Chance of putting piggie to sleep

[worrier]

I took my guinea pig, Peanut (7 years old), to the vets today for blood in her urine. This happens quite a lot to her as she has had chronic bladder stones on and off these past twoish years. She's always managed to pass them and has just been prescribed pain killers and antibiotics to get her through these bouts of stones.

Today the vet said he thought he could feel a mass in her stomach but because she was in pain she wasn't really letting him feel it properly. She's been prescribed the normal medication for her bladder things and we are going back in a week for a check on that mass and a scan. He mentioned the possibility of putting her to sleep if there were tumors/cancer/etc which of course I would do if she was in incurable pain. I don't want her to live in pain of course. I just feel really sad about it and needed to say that somewhere. I don't want her to die at all, I love her so much. I know she is old but to me she is my baby.

I feel like I'm waiting a week for them to just say that the best option for her is to be put to sleep. Of course I would do whatever is best for her but I'm just feeling quite sad right now especially after seeing her in pain this morning. All guinea pigs deserve to live forever with no pain.

 

[worrier]

Here is my darling Peanut

 

[Lorcan]

She's beautiful I'm sorry you're in this no-win situation, it's never easy and it's not a decision any of us take likely lightly - or will judge you for, no matter what route you take. See how tonight goes, see how tomorrow goes. You may still have that time.

 

[worrier]

She's beautiful I'm sorry you're in this no-win situation, it's never easy and it's not a decision any of us take likely - or will judge you for, no matter what route you take. See how tonight goes, see how tomorrow goes. You may still have that time.

Thank you so much I'm just struggling with knowing that either way she is going to pass soon, I just have to pick how. I'm grateful for all the time I still have with her

 

[Merab]

So sorry that you are in such a difficult situation.
Peanut is a beautiful piggy and her age is a tribute to your love and care.
I echo what @Lorcan has said, take it a day at a time.
Go with your heart and you will make the right decision at the right time.
Holding you in my heart

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry you are in this situation. Sending you hugs and healing vibes to gorgeous Peanut.

Make this week extra special. Lots of cuddles and treats. She’s felt your love every day for the past 7 years. She thanks you for the wonderful life you have given her.

When I had to have my 16.5 year old Border Terrier helped over the bridge I knew I wanted him to have a “good death” as he’d had an amazing life with me and I didn’t want him to suffer at the end.

If the bridge is calling Peanut then it’s best she goes over a day early rather than a day too late.

 

[Wiebke]

I took my guinea pig, Peanut (7 years old), to the vets today for blood in her urine. This happens quite a lot to her as she has had chronic bladder stones on and off these past twoish years. She's always managed to pass them and has just been prescribed pain killers and antibiotics to get her through these bouts of stones.

Today the vet said he thought he could feel a mass in her stomach but because she was in pain she wasn't really letting him feel it properly. She's been prescribed the normal medication for her bladder things and we are going back in a week for a check on that mass and a scan. He mentioned the possibility of putting her to sleep if there were tumors/cancer/etc which of course I would do if she was in incurable pain. I don't want her to live in pain of course. I just feel really sad about it and needed to say that somewhere. I don't want her to die at all, I love her so much. I know she is old but to me she is my baby.

I feel like I'm waiting a week for them to just say that the best option for her is to be put to sleep. Of course I would do whatever is best for her but I'm just feeling quite sad right now especially after seeing her in pain this morning. All guinea pigs deserve to live forever with no pain.

BIG HUGS

I am very sorry. Being faced with the reality of an impending loss always comes as a massive shock that triggers your grieving process. You don't start grieving after a death, you start grieving when the certainty of a death in the not very far future hits you.
That is the cause of why you are so feeling so upset and so down right now. It is the news that none of us want to hear.
In fact, it is generally the second worst time in the whole grieving process apart from the loss itself. Yes, you know that 7 years is a great age and you know that Peanut has some major health issues, but as long as she is still ticking along, it is all too easy to just ignore the uneasiness in your own gut.

Right now, you feel totally torn between your own strong desire to keep her with you and at the same time your wish to prevent any unnecessary suffering, which are currently fighting a battle royal in your heart.
Please trust in yourself: If Peanut continues to deteriorate, you are going to race to the vets and will do what needs to be done because you can always be stronger for somebody you love deeply than for yourself. You are not going to fail yourself in that respect. Trust your heart and trust your gut: If Peanut is in pain, you will find the inner strength to let her go before your own desires because would we not all rather bear the pain ourselves than watch those we love suffer? That the is power of love; a love which you have shown you have yourself, too.

Just try to create some more precious memories while you have the time and Peanut is still well enough to enjoy them.


Have you been given stronger pain medication for her? Piggies are prey animals and as such able to suppress pain to a remarkable degree. When they start showing it, then it is already really bad.

Here are links which you may find helpful in understanding better your emotions and your options, so you can make the best out of a bad situation for both Peanut's and your own sake.
- A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs
- Pet Owners Anxiety - Practical Tips For Sufferers and For Supporters

My thoughts are with Peanut and you.

PS: Let us know if you would like us to transfer the thread to our End of Life and Bereavement section for ongoing moral support and practical advice for as long as you need it.

 

[worrier]

BIG HUGS

I am very sorry. Being faced with the reality of an impending loss always comes as a massive shock that triggers your grieving process. You don't start grieving after a death, you start grieving when the certainty of a death in the not very far future hits you.
That is the cause of why you are so feeling so upset and so down right now. It is the news that none of us want to hear.
In fact, it is generally the second worst time in the whole grieving process apart from the loss itself. Yes, you know that 7 years is a great age and you know that Peanut has some major health issues, but as long as she is still ticking along, it is all too easy to just ignore the uneasiness in your own gut.

Right now, you feel totally torn between your own strong desire to keep her with you and at the same time your wish to prevent any unnecessary suffering, which are currently fighting a battle royal in your heart.
Please trust in yourself: If Peanut continues to deteriorate, you are going to race to the vets and will do what needs to be done because you can always be stronger for somebody you love deeply than for yourself. You are not going to fail yourself in that respect. Trust your heart and trust your gut: If Peanut is in pain, you will find the inner strength to let her go before your own desires because would we not all rather bear the pain ourselves than watch those we love suffer? That the is power of love; a love which you have shown you have yourself, too.

Just try to create some more precious memories while you have the time and Peanut is still well enough to enjoy them.


Have you been given stronger pain medication for her? Piggies are prey animals and as such able to suppress pain to a remarkable degree. When they start showing it, then it is already really bad.

Here are links which you may find helpful in understanding better your emotions and your options, so you can make the best out of a bad situation for both Peanut's and your own sake.
- A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs
- Pet Owners Anxiety - Practical Tips For Sufferers and For Supporters

My thoughts are with Peanut and you.

PS: Let us know if you would like us to transfer the thread to our End of Life and Bereavement section for ongoing moral support and practical advice for as long as you need it.

Thank you so much for your lovely message. Peanut was unfortunately put to sleep that Saturday. I have no doubts it was the right decision but I'm absolutely distraught. She was my little furry best friend. Had her since I was 13 and now I'm 21! I'm so grateful for all the time I had with her. She was honestly the sweetest piggie ever, she loved cuddles and lived in my bedroom so we were always together. I love her so much and I don't think I'll ever not miss her. I am comforted by the thought that she's in guinea pig heaven and gets to see her sister again and eat as much as she wants!

Thank you so much for the links you gave. I've been too sad to say anything and reply recently but reading them before she crossed the rainbow bridge helped a lot. I'm still finding it hard to talk about it all but it might be worth moving the post to the bereavement section. Thank you for your support

 

[Truffolo]

Very sorry Peanut has gone to the bridge. She was loved and is missed so much. Snuggle softly over the bridge little Peanut

 

[Wheekallweek]

Aw, rest in peace sweet Peanut. What a lucky girl you were to have such a long and happy life

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much for your lovely message. Peanut was unfortunately put to sleep that Saturday. I have no doubts it was the right decision but I'm absolutely distraught. She was my little furry best friend. Had her since I was 13 and now I'm 21! I'm so grateful for all the time I had with her. She was honestly the sweetest piggie ever, she loved cuddles and lived in my bedroom so we were always together. I love her so much and I don't think I'll ever not miss her. I am comforted by the thought that she's in guinea pig heaven and gets to see her sister again and eat as much as she wants!

Thank you so much for the links you gave. I've been too sad to say anything and reply recently but reading them before she crossed the rainbow bridge helped a lot. I'm still finding it hard to talk about it all but it might be worth moving the post to the bereavement section. Thank you for your support

BIG HUGS

Peanut has been with you through such a formative part of your life and has been your close companion through all the woes and challenges it brings, including the huge upset of the Pandemic.

That is not easy to walk away from because it is not just a goodbye from Peanut but also a goodbye to a part of your life you will never be able to return to.

Please contact the Blue Cross phone line for a confidential talk with a trained volunteer; you will find that this may help to break the ring of pain around your heart and help you start your journey to find Peanut again in her new, but no longer tangible form. She's not lost forever but while you are still hurting too much, she seems out of reach for you.
Pet Loss Support

I am glad that my guides have provided a lifebelt for you during your very darkest hours. As a community we are here for you to listen and to talk whenever and as much feels right to you and help with our peer understanding of your experiences and the depth of your pain of loss.

I am moving this your thread to our Bereavement Support section for you. This ongoing support thread will be accessible to you for as long as you need to. It just helps both sides if we keep all the information together so you do not have to tell the whole story every time after a longer break and we can - if needed - quickly refresh our memory as we are jumping between lots of different threads every day.

 

[Merab]

So sorry for your loss.
Peanut had a wonderful life with you.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve.
Hugs

 

[worrier]

BIG HUGS

Peanut has been with you through such a formative part of your life and has been your close companion through all the woes and challenges it brings, including the huge upset of the Pandemic.

That is not easy to walk away from because it is not just a goodbye from Peanut but also a goodbye to a part of your life you will never be able to return to.

Please contact the Blue Cross phone line for a confidential talk with a trained volunteer; you will find that this may help to break the ring of pain around your heart and help you start your journey to find Peanut again in her new, but no longer tangible form. She's not lost forever but while you are still hurting too much, she seems out of reach for you.
Pet Loss Support

I am glad that my guides have provided a lifebelt for you during your very darkest hours. As a community we are here for you to listen and to talk whenever and as much feels right to you and help with our peer understanding of your experiences and the depth of your pain of loss.

I am moving this your thread to our Bereavement Support section for you. This ongoing support thread will be accessible to you for as long as you need to. It just helps both sides if we keep all the information together so you do not have to tell the whole story every time after a longer break and we can - if needed - quickly refresh our memory as we are jumping between lots of different threads every day.

Thank you so much. I've really been finding it hard to talk about the loss of her, I think I have always been bad at talking about loss and grief. She has been the one there through my teen years and it's quite hard hitting. I am truly blessed to have been loved and trusted by her.

Thank you so much for the support and resources you have given they have been helpful. We have put pictures up in the place in my room that was hers of her and her sister which is nice to have. I don't know how to talk about without crying though, it's like I've lost a part of myself. I don't like that I'm going into adulthood without her. I know it will get easier and the pain will lessen but I do really miss her.

Thank you and all the other staff and lovely people on this forum again for all the resources and messages. I do apologise I'm not quick to reply, talking about it has been painful. I really do appreciate it all though.

 

[Wheekallweek]

Things will get better - one day you will be able to remember the happy times and smile, and laugh about her silly antics!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much. I've really been finding it hard to talk about the loss of her, I think I have always been bad at talking about loss and grief. She has been the one there through my teen years and it's quite hard hitting. I am truly blessed to have been loved and trusted by her.

Thank you so much for the support and resources you have given they have been helpful. We have put pictures up in the place in my room that was hers of her and her sister which is nice to have. I don't know how to talk about without crying though, it's like I've lost a part of myself. I don't like that I'm going into adulthood without her. I know it will get easier and the pain will lessen but I do really miss her.

Thank you and all the other staff and lovely people on this forum again for all the resources and messages. I do apologise I'm not quick to reply, talking about it has been painful. I really do appreciate it all though.

HUGS

I am glad that we have been able to get you through the roughest part. We continue to be here for you; including anniversaries or any time it becomes unbearable or hits you fully again etc.

Please be aware that the grieving process is very much an ongoing emotional journey that accompanies you throughout your life. It is not like you are totally sad and then one morning you wake up and you are fine.
You are still very much in the phase when your emotional wounds are very much open. With a beloved one, this stage can last weeks, months, years and a few people never get over losing somebody really close, especially under tragic circumstances.

You cannot hurry it on but what I would recommend is that you start a little grieving diary in which you note your feelings, things that have reminded you of your loss, memories that have come up etc. This helps you to keep processing actively and keep your own healing process going but you can also remember little things or special memories that may eventually get lost to time. You will however notice over time that your entries will change. But the diary is going to be a precious collection of memories but also the person who you are in future times.
Grieving is a bit like a spiral staircase; you will revisit certain points but you'll see them from a slightly different perspective.

It has taken me about 18 months to get over the loss of my own most special piggy Minx in pre-forum times when there was no real understanding of my close bond in my social/family or wider circle and nowhere to open up and share. She was not my first piggy, and yet I still got fully caught out because of our special bond. I could finally come out of it when I found this forum coming up to 18 years ago.

There will be a point where you can make peace with it and feel blessed for having had her in your life at such a crucial time but that time is still a way off. Be patient and give yourself that time to heal.
It will happen eventually; but as with anybody who is crucial to your life, you lose a part of yourself and have to learn to live with that and find yourself again. But this process also means that you grow and develop as a human being so there is going to be an inner strength and a much deeper and more mature understanding coming out of it for you as you go on in life. It is not all bad and sad.

And those special memories and your love are going to stay with you forever; without the pain you are still feeling very right now. Continue to be kind with yourself.

Larvae don't change into butterflies in just a few days, either - and neither will the new you-without-Peanut. But I promise you, you will have morphed a striking butterfly when you finally emerge again because of the depth of your feeling.

 

[PoptartShop]

I am so sorry for your loss. Peanut was very loved and cared for. She lived a wonderful happy long life with you.

Grieving is a process. I had unfortunately to put one of my boars to sleep a few days ago and it is still very very hard, he was so special, what has helped is thinking of all the happy moments and cherishing all of the memories we shared. Please be kind to yourself as you grieve. We are here for you.

I have also found that journaling my feelings and all the amazing things about my piggie has helped. I also, it may sound crazy, talk to him. I'll tell him about my day and tell him how much he is missed and loved. They are always going to be with us in our hearts.

Rest peacefully beautiful Peanut.