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.
2006-10-20 10:27:47
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answer #1
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answered by Chetco 7
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Take one last photo of your pet, maybe with your kids in it. If you know for sure they will put him to sleep, let the kids say good bye before you take him to the vet. I don't think the kids should go with you into the vet's, as it is very traumatic. Wrap a cloth around him, bring him home and bury him in a place in the yard. Help your kids to understand that all of life is a cycle, and that if nothing died, then nothing could be born, no new babies, no new puppies or kittens.
You may want a new pet soon, you may want to wait. You may want a different pet, such as a cat instead of a dog. Keep talking to the kids and see how you all feel. There are so many animals at the pound that need homes. They won't be your old dog, but perhaps you could adopt one as a memorial to your old one.
2006-10-20 11:00:56
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answer #2
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answered by judy a 2
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I'm sorry about your dog. You will really just need time to get through this. A dog is a member of the family and if you've had him for 14 years he's probably been a big part of your life. Some people find that it helps to get another dog soon and some don't. Just remember that the dog won't be in pain anymore so even though it hurts, you are doing the right thing.
2006-10-20 10:38:28
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answer #3
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answered by kat 7
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I'm very very sorry you are all going through this. It seems as though most of the answers are perfect and I hope they will help. There are many pet (bereavement) forums and sites. Not sure if this will help you when the time has come. Hopefully, you're children (and you) will take comfort knowing that you gave your dog the very BEST years of his life!! I'm glad to hear when someone has a pet that lives his full life and does not go rather unexpectedly whether by an accident or injury from another animal. Maybe try telling your children that your/their precious dog would NOT want them to suffer even though the grieving process is inevitable when you lose a family member. I wish you well and you have my sympathy.
2006-10-20 12:23:55
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answer #4
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answered by T M 1
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I'm so sorry. It's never easy to say good-bye to a pet, and it can be especially hard for children. I think most of us have gone though it. I know that I have.
I'm adding a link that discuses coping , and has tons of other links on coping with the loss of a pet for both adults and children, as well as links to places where you add a free memorial for your pet. I also has link for grief support forums and so much more. This site helped me tremendously.
Remember that although your dog will no longer be there in body, he will live in your your heart forever.
My deepest and sincerest condolences (((BIG HUGS)))
EDIT TO ADD:
I wanted to share a couple of poems I wrote for my dog. The first was written the day before I had to tell her good-bye and the second was the the day I had to say good-bye.
Tomorrow May Be Good-Bye
I think the time is really near
When your bark, I will not hear.
A better dog you couldn't be
You loved me unconditionally.
In the house you never peed
Not even as a furry puppy.
You did your job so very well,
You didn't eat what you didn't smell.
You lay and watch me as I cry,
I'm afraid tomorrow will be good-bye.
***************************
Today Was Good-bye
Today I had to say good-bye
I knew that it was best
Now my little furry friend
Is at peace and and rest.
I'll look for you at the Rainbow Bridge
When my times does come
Until I get there, run and play
And just have lots of fun.
These tears I cry will one day pass
And we will meet again.
You were more than just a dog
You were my best best-est friend.
Rest In Peace Sweet Ginger
2006-10-20 11:38:58
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answer #5
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answered by HDB 7
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My mum had to put down her dog (yorkie) 2 weeks ago..... 18.5 yrs old. Same situation as yours.....not eating. My poor mum got told this the monday before and decided she could not just do it there and then but had to build up to it so she decided on the fri. (In my opinion i dont know if that was easier or harder for her) Anyhow she agreed that the dog to be cremated (a guy who ran a company doing this) and got her ashes in a little wooden box (approx £120.00) She has keep the ashes on a wee table beside her bed with the dogs photo on top..... it even has the dogs name engraved on the box. (cremation is not only option) I hop this is not sounding too morbid...... but my mum felt that it was not just like leaving the dog at the vets as she had done with her first dog.
One thing i have read which i thought was nice in explaining to younger children is that all things eventually 'pass over' in order to make room for the new ones. And for you and the adults in your family think of it as she had a great life and had loving carers and that it is best not to let her suffer.
Remember there is a doggy spirit world, remind everyone of that. Hope all goes well for you and your family.
2006-10-20 10:43:25
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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oh, I am so sorry - I think it is the worst kind of pain we humans have, it is a shame. All I can say is that pain lessens with time. Maybe your local dog club will be able to offer you some advice, or put you in touch with someone else who has been through this in your local area. Can someone go with you? You can email me if you like I will answer.
One last thing - did you hear about 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...
2006-10-20 16:04:49
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answer #7
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answered by rose_merrick 7
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Here ia a good site about help in telling your kids about the decision to put your dog to sleep (if that is what you have to do).
http://www.wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp/tellkids.htm
It's all part of growing up and animal ownership. It will be hard but we all get through it eventually.
I know how hard it is to put an animal down. I have been there and done that many, many times in my 37 years. It hurts, some more than others but I go on and continue to be a good mom to the animals that I still have. It has never affected my decision to get another one either.
2006-10-20 10:31:19
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answer #8
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answered by msnite1969 5
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Its always hard to lose a pet, especially for children. Make a scrapbook, it will be a good chance to remember your dog, and have fun recalling all the memories you've shared over the years.
Tell your children its ok to cry. It's a natural part of grieving, and that they can take comfort in knowing you gave him the best life you possibly could.
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...
2006-10-20 10:29:51
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answer #9
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answered by Nikki T 4
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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....
2006-10-20 10:30:13
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answer #10
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answered by tom l 6
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