Pepper

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lostox

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I've really been struggling with the loss of my piggy Pepper, who died on the 6th. I rescued him a year and a half ago, and he helped me through my depression, where I formed a bond that I've never had with any other pet (including his cage mate).

His death came quite suddenly and I feel as if it is my fault, and I've been struggling to interact with my other guinea pigs because of it incase I do something that causes them to die.

Now that he is gone I'm worried I'll become depressed again, and won't be able to cope.

Does anyone have any tips for overcoming loss?
 
I'm so sorry that you lost Pepper. We all form some bonds with piggies that are very special and when they leave us it's a true grief.

Please don't blame yourself. Grief comes in stages, and the feeling you were to blame is a natural part of that process. It's awful but it will pass. It shows how much you cared for Pepper.

Popcorn free at the Bridge Pepper. Hugs to you x
 
So sorry for your loss. I am sure you did everything you could.
Could you maybe speak to someone you know and trust about your concerns. I find that helps me too as I am an awful worrier.
 
It wasn't your fault hun.Just concentrate on the rest, they will get you through and talk to someone you trust as above poster said.Huge hugs.
 
lostox said:
I've really been struggling with the loss of my piggy Pepper, who died on the 6th. I rescued him a year and a half ago, and he helped me through my depression, where I formed a bond that I've never had with any other pet (including his cage mate).

His death came quite suddenly and I feel as if it is my fault, and I've been struggling to interact with my other guinea pigs because of it incase I do something that causes them to die.

Now that he is gone I'm worried I'll become depressed again, and won't be able to cope.

Does anyone have any tips for overcoming loss?
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I am very sorry that your sad loss has hit you so hard. It is very normal to feel guilt/a sense of failure at the onset of the grieving process when a beloved pet dies, as it is our responsibility and love speaking, even when the death is beyond our control. However, this should abate in time. As it has taken over, I would recommend to use one of these free pet bereavement lines listed in the link below. They are manned by specially trained people and are best poised to help you talk it through.
This link here is listing available services for the UK: SupportLine - Problems: Pet Bereavement: Advice, support and information

There is certainly nothing that you can do in your daily routine that will cause the death of your other piggies, but it is likely to be something you may need help to get over. I hope that you can still continue to care for them and interact with them, and that time will prove you otherwise. Make sure that Pepper's mate has at least next door company. It is not unusual to be overtaken by your grief for a special piggy to the point that you struggle to feel much for others, but you still want to make sure that he is taken care of while you deal with your own issues.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
 
I struggled with the death of my last piggies so much that I didn't get any more for 7 years! I also suffer with depression and anxiety so can understand a bit what you are going through.

I would suggest changing your focus to the positives, how much they enjoyed life while they were here, and all the work you put in to looking after them. You will still find you beat yourself up over it, but when you notice what you are doing, forgive yourself, and focus on the positives. I'm not saying this is easy to do, but trust me, it gets easier with practice x
 
It wasn't your fault at all. Sadly in many occasions we can't do anything to save them (even experienced vets!), just like sometimes we don't have a saying in what's going on in our own lives. All I can say is that time heals, it might take long, but it does. And as VickiA and Wiebke said it's completely normal to feel guilty about it at first, it shows you really care.
Try to think about your happy moments with him, and talk to people you trust and love about it. You can also talk with us because as you see we all understand what you're going through.

And try to stay busy, keep the mind focused on something, that REALLY helps. I've never liked cooking/baking, and when Teddy died I was searching for new recipes and making them constantly xD.
The other guinea pigs would be a good option, as they will give you love back. And you won't hurt them, really.
 
I am so sorry for your loss, wanted to send you a huge hug. Grief is so personal and different to each person, take time to be kind to yourself. x x
 
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