Pets

How we grieve is so personal as is the choice to cremate or bury.

We choose to have all our pets cremated so their ashes can be with ours. I’m a veterinary pathologist and know the people who offer these services. They are caring and compassionate.

I know the grief feels unbearable. I’ve been there too many times myself. May be focus on your favorite memories of her, start collecting her things around the house and make a memory box, go on her favorite walk. She’ll be back with you soon and then you can bury her ashes if you need a physical grave.

As for the guilt - it is a totally normal feeling after euthanasia. I still feel it after having our old border collie (my heart dog) put down six years ago, although she was in pain that I couldn’t fix and it was the right thing to do.

There are grief counselors who specialize in pet loss if you need help working through these feelings. But, ultimately, it is totally normal to feel what you are feeling.

Hugs to you and wishing you peace.