My dog has to be put down, maybe tomorrow. Any words that might help me?

Question

Any information to help me feel better about putting her down? I don't like how she doesn't even know it's going to happen.

Answer 1

You are doing what's right for a friend. That doesn't make it any easier for you, but remind yourself that this is your friend. A friend that has always loved you, been there when no one else cared, saw you through your darkest hours without complaining. But this friend does not have the ability to know what's best for it.

If you're friend is hurting, if this is an older dog or one in misery, they reach a certain point when you have to make the decision.

I run a shelter for aged dogs, rescued from pounds and other places where they were dropped off, and unadoptable due to age or medical problems. We have done this for years, and it is still so hard to know when it's time. People ask me that all the time, hoping the dog will somehow tell them they are ready to go.

Unfortunately, some dogs have a strong spirit, despite their physical condition. They have good days and bad days, and their poor humans don't know what to do. Just about the time they're ready to call the vet, the dog rallies and acts like a puppy for a few hours. Owners go from heartbreak to joy, and have hope again. Just a few more days with this dear, dear friend. We've all been there.

But when the bad days outnumber the good ones, when they are unable to get up without difficulty, when they have to be overmedicated just to be comfortable, it's time to get an objective opinion. If you have a good relationship with your vet, ask them what to do. Around here, we have to take a vote, as some volunteers have favorites, and just can't be objective, despite all their experience. There's always One who manages to steal certain hearts.

I just had my own 14 year old put to sleep a week ago, and despite all my "experience" with this, I have been a wreck. I still look for her among the others when I get up first thing in the morning. It will take awhile.

But as with the rest of them, I take comfort in knowing she can finally see clearly, hear again, walk without pain, and go swimming. I had to let that sweet spirit go, because she was my dear friend.

You ARE doing the right thing. I will ask you to hang on to all the courage you can muster and NOT go to pieces until the pet is gone. She will sense your distress, and it will make it harder for her. Let her know in those last few minutes that all is well, you love her, and will see her again.

Best wishes to you. Our hearts and thoughts will be with you tomorrow.

Answer 2

First I want to say I know how hard this is, I've been there. And there really isn't anyhing to say that will help with the heartache of having to go through this. I'm sure she has had a great life with you and you have to think of it as that. If she is suffering, it's the best thing to do for her and you. And as far as her not knowing, I'm sure she knows you are doing the right thing. It's amazing what dogs can sense and can feel from your emotions. My advice would be to just be with her and make her feel as comfortable as she can until it's time for her to go. And I have always talked to my dogs and in some weird way it's like they understood what I was saying. So maybe take sometime and be alone with her and talk to her about what's going on and tell her how you feel. This will give you a chance to get it out and will show her how much you love her(I'm sure she knows, but it'll help you get through this better).

I hope this helps in some way, it's a tough thing to have to do. Best Wishes.

Answer 3

I too had to put a friend down. I sat on the floor and held her, petted her, cooed to her. My mother sat with me, this was her dog too. I felt her pain dissolve and my best friend leave the wasted, cancer-riddled, shell she tried to exist in. I had closure, as an earlier answerer put it, "finality". I kissed her between the eyes and traced the white number 8 on her left side once more. I exhaled the breath that mourned her and drew in air to celebrate her. The deeper I breathed, the more I felt that she was no longer in the room. You will dread it, but you are doing the best thing you can do. Keep your chin up.
You will grieve, but not for long. Do not mourn the loss but celebrate the life. All will be well and your friend will always love you. It is best if she just fall asleep with her family close by. She doesn't need to know its going to happen, it'll save her the confusion and you the pain. She will be fine and even better after she lets go the furry skin that held your angel here on Earth.

Answer 4

First of all, go with your dog and put the pet on the stainless steel table while euthanasia is being performed. It will help you to do this and help you realize something called "finality."

This is very important. I have a scientific background and I'm sure of what I'm saying here. The procedure will not hurt your dog -- your pet will die without pain. This is one of the reasons for being there.

This terrible, suffocating grief is going to wash over you, several times a day, for a couple of days. Get used to it, it will get better. A big sign of improvement is going to be these odd memories you will have of how uncomfortable your pet was and how much pain the dog actually felt.


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A Dog's Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart that beats inside of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.

Please take me inside with you when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding; to walk by your side and protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old and no longer enjoy good health, hearing, and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me with you. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

Answer 5

Be with her. Your vet will let you. Cry, and be upset if you can't help it, but stay with her. Let the last thing she sees and hears be you, the person she loves. Be as strong and as selfless as you can, try to make her last moments be as good, as loving, as you can. Keep a brave face if you're able, she will know there is something wrong. Don't let her be alone.

Too many people put animals down for reasons that have nothing to do with their ability to continue to live full lives. I don't know the circumstances; if your dog is being put down because she is unwell, I'm so very sorry; I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better. If not, rethink your choice, please.

Answer 6

I'm so sorry you have to make such a hard decision. Go with her, hold her, and be the last thing she sees and hears. She'll be waiting for you at the 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....

Answer 7

This is going to sound stupid, but it totally made me feel better when I had to put my doggie down.
Have a heart to heart with your dog. Hold you dog, and tell her whats going to happen, and why, and that youre sorry, and that youll be with her, and not to be scared. Cry if you have to. Pets become family members, and most of us treat our dogs like they are people anyway. When you take her in to be put down, hold her, and calm her. Believe me, shell know whats going on. Just be loyal to her till the end. Then ask the vet if you can take her body to be buried like in your backyard or something if its legal in your area. Have a memorial service and/or funeral too, complete with friends and family that knew her. It will bring you closure, and you will help you cope with her passing.
Im sorry for your coming loss. I hope this helps

Answer 8

They hang out in the afterlife waiting for us. This is what new age guru Sylvia Browne says. She very specifically tells what happens with animals when they pass in a book called "Animals on the Other Side". I have not read it, but have heard about it.

The Pet Psychic on Animal Planet used to say animals can understand us when we picture things in our heads as we talk to them, because they are inherently psychic. I would say some comforting things to your pet before he dies and have a long "chat." I would even try to imagine what he would reply if he could speak. It might be theraputic for you both.

Many animals don't have to be put down. We can just care for them until they naturally pass, making them comfy on the way out with pain medicine and bedrest. They can be given medicines we take, but in amounts suitable for their size. Also vets don't tell you how nutrition can help pets. Feeding dogs veggies and real meat helps a lot.

If you do get your pet put down, it is best to do it yourself at home. You know how upset animals get at the vet... the last moments should be calm and sweet, not nervous. Your vet can help you do this.

Answer 9

I have tears in my eyes right now. It's painless & quick. The most humane thing to do. The most beautiful poem about this is called The Rainbow Bridge. It's really comforting. I still cry at night sometimes when I think of all my past dogs. Even from 10 years ago.

Answer 10

I had a Rottweiler for 10 years and when i had to put her to sleep due to cancer it was the hardest thing i have ever done in my life. I know u are going thru a very hard time right now. the best advice i have is take a picture with her tonite or tmr at home of the 2 of u together and be in the room with her when she goes. Its going to be hard but shes been there for u all her life and in the end i know she would want u there with her. That is something u want to be there for. Im very sorry for your loss my heart goes out to u and i will pray for u and your family.