Is time apart good for a relationship?

My boyfriend and I have been dating for a year and 3 months. He told me he has been feeling unhappy with me the last 3-4 months. Not the same way he felt before... About a month ago his 4 month old cat died because i gave it tylenol to help it get out of pain(cause it was limping).. i didn't know it would kill it! Ever since he has been blaming me for the death, it was a honest mistake. So we went up north for the forth of july to his aunts cabin were all the family gathered. Looking through his messages i saw he texted a old crush from high school saying "whats up baby" Although i was informed that he got wasted that night and the text was sent at 3am . I was ballistic and i didn't want to flip in front of the family so i drove off.. then i got lost.. and i had to ask for directions back. I didn't talk to him the whole day until i laid down.. he tried to say he was sorry. Then I didn't take it, and wanted answers. He then told me we need some space cause he hasn't felt the same about me for a couple months, and was hanging in to try and save the relationship. He wanted to break it off he said it was over although he did have ten beers and a margarita. I talked to him on the way home and he said that there is alot going on in his head right now. It would be best for space. My question is does he want space to make the relationship work or does he want to break it off easily for my sake? I don't plan on calling him... and i want to ignore his calls for a while... maybe this will make him realize what he had? Also when i was leaving i cried. He said not to cry he still loves me and its not over yet, we just need some space.