Guilt while grieving

[Gryall]

Hey all, I’ve recently lost my boy Teddie to a suspected respiratory infection. He was my absolute world, and I loved him like he was my baby. Since it happened, I haven’t been able to leave the house, or get out of bed. I just miss him so much and feel completely lost and numb.

He became impacted one morning, and didn’t eat his food, so I took him straight to the vets to be told he was dying. He went downhill very fast and passed in my arms.

In hindsight, he was sneezing for quite a few months, but I didn’t think there was anything concerning about it enough to google it. Now, when I google it, respiratory infections come up everywhere and it says I could have saved him sooner if I went to the vets. I’m absolutely distraught that I’ve done this to him and let him suffer. I can’t live with myself knowing I could have stopped this from happening.

 

[thewheakybeans]

I’m so sorry you lost Teddie and he was clearly very loved. Please be kind to yourself as you grieve, it’s a natural thing to think ‘what if’ but you did what was best for him with the knowledge you had at the time. I’ve lost piggies from undiagnosed illnesses in the past and learnt how to identify things with my current ladies that I didn’t know about in the past. We’re not trained vets so please don’t put that guilt on yourself and remember all the lovely moments you shared with your lovely boy

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry Teddie has had the call to the rainbow bridge.

I agree with @thewheakybeans. You made your decisions with the knowledge you had at the time. That’s all any of us can do. Piggies hide their illnesses so well. Teddie was loved the whole time you had him. He felt that love.

Please don’t blame yourself. There would be no guarantee that even with earlier treatment he would have recovered.

Please talk to someone about your feelings. There is a bereavement section in this thread.

Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

Sending you hugs.