what did you do to get past putting your dog to sleep even though you know you did the right thing?

Answer 1

Assuming it was 'time' to do that...and not just a matter of convenience.....

First and foremost, allow yourself to grieve. It's a normal, necessary thing for you to do. Don't listen to anyone who tells you it was 'just a dog'....he was your friend. A friend who loved you no matter what kind of mood you were in, or how bad your day was. Of course it's painful to lose such a friend. Let yourself CRY.

I have sat with many of my clients in the floor and shed tears with them. But I tell them all the same thing: you are not choosing death for your companion. That decision has already been made. It's out of our hands. Death is coming. What you are doing is simply choosing the time (so you can be with him/her) and method for that death to occur....to make it as easy on your pet as possible, rather than letting it (the dying process) drag on needlessly and painfully.

It's hard, but take comfort in knowing you did the right thing. I always give my clients a copy of The Rainbow Bridge, also. If you don't have that poem, let me know and I'll add it here.

Here are some of my favorite quotes, which might help until memories of happier times help heal the hole in your heart:

"It has been said that the most loving gift is to take another's pain upon onself so that a loved one might rest."---unknown

"A special life leaves us memories....and memories live forever."--unknown

Once you have healed somewhat, volunteer your time at your local animal shelter in honor of the years of love your pet gave you.

Answer 2

About all you can do is cry and/or get another puppy. I had to put my dog (8 years old) to sleep this past January and it still hurts really bad. Its something that you will never forget and probably will cry in the future from memorys you had. I still cry over losing mine. She was poisoned by some loser. I feel bad because I could not protect her like she has done me. Others are right some people will look at you weird because "its just a animal" to them. Dogs are mans best friend for a reason.

Answer 3

Cried and took a valium and felt a little better. Had to put the collar and bowl away asap...and believe it or not, when my hubby brought home another pup, although never could replace, it sure helped! Still can't talk about him without tears coming into my eyes.
Making the decision to know "when" is the hardest, most responsible decision a pet owner can make. You didnt want your pup to have any more pain and that was truly loving of you.

Just one more thought---don't open the card from the vet--it's probably the Rainbow Bridge thing and that'll require another valium and box of kleenex!

Answer 4

Realize that this is a completely normal response. Guilt is part of grief that has to be worked through.
Take comfort in knowing that your dog is not suffering anymore.
Remember the good times. The times when your dog made you laugh and the funny quirks she (?) had.
Remember too that her job on this Earth was to make you happy and be your friend. Honor that and try to feel better. She would hate that you are sad.
Get a puppy. Seriously, they are so cute and funny (not to mention busy and naughty) that no one can be sad around them.
Another pet will work too it a dog is too painful. Or volunteer somewhere. Getting out and doing stuff helped me when I had to put my cat to sleep.
Sorry for your loss, I hope this helps.

Answer 5

I had to do this with my favorite Rat Terrier. He was 11 yrs old & had slept in my bed every nite since he was 4 weeks old. Some one (a neighbor) spilled anti-freeze & dogs love that stuff. Just takes a teaspoon to kill a medium size dog.
He was suffering so much, I took him to vet for a shot but let them test him to see for sure what was killing him. I sat with him & cried like I did when I lost a child. Its been 3 yrs ,although I have other Rat Terriers no one will ever take his place. I miss him yet today . But the pain is less & every once in a while I can see him in some of his blood line. Hang in there it gets easier with each day. Good Luck, remember the good times.

Answer 6

Could you live with the guilty feeling that you let your best friend suffer for that much more time it would have suffered,if you had not put him down?

Or would you like to have some respite by thinking that atleast you did not let him suffer, which is the best you could do when the inevitable approaches?

thinking about my old dog jack who died in my arms, still brings tears to my eyes.But I know and believe that I did my best for him.

The hurt will always remain in a corner of your heart,like it does for me.I am not an emotionally weak guy.I dont cry when humans die(many of my friends and relatives)

You cant really escape the pain,but just understand,that you did the best thing for your best friend, by not prolonging his suffering.

Answer 7

it didn't come into the equasion. The last 2 dogs I had put to sleep were in pain. One was 12 years old and had cancer badly, and the other had a brain haemmorage. I didn't hesitate because it is my duty to keep them safe from harm and pain. Of course it hurt me terribly but I stayed with them and held them while they were put to sleep and remained calm so as not to scare or worry them. Afterwards I could not drive home because I was crying so much I couldn't see to drive.
You have a duty to your animals to be strong and do the right thing for them. YOUR feelings do not come into it I'm afraid.
It takes courage and willpower but you CAN do it. Go to pieces as much as you like AFTER it has been done, but don't whatever you do, do so beforehand as your dog will die being afraid and worried and he deserves to die being calm, being held by you and told that he is a good dog and that you love him.I always tell mine "You are a good dog, go to sleep now, mummy is here, go to sleep" and of course they are feeling rather sleepy as they slip away so they think that it's all ok, mummy is there telling them to go to sleep so nothing to be afraid of and slip away feeling loved and safe.

Answer 8

Losing a pet is never easy, especially when you had to make the decision. I have found that getting another pet eases the pain. Don't feel guilty about loving a new pet...I am sure your dog would not want you to be sad. You could always rescue a dog it seems that you have love to give.

Answer 9

Just like when someone close dies...you didn't want it to happen, but think that your dog is now not suffering and is happy. I held my cat while they injected her...it was SO hard - but best for the cat. Time will make you feel a little better. Good luck.

Answer 10

I cried and found some people to talk to that had to do the same. Some people don't understand how hard it can be to lose an animal because they think of them as just "pets" and not family. It takes time just like if you lost another family member.