I know that awful feeling of shame when deeply grieving a beloved pet - thinking as if it’s somehow more than we ought to feel. I raised it with the lovely psychologist I see, as I was feeling bad the grief for my gorgeous family dog felt so much deeper than that I felt for some of the relatives I had lost. She assured me this was something people asked her often and is entirely natural to feel that way about a cherished pet - the love and constant presence of a special cat or dog is not often matched in other relationships, and the grief can last the longest. The caregiving, the love, the comfort, the lack of judgement - we might only find a few relationships in our lifetime with all of these elements. I hope you can grieve as long and deep as you need to xxxx
Our pets are like our children and they love us wholeheartedly and with no judgement. I feel that if a person can't understand what it feels to loose an animal then they haven't had the privilege of loving one or having a true connection with an animal. I hope your grief will ease soon and you will be able to remember the good memories. Take care xx
Ohhhhh Naomi, I’m so, so sorry to read this. I know just how special she was to you.
Nothing anyone says can make it any easier to cope with losing her. The waves of grief will come and go. She is in your heart and you will find her there wherever you are in the world.
Our pets are almost an extension of us. Between those creatures that we build up a dialogue without words, an automatic knowledge and understanding between the two of you, are precious and rare. We advocate for them and they trust us, which is a great confidence that they place in us. You definitely had that with her and she with you. Losing that is devastating.
Welcome the tears and the memories. Just knowing that she was very well loved and very well cared for, which is all any creature can hope for, is precious. She certainly chose well in you. Often cats will disappear at the end, she clearly wanted to stay with you as long as she could, which speaks volumes for how much she appreciated you.
You have brought tears to my eyes. I have felt this pain and occasionally feel it still. We each grieve in our own way so take your time and do it your way. Sending love and appreciation for your words and all you share with us.
So sorry to hear this and there is no right or wrong way to grieve nor does it matter whom you grieve, it is painful and wrenches you apart and catches you years down the line too. You write so eloquently about something I and many of us, sadly have much experience of. Take care of yourself, one breath at a time.
My heart goes out to you sweet Naomi. These beautiful pets get in our hearts. It's so hard to say goodbye. Thank you to Scarlet for the joy. Thank you for sharing it with us Naomi.
Naomi, I am so sorry for your loss. Treasured animal companions leave very deep imprints on our hearts and I hope you are gentle with yourself at this time. Xx
Gosh, what a beautiful piece of writing. I’m not sure I can do it justice with a comment. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability with us Naomi, and your eloquent words regarding family, friends and beloved Scarlett.
May you find comfort in the canaries whilst you grieve.
Oh Naomi, you made me well up, I feel your pain, have grieved for friends, family and many animals too, I hope that you will soon be able to look back and smile because she lived a good life and was loved. Xx
We were so sorrowed (neologism?) to hear about Scarlet, we have lovely memories of her appearing briefly in your videos. We also know the pangs of long grief from losing a dear cat - our furry family. Our Brigid was 20+ when she crawled on Jill's chest to die. My Willie had cancer and I had to end his life to end his pain. One of the worst days of my life. And like you, we are no strangers to grief. Our fathers both died in 2023. Mine was 99, so not unexpected but still devastating. As we get older this is part of life that hadn't been so much before (we are fortunate that way) - but none of this alleviates the anguish and then lasting sorrow and those sudden bouts of tears from finding a bit of fur or a letter tucked in a drawer. Love is love and in love may they return again. Naomi, we send our deepest sympathy. with love from Jill and Stephen
Dearest Naomi - it took me quite a time to start reading your letter because I was with you shortly before Scarlett died and she was not al all well then. Your words touched me deeply. My heart goes out to you. When people die that we love there is always a huge hole left in our lives. It is the same for me with animals. They have their own personalities and give us so much. They don’t expect anything back and at the same time are totally dependent on us. As you rightly say one death triggers the loss of past loved ones and that is life. At least we have the memories to cherish in our hearts and we can maybe talk or feel the presence of those special beings in our life which is a real privilege! My heart goes out to you and I look forward to crossing paths with you again. Warmest wishes Elizabeth Turner.
I know that awful feeling of shame when deeply grieving a beloved pet - thinking as if it’s somehow more than we ought to feel. I raised it with the lovely psychologist I see, as I was feeling bad the grief for my gorgeous family dog felt so much deeper than that I felt for some of the relatives I had lost. She assured me this was something people asked her often and is entirely natural to feel that way about a cherished pet - the love and constant presence of a special cat or dog is not often matched in other relationships, and the grief can last the longest. The caregiving, the love, the comfort, the lack of judgement - we might only find a few relationships in our lifetime with all of these elements. I hope you can grieve as long and deep as you need to xxxx
Our pets are like our children and they love us wholeheartedly and with no judgement. I feel that if a person can't understand what it feels to loose an animal then they haven't had the privilege of loving one or having a true connection with an animal. I hope your grief will ease soon and you will be able to remember the good memories. Take care xx
So honest, beautiful and sad too...grieving is hard sometimes, most times.
No shame in grieving deeply for your cat - animals touch our souls and we theirs...
You have honoured her x
Ohhhhh Naomi, I’m so, so sorry to read this. I know just how special she was to you.
Nothing anyone says can make it any easier to cope with losing her. The waves of grief will come and go. She is in your heart and you will find her there wherever you are in the world.
Our pets are almost an extension of us. Between those creatures that we build up a dialogue without words, an automatic knowledge and understanding between the two of you, are precious and rare. We advocate for them and they trust us, which is a great confidence that they place in us. You definitely had that with her and she with you. Losing that is devastating.
Welcome the tears and the memories. Just knowing that she was very well loved and very well cared for, which is all any creature can hope for, is precious. She certainly chose well in you. Often cats will disappear at the end, she clearly wanted to stay with you as long as she could, which speaks volumes for how much she appreciated you.
A huggly -squeeze from very far away.
You have brought tears to my eyes. I have felt this pain and occasionally feel it still. We each grieve in our own way so take your time and do it your way. Sending love and appreciation for your words and all you share with us.
So sorry to hear this and there is no right or wrong way to grieve nor does it matter whom you grieve, it is painful and wrenches you apart and catches you years down the line too. You write so eloquently about something I and many of us, sadly have much experience of. Take care of yourself, one breath at a time.
My heart goes out to you sweet Naomi. These beautiful pets get in our hearts. It's so hard to say goodbye. Thank you to Scarlet for the joy. Thank you for sharing it with us Naomi.
So beautifully written, as always.
The loss of a cat is so much more than can be put into words . I had a cat as beloved as Scarlet and I’ll never forget her.
Oh, Naomi. Thank you for this beautiful and truthful reflection.
Sending hugs from France. Beautifully written. Scarlet was so well loved. Barrie and JoJo xx
Such a beautifully written account of your loss Naomi - every word read and appreciated xxx
Naomi, I am so sorry for your loss. Treasured animal companions leave very deep imprints on our hearts and I hope you are gentle with yourself at this time. Xx
Gosh, what a beautiful piece of writing. I’m not sure I can do it justice with a comment. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability with us Naomi, and your eloquent words regarding family, friends and beloved Scarlett.
May you find comfort in the canaries whilst you grieve.
Oh Naomi, you made me well up, I feel your pain, have grieved for friends, family and many animals too, I hope that you will soon be able to look back and smile because she lived a good life and was loved. Xx
Dear Naomi,
We were so sorrowed (neologism?) to hear about Scarlet, we have lovely memories of her appearing briefly in your videos. We also know the pangs of long grief from losing a dear cat - our furry family. Our Brigid was 20+ when she crawled on Jill's chest to die. My Willie had cancer and I had to end his life to end his pain. One of the worst days of my life. And like you, we are no strangers to grief. Our fathers both died in 2023. Mine was 99, so not unexpected but still devastating. As we get older this is part of life that hadn't been so much before (we are fortunate that way) - but none of this alleviates the anguish and then lasting sorrow and those sudden bouts of tears from finding a bit of fur or a letter tucked in a drawer. Love is love and in love may they return again. Naomi, we send our deepest sympathy. with love from Jill and Stephen
Dearest Naomi - it took me quite a time to start reading your letter because I was with you shortly before Scarlett died and she was not al all well then. Your words touched me deeply. My heart goes out to you. When people die that we love there is always a huge hole left in our lives. It is the same for me with animals. They have their own personalities and give us so much. They don’t expect anything back and at the same time are totally dependent on us. As you rightly say one death triggers the loss of past loved ones and that is life. At least we have the memories to cherish in our hearts and we can maybe talk or feel the presence of those special beings in our life which is a real privilege! My heart goes out to you and I look forward to crossing paths with you again. Warmest wishes Elizabeth Turner.
,