End of life question

[Lel]

Hi

BIG HUGS

I am so sorry that you have had to make the hardest and most heart-breaking decision that I would also have made in a comparable situation and in fact have had to make all too often over the years. It is frightening when you come up slap-bang to the reality of a death and when you have to face your own fears of loss in a hurry without having the grace to work through them more gradually. It is really tough when the shock of an impending death and the pain of actual loss happen all at once and you are swamped by extremely strong but very contradictory emotions and needs. It is also very normal to feel panicked and drowning by your inner turmoil.

It sounds like your beloved boy's body is already closing down. Unfortunately, you can never predict whether that process will be relatively pain-free or not as it depends on the order and speed of the individual organs failing. Sparing him those last hours is the most loving gift you can make a pet of yours - most loving because you are shouldering the extra pain you are sparing somebody you love. That also takes courage and is never an easily won decision.

Would it help you to know that waiting and watching a life ebbing away in a very physical way, not knowing how quickly and how smoothly it is going to happen is not any easier on any loving owner? Each natural dying process is unique and you can never really predict how quick and how smoothly it will run, not even after having sat up through a fair number of nights and days with nearly two scores of my own. There is usually a stage just before the end that is not at all pleasant and that can be very distressing to watch, knowing that it is too late to try and get to the vet by then.

You are not failing your boy in any way by deciding to spare him an arduous, long slog to the Rainbow Bridge instead of a very quick and painless journey. Either way comes with a very different price and emotional challenge but neither is any less high on you. You have to make this decision every time on its own merits, unless it is taken out of your hands by circumstances - and even that comes with its very own challenges and emotional burdens. Take consolation that as long as your boys' needs and comfort come before your own fears you are not failing them whichever way you decide to go or whatever happens.

My thoughts are with you and your two boys.

PS: If a cage mate is keeping their distance and seems unaffected, then they have accepted that their companion has mentally (if physically not possible) removed themselves from the group to die and they will have already taken their leave. Please do not be upset if he refuses to say goodbye a second time. Some piggies will but others won't. Like humans, piggies react all very individually to a loss; only that there is less social pressure to conform to a certain protocol.

Hi, hope all is well, I just wanted to update you and thank you again for the support you have shown.
The local rescue had a sanctuary pig who is 4.5 yrs old. He is just fabulous, fitting in great, the bonding wasn't too bad at all and both are well.
He has been passed from pillar to post, after getting to know him I've decided on the name Finnlay (Gaelic for white warrior).
Still grieving the loss of Mr Lomu and will for a long while but life is moving on and Taika has taken to Finnlay well.

Thanks again so much, your kind words meant so much during one of the toughest days ever x

 

[Merab]

What a gorgeous boy Finnlay is.
It’s lovely that Taika is happy with his new companion

 

[Bertie & Jelly]

You will always feel grief for the loss of Mr Lomu because you loved him so much. But wonderful to hear that Finnlay has arrived in your and Taika’s lives. Hope they both bring you renewed joy

 

[Lel]

You will always feel grief for the loss of Mr Lomu because you loved him so much. But wonderful to hear that Finnlay has arrived in your and Taika’s lives. Hope they both bring you renewed joy

Thank you so much he has heterotopic ocular bone formation, which is another term for .... the most beautiful eyes you've ever seen It's only been 2 days so they aren't besties, maybe never will be, but definitely a comfort for one another

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, hope all is well, I just wanted to update you and thank you again for the support you have shown.
The local rescue had a sanctuary pig who is 4.5 yrs old. He is just fabulous, fitting in great, the bonding wasn't too bad at all and both are well.
He has been passed from pillar to post, after getting to know him I've decided on the name Finnlay (Gaelic for white warrior).
Still grieving the loss of Mr Lomu and will for a long while but life is moving on and Taika has taken to Finnlay well.

Thanks again so much, your kind words meant so much during one of the toughest days ever x

Thank you so much for your update. It means a lot to us since many stories never have an ending on here.

I am so happy for you that your story has a good outcome for Taika and you. It looks like handsome Finnlay was meant to find you. When one door closes, another will open but each room exists in its own right. Thankfully, since each bond is unique and ties into its own place in your heart, so no love ever takes away from any other and there is no limit to how many and how often you can love. Mr Lomu will always keep his nest in your heart because he remains an integral part of your own life; Finnlay will build his own nest in his own right in another part of your life.

But I am also very glad that we have been able to support you during the eclipse and help you you with our advice.

Enjoy your boys and the new and different relationship they share.

PS: All my own piggies have Welsh names with a meaning that suits their looks, personality or picks up on a previous name if it has good associations for the piggy in question and they are used to it. Finnlay is a great name for a survivor of so many battles.

 

[Lel]

Thank you so much for your update. It means a lot to us since many stories never have an ending on here.

I am so happy for you that your story has a good outcome for Taika and you. It looks like handsome Finnlay was meant to find you. When one door closes, another will open but each room exists in its own right. Thankfully, since each bond is unique and ties into its own place in your heart, so no love ever takes away from any other and there is no limit to how many and how often you can love. Mr Lomu will always keep his nest in your heart because he remains an integral part of your own life; Finnlay will build his own nest in his own right in another part of your life.

But I am also very glad that we have been able to support you during the eclipse and help you you with our advice.

Enjoy your boys and the new and different relationship they share.

PS: All my own piggies have Welsh names with a meaning that suits their looks, personality or picks up on a previous name if it has good associations for the piggy in question and they are used to it.

Beautiful words as always, you always make me weepy (in a good way ).
Welsh names are so beautiful!
I've been around the world but Gaelic is where we landed.
Can't thank you enough Wiebke

 

[Bertie & Jelly]

Thank you so much he has heterotopic ocular bone formation, which is another term for .... the most beautiful eyes you've ever seen It's only been 2 days so they aren't besties, maybe never will be, but definitely a comfort for one another

One of my boys has that too. I agree - beautiful eyes

 

[Lel]

One of my boys has that too. I agree - beautiful eyes

Oh it's sooooo stunning!
He also has a grape holder head, as the rescue ladies call it : )

 

[Lel]

What a gorgeous boy Finnlay is.
It’s lovely that Taika is happy with his new companion

Thank you, Taika is kinda indifferent atm but he is there when Finn needs a pal. Just having a piggy pal for him was the goal, all is calm, that's all anyone can ask