How do I go on after losing my little fluffy angel Henry? :(

[For our little Henry]

Today is day 2 since my  little Henry passed away  😥 How do I stop the pain I feel every moment of every day.

How do I live with the guilt and regret of taking him to the vet that day? When I know he didn’t want to go?

He licked my finger and my neck while I held him before putting him in his carrier.

when we got there I went to pet him and he turned his back and looked over his shoulder at me. I knew he was upset with me, but I thought I was doing right in having him checked out after having a bloated tummy the previous day.
I had helped him through his tummy issue, and he was doing better, but when I called the vet, the vet said I should take him in to see.

How can my little Henry not feel betrayed? Feeling lost after thinking that I took him there and left him to die?

He was supposed to be fine, I was going to go and pick him up, but the vet called and said he was eating hay, and then died.

I went to the vets and held him for 3 hours after he had passed away and his little eyes were open. It felt like he was looking at me as I sat and cradled him, stroking him from head to cottontail as I cradled him in my arms.
After 2 hours of feeling like he was looking at me, and his little brown eyes closed for the last time.

I feel like I died with him that day. 😥 😥

 

[Bam]

I am so very sorry you lost Henry.

You did the right thing when you took him to the vet. The vet told you to take him in. If you hadnt done that, the likelihood is very high that he would’ve passed at home that same day, and then you would always have had to wonder if maybe he could’ve been saved if you’d taken him in.

You didnt betray him. Its very clear that you loved him and wanted the very best for him. I’m personally convinced that animals know when theyre being loved and cared for with love.

Grief needs time, there’s no quick fix. But do know that you have nothing to feel guilty about.

You’re very welcome to post a few pics of Henry here, and maybe write a few words about him. Sometimes it also helps a little bit to craft some sort of memorial piece that you can keep near your bed or similar. I also light a tea light and keep it lit when I’ve lost someone. (I have electric tea lights, live tea lights can obv be a fire hazard).

 

[DanaNM]

I am so so sorry for your loss. 🙁

I completely agree with Bam, it sounds like something was very seriously wrong with your sweet Henry. I lost a bun very similarly years ago and it was so traumatizing. There can be so many serious things wrong with rabbits that all present the same way (liver torsion, a twisted loop of the intestine, etc), you did the right thing by taking him to the vet. I’m almost certain that the outcome would have been the same if you hadn’t you taken him in, and then you would be feeling even worse. Please do not blame yourself for this.

I also agree with Bam that there is no quick way to feel better, but time does heal. You may find comfort in fostering a bun or volunteering at a shelter, that has helped me in the past.

It’s clear Henry was very loved and had a wonderful life with you, although it was cut short.

(((Binky free Henry)))

 

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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