Has anyone ever had to put their dog to sleep?

Question

I have had to do that today and both me and my husband are devestated.
My dog was 14 years whch is a great age i know but, we both feel so upset, and feel the house is so empty without him around as he was a fantastic dog.
We have 2 other dogs, who keep looking for him and cant settle as hes not around.
If you have been in the same situation, how did u cope?
Can you give me any info that u feel might help us come to terms with this?

Thanks for your help

Thanks to all of u out there who care, and understand what its like to loose a fantastic loyal companion, and un-judgemental member of the family.
Your thoughts have helped me.
But Ben b, your answer was totally, heartless and unforgivable.
I am so relieved that your cat has now departed form your care as if that is your way of looking after a pet, then that poor cat had a lucky escape from you.
Also u showed yourself for what you have become a sad and uncareing idiot, who iam sure will be left totally alone one day with no one giving a thought to what happens to you when you need someone.
So good luck in your empty little life, ur guing to need every bit of it.

Answer 1

I am so sorry for your loss. I know exactly how horrible it feels to lose a beloved pet. Please take comfort in knowing that you will be reunited with your dog... at a place us animal lovers refer to as "The Rainbow Bridge"

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...

This was taken from http://petloss.com/


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PS - I am completely shocked an appalled at what Ben up there had to say! How anyone could be so cruel and heartless, I will never understand. You and your husband made the decision that was best for your dog. You ended his/her suffering - in a selfless act. What the poster proposed is insane. He may have nursed a cat until its death, but in reality, he just prolonged its suffering.

Answer 2

I had to put my mini Schnauzer (Freddie) to sleep about two years ago and it was without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever had to do. He was 15 years old and while I knew that it was time and that he was in pain, I doubted my decision even after the shot was injected. My brain knows it was the right decision, but my heart still hurts when I think about it. I found that while some people were sympathetic, most didn't understand why I was so upset. I fell into a depression and cried a lot. It hurt for a long time. I considered him a member of my family and was angry when people thought I should "get over it". Just take your time and grieve at your own pace. Don't be embarrassed to tell people why you're sad. Your dogs are probably grieving too, even though they don't know where he went or what happened. Just take care of each other and your other two dogs and things will get easier in time. They do have grieving groups for the loss of a pet. I never went to one but it might be a good, safe place to talk about your feelings. I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 3

You poor things I really feel for you, just before last Christmas (2nd December) I lost my beautiful German Shepherd, Benson was 13 years old which is a very good age for a GSD but it didn't make it any easier, you won't feel like coming to terms with it just yet that will come later, at the moment you need to grieve, your dog was part of your family, I still miss Benson dreadfully but I know that the decision I made was the right one & at the right time. Your other dogs will 'know' what has happened they sense it but they will come round and be as happy as they used to be before but they will need a bit of TLC and in this way you will help each other because you and your husband will take comfort in them.
Time heals so take your time, some people heal quicker than others, and if some bright spark says 'it's only a dog' take no notice, they say ignorance is bliss!
Take care

Answer 4

Yes, I remember it as if it was yesterday. My mother's dog (who was a family dog, but primarily my mother's) had cancer. We both made the decision (following the vet's advice) to have her put down. We held her paw as it was done and wept buckets together after. That night my mother (who was visiting my house - where the deed had been done) retired to bed earlier than me. I remember phoning all my friends until very late that night/next morning and crying down the phone to them about the death of the dog.
Two weeks later my mother died suddenly and I dealt with that much better on the face of it (although I'd always got on extremely well with her and miss her to this day). It's strange.

Maybe there is a subconscious guilt trip because we are the agents? I'm sure you did it for the best of reasons. It's hard but it will get easier.

How to deal with it? Mourn however you wish to now - cry, wail, do the extreme stuff. Let it out. (this site is a good avenue). Long term, I think you should have a grave/memorial that you can visit and remember the dog. Photographs are good. Talk about the dog - don't avoid the subject, don't make it a taboo subject. The dog was an important part of your life for a long time and is still an important part, you have to move from the living dog being part of your life to the absence of the dog being a normal part of your life. That happens gradually. It gets easier. Good luck and I sympathise with you for your loss. 14 years is a great age, celebrate it and know that your dog has moved on to a better place.

Edit: Why did I get a thumbs down?

Answer 5

When we had to give our little Foxy back to the angels 2 years ago, neither of us could get through a day without tears for almost 3 months. We knew no one could ever fill the huge holes in our hearts, but we could fill her place in our home. We just weren't ready to accept a long-term commitment, though, so we decided to foster a dog for a local rescue organization. We thought it might be good for our other 2 dogs as well. Best decision we ever made!!!!! We now have 4 dogs of our own, and foster 2-4 at a time. We just know we are making Foxy so proud. So far 23 dogs have been saved and are in loving homes, many of which were also "empty" due to a recent loss. And we're still going strong! What a wonderful legacy for our precious baby-girl. Our hearts go out to you; you will never forget (thank goodness) but you can move on if you do what your heart leads you to do. Find your area rescue groups by going to www.Petfinder.com, and good luck to you both.

Answer 6

Yes, three times, and I chose to stay with my dogs each and every time.

Many people, for whatever reason, choose not to stay. It's a matter of personal choice, but for me, there was no other choice.

My dogs were always there for me when I needed them, and I wanted to be with them during their last moments. It's not easy, but my vet let me stay with the dog as long as I wanted after wards to hold them, grieve and say my final good-byes.

Of course, my grieving didn't end after I left, but it was the right decision for me. Thinking about it now still brings tears to my eyes.

If you haven't read the poem The Rainbow Bridge, you really should. It will make you cry, but it's very touching just the same. I'm also adding some links where you post a free memorial for your dog.

I'm sorry for your loss. I know how hard it, is.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Answer 7

It is the most horrid feeling, I grew up with my dog and at 16 she had a massive fit, the vet came round and gave me the choice I decided it was best to have her put down as what if no one was there when she had another, I held her as the vet stopped her pain with those big brown eyes looking up at me, I know she has gone to a better place and who can say she isn't still somehow following me where I ever I go. Time is the healer and I feel your pain , they are one of the family. Fuss over the others and show them all is not lost and you still care deeply for them.

Answer 8

It is a sad day when you are faced with that decision. I have experience in this area. It takes a while. To me it is the same feeling as losing a human friend.
We got a 2 year old dog and had her for 11 years. We found a lump and had it tested and it was cancerous. In 4 months, she had alot of lumps. She colapsed one day so we took her in and said good bye.
I had to replace the dog because of my 11 year old son. Every day for a week he would ask, "Mom, can we get another dog?"
We got another dog a week later. Had her for another 11 wonderful years until one day she disappeared into the forest never to be seen again.
Its been 3 years, 7 months and 13 days since I last saw her.
I cope by the freedom of not having to care for another dog or cat. My friends have animals and I help them with their pets. This seems to be the best therapy. Now I can travel

Answer 9

I'm so sorry about your dog. I had to put my dog down too several years ago. She was only 7 and she had kidney failure. This was before I had a husband and kids and she was like my baby. I was devastated for a long time. The only thing that helps is the passage of time. Time will lessen the sting altho it won't ever go away completely. Just know that there are others out there who know what you're going thru and we all sympathize with you and are praying for you.

Answer 10

God Bless you and your husband. I think losing a dog is very hard. I had to put my whippet to sleep about 13 years ago and took off work for 2 days because I was so upset.
I believe dogs go to heaven too and Augie (my dog) will be waiting for me when I get there.
I shared a lot of memories with my husband when I put Augie down and looked at a lot of his pictures and allowed myself to morn. Even now reading your question brings tears to my eyes, but I can also laugh now about silly things Aug use to do and how much I loved him.
I have gone on to have other dogs (Jack Russell's) because I just couldn't get another dog like Augie. I knew I would always compare them.
Just remember any loss take time to heal from including your best 4 legged friend. God Bless you and your husband and know you'll think fondly of your dog before long. He's chasing a rabbit in heaven tonight..