topic Re: Surrender pet aftermath in Grief and loss

Surrender pet aftermath

Rach28 — Tue, 07 May 2024 14:01:21 GMT

Hi everyone. I'm really struggling a month after surrendering my pet. Today I found out he's with a foster carer and up for adoption. My heart is literally broken once again. Has anyone else had to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender your pet/best friend and are you struggling with the news that your pet is being cared for by someone else and will get a new mum soon.

I just so badly miss being his mum beyond words. I miss it every single day... I should be the one caring for him. And I'm not... it's unfair..

Re: Surrender pet aftermath

Beaser — Tue, 07 May 2024 20:54:56 GMT

Hi Rach.

Just last year i had to surrender my two dogs as i could no longer give them the care they needed . I had them on my own since a breakup and it all got too much .

I know its heartbreaking but im sure you know in your heart you have done it for the right reason. I think you have put youre dogs needs ahead of yours and that is commendable. Please be kind on yourself and know you done the right thing. Bett.

Re: Surrender pet aftermath

Rach28 — Wed, 08 May 2024 12:57:58 GMT

Hi Beaser thanks for your message. I'm glad your the 2nd person whos experienced the heartbreaking decision of having to re-home your beloved pet. Context my pet is a rabbit named Captain Snowball. Not a dog.

It just hurts so much seeing him elsewhere in the care of another person I dont know.

Plus knowing that hes up for adoption and Its all out of control.

I miss being his Bunny Mumma. I really do so badly.

I know I made the right decision because sadly vet bills were piling up and I wasnt getting the support I needed to properly care for my pet rabbit after his recent ear canal surgery. It all came down crashing and burning.

Thanks for your words seriously. It just hurts every single day. Im trying to be kind to myself.

Re: Surrender pet aftermath

Beaser — Wed, 08 May 2024 20:42:03 GMT

No problems Rach.

Sorry i presumed they were dogs and not your Captain Snowball. I hope as you say you can be kind to yourself and remember that you did the right thing and the responsible thing. Brett

Re: Surrender pet aftermath

ABC01 — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 07:01:59 GMT

Dear Rach28,

I don’t know how you are doing now, but please remember, you did a really selfless thing to be able to put the needs of your rabbit, ahead of your own. Alot of people can’t do that. Your circumstances meant that you had to make a tough life choice. But your love for your rabbit and their well being is so great,you could make that sacrifice. It feels so horrible,but you gave your beloved rabbit the best chance to live their life. And the foster carers and the organisation they are connected to will not let your rabbit be rehomed to just anyone.

It 100% isn’t fair. Money sucks. And animal medical care is just so expensive. You didn’t let your bunny suffer because you weren’t able to let them go. They are still alive because YOU did something to make sure they did. There is a big difference.

I hope this helps in a little way.
Take care, ABC01

Re: Surrender pet aftermath

Rach28 — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 23:20:38 GMT

My pet isnt a dog. He he is a rabbit. Big difference!

Re: Surrender pet aftermath

Rach28 — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 23:21:33 GMT

Thank you

Re: Surrender pet aftermath

Rach28 — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 23:23:48 GMT

Hey! I know I don't know you but thanks for your comment. I'm struggling honestly. As he's been with his foster mum for over a month now. And I'm heartbroken as she's applied to adopt him. I found out secretly. It's shattered me completely.

It's really hard now 2 months on.. 9 weeks without him in my life. The worst part is no one has apologised to me. The organisation caring for him hasn't reached out. I hate how cruel and inhumane rehoming is to the original pet owner. That's what I'm struggling with right now.

Re: Surrender pet aftermath

ABC01 — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:23:00 GMT

Hi Rach28,

I completely understand when we are given an expectation and then it doesn’t happen. What matters so much to one person,can easily be dismissed by another. You are suffering a loss. You are grieving too. Loss doesn’t have to mean death. Your love for your rabbit is real and missing them and longing for them,is completely understandable. Your life has changed. Anger or frustration at something out of your control is also real and valid. However if you are being unkind to yourself, you need to remember not to be. It is so easy to be caught in a cycle that gets destructive. And you deserve not to be caught in that. I truly hope you are able to navigate a path to relief from your heavy feelings.

It doesn’t matter that we don’t know each other. Compassion and empathy is normal, or should be.

ABC01

Re: Surrender pet aftermath

Rach28 — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:25:56 GMT

Thank you. I am still trying to figure out my life without him. I am doing my best. That's all I can do.

Re: Surrender pet aftermath

Rach28 — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:26:48 GMT

I'm remembering to be kind to myself. Lots of self care days. It's still hard but in trying to remember to breathe everyday.

Re: Surrender pet aftermath

Sornam — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:25:11 GMT

Hi Rach, yes I surrendered my little dog just 4 days ago. I did it after being quite stressed with his separation anxiety and not being able to go out. Now my reasons seem so stupid. I rand to try and get him back but the rescue said no. I have been shattered and not able to get out of bed and today I saw that he is adopted. I cannot begin to say how terrible I feel. I understand what you are going through and don't know how long it will be before I recover. It seems like I will never be the same again. My heartfelt feelings for you.