My dog is dying. What's the best way to handle my grief?

Question

I found out 2 days ago she has 2 large tumors attached to her liver and 1 small one attached to her spleen. I forget the name of this condition, but I found it is not uncommon in German Shepherd Dogs. She is my baby, and she's only 8. I need to put her down, and it's SO HARD! I don't know what I'm going to do without her!

Answer 1

My sympathy to you...that said...this is the time that you should be thinking of your beloved dog first as it is the dogs quality of life that hangs in the balance. My thought process is always this....my dog has been nothing but loyal and loving the entire time we've been together and so I feel that the best I can do for him or her is let her go quietly and peacefully. She needs your love and support now more than ever and she takes her cues from you so if you don't want her to be confused and frightened about what is happening you need to keep it together. Sometimes the hardest thing about having a special pet is when the time comes to let them go. Part of my job was to take care of the euthanasia cases and when the owner couldn't be with the pet because of their own grief I took over the role. I simply held their pet or laid on the floor with it, looked it in its eyes and told it how much they had done for their family while here on earth and how much they were loved and appreciated. I've never gotten over the dogs that I've lost but they live in my heart and are with me every day. Best of luck.

Answer 2

Just make sure she is comfortable in her last days and spend every moment you have with her. I've never been in your position and I'm VERY sorry to hear what you are going through. It is never easy to do something like that. You need to give yourself some time after she passes. Don't go out right away and get another dog, because you cannot "replace" her. If she is not suffering, would you be able to have her pass at home? That would be more comfortable for her. Then, when she does pass, you can bury her in your garden with her favorite toys, a blanket over her, etc. If she is suffering, I can appreciate the fact that you decided to put her down. Do what feels right in your heart, because that is where she will be forever...Once again, I am sorry. Good luck with all of this.

Answer 3

There is nothing harder than having to put down a dog that has loved you and you loved her. I know how you feel because I to had to put down a few myself. The worst will be when you come home and open the door and she isn't there to greet you. All I can say to you is take these 8 years you had with her and keep the fond memories. Maybe one day you will find another dog. The best thing for grief is time. So sorry for this I know it is painful.... but she can suffer with this and I really don't think you want her suffering. I think you loved her to much to watch her suffer. Once again I am so sorry.

Answer 4

A long time ago, my Dad buried my first dog in the backyard, but all my other dogs have been cremated. One, who liked to spread himself far and wide in life, had his ashes broadcast around the grounds of the local animal shelter and pet cemetery, just as he would have wanted ;-) Several of the others' ashes are in a locker, waiting to be joined by my own. Many times, an animal crematory will answer calls directy from pet owners. In the event that the dog dies at home, they will pick up the body. Otherwise, they pick up from the vet's office, and deliver the ashes later. Animal cemeteries are fairly expensive, but cremation is reasonable, and then you can decide what is best to do with the ashes.

Answer 5

I am so sorry. I just had to put my 14 year old Akita down on January 5, 2007. I am still grieving. Everyone has their own time-span to deal with grief. Take your time and do what feels right. I told my children not to ask for another dog for at least six months, then I adopted a puppy two weeks ago. It just was too lonely without a dog in my house. I regret that you have to go through this tough time. Be happy with your memories!!!

Answer 6

I am sooo sorry. I have had to go through the same thing with my beloved baby, Bailey. He was a (0ne day shy of) 7 y.o bichon frise. He had to be put down last June 6th. I still can see his face looking at me the last time I saw him.

Yes, this is going to be so hard to do, but you are doing it for her. You will cry (I am right now) and feel the loss, but you will also know the joy and happiness she brought you. And the joy you brought her. Remember the great days when she was healthy.

I keep a picture of both my babies on the table in my living room, They make me smile when I look at them. I remember how much they loved me and I loved them. Keep that thought in mind, she loved you and trusted you. You are keeping her trust by not letting her suffer.

Give her a hug good by and allow yourself to be grief stricken. I will think about you.

Answer 7

Remember this, through out the 8 years of her life who has been there the most with her? Who comforted her when she was sick? I know its hard but you know what you have to do, get a molding kit at the store and make a paw print and have her picture next to it... I'm so sorry to hear that of your baby!! I have a German shepherd and I don't know what i would do without her also... my sister had a miniature schnauzer that she had cremated and put her remains in a little urn and has her picture beside it... what about that? I know its going to be hard but please don't let her suffer longer than she has too... My prayers are with you!!

Answer 8

We love our dogs dearly and we are blessed to have them to enjoy. Unlike people they don't live as long as we do. We would have to have several over our life spans in order to have one almost each year we humans are alive. Certainly life with a dog is much fuller than without one. And when grieving our dogs, the best thing to help us get through it, is to understand that even though we miss them so, it was far better to have had them during their short stay here on earth.

Answer 9

oh my god, i'm soooo sorry. losing your pet is so hard. i had to put my dog to sleep 4.13.04. i swear i cried over her for at least 2 years. even now i still do some times. its hard, i know, but you know you're doing the right thing. just give it time, and dont allow yourself NOT to grieve. holding it in just makes it harder. my dog was about 14 or 15, i had her since she was 8 weeks old. she was my sister, we grew up together, and we had to put her down in our kitchen because she couldnt walk and we couldnt pick her up. it was horrible. we finally got a new dog 6 months ago, something my mom never wanted to do again because she never wanted to go thru the pain of losing another one. but time heals. i promise. i spent many a night just balling my eyes out. there were times my bf wouldnt even let me watch some of our favorite shows because something dog related was going on and i couldnt handle it.

*hugs* it will get better.

Answer 10

I am sorry to hear about your puppy. You never realize just how much you can become attached to the furballs. Unfortunatelly there isn't much I can say that will make you feel better but know that I understand what you are going thru. I had a dog (a mutt) for 22 years when he died. That is a long time to have a dog.

I still miss him and still have his collar hanging on my wall. I remember most of the fun times we used to have and all the stupid tricks I taught him. He never left my side and even when he chewed the nose off my favorite teddy bear (which I still have) I couldn't stay angry with him.

Time is the only thing that will comfort you. Remember all the good times with your dog. Especially when he was a little furball. Sometimes pulling the pictures out of you and your pup helps.

Sometimes another dog is good for the soul. Just remember, he isn't your old dog and will have different mannerisms, but deserves the same love you showed to the other.

If you find yourself feeling blue, feel free to email or im me. I will be more than happy to listen.

Again, I am sorry about your pup.