Transformation - How To
poem for Instructions For A Feeling
It is time
for the transformation.
It is not goodbye, rather a new beginning.
There could be a small rally. That is a normal happening, a short delay.
Make no mistake, things are not okay. The slight rally is not permission for suffering.
He looks outside at the sky
You watch and cry
Snuggle with me, rub your whiskers against my cheek
You’ll feel his paw on your arm, a quick lick from his tongue, and try not to cry
Oh hell, you can’t stop crying!
speak in soft tones, caressing his fur
even though your eyes are totally blurred
Rest, my little one
Your rally is done
We had plenty of fun
I am the one who won
~~
In the quiet, darkened room, soft blankets nearby, and your four-legged friend snuggled close, speak softly: I love you, I love you, I let you go.
~~
We humans don’t make this decision lightly. We gently, humanely, and medically help our friends over the rainbow bridge. Afterward, sadness might erupt; for some, it may be relief. Loneliness and guilt come. The bereft feeling after euthanasia can be transformed into joy.
Remember their last breath. It was one of release from pain, freeing them from the physical. Pain gone. For you, the pain of loss might overwhelm. Sit quietly, and you can feel them close. Remember when your pooch licked away tears, and your kitty looked into your eyes, beaming love, willing you to be happy. Prepare yourself for sudden grief when you go to places you shared with them.
Copyright © 2/7/2026 by Andrea O. Corwin - for Katie
I am grateful you read my work! 😃 If you liked it, please like it ♡, drop a comment, and subscribe for free. - - Andi
A/N: It is difficult to have a pet euthanized - it doesn't matter if they have been with you for 21 years or 2 months. Your soul feels like a murderer until you realize that you are giving them a humane death and freeing them from suffering. Grief follows. I've had to do many, and the last was about 6 years ago. Friends and family have had very recent ones, with one today. Thanks for reading.
About the Creator
Andrea Corwin
🐘Wildlife 🌳 Environment 🥋3rd° See nature through my eyes
Poetry, fiction, horror, life experiences, and author photos. Written without A.I. © Andrea O. Corwin
bigcats4ever.bsky.social
Instagram @andicorwin
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Keep reading
More stories from Andrea Corwin and writers in Poets and other communities.
Comments (8)
Andrea, indeed! A ball of fur that loves us so well is hard to let go of. I think we will see them again, too one glorious day. But they surely do out-love us while they are here, don't they? My dog and cat have comforted me so much these past few months.
Absolutely beautiful - A lot of us have been there before with a pet. Nicely Done. Have a good time on your trip next week Andrea.
What a great piece of writing on such a hard topic. I remember when we had to do this with two our pets way back when. Both dogs I had I cared and loved for 15 years each. They both got arthritis and one did get cancer. I still think of both and know I will see them again.
This is a profoundly beautiful and compassionate piece of writing. Losing a beloved companion is one of the hardest experiences a person can go through, and you have captured the "rally" and the subsequent release with such tenderness.
The last sentence touched my heart so deeply. Thank you for this gracious rememberabce
It's hard no matter how long it's been...
No matter how heartbreaking it is, I'm pro-euthanasia. Because we're helping them end their suffering and have a peaceful death. I believe that euthanasia should be legal for humans as well
Very nice they always stay with you. You never ever forget