I'm so very grateful to you for noting that sometimes, when our pet's pain is beyond our management, euthanasia is a responsible choice. My very experienced vet once told me that most people wait too long and their animal suffers, though I also appreciate your wisdom around 'listening' to your pet and giving things time to resolve, possibly for the better, should there be any possibility for recovery. I've learned a few things from this post that will allow me to do better with my 2 senior dogs when their time comes, and I want to thank you for being a light in what often feels like dark times, whether we are saying goodbye to our beloveds, or just coping with the vagaries of everyday life.
🙏🏽🐾 Hits all too close to home for our dogs, cats and horses. They are our "Kidz" and a huge part of our lives. I have come to respect their choice when it comes time for them to transition. Some have come as surprises and some after long illness. In three situations, (soon to be 4) the surviving partner choses to join the companion that has transitioned. So we have found ourselves saying goodbye to not just one 4-legged but two in immediate or close succession. 💔✨🙏🏽😢 Thank you for sharing this important information. At the end of the day, being there for them, being the last human they see, smell or hear is the ultimate gift of gratitude you can provide for them during their transition. Unconditional Love 💖💜🌈 xoxo
Thank you David it is a helpful article that I can share with friends.
I have to say I have felt guilty for some time as I was unable to give my horse time after being euthanised. Circumstances would not allow time after and I have wondered how his soul would have transitioned? It was 2 years ago in June and still I feel some guilt even though I know I really couldn't control timing of Vet visit (living in remote area) and the oncoming wet weather. I couldn't leave him in the paddock without shelter in the cold and rain, and to die at night like that.
Storm was 27yo Australian Draught horse and my soul mate, he was out of my stock horse x draught mare, so from birth we were close. Every vet and farrier over those years told me that he loved me, not that I needed to be told. But that was nice of them to notice.
I had thought 12 months prior to making the decision to Euthanasia that time was coming close, but he communicated to me that no he wasn't ready to go so I kept putting it off.
A couple of days after being in the ground I felt him leave the planet. That's when I really felt the guilt, his body didn't have time to really cool as it already started to rain when the tractor came to bury him.
I still have another old horse who came to keep Storm company and I have moved him to be with another old horse that I visit weekly with carrot treats. He has a lot of cancer in his body.
Early last year I rescued a young female Schipperke X (first dog in 30 years) she just happened to be at my neighbours and needing a home. We enjoyed each others' company for 9 months when a red belly black snake took her out. That also broke my heart, she died in my arms.
So at this time in my life I've decided I can't be responsible for animals. I will do dog sits which I have done recently and visit my friends' animals.
Thank you David for giving the space to tell my animal story. Loved the pics from Twala.
I utilized your book "Buddhism for Pet Lovers" during the process before and after my precious cat Arwen left her body. This was a most intentional time for both of us, and then for 49 days afterward we remembered her and dedicated merit upon her behalf. I'm so grateful for the information you presented there, and in this current article. Thank you. Namaste, Nimrod
Thank you David, I found your previous article comforting after our cat died in May and have remembered her each week until the 49th day after her passing.
I have found that my pets and I also enjoy it when I sing with them, too. I like songs of happiness, love, and respect like "You are my sunshine" (sometimes with fun embellishments) or "Feed the Birds" (from Mary Poppins). It seems to give them peace when they are suffering while telling them they are loved and appreciated before and after they pass. Thanks for this reminders in this article!
I'd love some discussion on how to help my 12 lb (small) reactive dog. I do my best to distract her immediately when she reacts (ideally before), be calm myself, and help her focus on something other than the thing she wants to attack and bark at. (I can tell the difference between her bark for attention and aggression. It's a significant difference.)
Thanks so much Sheri for your kind message. I can't pretend to be a canine behavour expert, but there are some wonderful specialists around who I am sure can help. If any readers have suggestions, please let us know!
Thank you for the reassuring article on helping our pets through the death experience and bardo state. My dear cat 'Shell' disappeared the day she 'died' and I mourned her deeply but then, out of the corner of my eye I saw her slip by me as I was gardening. The thought came to me that love continues, hers for me, and mine for her. So I could be at peace and let her go.
Thank you David for this wonderful article. When my 18 year old Himalayan was dying in the garden, I called the vet and when she came said "they always tell you when it is time to go." What a comfort that was - half an hour later she was gone - and still missed. anne sharpeem
Such an interesting article. I didn't know about the bardo state...this view of death and dying. I do know about ,now, from animal communication courses and books, the readiness or not of an animal companion's state of being. I am hopeful that even in my cerebral ignorance I listened to my inner feelings and helped those animals I lived with to pass appropriately in their time and with reverence.
Thank you so much for this wonderful explanation of the dying process of pets- my dog died a year ago and it is very comforting to know that i intuitively managed this in the best possible way🙏
Thank you Thank you for this article. I have lost a number of beloved pets over the years. This is a monumental way of helping the beloved pet make their own transition from life to afterlife but also a way to grieve their loss while assigning the positive aspects of our help toward others to the spiritual well being of the one now transitioning. For most of my life I have felt an affinity with Buddhism and Buddhist practices. But never researched practices for assisting the transitional journey from life to afterlife and beyond for loved ones, human and animal alike. I just lost a lovely and loving pet cat. It hasn’t been 49 days. I now have an opportunity to give her the comfort and love on that day that will assist her at the end of her transition. It will be cathartic for me and a cushion of positive love and well being for her as she moves on. Thank you so much for sharing this.
I'm so very grateful to you for noting that sometimes, when our pet's pain is beyond our management, euthanasia is a responsible choice. My very experienced vet once told me that most people wait too long and their animal suffers, though I also appreciate your wisdom around 'listening' to your pet and giving things time to resolve, possibly for the better, should there be any possibility for recovery. I've learned a few things from this post that will allow me to do better with my 2 senior dogs when their time comes, and I want to thank you for being a light in what often feels like dark times, whether we are saying goodbye to our beloveds, or just coping with the vagaries of everyday life.
I am so glad that you found the post helpful, Lorian. My sincere thanks for your kind message.
🙏🏽🐾 Hits all too close to home for our dogs, cats and horses. They are our "Kidz" and a huge part of our lives. I have come to respect their choice when it comes time for them to transition. Some have come as surprises and some after long illness. In three situations, (soon to be 4) the surviving partner choses to join the companion that has transitioned. So we have found ourselves saying goodbye to not just one 4-legged but two in immediate or close succession. 💔✨🙏🏽😢 Thank you for sharing this important information. At the end of the day, being there for them, being the last human they see, smell or hear is the ultimate gift of gratitude you can provide for them during their transition. Unconditional Love 💖💜🌈 xoxo
My heartfelt thanks Lynn. Your 'Kidz' are so fortunate to have you.
Thank you David it is a helpful article that I can share with friends.
I have to say I have felt guilty for some time as I was unable to give my horse time after being euthanised. Circumstances would not allow time after and I have wondered how his soul would have transitioned? It was 2 years ago in June and still I feel some guilt even though I know I really couldn't control timing of Vet visit (living in remote area) and the oncoming wet weather. I couldn't leave him in the paddock without shelter in the cold and rain, and to die at night like that.
Storm was 27yo Australian Draught horse and my soul mate, he was out of my stock horse x draught mare, so from birth we were close. Every vet and farrier over those years told me that he loved me, not that I needed to be told. But that was nice of them to notice.
I had thought 12 months prior to making the decision to Euthanasia that time was coming close, but he communicated to me that no he wasn't ready to go so I kept putting it off.
A couple of days after being in the ground I felt him leave the planet. That's when I really felt the guilt, his body didn't have time to really cool as it already started to rain when the tractor came to bury him.
I still have another old horse who came to keep Storm company and I have moved him to be with another old horse that I visit weekly with carrot treats. He has a lot of cancer in his body.
Early last year I rescued a young female Schipperke X (first dog in 30 years) she just happened to be at my neighbours and needing a home. We enjoyed each others' company for 9 months when a red belly black snake took her out. That also broke my heart, she died in my arms.
So at this time in my life I've decided I can't be responsible for animals. I will do dog sits which I have done recently and visit my friends' animals.
Thank you David for giving the space to tell my animal story. Loved the pics from Twala.
Enjoy Zim
much respect
Atma (Barb)
Much love to you Atma, and thank you so much for sharing. So glad you enjoy my Zim updates. It is always a joy to return here.
Such a profound, loving and wise teaching, David. I found it immensely comforting and helpful. Thank you. 🙏🏼💖
I am really glad to be able to share this, thank you Sharadha.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom around pets, their experience of bardo, and how we can serve them! 🙏
My pleasure, thank you Karen.
David,
I utilized your book "Buddhism for Pet Lovers" during the process before and after my precious cat Arwen left her body. This was a most intentional time for both of us, and then for 49 days afterward we remembered her and dedicated merit upon her behalf. I'm so grateful for the information you presented there, and in this current article. Thank you. Namaste, Nimrod
I am so glad that you were able to offer this most precious of all support to Arwen, Nimrod.
Thank you David, I found your previous article comforting after our cat died in May and have remembered her each week until the 49th day after her passing.
I am sure it made a huge difference to her, thanks Wendy.
I have found that my pets and I also enjoy it when I sing with them, too. I like songs of happiness, love, and respect like "You are my sunshine" (sometimes with fun embellishments) or "Feed the Birds" (from Mary Poppins). It seems to give them peace when they are suffering while telling them they are loved and appreciated before and after they pass. Thanks for this reminders in this article!
I'd love some discussion on how to help my 12 lb (small) reactive dog. I do my best to distract her immediately when she reacts (ideally before), be calm myself, and help her focus on something other than the thing she wants to attack and bark at. (I can tell the difference between her bark for attention and aggression. It's a significant difference.)
Thanks, David!
Thanks so much Sheri for your kind message. I can't pretend to be a canine behavour expert, but there are some wonderful specialists around who I am sure can help. If any readers have suggestions, please let us know!
Thank you, David-I found this article immensely helpful when my beloved familiar Bella was dying aged 20.
I am so very glad that you found it of use, thank you Lorna. And my heartfelt thanks for all you do to support my work!
Really enjoying doing my thinking in Buddhism. Many thanks to you.
👍🙏✔️
My pleasure, thank you John!
Thank you for the reassuring article on helping our pets through the death experience and bardo state. My dear cat 'Shell' disappeared the day she 'died' and I mourned her deeply but then, out of the corner of my eye I saw her slip by me as I was gardening. The thought came to me that love continues, hers for me, and mine for her. So I could be at peace and let her go.
Interesting you say that, Daniela. I also still have such glimpses of our beloved cats ...
Thank you David for this wonderful article. When my 18 year old Himalayan was dying in the garden, I called the vet and when she came said "they always tell you when it is time to go." What a comfort that was - half an hour later she was gone - and still missed. anne sharpeem
Many thanks, Anne. They are always missed.
Your books ere slowly going round my beautiful retirement home and the little dogs here are almost like wonderful cats. ane
Such an interesting article. I didn't know about the bardo state...this view of death and dying. I do know about ,now, from animal communication courses and books, the readiness or not of an animal companion's state of being. I am hopeful that even in my cerebral ignorance I listened to my inner feelings and helped those animals I lived with to pass appropriately in their time and with reverence.
I am so glad that you found it helpful, Nita and that you followed your inner voice.
Really appreciate this piece. I’ve buried all my pets in our backyard and our current cats. Often wonder around this section of the garden Hmmm 👍🙏✔️
My sincere thanks, John. I hope all is well with you!
Thank you so much for this wonderful explanation of the dying process of pets- my dog died a year ago and it is very comforting to know that i intuitively managed this in the best possible way🙏
Very good to know, thank you Joy!
Thank you Thank you for this article. I have lost a number of beloved pets over the years. This is a monumental way of helping the beloved pet make their own transition from life to afterlife but also a way to grieve their loss while assigning the positive aspects of our help toward others to the spiritual well being of the one now transitioning. For most of my life I have felt an affinity with Buddhism and Buddhist practices. But never researched practices for assisting the transitional journey from life to afterlife and beyond for loved ones, human and animal alike. I just lost a lovely and loving pet cat. It hasn’t been 49 days. I now have an opportunity to give her the comfort and love on that day that will assist her at the end of her transition. It will be cathartic for me and a cushion of positive love and well being for her as she moves on. Thank you so much for sharing this.
My sincere thanks, Molly. I am happy to be able to pass on this wisdom of my lamas.