What is a good way to prepare for the loss of an animal?

Question

My little dog is old and she is my life. I love her so much.. but she is old and not that well.. I don't want another one right now.. but I am scared that if something happens to her I will lose it. Help>?

Answer 1

Try rainbowsbridge.com. I lost my 10 month old puppy in December. She was like a child to me..... My mom bought me a new puppy and she has helped me out a lot. It is very sad when we lose our pets, they are like children to us. It also helped me out by talking to others who had lost their fur babies.

Answer 2

The end of a life is inevitable. The best thing that you can do is remind yourself that you gave your dog the best life possible. Take lots of pictures with you and her, spend extra snuggle time together, and do activities together that the dog loves, like car rides, going for walks, and playing with toys. It will really help you when the time comes to know that you spent a lot of quality time together. You can just take some extra time out of your schedule to play with her and give her lots of love. She will love the extra attention, and it will improve her quality of life. You don't need to get another dog right now, or even right away. It's okay to be upset about losing a close human friend, right? Well, it's also OK to lose a very dear animal friend, too. You have spent a lot of time with her, you know her personality, you've lived with her for many years, and she has been a wonderful companion to you. It's ok to grieve. It will take time, and maybe you could talk about it with some of your other freinds who have lost pets in the past. Animal owners really understand how much it hurts when you lose a pet. Some people just don't get it... don't listen to their attempts to make you get over it faster.... it's ok that you're upset. You will be ok.

Answer 3

There isn't really a way to prepare. No matter how much you try. Just remember the good and know that she is the most important one in this decision. It would be selfish to keep her around because you would miss her if she is in bad health and old. If she is suffering in any way what would be best for her even if you don't like the answer. We have had to put down 2 pet dogs and it is never easy. It does get better with time. If you are wanting another please make sure you are emotionally ready too. I'm sorry for the decision that is inevitable. Good Luck and I will remember you in my prayers.

Answer 4

The loss of your pet is a hard one to face. I had an old cat who's health went downhill. Over the span of 3 yrs. he had one problem after another. It started with something that could be controlled by diet. Then, toward the end, sometimes I would have to force water into him to prevent him from dehydrating. After that, he got sick again and this time I would have to give him pills 3-4 times a day. I knew he didn't like my forcing things down him and I didn't like having to do it to him. I knew that eventually it would be something else so I decided it was time to let him go.

It is a very hard decision to make, but when it is time you will know. Just don't prolong your dog's life for the sake of your own wants.

I never wanted to replace my cat, but my hubby and daughter wanted a kitten right away so we did. I have to admit that it helped. The new guy never has taken the place of the older one, but he sure has helped with the loss is so many ways.

I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 5

All of us who love a certain special dog are scared of the day we have to let them pass. You can give your special dog more attention and hugs and special goodies. But I bet you already do that. I always have 3 to 4 dogs and they are different ages. That is how I keep from being totally wiped out when I lose a special one. I still hurt over a favorite I lost 3 years ago and I've trained 2 puppies since then!!! You have to give that love enough room in your heart so another baby can live there too someday. No other can replace them, I know. It hurts. But you can make more room in your heart for another puppy!! It won't replace your special one, I know. But Ask Yourself what your Special Dog would want You to Do!! Really think about that!! Put yourself in your doggie's paws and see what they would want for their beloved friend, You!! My heart grieves for your sadness. I can feel the worry in your words. Don't worry because their memory will live forever!! Good Luck!! @8-)

Answer 6

Of course you will lose it, a pet is a member of the family. Don't worry about how you will react just enjoy the time that you have left with her, be extra kind to her and help her when she needs it, that’s all you can do. Also why not get another pet? It will ease the pain and give you new hope and a new companion. Life is to short, find a new pet that you like now so that when your older dog passes you will have a new friend to spoil and enjoy.

Answer 7

There is no way to prepare to be honest, I had to lay my pit bull down due to lung cancer and I had her for 12 years. I held that little girl till she took her last breath and that was the only thing that gave me some kind of comfort. She was always there for me no matter how stormy life could get and I was determined to do the same for her. I knew the day she left me it would be hard for me to cope with it. It took me almost a year before I adopted another little one, I love her but she will never take the place or fill the void I have for my little girl I lost. Time will heal and the memories will make cry and smile. I hope this helps a little.

Answer 8

I am so sorry to hear about your furbaby.

The loss of an animal is no different than that of a human. The feelings can sometimes be just as strong as will the grieving period.

There is no way to prepare.

All you can do is make sure you provide her with every thing she needs while she is still with you and if / when the time comes for her to go, be with her.

I had to have my chihuahua that I had for 13 years put down in August of 2005. I made sure I was with him throughout the entire procedure. That was one of the hardest moments of my life.

Since then I've adopted three more chihuahua's and they are the apple of my eye. I love them dearly though they will never replace the one I lost.

Good luck and just have peace with knowing you are not alone.

Answer 9

Spend as much time with her as possible before the end. Take pictures of her. Get some video footage of her if you dont already. Just care for her and comfort her if she is in pain. Just get ready that she wont be with you forever. It will be ok. You will someday be able to move on. I know it not easy.

I had to put my 14 yr old dachshund down 2 years ago. He was my life too. I loved him so much. I'm still not ready for another dog. I want one to make me happy, but yet I just feel like its not the right time. I miss him everday and sometime feel that the pain will never go away. It was so hard for me. He slept w/ me each night. I have his stuffed animals by my bed to keep me happy. I have pictures of him and when I really miss him, I put in my video and laugh and smile. You will be ok. It will be hard at first. But you will survive. Just stay strong.

Answer 10

People handle death in very different ways. You can never be totally prepared, even though you know it's coming. Embrace, enjoy and love her while she is here. There is no doubt, you will be very sad when she is gone. She is a member of the family, after all.

They have grief counselors for the loss of a pet. Talking to friends and family also helps.

I know this may sound gross or odd to most of you, but I had my dog cremated and she sits beside my chair with me. I also have her choke collar permanently attached to my ankle and I also wear a bit of her ashes in a locket around my neck. That makes me feel better because that way, she gets to come with me everywhere I go. That's how I deal with it. (is has been 5 years since she passed)

Answer 11

It is hard to lose an animal. You feel like you've lost a part of your family. My dad had a dog he had since the dog was young not a puppy but young that he picked up in the parking lot of GTE when we lived in Florida. The dog was so fond of my dad and he got old and we couldn't keep him anymore he couldn't even get up to go to the bathroom. My dad had to put him to sleep it was hard on all of us because he was a good dog. Just remeber that even dogs have their times when they have to go like us humans. My husband and my dog is 28 years old in dog years so we know we'll have to let him go and he's a good dog. Just keep remebering that she doesn't have much time and play with her as often as you can and spend time with her as often as you can. It'll be hard when she leaves this world but if your a believer in God and ask him he'll have her waiting for you up in heaven. If you don't feel right about getting another dog then don't. My dad didn't get another one for years after he lost Shadow. He just got my brother's dog not to long ago but if you do get another dog that dog will never replace the dog you have now. She'll always be in your heart.