A little calmer today but still in shock. Waiting for the vet to call me back so that they can return Ozzy to us. Bruno has been sleeping in Ozzys bed today, hes still eating and drinking but can very easily tell that the loss is hitting him very hard too. Thank you everyone for being so kind, it really has made the world of difference
HUGS
Give yourself time. It will take a few more days to fully sink in.
Glad that the cosy is working for Bruno to give him consolation. Don't change the cage bedding for a week and just let Ozzy's scent fade naturally, no matter how grotty it gets. For once, Bruno's own grieving needs take precedence.
Don't put yourself under too much pressure re. companionship. As long as Bruno is eating and drinking, it is better to take the time to look around as to what is available and think through your long term options without putting yourself under too much pressure or into making knee-jerk decisions. Ultimately, it is more important for Bruno's happiness that you find a solution that works for the longer term and not just a haphazard stop-gap.
It depends on whether looking through old photos and videos is a consolation for you or whether it is too painful - you can never tell in advance. It can be different with every loss. But if you find it consoling, then reviving happy memories could help you fill the Ozzy-shaped hole. Grieving is a very personal process and it is different every time, as each bond is unique. Follow your heart. Do what makes you feel better and try to stay away from what is too painful.
Think about a little ritual for Ozzy when he comes home and whether having a little remembrance corner for him would help you. There are more tips in the grieving guide link - it is about finding out what appeals and works for you while you digest both the huge shock and then the sudden loss, which have sadly pretty much coincided, so you have got a very full plate indeed.
As this is your first piggy loss, be open to try things so can find out for yourself which props and strategies work for you to help you through it; then you have got something in place with future losses that you can come back to as a personalised grieving crutch and something that helps you keep a foot on deck, mentally speaking. Right now, filling this somewhat eerie time with constructive and soothing things and activities is likely the most helpful thing for yourself that you can do.
As to Bruno, follow his lead as to whether he prefers to be left alone (which most piggies will) or whether he is happy to be consoled and to share his grief with you. Don't feel rejected if he'd rather wants to be left to his own devices. Piggies don't grieve any less deeply than us and they have to go by how their own feelings.
It can be rather tough on you because you don't love him any less and you would like to help him and ease his grief, so taking a step back, if that is what Bruno prefers, is one of the most painful things for you at this stage. But you help Bruno more if you respect his own wishes and feelings.
My thoughts are with you.
a heartbroken piggie really is awful to watch. But I also don't want to do the wrong thing by him, as its a first time loss it does feel like I'm getting things wrong, even by trying to do the right thing.
I've just been on the phone to the blue cross help line that you linked, had a good cry to the lady and she really did help. The arrangement that I've made with Sue is that Bruno will stay at home, and I will bring the girls home to him. She will guide us step by step on how to bond them and hopefully Bruno will be getting told off by his girls. She said to deep clean the cage and not have Bruno in it, so he will not see it as only his
