Help!

So sorry that you lost Coconut.
Giving him that last gift of love is very hard on your heart.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve
 
Jing said:
Hi guys,

Sorry to bring the very sad news- Coconut was put to sleep today.

I thought a lot about the blood test and ultrasound/x-ray options last night, said to myself if Coconut was still around this morning and fighting then I need to give him a chance and go ahead with further investigation.

Took him to the vet and saw Evelyna who had been dealing with Coconut a few times in the past. Evelyna was very honest with the situation, she said she’s almost certain that Coconut has severe kidney issues given him constantly passing water like urine even without drinking much. The fact he has lost significantly amount of weight in such a short period of time despite being syringe fed means nothing is really working…she said she could go ahead with all investigation if that is what I wanted, but most likely to turn out that euthanasia would be the best option. She said Coconut was ready. I was in a bit of denial at the time said he seemed enjoyed fresh grass before we left home…Evelyna said if I was not ready then can bring him in again when he deteriorated further but with kidney issues Coconut could be in pain at the end. As much as I didn’t want him to go, I couldn’t bear the thoughts that he may die in pain. So made the hard decision to put him to sleep😢

He was such a sweet little boy who accompanied me for the last 5 years, he will forever be missed🐹

Thank you all for your support, advice and kind words, really appreciate it.🌹
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BIG HUGS

You did absolutely the right thing. Kidney failure is not something that can be treated in guinea pigs and you putting his welfare before your own pain/fear of loss is showing that your heart is in the right place. Your own pain would not haven lessened if you had kept him on and you would have ended up with a much bigger load of guilt, questioning your decision even more.

What never gets easier is our pain of loss because that is directly linked to our individual bond and its strength. 5 years of sharing your life is a good time span with loads of happy memories that will always stay with you and by being the person you have grown into during those years with him, during which he has contributed to your life as much as you have cared for him.

Sadly, we can never choose when, what from and under which circumstances the end comes. We can only do our best to mitigate any unnecessary suffering as much as possible in the individual situation. You have done that and not failed Coconut at all.

It is OK to have a lot of strong feelings right now; even if they are not necessarily the ones you'd expect or if you are feeling overwhelmed by the rollercoaster of the last few days. Be kind with yourself and give yourself space and time to grieve.
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

We offer ongoing understanding community support in our End of Life and Bereavement Support section. If you wish to have this thread moved to that section in order to help you through the worst of your grieving and with any practical issues that come up, please let us know. On this forum, we are not just looking after piggies but we do understand how important it is that we care as a community about each other as well, and how much of a difference this mutual support can make to all of us.

If you struggle to sleep, get stuck in a guilt loop and struggle to function for longer than just a few days, please contact the free Blue Cross pet bereavement platforms (UK only) for a chat. Talking is the best thing you can do if you feel traumatised.
Pet Loss Support
 
Wiebke said:
BIG HUGS

You did absolutely the right thing. Kidney failure is not something that can be treated in guinea pigs and you putting his welfare before your own pain/fear of loss is showing that your heart is in the right place. Your own pain would not haven lessened if you had kept him on and you would have ended up with a much bigger load of guilt, questioning your decision even more.

What never gets easier is our pain of loss because that is directly linked to our individual bond and its strength. 5 years of sharing your life is a good time span with loads of happy memories that will always stay with you and by being the person you have grown into during those years with him, during which he has contributed to your life as much as you have cared for him.

Sadly, we can never choose when, what from and under which circumstances the end comes. We can only do our best to mitigate any unnecessary suffering as much as possible in the individual situation. You have done that and not failed Coconut at all.

It is OK to have a lot of strong feelings right now; even if they are not necessarily the ones you'd expect or if you are feeling overwhelmed by the rollercoaster of the last few days. Be kind with yourself and give yourself space and time to grieve.
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

We offer ongoing understanding community support in our End of Life and Bereavement Support section. If you wish to have this thread moved to that section in order to help you through the worst of your grieving and with any practical issues that come up, please let us know. On this forum, we are not just looking after piggies but we do understand how important it is that we care as a community about each other as well, and how much of a difference this mutual support can make to all of us.

If you struggle to sleep, get stuck in a guilt loop and struggle to function for longer than just a few days, please contact the free Blue Cross pet bereavement platforms (UK only) for a chat. Talking is the best thing you can do if you feel traumatised.
Pet Loss Support
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Thank you for sending such a comforting message to me. I woke up a couple of times last night missing him and kept thinking if I’ve made the decision too early. Your words does put my mind at rest.

It is hard to clear things and dismantle the cage today. I’m sure I will have more piggies one day when I am ready again, but at the moment I just need time to grieve and come out of it.

Please feel free if you think the post should be moved to a more appropriate section.

I’m so grateful for your kindness and support.
 
Jing said:
Thank you for sending such a comforting message to me. I woke up a couple of times last night missing him and kept thinking if I’ve made the decision too early. Your words does put my mind at rest.

It is hard to clear things and dismantle the cage today. I’m sure I will have more piggies one day when I am ready again, but at the moment I just need time to grieve and come out of it.

Please feel free if you think the post should be moved to a more appropriate section.

I’m so grateful for your kindness and support.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I am glad that I could help ease your mind. ❤️

Grieving is not a straight motorway from A to B, it's a winding country lane with sudden oncoming traffic, wonky sign posts, a gp that has fallen off the horizon in the last village and milestones that can loom very large.

Knowing that you are not alone with your particular experience or feelings can help massively. Grief is often an isolating and very lonely process, even more so with small pets like piggies. Here you can open up and share it without having to fear ignorance or ridicule.

Sometimes, it is harder when a sudden reminder mugs you in Memory Lane some weeks or months down the line and brings it all back without warning.

I am moving this thread to the Bereavement Support section where you can continue to use it for talking about your grieving process and practical questions that come up. We will be there to give you moral support, understanding and comfort whenever you need it or whenever you feel that talking about will help you to process things that bug you.

PS: We have a Rainbow Pets section which is open to anybody who would like to post a tribute to their pet at any time during the grieving process or at any time afterwards, whether recent or years past. There is no obligation; it is just there for those who feel that it helps them at a particular time. We understand that is not necessarily a place for everybody but as you are a new member I would like to inform you of its existence.
Here is the shortcut: Rainbow Bridge Pets
 
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