My dog is being put to sleep on Friday - what are some methods of coping?

Question

He is only 4 years old and has an intestinal tumor. Sergury would be over $1000, which there is no way we have. So my hubby and I opted to put him to sleep. We feel really bad and all can do is cry. And I've heard it gets worse. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

My youngest, 1yr old puppy was killed by a car a week ago. Very sudden, very upsetting. The 1st week you will be a wreck but that's expected after 4 yrs of companionship. Talk about it, eveything. You may feel guilty for doing it. Tell people you feel guilty or whatever, it all helps. I found THIS site and it has helped immensely, just talking, to strangers. after the tears and questions of "why" and "how", you'll start to remember the joy and good times you shared and soon enough you'll find yourself laughing at his ways, and this in itself is comforting. Knowing that you won't feel this way for ever. he loves you and he KNOWS you love him. i only wish i could've been there in my dogs last moments. love him with all you have until the day, and then cherish his memory even more.
P.S. If it feels like theres a hole in your life without him, wait a few weeks and start looking at other dogs. Just looking, dont rush. Shelters and pounds are good to get the feeling back. soon you'll feel ready for another one and maybe you wont for a while. take your time!!! Good luck

Answer 2

Many years ago I had to take my boyfriends parents dog to the vets to be "put down" I can't remember exactly what was wrong with him but he was bleeding internally and suffering, so I offered as they were unable to to cope with doing it. For me the task was awful but I felt some kind of duty to the old dog and I stayed with him until he was gone, I'd rather see an animal put to sleep then die in agony, any day. I even had a mouse put to sleep due to tumours, Just cry and have pictures of the dog, I have pictures of all my past pets. Just like losing a loved one time will heal.

Answer 3

There are no ways to cope. It gets worse once you are home, look for and call to your little friend, but they are not there. What we have done when our little precious's have died, is contact an Animal Communicator. This way, if done regularly, every 3-6 months, {this is what we have chosen to do}, you will be able to talk to them, and they to you. We have found that the first time is really tough.Be ready for many tears. You will find that they are unhappy, and didn't want to leave. As time goes on, they accept it, find friends, and fun things to do, like swimming. They have people, and special people {angels} caring for them. With our last girl we lost 11/2 years ago, she now is ready to come back. As she wished, we literally spent months searching the internet for a very special dog she would like to come back as. With our last communication, we gave her 3 choices. She consulted with her "angels", whom gave her advice on where to be born, and that she would be the tiniest girl of the litter. We gained much comfort in this. Talking with an animal communicator is NOT a scam. She knew things about our family, living and dead, that there would be NO WAY the communicator would have known. You can also do this with living animals to find out how they are feeling, etc., and to talk with them before death to let them know what is happening. Chances are, they already know, and will give to you, words of comfort. PLEASE try this. You will not be sorry. It will make you feel more comfortable, too. I am so sorry.

Answer 4

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Answer 5

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.



Copyright © Susan A. Jackson
Written for a beloved pet and friend.

Answer 6

OMG.....I know how you feel. We just had to put our Lhasa Apso to sleep a little over a month ago. It was the hardest decision we ever had to make in our life. She had bladder cancer. But I was with her till she died, telling her I loved her. We got her creamted and she is now in a little urn in my bedroom. I still talk to her every day. I cried till I couldn't cry anymore. I'm so sorry for you. Not now, but in a month or so, consider going out and looking for another puppy. I swore with all my heart I'd never get another dog, but guess what......one month to the day, we got a Maltese. It sure took the pain away that I was suffering from loosing Buffy. And the little thing sure keeps us hopping!!! Give it time....time heals. So sorry!!!!!!!

Answer 7

My previous pug died when she was 10 months old, it was extremely hard for both me and my husband. However, time heal everything, just think about your dog doesn't have to suffer anymore and he is in a better place. Maybe you can get another pet later, they always help you to cope with this kind of problems. Just make sure when you get a new pet, don't think about you are getting it to substitute your old one, cos animals can feel that way you feel and it would be unfair for them.

Answer 8

I'm sorry about that there is pet insurance out there you can buy I have a miniature Schnauzer I got her pet insurance sorry it to late but is worth it pay about 25 a month covers 90/10 is it 100% cure able if not maybe that the best thing and think for the dog to is it worth it for it? I was told my cat would die years ago still kicking around is possible they could be trying to get money out of you get a second opp ion wouldn't hurt.

Answer 9

Call here ASAP, maybe they will do the surgery, maybe even for Free. If Florida is not your state, that's okay, they will direct you.

SPCA:
Kristen Levine, Public Relations Coordinator
Beth Lockwood, Executive Director, C.V.T.
9099-130th Avenue North
Largo, Florida 33773-1441
[phone] - Fax [phone]
Web Site: http://www.spcaofpinellas.org/
eMail: [e-mail]

Answer 10

I had to give my dog away recently, and I have very few pictures of my dog. Take lots of pictures and write down lots of memories. You are doing the right thing, if he keeps going this way he will only get worse and it will hurt you worse.

I have never had a dog's actuall death to deal with, but giving her away was just devastiating.... I still cry when I think about it. See, the keybord's wet - it is...