Coping with death of pig

jennag446

jennag446

New Born Pup
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One of my pigs passed away yesterday morning, and I’m having a really hard time coping with it. Every time I think of her I break down. I miss her so much and I just want to be able to hold her again. For anyone who’s lost a pig, how did you get through it? Now I’m down to two pigs, and the cage feels so empty. I can’t look at the other pigs without crying. They seem upset, too.
 
I'm very sorry for the loss and pain you are dealing with right now. I can tell you cared a lot for your piggy and I'm certain they felt that in the time you shared with them. Grieving is a difficult process, especially when you love so deeply. There will always be good days and bad days, perhaps more bad than good right now, but it will get easier to deal with in time. I would also suggest taking a look at the bereavement guides on here when you feel ready, they offer a lot of helpful insight and support. Sending hugs and support your way.
 
I think it helps you to cope when you have other pets to look after. I mean, you have to keep going for them. It will get easier in time but I don't think we ever stop missing the ones who've gone.
And don't listen to anyone who says 'it's just a guinea pig' (I know no-one on here would say that!) because they are not just anything, they are our friends, and we miss them.
 
I'm sorry for your loss. It is heartbreaking. To begin with tears will flow and sad memories keep popping up. It'll take time to get used to not seeing your piggy, even then they'll always be in your mind and your heart.
 
It is always hard, but even more so if you've been nursing them while they've been poorly. After 10 years of taking in adult pigs I've lost quite a few and it's the ones who have been poorly that hurt the most. The memories of happy Loulou who loved life here after living alone in a shed for some time always make me smile. She was a 'retirement' piggy and I found her one morning, dead as a dodo, with a half eaten piece of hay sticking out of her mouth. She must have literally dropped in her tracks. SBut for most of the others is wasn't so simple. Some had a short fight and some much longer, some had incurable problems in the end and some, like fierce Zara who we've only just lost, had fixable problems but heartbreakingly just couldn't recover from the relatively simple surgery. Last year we kept our bright beauty Ivy going for weeks solely on syringe food while we tried to find out what was wrong but we failed, and she was eventually pts at 3 and a half. There are mixed up feelings of loss, confusion, desperation, sadness, guilt and a lot of questions. I was 'seeing' her in the garden for some weeks after she went. The grief of losing a beloved piggy can be truly overwhelming. They change the shape of our lives and when they leave we have to get used to the new shape before we can move forward, but in time it will ease. Going through the grieving process can be very hard. Spend time with the piggies left behind - I used to sit with George after Ivy left and it helped us both 💕
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been in the same boat recently. It will ease over time. You'll never forget her but it will get easier and you'll just think more of your happy memories of her. I like to write little poems or songs about my pets that pass just to get out all my feelings and express how much they meant to me. You'll get there ❤
 
I lost one of my girls Monday, sadly the latest of many losses over the years. Its early days yet, its still raw. With time, you'll be able to remember her fondly, with less pain. Grief differs for everyone, but however you feel, its normal. Allow yourself to process it in your own time ❤
 
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost a piggy last Wednesday aged 5 1/2. He had severe arthritis and couldn't walk at all the last two months of his life. I did everything for him to keep him happy and comfortable. Eventually he stopped wanting to eat due to pain and I had to make the painful decision to put him to sleep. As @Free Ranger says when you've given a lot of care to a poorly pig the loss seems greater.

I'm going to be honest I've really struggled this week, every day seems to bring up a new reminder... on Sundays I sat with Monty and watched TV.... on Mondays I'd sit Monty next to me whilst I worked on my laptop etc etc. Yesterday was the week anniversary of him dying and I really couldn't cope with the pain, I cried most of the day. I do feel like I may have turned a corner today and am getting more used to him not being here, and feeling slightly more normal. It still hurts like hell but I am coming to terms with the fact he's not here anymore.

I've found coming on here and talking about it with a community of supportive and understanding piggy owners has been a real help. Also trying to think of the happy memories rather than the death, although I know it's hard when it's so fresh.

It may sound silly, but I got an old cuddly toy out and I cuddle that when I miss holding Monty, it sort of helps soothe me as at first the physical loss of not being able to hold him was so strong and upsetting. My partner thought I was mad when he found me cuddling my old soft toy!

You have to just find things that can help you through this very painful and raw time. Also don't be ashamed to cry, you need to let your feelings out.

I wasn't sleeping well so I've got some valerian herbal sleeping tablets which have helped.

Lots of love to you, I know this is hard but the only reason you hurt is because you loved ❤ and what a happy and loved piggy you had.... she was a lucky girl x
 
((HUGS.)) I'm so sorry for your loss. Pets take up such a big space in our hearts and it's so hard to say goodbye. It's only been a day... being very upset is totally normal. Just let yourself feel how you feel. In time, the pain will lessen and the good memories will take precedence. That said, it's normal to feel sad even over time... we lost Hadley (the pig in my avatar pic) in early June. I had a cry last week about it still because I was having a bad day and suddenly just really, really missed her. It happens... we never forget them. ((HUGS)) to you.
 
JoannaMarie said:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost a piggy last Wednesday aged 5 1/2. He had severe arthritis and couldn't walk at all the last two months of his life. I did everything for him to keep him happy and comfortable. Eventually he stopped wanting to eat due to pain and I had to make the painful decision to put him to sleep. As @Free Ranger says when you've given a lot of care to a poorly pig the loss seems greater.

I'm going to be honest I've really struggled this week, every day seems to bring up a new reminder... on Sundays I sat with Monty and watched TV.... on Mondays I'd sit Monty next to me whilst I worked on my laptop etc etc. Yesterday was the week anniversary of him dying and I really couldn't cope with the pain, I cried most of the day. I do feel like I may have turned a corner today and am getting more used to him not being here, and feeling slightly more normal. It still hurts like hell but I am coming to terms with the fact he's not here anymore.

I've found coming on here and talking about it with a community of supportive and understanding piggy owners has been a real help. Also trying to think of the happy memories rather than the death, although I know it's hard when it's so fresh.

It may sound silly, but I got an old cuddly toy out and I cuddle that when I miss holding Monty, it sort of helps soothe me as at first the physical loss of not being able to hold him was so strong and upsetting. My partner thought I was mad when he found me cuddling my old soft toy!

You have to just find things that can help you through this very painful and raw time. Also don't be ashamed to cry, you need to let your feelings out.

I wasn't sleeping well so I've got some valerian herbal sleeping tablets which have helped.

Lots of love to you, I know this is hard but the only reason you hurt is because you loved ❤ and what a happy and loved piggy you had.... she was a lucky girl x
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Our pig’s problems sounded similar. My Mini had osteodystrophia, and couldn’t walk in the last week of her life. She was in so much pain that she couldn’t eat anything. All I could do was watch and make sure she was as comfortable as she could be with all of the pain she was in. The vet said she was probably going to pass within a few days, but I still prayed that some sort of miracle would happen. It didn’t. I hope you also find peace and someday, fully recover from the loss of your pig. It truly is really hard.
 
So sorry for your loss.
Grief is a process that cannot be rushed.
You are still in the early stages when grief and shock are very raw.
It will ease.
Maybe you can create a memory book with pictures and stories of your piggy which will help you to remember all the happy moments.
Treasure those memories and remember, we only grieve when we have loved.
We are here to support you and we do understand how painful the loss of a beloved piggy can be.
Be patient and gentle with yourself as you grieve
 
jennag446 said:
Our pig’s problems sounded similar. My Mini had osteodystrophia, and couldn’t walk in the last week of her life. She was in so much pain that she couldn’t eat anything. All I could do was watch and make sure she was as comfortable as she could be with all of the pain she was in. The vet said she was probably going to pass within a few days, but I still prayed that some sort of miracle would happen. It didn’t. I hope you also find peace and someday, fully recover from the loss of your pig. It truly is really hard.
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I am sorry to hear about your piggie, it is so sad to watch them fade, and no matter what you can never be prepared for losing them. Sending you big hugs x
 
jennag446 said:
Our pig’s problems sounded similar. My Mini had osteodystrophia, and couldn’t walk in the last week of her life. She was in so much pain that she couldn’t eat anything. All I could do was watch and make sure she was as comfortable as she could be with all of the pain she was in. The vet said she was probably going to pass within a few days, but I still prayed that some sort of miracle would happen. It didn’t. I hope you also find peace and someday, fully recover from the loss of your pig. It truly is really hard
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I also just wanted to add, one of the things I have been feeling is thinking 'did I do enough?', 'could I have done more?'. Those feelings are starting to ease now, thankfully. I don't think there is anything that can stop you feeling the pain of loss. The only thing is time, it will get easier. Mini was such a loved piggie and in time you will think back and remember all the happier memories rather than the painful ones. ❤
 
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