Pet Loss: Things I Wish I Had Known

Losing a pet is one of the hardest things we go through - and it's okay to not be okay when it happens. We've talked with so many people who've been through this, and we've learned that having honest conversations about pet loss before it happens can make a real difference. While nothing can fully prepare you for saying goodbye to your family member, understanding what to expect and having support can help make this challenging journey a little less painful.

That's why we believe in talking about pet loss openly, even though it's tough. You're not alone in this - whether you're grieving right now or want to learn more about navigating this part of pet parenthood. By sharing experiences and supporting each other, we can help make sure no one has to face this difficult time by themselves. Your feelings matter, your grief is valid, and there's a whole community here to lean on when you need it. 💜

The Burden of Making the Hardest Choice

Haakon, Norway

I thought I was prepared, but I was completely overwhelmed by the logistics involved in putting an animal to sleep. This is what happens when you choose—or are referred to—the wrong provider. Everything felt cold: the décor, the staff, even the room where Ester, my cat, would spend her final moments. I remember there was a candle, and they gave me time to say goodbye, but how can anyone truly say farewell in such a sterile environment? When Ester received the first syringe containing tranquilizer, I saw her eyes—looking at me as if asking, "Why are you doing this to me?" She was very ill, and her decline had been rapid. While I know it was best for her, ultimately I was the one who made the decision to end her life. I will carry this emotional burden forever but it was a decision made from love, even though it broke my heart.

The Empty Cat Carrier

Nils, Sweden

We decided I would be the one to take our cat to the "appointment," sparing my wife and daughter from this experience. The two-week wait for the "appointment" was difficult, during which Ramses grew increasingly weak, becoming just a shadow of himself. I placed him in his carrier for our final journey together. When the moment arrived, I found I couldn't stay—I had to leave the room, the building itself. Later, I remember lifting the empty carrier into the back of my car. Its lightness felt wrong, while my heart had never felt heavier. Today, when I think of him I still feel his soft fur and his gentle nature. My heart is full.