Better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. There’s no shortage of animals in need, either. Doesn’t stop me from dreading the inevitable day though
this post was submitted on 17 Jan 2025
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Caring for others always brings the question "would you trade a lifetime of comfort and joy for a sudden heartbreak?" The trick is it isn't our lifetime - we are the source of comfort and joy.
My poodle is being treated for lymphoma right now and best case we have a year with her. It's heartbreaking. I just want her to be happy and healthy
I’m so sorry. Dogs are our family, and it’s heart-wrenching to lose them. I hope you get as much precious time together as possible.
Aw I'm really sorry. I hope the time you have with her is happy and something you'll cherish.
Give her some belly scratches for me
I've never even bothered to say never. I already know it's a lie.
Yup. My husband and I adopt older dogs from shelters to give them a good few last years. Right now we are taking a break and adopted younger dogs for my son, but as soon as they cross the rainbow bridge, we are back to grey muzzles.
I love older dogs. I used to foster seniors (one of whom my parents adopted), and we adopted my current dog at a very youthful 6. She's 9 now and a total butt. I love her to pieces. We've also had really good luck - all but one of my dogs has lived to 15+. If my dog wasn't so hostile, I'd happily have another one but she's not a fan.
Oof, right in the feels.
I will give my friends' pets scritches all day long (and deal with the histamine overload) but in my case, I really am done. I can barely function, let alone take care of myself properly. No pets. No kids. They deserve better, and I don't need more intersection of responsibilities and guilt.
To love is to mourn.
That unconditional love is hard to deny
Nope. Never means never.
This is actually the primary reason I've never had a dog. Not to be harsh but it's gotta be easier saying bye to a cat
Having just lost my 13 year old cat, and having lost dogs before as well, it's really not easier. Some cats may seem aloof to people who visit, but to their owners, they are almost a child, and show a very high amount of love and affection. When you have someone who has been in your life for so long, who regularly snuggles up on your chest in the morning purring, who gives you delicate licks of affection, and who you have seen grow from a tiny awkward bean into a beautiful adult who has been there for you every day, it for sure hurts to have to say good bye.
Yup I got my first cat at 5 years old and he lived for 20 years. I never got over it
Oof.
I've lost several pets over the years. I have an 18 year old cat that has been by my side since being bottle fed at 2 weeks. I have no idea how bad that day will be when it arrives. I may be lucky that he's the friendliest, most loving cat I've ever had, but even my little shitheads over the years hurt just as bad to lose.
Dogs just have much more of a presence in your life. Cats typically just chill around while sometimes giving you attention, but dogs are constantly interested in what you are up to.
Cats are playing single player.