Hi everyone, sorry I dropped out for a couple of weeks.
Just wanted to send hugs to everyone. For those who weren't around when I was at the beginning (and also to everyone else, I guess) also wanted to reiterate to please not feel guilty, or ashamed, or judge yourselves for whatever you're feeling or any impact on your life. Pet bereavement can often be as impactful as human bereavement, if not more so, and the fact that we are so totally responsible for our pet friends all throughout their lives and then have to make the final decision at the end of their lives can complicate it even more. It's such a brave step to have to take but it's really the kindest.
Thinking of you all - @Helplessandheartbroke are you planning to continue the thread? It could be a long-running pet bereavement support thread. Sorry if this has already been decided or mooted or if one even already exists! But if it doesn't, it would be awesome to have a consistent group of people who can share experiences, listen, empathise and talk at any time.
Final thought - I am in a support group for a non-bereavement issue, but we were talking about gratitude lists or daily gratitude practices, which is something that is also very big on psychiatric wards (I unfortunately get around quite a bit with that sort of stuff). Obviously I'm not suggesting a daily gratitude list on generic lines is going to make much difference to any sort of bereavement - though definitely be gentle with yourselves and do things you enjoy if you can - but maybe a list or a quick reflection of what you appreciated or appreciate in yourself as a pet owner might help when you get stuck in the "what if" headspace? We all rationally know that none of us are perfect owners (or parents, siblings, children, employees etc) but for every time you accidentally stepped on your dog's toe or left his worming tablet a day late there will probably be hundreds of play sessions, baths, walks, cuddles, healthy meals... just a thought anyway :)