don't know how to handle this. we have to put our dog down. we've had her for 14 yrs and it's crushing me.

Question

how do other people handle this. my heart is breaking now and we haven't even done it.she's sick and we don't want her to suffer.

Answer 1

my heart cries out to you.
my best bud had masive kidney failure and the doctors said he would suffer if he was not put down. he was only 8 years old and we were insepereable for that time. he road to work with me and roamed the warehouse all day then we came home to play and rest.
in the end i held him in my arms as the shot was given and held him until i knew he was no longer suffering. i still cry 6 years later and will probably never have another dog again.
keep pictures around and rejoice in the time you had.

Answer 2

First, you already recognize that she's more than just a pet, she's part of the family. This is the last kind thing you can do for her. If the vet is saying it's time, then chances are your buddy is ready to lay her head down for the last time.

I've been through this with three dogs now, and it never, ever gets easier. I'm going to recommend that you be with her at the very end, while they give her the shot. Hold her, whisper to her, let her know she's not alone.

Believe me, it's the hardest thing to do, and it breaks your heart. But later, after the pain starts to go away, you'll know that you didn't leave her alone in the last moments of her life.

Here's what to expect...
The vet may shave a part of her front leg, and will have a syringe with some medicine in it. As the injection is given, you'll hear her take a deep breath and she'll sigh as though she's having the nicest dream. And then it's over. She goes to sleep and her heart stops beating.

I'm filled with sadness for you because I know this is so hard. But the love you feel for her never goes away, and she'll be in your heart forever.

I hope your family takes some time to grieve before thinking of getting another pet. It's not always the best practice because you can't really "replace" the loved one who's gone.

Good luck...

Answer 3

Oh, I know exactly how you feel. Our little dog died 2 weeks ago. We had her for 13 years. It was a nightmare for us, she was our baby. It's very hard to handle, the only things that make me feel better at all is that she is no longer suffering, and that she is in a far better place. I believe we will be reunited with all our pets on the other side. I don't know if you've ever heard of Sylvia Browne, (I've read a lot of her books and I think she's the real deal), but she has a book called "Animals on the Other Side". It gave me a lot of comfort. I'm not sure what your beliefs are, but I'm sure I'll see all my pets again in the next life. I know you're hurting now, just know your beloved pet will not be suffering anymore. Just telling you these things brings tears to my eyes, because I know it feels like your heart is being torn out. I hope this has helped even a little bit. Take care!

Answer 4

I understand exactly what you are going through. I recently had to put one of my dogs down which I had for many years also. He had developed cancer between his shoulder blade. My advice to you is to do research on what the procedure is so you know what to expect and not be surprised by what happens. Also, spend time with your dog and tell her how you feel and about the times you shared. Nothing will make it easier but something will help you even if only a little. On the "cursed" day, don't go alone. Go with someone you know and care about. Say your last goodbyes. I cryied the every night that week leading up to the day I put my dog down. After my dog had passed, I said a prayer for strenght and understanding. If you have those beliefs, you can try that too. If not, well, take comfort in knowing that all the years you spent together will not be forgotten either by you nor her. Who knows, maybe there is a heaven for dogs. Maybe its the same as ours. Either way, you loved her...... she knows that. I condolences and I hope everything goes as easy as it can.

Answer 5

Cry and be mad about it. But when the time comes for you to take her in to have this done, hold her and talk to her. Know in your heart that you have loved her and given her the best in her life. And if she's at the point where nothing can be done to heal her, and she's in pain, the best thing you can do for her, is to let her go. You will see her again someday, and she won't be mad at you for what you did.

I think euthanasia can be the biggest show of love for your animal.

If I ever get to the point where there is no hope of me living, I wish I had the option of being "put down". Jack Kevorkian tried helping people do this -- I think he's still in prison -- and it's wrong.

Love you dog, and be there with her.

I have 5 dogs. If I need to put one down, it will surely kill a part of me, too. Almost as if the vet is giving me a shot.

You will never forget her, and even in death, she will never forget you.

If you've done all that you can reasonably do to help her, and this is your last option, she will understand. Believe me, she feels your pain, probably more than you do.

My heart is with you.

Again, cry and be mad about this. But remember her and love her and cherish the time that you've had together.

Answer 6

Well, I have a dog and i also have had hamsters 3 to be exact, and i loved them very much but i had to go through hard times cause i saw my hamster pepper die of choking it was very sad we couldn't help her but i am over about her dieing. But having a dog for 14 yrs. is even harder but just think of the good times you have had with your dog and talk about her to your frieinds and don't hold it inside!! Let it out ok it will make you feel a lot better! And if you are up to it get another dog or get another type of animal! I hope you feel better soon and if it is in your heart that you think it is the right thing to do put her to sleep. I hope I did some help!

Answer 7

i am sorry about your loss but the only way you can handle this is to remember the good times you had with her and keep her as comfortable till the day comes. spend every minute with her and give her all the attention that you can give her and don't make it a big deal because they can sense that there is something wrong and it will be harder to go through it. when i had to put my golden retriever down because of cancer, that was the hardest thing for me to decide, but till the day came i made as comfortable and gave him anything to eat and i spent all my time with him. i would remember the good times we had and i would talk to him while we were sitting there and when the time came i had to be strong for him, yes i did cry like a big baby but that was my baby and it was like losing one of my children. you can't get over it in one day it will take some time and you need to stay strong for the rest of the family because they just lost a family member. be strong and think of all the good times and all the memories you have of him. don't let anyone tell you that you are being a baby over this but i will tell you if this was happening to them they would be asking the same thing.
be strong and you will be ok and that you have all the good memories of her. my heart goes out to you and i feel your pain.

Answer 8

Well kido, it's like this, everyone has to do this if they have pets. Your pup has offered up 14 great years of memories and is now hurting and sick...You need to remember the good days they had, and remember that putting them down only hurts you for a while, they are no longer sick and in pain....it is tough but you know it is the thing to do. You will feel better after t is over, and you know in your heart they were the best dang dog you have had....the when the heart is willing you go get another puppy that has their heart set on loving its owners...14 years is a long time for dog, you raised it well and cared for it well.
God Bless..

Answer 9

Knowing that I was ending the suffering is what helped me handle it, when I have done it.

Making plans to have a memorial also helped. I have made a wonderful garden, that I sit in when I miss my pet, or simply when I just want their company again.

Mind you, I did cry for a week afterwards, and still get a bit emotional, even after 5 years.

Good luck, you are doing the right thing if your pet is suffering.

Answer 10

It's hard. But you have to understand something. In human years, your dog is approaching 100. I'm only 63, and I've got aches and pains daily. Your dog is undoubtedly suffering. It is the only humane thing you can do. When a friend went through this a few years ago, she AND her husband both took time off from work. They didn't want either to be able to point the finger.

Losing a loved one is hard. Accept the fact that your dog will pass peacefully, and the suffering will be gone. The rest you'll have to go through. You're losing a family member.