Dear Jack,
My vet told me my boy’s condition was very bad and I probably would only have him for about another 6 to 12 months maximum…I didn't even get 5 days. He went so quick. My friends have said he chose to go sooner rather than have me watch him slowly die in front of me. Everything just happened so fast...
Your friends are right. Put yourself in his place and look at your life together. He loved you so much and would not want to drag you down through a long and debilitating illness. It is awful for you, I know, but it could have been so much worse. What a hero he is and a loving companion to you.
Love, Jack
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About this letter
This letter is part of Jack McAfghan: Letters From Rainbow Bridge. A reader writes that their vet said their boy had perhaps six to twelve months left, but he passed away within five days, and friends have said he chose to go sooner rather than have them watch him slowly die. Jack's reply agrees with those friends.
What Jack says
Jack asks the reader to put themselves in the pet's place and look at their life together. He says the pet loved them so much that he would not want to drag them down through a long and debilitating illness, and that while it is awful for the reader, it could have been so much worse. He calls the pet a hero and a loving companion.
When a loss happens faster than expected
A sudden change can leave you reeling, especially after a prognosis that suggested more time. It is normal to feel shock, to wish you had more time, and to replay the last days. Be gentle with yourself, and consider talking to your vet about what happened, or to a counselor or support group about how you are coping.
