Tip 10 — How I Handled Revel’s Passage

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent FelineHow I Handled Revel’s Passage

Tip 10: Take time to prepare yourself by sharing your feelings.

Several tender moments stand out in my memory of my last days with Revel. Each of us can choose to be with our animal friends in whatever way that makes us feel the most comfortable and complete. And, spending this caring, meaningful time is important to both human and animal alike. Not only can we feel more complete and gain relief in sharing our feelings but it is also important to understand that the animal will receive and know the love in our hearts. How we spend this time is very important.
During the last week or so, I chose to feed Revel the very special foods that he seemed to especially enjoy. The ground beef was his favorite. We also spent quite a bit of time in the meditation room as I shared with him, in great detail, about how much I treasured him in my life. I remembered and shared all the memorable moments we had. We both benefited. I could tell he loved it there and so did I. He would lie against my chest and snuggle as I would say everything that I needed to say from my heart. I felt a lot of joy with the affirmed memories. My meditation mantra would play in the background. It seemed he would revel in the chanting, the physical closeness, and the love in my voice. I could see and feel his comfort in our closeness and the mantra gave me great comfort too.
Thankfully, a dear friend offered to drive Revel and I up to the vet’s office on the designated day. This was particularly important to me because I could hold Revel in my arms for his final journey. I placed my headphones on Revel’s head and was able to hold them in position so that he could hear the chanting of the mantra. He seemed to sway in concert with the chanting and I felt no tension or discomfort in his body whatsoever.
With the vet’s help, Revel passed peacefully as I continued my vigilant touch and the meditation mantra played in his ears. The ease at which he passed gave me some comfort and being able to be totally present was also comforting. I felt that I had done my duty. I was there with him to the end.
I then placed Revel in a container filled with his favorite toys and his blanket. I had prepared a spot in my back yard for his burial and placed him there. It felt good to have him there under the apple tree and close. Thankfully, a dear friend came by and I was able to cry being held in loving arms. I sobbed uncontrollably for a short while which released a great deal of emotion. As my tears subsided, I knew everything was/would be fine. I loved that Revel! We had shared 16 ½ years together and I rested in knowing that I had done right by him!

Next: Tip 11 and Regal’s Profound Impact on Me

With blessings, Linda

Filed under Understanding Pet Loss & Grief |