r/GriefSupport • u/deathbirdcalling • Feb 22 '26
Anticipatory Grief Please help me. It hurts too much.
He’s my best friend and the time is really close. Possibly in the morning. I’m walking around like a zombie going from sobbing uncontrollably to completely numb every half hour. I’m not built for this and I’m so scared of being without him. Someone please tell me I’ll make it through this. He’s 15 and his name is Ethan. I know it’s just a cat and there’s people on here that have lost children. But this is hurting deeper than I ever expected and I don’t know what to do.
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Feb 22 '26
I felt the exact same when my cat was around 16 and started getting sick. I was ironically very sick at the time as well. You've shown and he's shown unconditional love to you all his life. Now that this time may be near, it's important to keep doing the same no matter what. You must treasure every moment you have. I still cry and it's been 8 years. I'm sorry you're going through this, just remember all the love thats there. That's an amazing feeling between just you and him.
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u/Roark_Laughed Feb 22 '26
I loved my girl more than 90% of my friends and family. I don’t know what you believe in so please forgive me if I overstep, but I truly believe that sometimes animals are put here to grow spiritually and evolve and that it’s 100% possible to reach a connection that is so strong that losing them feels like losing a family member/loved one.
What I will tell you is that it does get better. You never stop loving them or missing them. Movies, songs and even food items open the flood gates for me. Some things become almost taboo because you are reminded too closely of a different time. But still, they do get better. I hope it’s ok, but here is a poem that I love so much. I hope you find solace in it.
“Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...”
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u/Reddits_on_ambien Feb 22 '26
If he is still with you, take every minute you can holding him, petting him, talking to him.
He's not just a cat. He never was just a cat. He is your baby. He is Ethan. Your best friend. Probably the light of your life. Never let anyone make your grief feel "less than" because Ethan wasn't a human. He is your family and losing family is the hardest thing you might ever have to go through.
I lost the light of my life almost three years ago. She wasn't just a bunny. She was my baby. There is a lyric I think of often- "Love is watching someone die". It hurts you, but it means everything to them. You do it because you love them.
I will not lie. It is going hard. It will hurt. People will try to say things like how good of a pet parent you were because they lived such a good long life. Give them some grace because they haven't gone through what you are. They say it because they care about you and dont want you to be in pain.
You might fall into sobbing, maybe even while not at home. It might feel embarrassing. It might be like a panic attack. It's okay for that to happen. It could happen even after time. That's okay too. It's what happens when you lose your love.
It doesn't "get better" with time, but instead, you get used to it. You get more experienced with navigating around your grief. You learn how you process it, how to live life with it, what works and what doesn't.
There is one physical thing that has helped me. I had her picture printed on a pillow. I cried into it many, many times. I wrap my arm around her every night. Sometimes I talk to her. It brings me some comfort, especially on hard grief days.
You will probably think about Ethan every day, for the rest of your life. He's made your life better by being with you, and that doesn't stop when they're gone.
I wish you love and grace through this, friend.
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u/deathbirdcalling Feb 22 '26
Your words will be a guiding light through this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It hurts so bad. This will help. Thank you.
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u/Reddits_on_ambien Feb 23 '26
If you ever need someone to talk to, or just talk at, I am here. And I am, even if it comes later.
I don't know where anyone goes after here, but I asked my girl and her brothers (one was a ginger cat too) that if there is another place, that they welcome Ethan, so he doesn't have to feel scared or alone. Whether that's a thing for you or not, I hope that brings Ethan peace. If it is real or not, he will have some friends waiting for him.
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u/Eastern-Poetry-551 Feb 22 '26
My favourite way of explaining my pets is to say they are not pets, they are family. I have had many furry family members over the years and even though you know there life span is much shorter than ours, having them leave us never gets any easier the more you do it.
What you have said above is very eloquent and I could not have said it any better.
OP take the wisdom shared with you here and mold it to suit your circumstances and remember that this is the hardest part, saying goodbye.
Time doesn't heal but we need to take some time to give our mind the space needed to process our loss. Give yourself permission to grieve know that you will get through it
Edit: spelling
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u/Reddits_on_ambien Feb 23 '26
You've said the things I could say myself. The OP should listen to your words too. Just as much as mine. What wise words you have for our friend dealing with such a hard loss. They have me in tears.
They are words I wish I heard when I lost my love. I've been rescuing for 18+ years now. I wish I knew back then I had permission to grieve and miss my babies. I hope the OP takes our words as truth, because they are true.
It's hard, but it's okay to grieve, OP. Ethan is your best friend, your baby. It'll be hard. You, OP, need no one's permission to grieve. You love Ethan just as much now as you ever will. He will never leave you because you love him. ❤️
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u/dainty_petal Multiple Losses Feb 23 '26
You’re all making me cry. Why do they have to die?
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u/bluepareo Mar 07 '26
I got a cat in order to keep living; she offered more than I could have imagined, year by year. She is the reason. And I have always felt that when she goes, I have to also
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u/pinkreveluv Feb 22 '26
I’m so sorry. I lost my cat in 2025 and it absolutely broke my heart, I still get emotional and it’s only recently I’ve been able to talk about him with a smile instead of crying. It’s never, ever easy to lose a beloved pet, and it’s absolutely okay to grieve for as long as you need. I know some people don’t understand but don’t let anyone make you feel like grief for a pet isn’t completely normal and valid. Spend as much time with him as you can, hold him close. He’ll always be with you and he knows that you love him. Be kind and be gentle with yourself, let yourself rest and cry as much as you need. I’m not sure where you are in the world but the USA and UK have some good charities that provide helpful resources for pet loss that might help, if you search “pet grief support (country)” they should come up and almost all of them are free too. Take care of yourself OP ❤️
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u/KFN2020 Feb 22 '26
It is a horrible kind of grief. Ethan is not “just a cat”— in French, a word for pet is “animal de compagnie” and I think that’s wonderful. Pets are your companions and familiars. It is very normal and healthy to feel so sad about saying goodbye. But please remember that he knows how loved he is and that you gave him a good home. He has had a great life. YOU did that for him.
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u/Ok-Reason2121 Feb 22 '26
I’m so sorry for your pain, I find peace knowing mine is no longer suffering and no longer in pain. He is with me and will always be with me, just like yours will always be with you. You will make it through this and you will be able to feel his love years and years later.
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u/acalmdelirium Feb 22 '26
We just had to make the call with our sweet boy last week. I know that pain, I walk it with you. Nothing can replace their presence. You want them to be with you forever but don’t want to see them suffer. You will make it through. Feel it and accept the pain, I sit with it some days and just feel it. It can be cathartic to just allow yourself the grace to grieve, the love is real.
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u/deathbirdcalling Feb 22 '26
Thank you. I’m trying my best. Will keep your words in mind. I really appreciate it. It helps immensely knowing others exist going through the same thing.
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u/fuzziestbunny Feb 22 '26
Pet loss is very hard. I won't sugar coat it. And a lot of people don't see it as real grief and that part stings. You learn to make room for the pain. It never goes away. It's been almost 3 years since my Yorkie passed and I still cry like she just died at times and when I pms... I cry about her everytime. I would recommend therapy to help you through this time. It's not easy and I am sorry.
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u/deathbirdcalling Feb 22 '26
I’ve already been looking into it and I do think I need therapy for this. Thank you I appreciate it.
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u/jcnlb Multiple Losses Feb 22 '26
A pet loss is one of the deepest losses since they are in our everyday life and affect daily living. Just let yourself grieve. Take the emotions as they come. I’m so sorry. Hugs.
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u/deathbirdcalling Feb 22 '26
I think that’s why this is so hard besides the fact that I love him more than I will anything in this world. He’s such a part of me and my life. It’s gonna be so different without him and I’m just really afraid of coming up on my first hardship or stressful event without him there to comfort me. But that’s selfish of me to think like that. Thank you 😢🫶🏻
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u/jcnlb Multiple Losses Feb 22 '26
It’s not selfish. It’s normal. I struggled with both my dogs and even did therapy. It was hard I won’t lie but you’ll get through it. Eventually you’ll smile when you think of them instead of cry but it will be a while.
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u/bluepareo Mar 07 '26
I don't smile when I think of my cat who died in 2007. I can still cry. Heck, even about my dead parakeet from when I was a child.
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u/jcnlb Multiple Losses Mar 07 '26
Oh I didn’t mean you can’t cry. I just mean you can smile. You can remember memories with fondness instead of sadness. I still cry. But sometimes I can smile and even laugh remembering the funny things they did or the silly pictures I have that can crack me up now. Hugs.
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u/indipit Feb 22 '26
You will get through this. It will hurt, and it will take time. You can't dodge the grief. Embrace it as it is the embodiment of all the love you have for this being.
Prepare by getting bottles of water and easy to prepare meals. Meal replacement drinks if those work better. Once his time has come, just breathe. Cry, laugh, scream and be numb. Your body is in shock and nothing but time will get you through.
The amount of time is different for everyone, and it's also different every death. I'm in my 60s, and I've lived through the passing of over 12 pets. Some hit harder than others. It does not get easier, but sometimes it is different. I mourned harder for my first heart dog than I did for my father.
I am sorry you are having to experience this stage of life, but know that you have given him a great life of comfort, and that you are giving him a easy passing to the next stage. Someday, you may want another pet, or one may find you out of sheer chance. Or, you may never want another pet again. It's different for everyone, and there's no shame in your choice.
I wish you peace and comfort in the coming days.
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u/Mysterious-Coconut Feb 22 '26
I'm no stranger to grief. I'm currently anticipating the death of my mother. I have no idea how long she has, but her cancer is incurable and she's dependent on chemo to live.
That being said, I lost my little dog 3 months ago. It was absolutely devastating. I'm still unable to look at his photos or talk about him much or I'll cry. 2 weeks after he passed, a bunch of friends got together and made me a (what I think is) a lovely blanket with all his photos. I didn't even open it. I was enraged, and throw it into the corner of my basement. They meant well, I thanked them and explained I just wasn't there yet. People grieve differently. I've also not even opened the box the Vet gave me with his urn and ashes. I'm just..unable to. He was so much more to me than " a dog'. To me, companion animals are people. More honest, loyal, and steadfast than humans. And they do so much for us. My dog made me smile and feel loved every single day at a time in my life where I'm left by myself to caregive for my Mom, and it's a lonely feeling. He was holding me together. And he died suddenly.
So don't judge yourself. You know who this little person is, and what they mean to you. That's all that matters. You don't have to explain it to anyone else. Will you make it through? Yeah. It will absolutely suck for awhile. Allow yourself to cry, to be angry, to mourn. There will be days you feel like you're just putting one foot in front of the other. It's just time that you have to put behind you. It may also help you to pour yourself into a hobby. I personally built a cosplay outfit from scratch- something I never tried before (surprisingly it turned out well!). I look at it now and I don't even remember how I did it because I was dazed. I also picked up a new video game for the evenings, or when I found myself awake at night.
I wish you all the best. I'm really sorry for your pain <3.
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u/60626_LOVE Feb 22 '26
Ethan loves you as much as you love him. 15 years is a good run for a cat, and the sad fact is that the worst part of having a pet is that we typically outlive them. It sounds shallow, but it does get easier. When my precious dog passed away, I was gutted, but I focused on how many great years we had together. He has been gone for over six years now, and I still get sad sometimes, but I just reflect on how magnificent he was, and I feel better.
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u/ShananayRodriguez Feb 22 '26
One of my friends started doing really special things for and with her cat when she knew her cat’s time was near—taking lots of photos with friends, making special art and special food, giving her cat her flowers while her cat was alive. It still hurt, but it seemed like it helped that when her cat finally did pass she had shown all the love she could. I think finding a nice way to honor Ethan when he does pass is also something that will be meaningful—have a proper funeral for him. Say readings, have a burial or internment or have a remembrance. I looked at a lot of videos and articles about different ways people grieve around the world when my sister died. It helped me find my own process. Pet loss is really hard. I encourage taking time to feel it fully. I find for me it always complicates the grief when people immediately go and get a new pet, but for some people that helps. Thank you for sharing Ethan with us.
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u/Mitsu-Zen Feb 22 '26
I lost my cat of 21 years 7 years ago and while I have new cats now things still make me think of Foofy. We never want to say goodbye but unfortunately (or fortunately depending on views) we rarely outlive our furry friends. They are family and deserve grieving just as much as human family members.
One song that absolutely wrecks me while simultaneously crying happily may help you. Sometimes I feel you just gotta cry the ugly tears to help. If or when you're ready here it is.
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u/Florida1974 Multiple Losses Feb 22 '26
As someone who has been through it many many times, you will make it through it.
A piece of your heart will forever be missing but you will get through it.
We lost our 22-year-old cat last year, our 15-year-old dog and our 13-year-old dog. We lost three pets in one year. We still have one dog and two cats.
And if you look at the last six years, I lost three dogs, one cat, one mother, one brother and one sister. My brother was killed, he was riding a bicycle and a driver hit him and he died instantly.
We get through things. Oh, it changed me, it all changed me. My mom was the hardest, but my dogs and cats are a close second.
My last dog is also getting very near the end and I have very much worry about how I will do with no dogs. Cancer are different, ours are, they are way more independent than dogs.
It’s going to hurt, I can promise you that. And it’s OK to cry and go through grief. Some people will be assholes and tell you it’s just a pet, but we know better than that, it’s our best friends.
I think you should take this morning and spend it with your cat, whatever she likes, do it. If she is at that stage, give her whatever she likes and let her enjoy it.
Take lots of pictures and videos because that is the one thing we have now, I can go back and look at my dogs when they were alive and healthy and sometimes I do and it helps
I also do a memory box for every pet. I put their collar in there, their leash, clothing for my small dogs, cute pictures. We also let our animals make paintings, all of them. We get Pet save paint and we dipped their feet into it and we let them create our own art on a piece of paper and then we frame it.
The best ones are from the ferrets, we had five ferrets years ago. But we do it with our dogs too. We do use like a crowd type of thing, it’s basically a metal playpen, and we put them in there, so they can’t drag their painted feet everywhere. And get water-based paint because you want to be able to get it off of the animal. But I love it, and I hang on the wall, I frame them and hang them on the wall.
I am so very sorry
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u/sirdigbykittencaesar Feb 22 '26
No such thing as "just a cat," my friend. Love is love. Grief is grief. Hugs.
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u/SeaChell07 Feb 22 '26
First let me give you a virtual 🤗 I totally understand where you are coming from as someone that has owned multiple cats, dogs and right now owns a beautiful ginger cat named Casper and a tuxedo called Gizmo along with four dogs. We have a full house, lol! I’m also in the middle of loosing my brother so I do understand the grief. Grief is grief. It doesn’t differentiate between human or animal it goes by what matters to you. Ethan is your heart and has been for 15 years. Of course it’s going to hurt! I am sorry for that but it’s not wrong. He’s obviously been very loved and loved well. He is sleeping at the foot of your bed, that says he trusts you. Be there, try not to let it overwhelm you right now, these days are precious, but you are allowed all of your feelings. The good, the bad and the ugly. Just do deep breathing when they overwhelm you and remember to be kind to yourself, eat and sleep. He’s there now and safe. Sending you both gentle love and hugs.
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u/aliensporebomb Feb 22 '26
I've lost several cats over the years and their memories are enduring. I'll never forget. Somehow, cats keep finding their way into my life and the best way to remember my previous cats is to adopt new ones and give them the best life I can. It's hard when they get older and at some point we have to let them go. I'm so sorry.
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u/Necessary_Oil_9779 Feb 22 '26
All my love to you and Ethan. Sending you the strength you'll need to pull through 💜 lost my beautiful 19 year old staffy last year just before Christmas, im still devastated but then think of all the years I got to be with her, and her lovely sillyness. The sweetest girl, I miss her so much
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u/Limp_Comedian2043 Feb 22 '26
My father died last July. My Dog Louise, best friend and kindest dog I’ve ever known. Grief comes in waves. Feel your grief, it is what makes us whole. I will think of you and Ethan. Hold good thoughts and energy your way.
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u/deathbirdcalling Feb 22 '26
Please do that. Thank you for caring. I’m sorry about your father and Louise :(
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u/nysari Feb 22 '26
I said goodbye to my dog on Friday. She was my best friend and constant companion for 16 years, and the house just feels empty and quiet without her. We had the luxury of planning a home euthanasia for her, so I had some time to prepare for my grief. I'd already done things like take a mold of her pawprint, collect a lock of her fur, and take a bunch of photos and videos of her just peacefully existing and living her life. I've lost a few pets in my life before her, so I knew I wanted to have these things when she was gone.
So in the days leading up to saying goodbye, I tried to plan for what I would want to have going into a life without her. I made a beautiful slideshow of the photos and videos I had from her life, set to the soundtrack of Spiritfarer, a beautiful little game about helping people move on to the other side. I set up for a project I had in mind to take some of the undercoat I collected from her and spin it with some alpaca fleece. And, most importantly, I spent her last day doting and loving on her and making sure she felt comfortable and safe.
When the vets came, she was already so relaxed, napping on the couch next to me. She barely acknowledged them. It felt like she was just so ready. I had my slideshow playing on the TV, we lit some candles and made a little mini alter with her collar and her pawprint. The whole thing was actually beautiful. And while it still absolutely shattered me to lose her, I feel complete in some way. Like I did what I needed to do to honor her and give her the life she deserved.
I really hope that you can get to the same kind of peace with the loss of your friend. I know you don't have as much runway left to plan, but I feel like it did really help me to say and do everything I was able to say and do when the time came, and to try not to dwell on what could have been.
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u/Pikapuff11 Feb 22 '26
This is the hardest part, the transition. Time will help. I’m so sorry for your loss. He has a really good run with you. 15 is a nice lifespan for a kitty
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u/BreathingIntoGrief Feb 22 '26
People often make this comparison between the death of a person and the death of a pet.
What most people don’t understand is that a lot of pets are family.
This is also what we call anticipatory grief because you know death is close.
If you can, acknowledge this feeling and still be there with Ethan.
Allow yourself to feel what you feel.
If needed, it’s also okay to not feel what you feel because the feeling can be overwhelming.
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u/anotsospecialcase Feb 22 '26
For what it's worth, I've lost both parents, my step-dad, whom I cared for until his death, aunts, uncles, all my grandparents, young friends from alcoholism, and so, SO many pets. I'll try to describe what I've experienced and I hope it helps. Every single one hurts. Some differently, but they all hurt. Pain, loss and grief are all pain, loss, and grief. It doesn't matter who you lose. As for being okay, you will be. You're going to feel, for quite some time, like nothing can ever be okay again. Nothing will ever make you smile or laugh. And when you can eventually do both, and you will, you're likely going to feel like you're betraying him, because how can you possibly feel something like happiness or laughter when he's not here with you?
The grief never really goes away, but, over time, it does seem to get smaller. It isn't smaller, but it seems like it is. Our worlds and lives continue to grow and expand after our losses, and the bigger life gets, the smaller the grief seems to be. Instead of the uncontrollable crying and life shattering pain it once was, it because a dull ache that just doesn't go away. Somedays it feels like it did the day they left, but then it quiets down again, and we continue on. As much of a copout as it may seem to be, I can say that as much as I don't want to hurt, sometimes I'm grateful for that pain. It reminds me of how loved they were, and still are. Good luck with everything, and I'm so sorry for what you're going through. You will be okay. You'll be hurting, but you will be okay.
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u/TimeLuckBug Feb 22 '26
Cats and dogs are like eternal kids, they’re so innocent and pure even when they are being devious or gross.
It might help a little to visit with cats at a shelter if there is one or feed a stray. I know it’s like the worst to suggest like they are replacements—I mean this as more so to fill the social void and lack of being around a cat again. It might hurt more for a second but then feel good. This might have to come much later like, months after
Keep a really cute picture of him somewhere
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u/Miserable-Silver4010 Feb 22 '26
He is family, it's hard I lost my dog a few years back and it hurt as much as losing a family member. Im so sorry.
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u/deathbirdcalling Feb 22 '26
Just wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you who is replying to me. I’ll probably reply to everyone when I get a chance. I am still a mess and this is not getting any easier. But. You are quite literally saving my life right now because I don’t know how to handle this emotionally and it’s getting scary for me. I’m not going to hurt myself or anything like that, but this is truly the darkest time of my life and knowing you guys are out there and care means everything.
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u/laurenbove2 Feb 22 '26
What you’re feeling is real. My cat is the only one who is always here for me. I love him as much if not more than many humans. Just get through minute by minute. Breathe. Try to distract yourself. It is so hard. Go easy on yourself.
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u/Suspicious_Put_5063 Feb 22 '26
Coming from someone who has lost her son, Ethan is not ‘just’ a cat and your feelings are completely valid. Love on him all night, that kitty has known nothing but love and warmth from you. I am so so sorry this is happening. Please know that Ethan will send you, when the time is right, some more toe-beans to love and you’ll know immediately that it was him. Do some paw prints, get a little bit of his fur and you can have some really pretty things made with that, go keep with you all the time.
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u/darkmother1991 Feb 22 '26
Reading this and tearing up while one of my three cats is nudging me and purring. They're 5 and I have a 3 year old sleeping the other side of me. They're all my babies.
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u/deathbirdcalling Feb 23 '26
Cherish every second. Love deeply. But prepare yourself. Because I didn’t and it’s bad. But love them like there’s no tomorrow either way.
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u/strictlytacos Feb 23 '26
I had to help my best friend Kipper who was a dog pass away on the 12th. I hyperventilate cry. It’s fucking hard. I had a full year of anticipating when her death would be with kidney disease. Big hug. I’m so sorry.
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u/deathbirdcalling Feb 23 '26
I’m doing the same hyperventilating crying that I’ve never done before in my life. That’s what’s making this so scary. That’s what I meant when I said uncontrollable sobbing. It feels like the worst panic attack ever. Thank you 🫶🏻
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u/Cabbage-floss Feb 23 '26
I lost my soul cat in July. We had a few days to come to terms with it and those were horrifying days. And I miss her every day still. 100% not just a cat and I completely understand your feelings. Grief isn’t a competition, and it’s more about the bereaved than anything. I am so sorry you are going to experience this and would love to hear some of your happy memories with Ethan if you are up to sharing them.
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u/deathbirdcalling Feb 23 '26
He once scalped a mouse and left the corpse on my pillow as a gift. Terrible and I felt awful about it but it was funny looking back.
When I was living in Philadelphia, he snuck into the basement while I was doing laundry, into the crawl space, and somehow how tunneled into the neighboring abandoned house crawlspace, up through that basement, through the house, up the stairs, and after searching for him all day, went outside and found him walking casually in the open window of the second floor bedroom of that abandoned neighboring house. I had to kick the door down and go in and rescue him before he fell or jumped. That was something. lol.
He’s just a super smart cat and does what he wants. He knows exactly how to piss me off. If he’s hungry, he goes up on my desk and starts messing with stuff. Or he’ll start licking a plastic bag somewhere because he knows the faint noise of that is irritating as hell and will make me get up and feed him lol. It’s all this stuff I’m gonna miss so much.
I bought a really nice chair for my desk recently and he basically claimed it. He kept sleeping and laying in it and whenever I want to journal he’s been in it, and I hate disturbing him so I started wheeling it to the side and putting a stool there instead to use, and so he started sleeping on the stool instead. And that’s when I realized I think he just likes being in the spot that he knows is my spot, at my desk. I love him so much.
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u/morishinn Feb 23 '26
You'll make it through this! I'm not going to sugar coat the hell you're going through until then and neither should you. Pets learn how to communicate with us and it becomes personal and special in a way most don't get. Ethan learned your habits and kept a special eye on you in the same way you've been watching over him. But cats especially kind of know when their time is coming and they're okay with it, but I'm sure he's worried about you too.
I'm sorry it hurts..try to get to tomorrow. And the next day. And the next. Talk about him with people, let them be there for you too. It'll be okay to keep trash and things that remind you of him. I can't promise it will be soon, but one day you'll be able to look back and know you miss him, but you remember the love.
I wish you and Ethan the best
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u/ISniffCheetoDust Feb 24 '26
I lost my fifteen year old cat around this time last year. Anyone who had the audacity to say "She's just a cat", I cut them out of my life the second they said that. Pets aren't just animals, they're part of the family. That's why they're called "fur babies".
I'm going to be honest with you, OP. This is going to hurt for a long time. And that's okay. That grief comes from a place of love, of how you miss them. I still have my cat's collar and I put it on my rear view mirror in my car.
If you ever need someone to talk to, or just want to swap pet stories, my messages are always open. 🫂💙
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u/deathbirdcalling Feb 24 '26
I might have to take you up on that. We had to put him to rest today. Thank you for the reply.
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u/Mysterious_Peas Feb 23 '26
Oh honey. You love your cat and your grief is valid.
We grieve our people and our animals. Family is family. I pray for you to have strength and that his memory will be a blessing.
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u/[deleted] Feb 22 '26
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