’s suffering which leaves you distraught, wondering if you did enough, what they were thinking, if they knew how much you loved them, etc. You can start to release guilt by remembering your relationship with your pet over the course of their life – not just in their final days or moments of pain. If you’re not sure where to begin, try starting with my digital journal, Furever In My Heart: A Year of Remembering.
Is it normal to still grieve my pet months or even years later?
Completely. Acceptance isn’t a finish line, it’s an ongoing practice. Some days feel peaceful; other days, months later, you might find yourself sobbing over a photo, barely able to catch your breath. Both are normal. Missing them does not mean anything is wrong with you – it’s just a reflection of the love that was shared.
How do you cope with the loss of a pet?
Let yourself feel it rather than rushing past it, lean on people who understand, and be patient with yourself. Many people find comfort in remembering their pet and in making meaning from the loss. If you don’t know where to start, check out my pet loss resources, download my free self-care guide, or get in touch to start pet grief coaching.
How can I honor or remember my pet after they die?
There’s no single way, and many people find comfort in creating a place, like a memorial shelf or garden, to display photos, their ashes, favorite toys, etc. You can plant a tree, foster animals in their honor, or keep a written record of your favorite memories. For more ideas, check out this article on how to honor your pet on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.
I have no doubt in my mind that your pet was so grateful to be yours.
They knew, without a doubt, how much you loved them.
If you’re looking for tangible ways to cope with this loss, download my free guide, Coping With Pet Loss: A Self-Care Guide, and check out my pet loss resources.
And if you’re looking for more support, my community for bereaved pet parents, the Furever Forest will help you feel less alone and find healthy ways to process your grief and remember your pet, furever.
If this article resonated with you, please like and share it below.
And if you’re feeling open to it, I invite you to share your pet’s name in the comments below, and any happy memory or story you experienced together. <3
Related Categories: Pet Loss Support
202 Responses
I just lost my beautiful soul mate cat, KilalaStar, yesterday. She was 17 and literally the light in my life. I got her as a tiny little kitten, watched her turn into to the most loyal, loving, funny, beautiful girl and held her to her last breath. I don’t know how to go on without her. There is a void, a darkness in my world now. I have three other cats at home, I love them much, they are all with me right now, but it isn’t the same. They are not her. I feel so guilty. So shattered. Rest in peace my angel. I know you are no longer in pain. Please know that I have loved you from the movement I first saw you and I will love you for eternity. Til we meet again.
So sorry to hear about your beloved KilalaStar. <3
I found this page after having to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to my 16 year old gal, Miss May Sparkles this week. We knew she was struggling and were trying to manage her arthritis pain, but it to got to the point that she had no quality of life. The guilt I feel is immense and overpowering, thinking I could have done more or just given her more time with us. I’m hoping in time I’ll be able to look at it that we gave her dignity in her passing and that it’s a kindness, not a weakness to let her go that way instead of naturally and have her suffering unnecessarily.
So very sorry for the loss of your Miss May Sparkles. <3
I was sent this page to read by my cousin. I had to say goodbye to my beautiful golden retriever Jett 5 days ago. He was 13. He was my entire world and I don’t yet know how to go on without him. Grieving is gut wrenching and jarring. It is the hardest thing I have ever done. I’ll love you forever Jetty Betty, thankyou for the amazing journey we undertook for the past 13 years, I am so grateful to have been your Mama 💔
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Jett. <3
I just had to say goodbye to my best little bud Baxter on October 7th 2025. He was my cute 13-year-old miniature schnauzer that loved me with everything he had in him. It has been so hard not to have him here anymore. Your article is spot on about ALL the emotions you feel. Hopefully, I can love another dog one day as much as I loved him. Thanks for the article!
I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Baxter. <3
I’m a single 46 year old man with hardly any family and not many close friends. My sole companion, my 17 year old cat Puss passed away Friday Oct 3rd (my ex-gf didn’t name him and I didn’t come into the picture until a few months later), vet suspected sarcoma in his abdomen. I knew he was slowing down and his belly was a little bigger, but he didn’t show any pain and I put it down to him just getting older; even a previous vet visit 6 months ago the vet didn’t suspect anything. I got him a few different supplements to help his joints and for a little while it looked like it was helping.
I got up that morning and went to the living room and he made this sound of pain I’ve never heard him make before. I called the vets and they said I could bring him straight in, they did an ultrasound and she told me that it was hard to identify organs and it likes sarcoma. She said with the amount of fluid buildup that the sarcoma had spread all over, there was no treatment that would help and the only course of action was to help him stop suffering, with euthanasia. I sat with him holding him and telling him how much I loved him, but I couldn’t keep him there in pain just for me, so the vet came in and did the mild sedation, and then the actual injection, and I broke.
83 minutes. That’s how long it took my life to be shattered from calling the vet to my best friend passing away.
Like so many others I’ve been looking for ways to cope and I came across your page. Thank you for providing this, and thank you for reading this long post.
I”m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved cat, Puss. <3 Sending a hug your way as you grieve.
My sweet Cat Rosie went to kitty heaven yesterday. She was with me for 11 years. I knew I would be sad but grief has hit me harder than expected. I’ve never had to make this decision before. Since January she slowly stopped eating and was getting weaker. The last few days she could barely walk, barely drink and wasn’t herself. I spent time snuggling her, let her sunbath outside and held her until the end. I still look at all her favorite spots around the house or reach my arm out to pet her as if she’s right next to me.
Rosie I hope you know how much I loved you and I hope I gave you a good life. I know our house changed when we brought home Max, and with each baby we brought home, but the boys and I loved you dearly! I will miss your snuggles, chasing you out of the boys rooms at bed time and your morning wake ups because you were hungry. Run freely in heaven and I hope you are eating a massive tuna streak! Until we meet again sweet girl! Love your Rosie posie!
so sorry to hear about your beloved cat Rosie. <3
My sweet Mim, my 14 year old cat, died in my arms on Wednesday morning. I’m broken.
She’d went blind 10 months ago due to a slow growing brain tumor and our family have been holding her, bringing her food and water and sleeping with her every night since. We were her eyes and she was our hearts.
She went suddenly and quickly in the early hours of the morning and we were there with her. She gave me endless comfort through my Dad’s illness and passing, through long labors with my children. I wish a could hold her again, feel her relax and purr and take this pain away. I love you Mimi x
So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Mimi <3
I just lost my heart dog on 10/8 to lymphoma. She was only 9 years old. I am so lost without her. I have literally cried everyday since she’s been gone. I go to sleep crying and I wake crying. I feel so lost. I hate that my own home doesn’t feel like home anymore. I feel like a bad wife and mom because I can’t even be there for them. I was her human. I will never be the same.
I”m so very sorry for your loss. <3
I just lost my sweet girl on Monday at 12 noon. I had to make the toughest decisions of my life. I have had her for 19 years since she was 8 weeks old. She was my birthday present to myself back in 2007. My birthday is next week, and this will be the first birthday without her, my first Thanksgiving, my first Christmas without her. She was the sweetest kitty. My fluffy white cotton ball. She was the calmest cat I have ever known. She was so sweet at the vets, even at the groomers. Never clawed at anything except her toys, never bit anyone. She was just so patient. Losing her has left my soul weak. I am taking care of myself, but I am just fighting every day. I knew in my heart it was time to let her go because she would not have survived or would have suffered. I have always put her needs first, and I didn’t want to be selfish and keep her around until I was ready. She looked at me Monday morning, and I just knew, I just didn’t know how bad.
I have her ashes, pawprint, and some whiskers next to her favorite toys on my shelf. I purchased LED candles to light every day for her. She really was my first excited hello and my biggest, hardest breaking goodbye,
I just lost my 17 year old yorkie Sophia on Nov. 15, 2025. I had the pleasure of being her mommy for 16 years. She literally went everywhere with me, to work, on vacations, literally everywhere. If she wasn’t allowed then basically I wasn’t going. Over the years she has grown up with large dogs Rottweilers, hound dogs, pitbulls, Mastiffs, and many more dogs & cats and the funny thing is she adored them, but she did not care too much for little dogs. She was around 7 pounds, and very feisty. November 21, 2019 she had surgery to remove breast cancer and she beat that for such a little dog. She was so strong! Three years ago, a tuxedo kitten wandered in our yard. His name is Calvin. They became best friends. Then a stray mama kitty blessed us with three siblings Luna, Leo, and Lucas, which also she won’t admit became her best friends too. They all adored her and yes, they too are all bigger than her of course. But when she barked, they would listen. And then this lovely little Siamese mix kitty showed up who she is now family also loves Sophia (Oh yes I think my house is a magnet for strays and those who need a home and love) the best part is everybody got along and I honestly don’t think any of the cats realized that Sophia was a dog. She would never admit she loved them and I know that they loved her. I have pictures to prove they did. As they would give her lots of cuddles and lots of love, even though she was very uncomfortable and would make faces and bark and growl at them. We will all miss her dearly, especially me. This has been one of the hardest losses I have ever dealt with in my life.💕
My First Dog, Chosen from a litter of four after winning the natural cuddle test.. Instantly bonded, after Melted into my face and neck, a emotional loving life long bond was created. Though all 4 siblings would grow up together, and were very much loved and cared for, still there was an special bond that Daniel & I always shared for 17 years. I couldnt breathe, my world, reality, sanity as I knew it was shattered as well as my heart, soul after receiving the prognosis.
I just lost my much loved dog of 16 years. We celebrated her 16th Birthday, just Maggie & me on December 4th and 5 days later she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I watched as she took her last breath. My heart is broken. She was the last living thing that connected me to the life I had with my husband who suddenly passed in front of me just 5 years ago. It was me, my hubby, two cats and a dog and now they are all gone. I can’t believe how incredibly empty the house now feels. I can’t believe she is gone and I can’t believe I’m going through this pain all over again. Maggie was an wonderful companion, a sweet and incredibly smart dog. She will be missed more than words can say.
My deepest sympathy to all who have loved and lost.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Maggie. <3
I had to let my sweet darling Kwincy go yesterday after 18 years. She had an abdominal mass and her kidneys were failing fast. Even though I am a vet, and my head knew it was the right thing to do for her, it was the most difficult decision I have ever made made because she meant so much to me but she deserved me not to be selfish for an extra few days. Feeling guilty that I should have picked up things quicker, I assumed she was just getting old, and that is likely the case till recently when the combination was too much. I honestly have been a mess during her last few days and still am, though I am at peace with the decision to let her go. Not hearing her greetings this morning and getting my cuddle broke me all over again. Trying not to tell myself to pull it together because she was “just” a cat, she was my everything and we both deserve better. Hoping that I will be able to remember the good times soon and not just her final few days and moments as I do now. I know I will get used to life without my precious Kwincy eventually, but I will never forget all she was: my beautiful, gentle, loving, chatty soulmate who will be in my heart forever.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Kwincy.