Grief Support?

[specklesmom]

Everyone out there seems to have at least some understanding and sympathy for dog and cat owners who have lost their pets, but no one without chicks can imagine how sad and depressed I am after losing my one and only sweet Barred Rock, Speckles. We never intended to have her as a pet; my husband bought 2 ducklings and 2 chicks on a whim as a "surprise" for my birthday. It was a surprise allright! I was scheduled for surgery in two days and not feeling well, so I just didn't have the strength to make him return them to the feed store. The ducks grew up and moved to a park nearby, one of the chickens died suddenly after just a year, but dear Speckles was with us for over 5 years. She was so special; I had no idea how clearly a chicken can communicate with such a variety of noises and behaviors. She came in the house often to visit and would sit in my lap as I stroked her neck and make the most darling little trill of happiness. She would run, run, run to catch up with my husband any time he came outside because she had trained him so well to lift up rocks and dig through the compost heap for her so she could find yummy bugs. We were in and out of the house all day to take her little treats, to just see how she was doing, to "talk". Now that she is gone it hurts to even go into the back yard because she isn't there to "help" with the gardening or flowerbeds. We buried her in one of the flowerbeds that she most loved to excavate. She would sneak into it and dig up any newly planted flowers or just to scratch all the mulch out onto the lawn. We agreed long ago that we would never get another chicken, or any other pet. It just hurts too much to lose them when you love them so much. And, even if we were willing to risk the pain, there could never be another chicken like Speckles. I'm sure it is worse to lose a pet chick when you only have one and become so close. What do you do to try to get over losing your pet?

 

[valentinebaby]

I don't think you ever really get over losing a beloved pet. If they become a part of your family, it is like losing a member - no where near as bad as losing a child - but still a part of you has passed on. I always look at something positive in death because I've had my fair share...

Try to tell yourself how many good years you gave this chicken and be happy with the fact that she had a life that you provided that no one else would have been able to do. I have planted trees in memory of loved ones passed and whenever I look at the tree, I think of them. When the time is right, consider getting a new chicken - not to replace the one you lost, but to shower your affection onto.

 

[b.hromada]

I know it hurts to lose one of our "babies" and your "Speckles" was no exception. Love your name for her. I have two barred rocks, and like you, I feel they have the sweetest personalities. They do communicate with you when you talk to them. They make us feel better when we are down, and in your case, not well due to having surgery. I agree with valentinebaby, maybe later you will decide to get a couple more, and shower your love on them as well. Not to replace your precious "Speckles", but for another one to share your joy with.

 

[BigSkyChickens]

I know I will feel this way someday, becuase I'm very attached to my chooks. Chickens are a double edged sword of loving pets and short lifecycles. Try to be grateful for the joy that Speckles brought to your life. Healing Hugs to you.

 

[Mahonri]

Pets are family. Nuff said.

 

[JewellFarm]

That is so sad. I cried just reading your post. Your pain really comes through in your words. I am so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately only time dulls the pain.

 

[chickenzoo]

So sorry for your loss, I've been there a few times. I still cry. It's hard but it's even harder to not own another one. Somewhere out there another little chick or chicken needs you.......... that's what helps healing - sharing your love of one, with another.

 

[crtrlovr]

Quote:
This is SO true. We can never "replace" a lost pet anymore than we can "replace" a lost loved human; nor should we try. The loss we feel is an indicator of how deeply we loved. I can't imagine a time without animals; I hope I never have to face such a time. When I lose a beloved pet, I do my best to give the absolute best care and love I can give to my remaining ones, and to any new ones who become a part of our family, as an honor and tribute to the ones who have gone before.

for your loss; you are not alone in your pain. I hope time brings more smiles than tears, and that you can heal enough to share your love with another pet. Having them in our lives, even for a short time, is FAR better than living without them.

 

[speckledhen]

Since April 2008, I've lost 8 very special chickens, starting with my wonderful flock rooster, Hawkeye, and the 8th one just yesterday that we had to euthanize. I'll remember each one's face, voice and quirky ways forever, I think. Loss is a part of being owned by chickens, unfortunately. No matter how painful it always is, I can't imagine not having chickens.

 

[horsejody]