I put my dog to sleep today and I can't stop crying. How long do you feel like this for?

Question

He is the one in the pic, he was 12.5 and had cancer in his throat and limpnods. It has all happened very fast over the last month that he got sick. He was my baby and I loved him so much.
I feel awful. I don't even wanna talk to my friends because I will cry in front of them and I hate crying in front of other people.
This is really crappy....

Answer 1

Gosh I do feel for you,my heart goes out to you,its a very difficult time,having been there myself I can relate to how you feel. Acceptance is a further stage of grief and although it is emotionally 'easier' than depression, it can still be a very sad time. Acceptance comes as you adjust to the changes in your life made by the passing of your pet and accept the reality of the fact that your dog really has gone forever. Recovery is the final part of the grieving process, where you come to terms with your loss. It is now that you can look at photos of your pet and recall fond memories of your time together with feelings of affection and love, instead of tears.
.The length and depth of the grief process depends on many factors;the relationship between you and your dog and the circumstances surrounding the death are all contributory factors. Movements from one stage to another will depend on how you are affected You may progress quickly through all of the stages, or skip a stage or experience in a different order. Others may become 'stuck' in a particular place and when this happens, the grieving process can break down. Professional or 'outside' help may then be needed to guide you towards acceptance and recovery.
Time is usually the biggest healer. Grief comes in waves; large at first, but getting smaller and less frequent over time. However, there are some ways to help to speed the healing process and these include:
Give yourself permission to be patient with yourself
Learn about the grief process
Surround yourself with people who understand your loss and who you can talk to about your dog
Look after yourself physically and indulge yourself in small pleasures
Don't be ashamed or too proud to get help
It's ok to be upset about the death of your dog - other people won't know how much he/she meant to you and so shouldn't tell you how long you are allowed to mourn. Take as long as you need and cry as much as you like.
Learn about the grief process
This will help you to realise that you are not alone in experiencing these emotions and feelings and that they are, in fact, perfectly normal.
Surround yourself with people who understand your loss and who you can talk to about your dog
Talking with others will help you to express your feelings and come to terms with your loss. Consider attending a local support group for bereaved pet owners if there is one available.
Look after yourself physically and indulge yourself in small pleasures
Make an effort to get enough exercise, sleep and eat properly. Treat and pamper yourself.
Don't be ashamed or too proud to get help
Contact a pet bereavement councillor or attend a support group if you cannot cope alone or with help from your friends or family.
You will NEVER forget your dog,but I promise you in time it does get easier,you learn how to cope with it.He will ALWAY'S be your baby,and alway's be in your heart.I wish you well and hope you find the strengnth you need over this sad time.

Answer 2

I know how sad you feel. The pain, hurt and guilt just comsume you. Cry all you want. Talk about him. It feels like you're going to die of the pain. I know. I went thru it in Arpil, and just now, I can look at her pictures and visit her grave without sobbing. I even smile when I look at some pictures now. I know you don't believe this, and I did not either, but it will get better. Little, by little over time. And one day, you'll be able to think of him and smile. The pain stays, but is a little bit easier to manage as time goes by. I still have bad days, but most are ok now. You need to either come up with a memorial for him or do something in his honor. Remember you gave him a life filled with love and affection, and since you had him so long I'm sure he knew how good he had it with you. He will live in your heart. And someday, you'll see him again on the other side-he'll be happy and healthy like a pup. Good Luck to you, and God Bless.

Answer 3

I can SO appreciate what you're going through !!!
We had to put our beloved " Dingo" down about a year ago.
But, I can remember it like it was yesterday. I know how heart breaking it can be.
We took him to the Vet because he was losing weight and not eating. Come to find out, he had heart worms. ( ON MEDICATION )
The Vet knows us real well and asked us if we wanted to step out to the waiting room while she administered the shot. But we stayed right there on the floor with him, holding him and talking to him. I didn't know I could cry so hard over an animal.
It was about three months later when my husband came home with a little surprise for me. The cutest little mutt I'd ever seen.
He's half Pit and half Lab, and is VERY protective of me and my family. SO unlike Dingo !!! He would lick someone to death before he hurt them.
Eventually the same will happen to you. But, as with anything, take your time. You need to heal from the loss of this one before you can take care of another.
I'm so sorry for you!!!!!!

He looks like a beautiful dog by the way.

Answer 4

It's like any loss, it takes time, some people it takes days or weeks but if you haven't stoped crying all the time in a week or so you might want to talk to a counsilor, because this is a real loss and something you may need help to get over. You will remember him forever and when you feel up to it you might want to get another dog, but only if you are ready.

Answer 5

It will take a while, I had to put one of my dogs to sleep about 6 1/2 years ago, to cancer as well and I still get all choked up when we talk about him. I had Duke for about 13 or so years. I know that with all of my animals they are part of our family and I was told by my aunt that it is harder dealing with the loss of a pet than a actual family member. I hope that you feel better, and just remember to take it easy.

Answer 6

That really sucks, but just keep telling yourself it was for the best and remember all the good times you had together. Even though he is gone, that doesn't mean you still can't talk to him. I believe your loved ones (including animals) are always with you, ready to listen whenever you need someone to talk to. I had to put two of my cats to sleep a few years ago- kidney failure- I cried for a week straight, but as time went on I felt better about the whole thing. I think it has been like 6 years and I still tell them good night- every night. It makes me feel better because then they know I still love them and think about them.

Answer 7

Hey.... your dog was sick and you did the right thing. You'll mourn him for a long time. Some days, you'll feel better, other days worse. It's like losing a family member. Worse, I'd say, in some ways, coz dogs depend on us 100%.

I had to put my dog down coz he bit ppl. Yah, I know, I should have done this and that and more. Prob was, dog was very stubborn and whatever I did, he kept trying to bite ppl. And God, I miss him like hell. He never bit me. F*ck..... this is the dark side of owning a pet, right?

Answer 8

i had a black lab, she was just a pup, about 4 months old, but she had no chance since the what she got was called Pyro(short term), by the 2 day she was so weak, and pityful. we all made the choice to put her down, since she was in so much pain. the vet said since she was a puppy, with the treatment avaliable, that even dogs with all there shots, could die. So i toke her to the vet, and saying good bye was the hardest thing to do,i cried for about a week off and on. Personally i dont think the pain goes away, you just have to find a way to deal with it.

Answer 9

Ok, well... here this will take some time to do well rfor like 2 days and umm i am only doing this because i lost my puppy about 5 days ago http://www.ameliakinkade.com/ its a new book she wrote called lahuage of miricals all you need is a pic of the dog u put to sleep or let rest :) and then u can contact him and ask him some questions and you can talk to him instead of look at his eyes everyday before he went to rest and wounder what he was saying when he glanced at you and licked your cheek :) sighs i miss my pup i cant contact her cuz i never took a pic but i hope you have one .....=-)

Answer 10

my heart goes out to you im sorry for your loss.losing a pet is very heartbreaking.there is no time limit as my dog died in my arms one morning 3 years ago i still think of her and cry.i also had too put my 17 year old cat too sleep its very hard to make that descion all i can tell you is cry it out look at his picture think of the times you had together if youstill feeling sad go to drs its not uncommon for people to get depressed over there pets we love them like family and its devastating to lose your best freind Rember all though hes gone from sight hes never gone from your heart or meomory God Speed