#trigger warning: death of a pet

[megpricephotography]

Apparently, today (2nd Tuesday in June) is World Pet Memorial Day, so I thought I'd share some pictures... My dear old Barney, who passed away in May of 2023 aged 16.5 years. Truly, the best of friends, who accompanied me on so many adventures & helped me through the worst time of my life. I cannot imagine any of my 20s without this dog at my side.

Barney's 1st dog-pal, Delilah (mostly known as Dilly) the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She was born in 2002 & passed in 2013. She belonged to dad's family & Barney lived with her for the first few years I had him. What a fantastic little dog she was - the sort of pup who could go anywhere & was always so sweet & just happy. Those little paws of hers covered many miles over the years, although she was also entirely happy curled up on "her" chair all day.

Lyra & Hovis were border collies who belonged to my dad's SO. Lyra the little blue merle was very good friends with Barney, they loved running about together. Hovis wasn't the biggest fan of Barney, bless him but he was an absolutely sweet lad.

Tessa the German Shepherd Dog belonged to my best friend. She had been trained as a working dog for the military but seemed very happy to retire & spend her last few years as a pet! Excellent, 10/10 at scary barky faces but a lovely dog!

Not a dog... my little Elsie-cat, who we adopted in 2007 as an unnamed stray from a local rescue centre. She was such a great kitty & even came to live with me & my friends for my last year at uni. She helped us all write our final dissertations. She & Barney were good pals (she was The Boss of course!) for years. I was devastated to lose her aged 12.

And finally... Bertie, the border collie. He belonged to my beloved granddad (who sadly passed in 2011). Bertie was the unwanted "runt" of a litter born on a farm in the early '90s & he really should've been out working sheep but instead, he lived as a much loved but not much trained pet. He was wild! I was a small child at the time & I thought Bertie was the most fun animal in the entire world. By the age of 5 I knew I wanted my own border collie one day - because of Bertie. He's why I had Barney & have Flynn. Character wise, my Flynn reminds me a lot of old Bert, it makes me smile.

[certainwizardlady]

We wish we had more time with you. We wish you didn’t feel any pain. We wish we could go back and be with you all over again. We have a thousand wishes for you to be at peace.

This morning we lost our fur baby. I’m going to be gone for a bit. I’ll see you all when I see you.

[viktoriavika67]

TW! FAKE BL00D AND HEART

I want to call Kinito Kinitka SO BAD, you have no idea.

[bataddictedloony]

Today I had to bring my cat to the pet cremation centre. Leaving her there was one of the hardest things ive ever done. And thats saying smthn since i climbed up and down a mountain yesterday with 0 training.

it feels wrong for her to be there, with people she doesnt know, in a place shes never been. Its awful to think about what theyre gonna do to her. The fact that i’ll get her back tomorrow doesnt really feel like a comfort, cus she wont be herself, she’ll be ashes. But then i think “she’s never gonna be herself again, cus she’s gone.” And i have this pain in my chest all the time, that started the second i got the phonecall and hasn;t gone away yet.

they put her on a lil pillow and put some flowers next to her, and i pet her and held her lil paws and told her i miss her and i love her and tht she was the best cat and it just ripped me to fuckin shreds

I feel guilty that i wasn’t there. I was on holiday, my first relax holiday in ages, and i thought it’d be alright to go just a few days and have my parents check on her and by day 2 of vacation, she was gone. And she was mewing before i left, like she was telling me not to go, it’s almost time, pls stay with me. She had been more clingy than usual the past few weeks, and i just feel like i should’ve known and should;ve canceled my vacation. Like intellectually, i know it’s fine. My parents spent the evening with her, she cuddled with my dad, and then the next day they found her in her favourite sleeping position so we know she went painlessly and comfortable. And i still feel guilty that i wasn’t there to hold her.

i just feel sad. This overwhelming sadness that takes over the body. My back aches and i’ve been throwing up everything i’ve been eating. Though the muscle aches might be the consequences of climbing that damn mountain. Mom says the heat and the stress from pretty much grieving my best friend for 18 years prolly isn’t helping so there’s that.

i have to live with the reality that she’s gone and no longer in pain and that her living up to age 18 meant she had a fantastic life and all that is true. Mostly i just want her back with me, alive and annoying and cuddly.

[honeycombhank]

Well, I have sad news

⚠️ Pet death trigger warning ⚠️

3/14/24

I was holding my rats how I always do, sometimes one or many at once until everyone has had some good quality time and if I don’t get to everyone then I start the next day with who ever was up next.

Today I had been holding TipToe and Apple pie and then went to feed everyone because it was far past bedtime and I needed to start bedtime routine, this means I make sure I at least look at every rat making sure they are doing well and ensures I never miss something like a new health issue or injury that could have popped up that particular night, I saw everyone, everyone except mama moony, she had not come out for dinner, and even in her old age she always came out to eat dinner and say goodnight, tonight she did not, I knew what this most likely meant and moved boxes and bedding very carefully to try and find her, she was in their fizzy water box house and had passed away sometime this evening. My love helped me move her.. the ants had come to try and salvage her body and I couldn’t handle seeing it.

I won’t describe it but I will say it was really frightening and made me feel so uncomfortable and sad. I couldn’t have kept that from happening because even though I am taking steps everyday to keep the ants at bay they still are coming out immediately at even a thought of something worth it to them. I’m doing my absolute best at keeping things clean..

We quickly found something to put her in and removed her three daughters as well and placed them into a small cage with fresh bedding and water. I will clean their big cage tomorrow.

I have more to say but I just wanted to share what happened with you guys, I hope what I did share wasn’t too scary for anyone.

I am missing our sweet Mama Moony, she was so good at caring for all her babies and really showed such emotion and empathy towards other living creatures, she was always so kind and gave me one of the best experiences getting to watch her give birth and become a mother and seeing her navigate the way of the world.

Rest in peace Mama Moony Pooh. Don’t forget about us up in ratty heaven.

[dockofshame]

Some Quick Headcanons of Duncan x Reader Who’s Grieving

TW: Death, grief, death of a pet.

Duncan would totally be that pet owner who’s like “I don’t want a dog!” and then six months later the dog is his best friend. Not that he’d let onto it, but it would hit him hard when your pet’s health is declining.

If you want to be in there when your pet is put down, Duncan would be by your side either hugging you while you cry into his chest or he’d be squeezing your hand reassuringly, and if you wanted to be in the waiting room while your pet is put down he’d be there with you.

Eventually, down the road, he gets you something with a rainbow on it in honor of your pet crossing over the rainbow bridge. Just don’t let other people know he was the one who got it for you, okay? He doesn’t want anyone thinking he’s soft.

Duncan would want another pet but not for awhile.

[silvereternitywrites]

My Monarch!

Prompt: Ever since first contact, many alien races have considered humans to be primitive, to the point where we are seen as intelligent animals over our own race. Because of this, many aliens have humans as pets. You are the pampered pet of a very rich alien monarch. Prompt Source: userSuperaptorminion ; subreddit “Writing Prompts”

Most of the time, my life is fantastic- there's a pretty big faction of us, though no one seems to agree on a name except "species traitors". I, however, am of the opinion that if I can live a life of pampered luxury, with no responsibilities, every need taken care of and the only thing asked for in exchange occasional companionship, give me the fucking collar. Fuck capitalism, fuck the grind, fuck all of that shit from back on Earth.

Some kind of Monarch bought me, too, so when I grabbed my mates of choice by the hand and bared my teeth, they laughed, called me cute, and bought them too.

They haven't the slightest clue that we aren't tame, aren't 'just copying them'; like a housecat back home. Sure, you know that your Pomeranian or fat tabby is capable of killing you, if pressed, but you never expect it, because if you treat them well, why would they?

I don't love the Monarch, not really- not like some of the other pet humans do, at any rate. I appreciate that they tend my every need and those of my mates, I pay them with cuddles for providing treatment for my mate's chronic conditions and making them able to pursue what gives them joy again, I tolerate their checks of my own person for such issues (and don't hold it against them when my mates rat out my old injuries), and I enjoy my life of ease. I speak their language- all of us do, because honestly it's funny to watch them lose their shit every time we say intelligible words to them.

Today, however, a threat came to my Monarch- and my Monarch is folding, fearing for the safety of their people and us, the pets, since the challenger is not one of the ones who thinks we are "cute".

This is not acceptable. You see, my Monarch is mine.

Sacrificing themselves for the good of their people is very well and good- but no one is allowed to steal what is mine away from me.

So it is without preamble that I get off my cushion, where I spend most days absorbed in books or writing my own, pressing a button on my wristlet to send a pre-established signal to my mates. One is down in the combat arena, as they always are this time of day, training now that their body obeys them again; the other has been studying intergalactic law, including treaties and declarations of war. In our own language, I consult with them first; I am the culture expert between us, so we have a fairly well-rounded plan when I reach into the side compartment of my Monarch's throne, remove the blaster there, flick it to 'lethal', and shoot all three aliens at the front of the enemy formation.

The clamor and the screaming is enough to give me a migraine, so I am scowling when I step forth, in front of my Monarch, and give them the same hand signal they give me when they want me to move- pointing, paired with a word. They sit.

I turn to the enemy formation, which has sloppily formed up again, though the front three spots, reserved for the leaders, are left conspicuously empty. Good- they had no contingency for if they fell, and no designated people to step into their roles, and without that being pre-established, their culture did not allow for a common soldier to seize command.

It DID allow for 'theft' of the battalion by a conquering commander, though.

"You answer to me now, by right of conquest," I snapped out in their own tongue, prepared to be challenged. The galaxy at large saw us as pets, or PESTS, not as people- someone would challenge that I had the right to claim by conquest at all.

They looked among each other- which was their right to do, to confer if they wanted to challenge whoever had taken out their commanders- before one stepped forward, and I kept my body loose, balanced on the balls of my feet like my mate taught me, but no challenge had been called so I kept still. This one must have been a former commander- a right hand, certainly, because despite not really being able to judge age on their species this soldier was thick with scarring, and though their march never fell out of step, there was the slightest of limps in one of their four legs.

That one knelt down, folded hands on knees, and bent forward, baring the back of their neck in the sign of obedience.

"We are conquered. We answer you."

Oh good.

"I live the life of a Queen, given everything my heart desires, tended to by my mates of choice, given entertainment, food, leisure, and all the time I require to enjoy all of these things. I will not have need of a battalion often- and you are soldiers, loyal and true, battle-tested and strong, so I would not insult you by setting you free. But I have no wish to go out and conquer more, and would not hold a good soldier back from serving honorably elsewhere, for all I can offer is drills and defense should enemies come to invade my holdings, which is rare. If any wish to leave, they are free to find a battalion that fits them better," I told them in my best formal tones. After all, conquering them for my own was only the first step- and if they wouldn't be content to stay, there was no point in keeping them, fostering resentment all along the way.

"A Queen should have guards," the Lieutenant answered, just as formally. "And should a soldier cease to function well as a guard, they may serve perhaps elsewhere."

"As they should, in accordance with their most skilled performance ability," I replied.

"I will stay. My battalion will follow, until they are drawn elsewhere."

"Then be welcome to my service. Your right and left hands?"

Two younger ones with impeccable posture stepped forth, bowed their heads, and held position in the traditional commander's triangle.

"Then it is done. Tend your wounded, honor your dead, then the hale are to report to the combat arena- that is where my right hand trains, and they will know best how to schedule rotations for guard posts. They are my shape and limb arrangement, but with a darker carapace and with the strength of a Soldier apparent in their limbs. My left hand is my shape and limb arrangement as well, but of the same carapace color, and poison-warning blue headfur. His tongue is as dangerous as his color suggests."

My new Commander dipped his head deferentially as he rose to his feet and started directing the battalion. "Understood, my Queen."

Ah. The hazards of using 'queen' with an insectoid species.

Everything settled, I turned my blaster back to stun, put the safety on, and put it in the cubby before climbing up into my Monarch's lap and laying full-body against them in the way they understood meant "I desire my hair and back petted and scratched, NOW".

"I think perhaps our opinion of human pets may be outdated," they said, even as they provided the scratches.

I smiled. "Not really. I'm just a felidae-type human. I don't tolerate people messing with what belongs to me. That includes you. That's how it works, with cats. You don't own us- we own you."

my Monarch looked a little alarmed at that.

I just laughed, and said a joke I knew they would never get until they met an Earth cat: "Meow."

[atomic52]

RIP Gozer 3/12/2023 to 11/2/2023

"i loved you, i lost you. i didn't know you for as long as we should have but i know you loved me and i loved you. fly high my little limp noddle." 

Gozer was a very special cat, i had been keeping tabs on him since before he was born and i got him from and longtime friend so losing him so soon just makes it hurt that much more. 

[iamat0m]

Jan 2 2002 - Feb 4 2024

[meret118]

Nicholas hadn't eaten or had a bowel movement in at least three days. I took him to the animal ER on advice of my vet. They whisked him off for tests, and wanted to keep him overnight because the vet couldn't feel an obstruction, even though I thought he was just badly constipated.

They wouldn't let me say goodbye, but said I could see him tomorrow. The vet called, and said he was indeed constipated based on the x-ray, and dehydrated so they would give him IV fluids, and an enema, but otherwise he looked really great for his age.

I got a call at 2 AM that they went to check on him, and he had passed away. So he spent the last hours of his life in a cage given awful procedures thinking I had abandoned him. I am heartbroken.

ETA - I have a really long queue/scheduled list of posts that will show up, but I may be offline for awhile.

[drawing-way-outside-the-lines]

The night between the 8th and the 9th of July my cat Oliver passed away from kidney failure. I left him in Greece almost a year ago, when I under tragic circumstances had to move within only 14 days time. He lived with a family member of my ex, and I haven't known anything about his whereabouts since I left Greece. It was a roller coaster to both learn that he had passed, and that he had at the very least had a good and safe last year. I fought to get him with me out of Greece, but was sadly only able to bring one cat. I've felt guilty and bad each day since mid August when I had to leave. So it's both relief and sorrow I feel at the moment. I hope he didn't suffer in the end, and that he knew I loved him even if I had to leave him against my will. He was the sweetest goofiest boy, and such a big cuddle bug. He was very smart in his own way, kind, loving and just the biggest cutie pie. He was well mannered, so soft and a real teddy bear. He was my baby boy, and I have missed him every day, and still will. I loved him so much, and he was without a doubt one of my favorite cats ever. R.I.P. Oliver, always loved, always missed 💖

[megpricephotography]

Barney is gone. 

He & Flynn both had some kind of nasty stomach bug around Easter & sadly, it was just too much for my dear old Barney. We tried to help him feel better & he tried to keep going, but the poor old pup went into kidney failure & was just very poorly & sore & tired, so I decided to let him go. He had a nice morning today & even managed to eat a little bit & have a tiny walk in the park, in the sunshine. He passed away very quickly & peacefully, while I stroked his ears once last time.  

My heart is completely broken, the house feels so empty & wrong without him here. When Barney came to me, I was 19 & at university... He helped me get through difficult cancer treatment in my early 20s. He’s been a constant, steady, sensitive, loving & joyful presence at my side, for my entire adult life. I am so unbelievably lucky Barney found his way to me & was here for so many years, but it could never be long enough. Such a good, good boy.

RIP, Barney 31st October 2006 - 19th May 2023

[viktoriavika67]

I think... I'm really starting to enjoy being in this fandom.

+doodles with Kinitko and a little Sam and Jade(tw!su!c×de)

[punkpinkpower]

I'm up late looking up quotes and stories about grief while Timmy naps beside me. He's exhausted from a beautiful day. All his favorite people came to see him, and he got special treats, and so much love, and purred the whole time.

I don't know how to say goodbye to him. I wish that I could make him understand that I'd give up my kidney, my lungs, my heart, if it meant he didn't have to go. But there is no magic I can conjure that can defeat the cancer in his lungs, nothing we can try that we already haven't, and I've bought him all the time I can.

I don't know what he understands. He knows that the person he's called momma for 17 years is crying a lot, and that he doesn't feel well. Does he know how much I love him? Does he know how many times he saved my life? Does he know how many hard nights he got me through, holding onto him, knowing I had to stay because who else would feed my cat?

17 years by my side, my faithful companion. And tomorrow the clock will start anew, counting the days I must go on without him, loving him and missing him for the rest of my life.

I don't know what he understands. I hope he knows how much I love him. ❤️

[honeycombhank]

3/25/24

I feel like I was this close to losing Tobias tonight..

I feel an immense amount of guilt.

I have kept mama Moony’s three girls from choking by feeding them a completely different diet then I normally would and I’m looking into making my own food, but my other girls and the boys have been eating the good old Ox bow kibbles.

I didn’t think that the problem was the brand of food I was getting, because it was only certain rats that were choking and not all of them. Idk it’s hard to explain in detail.

Tonight I ran out of food and realizing I had some other food that had been left over and was still in the airtight container I figured I would give that to them because Moony’s three daughters had previously choked on it but no one else did so I thought it was still fine for my other rats.. well I was wrong.

Tobias july choked on that same kibble tonight!

As soon as I saw I took all of it out of every cage I had put it in and returned to Tobias to see how I might be able to help him, it was absolutely horrific.. at first he was choking like my other rats were so my plan was to sit next to him and talk kindly and keep calm and watch him as he went through this, but then everything changed and I’m telling you I thought he was going to choke to death in my hands tonight, he was pale and there was stuff coming out of his nose and he started to tint purple, I attempted to help him an hoped that gravity would be on my side. This entire situation was horrendous and so incredibly scary. My love and I felt helpless, I could not see the object in his mouth and he wasn’t drooling the way my other rats have when they have choked and the amount of energy he was using to try and dislodge this food was scary, it felt like a last effort level of energy, then he was limp and he pooped and he was pale and I was crying and hoping I could help him.

I didn’t give up and after a lot of hard work I managed to help him.

As I held him in my hands upside down and forcefully patting his back, he started to chew and it became clear he had the ability to breathe a bit better again, his ears gained a bit of pink and he looked at me, he looked right at me and walked right up to my face and licked me and got as close to my face as he could, my love was standing next to me and said, “you just saved his life” it was a surreal moment, my rat and I had an understanding of how scary that truly was for both of us.

He is in a small cage with water and fresh blankets.

I am asking you all, if you could thank the universe for letting him live on to experience more of this beautiful world and if you could just think some really good thoughts for my boy Tobias July.

I am so thankful, as I cry laying in bed. I Am so thankful he is still with us.

Omg.

And I am throwing that food out and getting new food tomorrow. I am also going to start researching how I can make my own food and what that would take.

I am truly taken back by how many times my rats have choked just in one year.. I have never even heard of this happening to someone, even having one rat choke is crazy but having to go through multiple choking and for them to go through that!? It’s terrifying and there has to be a way to keep them healthy and safe.

😭 my sweet boy

[alttheloco]

I’m gonna be bitchy.

I fuckin hate it when people post things about cute little animals dying without any sort of cw. Like catch me crying over cats that I’ve never seen before just bc I was caught off guard by a sudden rlly sad death