How Can I Stop Grieving Over Euthanasing My Dog?

Question

I had to euthanse my dog June 5th, and I am getting worse instead of better. I have lost weight, and the grief is making me sick. I can't afford expensive therapy.
I raised him from a 6-week old puppy. I was with him, and he was such a well-behaved sweet dog. My heart is breaking, and I just can't stop crying over him! I thought of getting another dog, but I can't imagine having to go through this grief again. I loved him so much

Answer 1

I am so sorry to hear about your dog. Pets are like family members, sometimes even more so because they love us so unconditionally.

I had to euthanize my German Shepherd that I had for 13 years, and held her in my arms as she died. I was inconsolable for a long time too. I couldn't imagine getting another dog either.

Grieving may take a while. "It takes as long as it takes," and there is no right way or wrong way to grieve however. Be very gentle wtih yourself now. Make sure you try to eat and sleep enough. You may have to make yourself take walks or get some other kind of exercise.

There are many grief support groups, both online and in every commmunity. It may help to attend and find support from other who understand the grief process. It is no different if the loss is a person or a pet, the process is the same.

Sometimes rituals can help also. Simple things like planting a tree in your pet's honor, releasing some ballons at a favorite spot that you and your dog shared together, or takiing his favorite toys, leash etc. and doing something with them. When aperson dies, we have a well established ritual of mourning with a funeral, but with pets we don't, so it may help to create your own. Maybe writing a eulogy to your pet and lighting a candle while reading it outloud.

If you have freinds who are pet lovers, you may want to invite them to share this with you. If not, you can do it in private by yourself.

There are also sites online where you can post a memorial to your dog.

Remember that it is OK to grieve as long as you need to. Your dog sounds like he was such a wonderful friend, and your grieving honors him and the love you had for him.

In time, I got a new puppy...Sheba...she was wonderful, with her only special, silly wonderful personality. She could never take the place of my first dog, but she was as wonderful in her own way. It took over a year before I was ready, but I never regretted it for a minute. I have had 3 more dogs since then, and loved every one dearly. At some point, you may decide you want another dog, too.

I wish you the best.

Answer 2

You are a dear and sweet companion. I have been through the grief of losing my canine companion 5 times in my life. Afterwards I have always gone through a period of grieving. In fact I sometimes still miss my departed companions. Although the grief has never completely gone away, a new companion has always been a cure. I recommend finding a puppy. The right way to select a puppy is to let them choose you. Sit down on the floor a little bit away from the prospective pups and see which one(s) come to you. The one(s) that stay with you the longest or come back to you the most will be your true companion. If interested you can see my present companion and his predecessor at my 360 blog

Answer 3

Grief is normal, this pet was a member of your family. Some say get another pet right away, which is what my parents did and they said it helped them. I couldn't do that. Before I had children I had a Russian Wolfhound that I took everywhere even to work. I loved her so, from traveling with me she got heartworm, and even though she had seen a vet four times in six months for allergies and check ups after each trip, they didn't detect it. (This was before the heartworm monthly pills.) So in time she had to be put to sleep, it haunted me for years. It took me six years before I got another dog. To this day when I look at picture with my children and they bring out pictures of her I cry. She was the best dog I ever had, my children say mom, it's okay to cry still over her you have wonderful memories of her. So keeps those memories and move on. Get a new dog, it won't be the same but it will help get back to some of your old routine like the going for walks etc. Remember love doesn't die, people and animals do. So when all you have left is love, give it away to someone here that needs that love. A heartfelt wish for you to feel better.

Answer 4

I have been through this & it is one of the hardest things you'll go through. As a vet tech, I watch SO many people Euthanize their pets. What I've noticed is the people who get another pet, feel better sooner, than the people who continue greiving. I've come to the conclusion that, Your not replacing your old pet. You can never ever do that. But you are filling a need in yourself by being able to give love to something again. By giving your love, you become attached and start to see the happy things in life again with a pet. Pretty soon, all you have is happy memories of your old pet & your new buddy has a great life ahead of him. It's gonna be a LONG time before this new one's gone. You can't think about it right now. Don't worry about the future, just deal with the present.

Answer 5

I think that you should remember the reasons why you had to do this, it was the best for the dog not to suffer. Suffering is horrible and you did what was necessary in the best interest of your dog. This is NEVER, EVER easy. And no matter how many dogs you own in your life, it will never be any easy decision. But, as my best friend once said, it isn't supposed to be easy.

Reward yourself for being such a loving, responsible dog owner. Acknowledge that death is a natural part of life. Give yourself permission to grieve, its OK to love your dog. God knows, I love all of mine. Focus on what is right with the world, your part in the world, And know that your canine friend would never want you to suffer either. Be the person your dog loved.

Answer 6

I am very sorry for your loss.I know how you feel.
I suggest taking some time to calm down and when your ready search for new a new dog. But don't get one that looks like your old dog, because sometimes it causes you to think of your past one. Take it from a rescue center because then you can feel good about helping an abandoned pet that needs a loving home. Trust me it does hurt. After having 5 (3 dogs 2 bunny)pets euthenised (old age and arthuritis hurting them) and another dog dying of old age. And giving two cats awaydue to alergies.Then numerous fish and a frog. But i know have two more dogs and a goat. It does hurt when they die, especially euthenising them, but jsut think of the positive things. Your pet was taken out of his/her hurting. He/she is now out of that hurt and is thankful that you did that. So i guess all in all what i was trying to say from all this is just to take sometime until you are ready for a new one, then adopt one so you feel better about saving one.

Answer 7

Sorry for your loss. I think you are feeling guilty about putting him down. I felt real bad when I put my 16 year old cat down,but it just had to be done.Your dog is not suffering and is not judging you for what was done. Time is the only thing that will settle you down. My cat was found a trash can,discarded at two days old, he was my baby. Saw him through many illness's and diabetes (try giving shots every day for two years), my heart still feels sad every now and then but the good memories will always remain.

Please feel better,Bob

Answer 8

I had to put my dog to sleep on Thanksgiving a few years ago and I was depressed for quite a while. I had the dog since she was 4 weeks old and had her for 10 years. It was very hard to get over it. I still find myself crying sometimes (especially at Thanksgiving). You just go on and live your life and time does not heal the pain but it lessens the pain! Another dog might help. Good Luck and sorry for your loss.

Answer 9

I have had to put down my share of dogs over the years and just yesterday had to put down my 12 y/o Lab due to inoperable tumors. The thing that helps for me is to relise I di what a resoponsible pet owner would do and not let my pet suffer.

The best thing that has helped me was to go get anoher one asap. It will focus your attention away from what had to be. No there are no guarentees this won't happen again.

Answer 10

Just get another dog. Transition may help. It's not to completely get rid of the memory of your departed beloved pet, but an aid to help move on and get to know a new furry companion at the same time. You don't have to go it alone.