Today my parents are taking my dog and best friend for 15 years to the vet to be put to sleep. She is really old and has cancer growing all over inside her. The past couple of days she wont even get up to greet us or move if we come walking near her. Also she hasn't gone to the bathroom for the past couple of days. Are we doing the right thing? I had to go to work today and I probably just could not bear to see the vet do it. I feel so bad and beside myself becuase it has to be done but I cant bring myself to be there. I now have the feeling that I need to continue on and remember her. What should I do now? What is the best way to remember her and all of the fun we had and move on at the same time?
2006-07-02 06:34:31 · 8 answers · asked by CiscoGuy 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thank you to everyone for your help and caring words in this really difficult time for me and my family.
2006-07-02 07:03:07 · update #1
May I go now
Don't you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be,
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first.
I fought with all my might!
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go! I really do!
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day .
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and are afraid
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I loved you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time,
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.
2006-07-02 06:40:13 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Very sorry for your loss! It is probably the best thing for your baby to put her down. She is probably in a lot of pain and if she can't even function to move her bladder or bowels she is also being poisoned from the inside. You will always remember the fun you had with her. 15 years is a very long time. Take pride in the fact you were good dog owners. It will take time but someone or something will probably capture your heart again. Your dog can never be replaced but I'm sure you have room to love another animal. Many out there that need good responsible human owners.
I have 3 dogs myself and can't imagine what will happen when i lose any of them. I would be as heart broken as I'm sure you feel.
When the time is right remember your local shelter or www.petfinders.org. I got one of my girls through someone trying to place her dog in a good home because she wasn't a good fit with her family. I refer to her as my "Garfield" just a happy fat lazy dog.
good luck and best wishes.
2006-07-02 13:49:25 · answer #2 · answered by r_me_wyf 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My deepest sympathies.
It is so hard to let our 4 legged loved ones go.
Know this, you have made the right decision.
You have loved and provided for this dog for 15 years.
15 years is a very long time for a dog to live.
It is a testamony to how loved she was and how well you have taken care of her.
The last step in that long history of loving her, is to know when it is time to let her go.
She was obviously not well, all of her systems were shutting down.
For her to no longer be able to get up to greet you was as painfull for her as it was for you.
Don't be afraid to cry - if it didn't hurt then it would mean that she did not mean much.
There will be a time when you can think about her without hurting, and even laugh.
How long this takes differs from person to person, don't worry about the "shoulds" (I should be feeling better by know), just worry about getting through the days.
When the time is right, you may even get another dog.
You will not be betraying her memory.
Please however consider getting another breed, or at least one that looks different than your special friend.
Many times people think they are going to "replace" their friend with one that looks just like them.
It is not fair to the new dog - they will have their own personality and it will be different. They will be wonderfull too - if given a chance to be themselves and not be expected to be a carbon copy of their predecessor.
Till then, be gentle with yourself, take the time you need, and know that others are thinking of you.
2006-07-02 19:02:12 · answer #3 · answered by Freeadviceisworthwhatyoupayfor 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are probably doing the right thing. When quality of life is to that point, then yes, it is the right thing. When I lost my cat of 18 years to Diabetes it was so hard...she was my baby. We had her cremated and we bought an urn that has her name and picture on it. It helps to have her close and know that we showed respect to the very end. I still am sad at times when I think about her, but I remember the great times and how sassy she was. Having pictures around of her when she was well helps too. I was there when the vet ended my cat's pain, and it is hard, but it was closure for me. I do understand not being there though...for some it is too difficult. Sorry for your loss and just remember that your dog will be waiting for you on the other side of the rainbow bridge.
2006-07-02 13:45:18 · answer #4 · answered by Lilah 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She was in pain, so you've done nothing wrong. I've had to go thru it with my two Chessies. Our male had developed a tumor on his side, but unfortunately spread into his lungs, and the female had developed arthritis in her hind legs to the point she couldn't walk anymore (both of them were over 10 yrs old). My mom and I couldn't bear to watch them go either. I still cry everytime I pull out the photos of them. You can put together a scrapbook if you have some photos of your dog. Write little notes underneath the pics, and it will help you remember all the good times you had. You will eventually overcome the pain, but your special friend will always be in your heart.
2006-07-09 11:44:35 · answer #5 · answered by all things mystical 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not an easy thing to do but think of her as being better off and not in any pain. The method that is used to put your dog to sleep in painless for them; the hardest part for me was staying with my dog while they gave her the meds but i did not want her to be alone ; she just went to sleep. The funny part is the vet was crying as much as i was. He had been treating my dog for diabetes for years. Just remember all the fun you had with your dog and the bond that you had
2006-07-02 13:44:58 · answer #6 · answered by Ed H 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My most empathetic condolences to you. As an old man who has been thru that to many times My advice is to treat her passing as you would that of your best human friend.Funerallize her and after a little time passes get another to love.Never will replace her .I have more memories of my departed pets than most of my deceased relatives God Bless You.
2006-07-02 13:44:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I planted a spring garden & every year when the flowers bloom I once again feel her loving presence.
2006-07-02 13:50:42 · answer #8 · answered by my two sense 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋