My hubby is so sad 'cause we had to have our dog put to sleep today. Any words of comfort?

Question

We're both really upset. Our pal had been unwell for a long time but we decided to do what was best for him before he got any worse. It's still very hard, especially for my husband. I just wondered if anybody could send my hubby any words of comfort at this upsetting time so that I can let him see what you all advise/think?

I've decided not to choose a best answer because everybody has been so nice. I'll leave it to the vote and will make sure my hubby sees all your answers. Thank you.

Answer 1

I always find the Rainbow Bridge Story comforting.

http://earthrenewal.org/rainbow_bridge.htm

Answer 2

Ya know bizzygirl, this happens often in life and it just totally sucks! You will never stop loving Princess as she will remain in your heart forever. I have usually found the best way to get over the death of a dog is to get another dog. It is nothing against Princess as you will love the new dog differently but you will be soo busy with the new dog that it does help with the hurt. Everything happens for a reason, whether we understand it or not. Search on the web for the old poem on The Rainbow Bridge and you will know that Princess is feeling wonderful and just waiting in perfect health and happiness waiting for you to join her some day in the far, far, far distant future so you can be joined together again and pass on together. Don't be really surprised if you happen to feel a jump on your bed in the night with no dog in the house. She still loves you very much and it's an impossible bond to break.

Answer 3

I'm sorry for your loss--I've been in your shoes & I know how it feels to lose a beloved companion. I had to have my dog put to sleep;she was like my child & the loss & grief was just like for any other family member. It's been 10 years and I've not had another dog. The passing of time has healed the pain, but the wonderful memories remain. When a beloved, faithful pet is suffering the kindest, most loving thing you can do is to let go. It may not feel like it now, but you've done the right thing. One final note--my dad passed away a few years before my dog & one night I dreamed of the 2 of them walking together in a beautiful garden, both of them happy & healthy. I firmly believe they are both in Heaven waiting for me. Take comfort from your memories. God bless.

Answer 4

It's hard when you have to put a pet down, esp since nowadays most pets are a part of the family.

Your husband is grieving. That means he has a kind heart. It will take some time for him to get past the death. You didn't say whether you had any other pets, but sometimes it helps to focus on them to take your mind off the one you just lost. They will grieve over the loss too.

If you don't have any other pets, be sure to get another one once the time is right. I don't know how anyone can live without at least one pet. ?!?

Condolences

Answer 5

I am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing harder than loosing a furry child.

I always tell cliets that you have to take care of yourself and your own emotional needs before you can take care of anyone else. At the same time, however, helping someone else deal with their grief can help you to overcome your own. If you have other family members experiencing this loss with, be sure to lean on one another and don't be afraid to talk about how you are feeling...chances are that they feel the same way.

It is important to remember that grief is a very personal struggle and that there is no right or wrong way to feel. acknowledge what you are feeling and release your feelings in any way you can. Below are some options that you may consider to help you relieve some of the emotional pain that you and your husband are feeling from your loss.

Seek out a support group. Friends who have not experienced the searing loss of a constant companion may not understand your pain and often cannot comfort you in the way that you need. There are many pet loss support groups available to turn to. Click on any of these links to find a group that is right for you: www.vet.cornell.edu/org/petloss/ , www.petsupport.net , www.petloss.com , www.pet-loss.net

Express your feelings. Don't be afraid to talk to family members or to a counselor. Try writing down your feelings in a journal or in a poem. Perform a ritual or ceremony for letting go or saying goodbye.

Let go of your guilt. Remember that as your animal's caretaker, you made the best decisions that you could with the information and resources available to you at the time.

Remember the good times. Although they may be initially painful to think about, remembering the special times and loving bond that you shared with your deceased companion can help to ease some of the pain of your loss.

Consider getting a new pet. Although no one can take the place of the friend that you've lost, a new companion will give you something to focus on and can keep your home from feeling so empty.

Hope you can apply some of my advice to your situation in helping your husband through this difficult time.

I am so sorry once again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Answer 6

We went through this in January. Our little JRT named Angel had just turned 1 year old. We let her out to go potty, heard her yelp, and I ran outside to find her lying on the ground. We flew to the vet's, but she died in my arms on the way there. My husband was driving, and I had to keep telling him (while he was driving) that she was going to make it, even though I knew she was gone. I had never seen my husband cry before. We had Angel cremated, and got a personalized urn (from eBay), and she'll always be with us. Just be there for each other and hug, and each day will get a little easier. Tony said "NO MORE DOGS!" Well, that lasted about 6 weeks. We got another Jack Russell and named her Angel, too. She and Oreo play like little kids. My heart aches for you at this sad time, and I hope you will soon have comfort and peace.

Answer 7

I have had to put several dogs to sleep (I run a dog rescue so I've seen it all) and it is really hard.
What you have to remember is that you genuinely loved that dog and what a gift for your pet to never feel unloved. I see so many mistreated animals, that you really should feel good that your dog left this earth knowing she was loved and will be missed. What a blessing to feel that way your whole life!!
Also, dogs don't fear death like we do and your dog was ready to go. It gets better with time, but you will always miss each and every dog you lose. Like I said, I have a lot of dogs at any given time, but I still miss the ones that have gone. They are all special and have so much to give and they continue to give even after they are gone.
Just remember that your dog is happy and grateful for the life you gave him/her.

Answer 8

Hello,
I'm so sorry to hear your sad news

There is a place called Rainbow Bridge
It is a place that connects Heaven and Earth
The Angels take care of this beautiful place
There are lots of meadows, hills and grass
The weathers warm and sunny it never rains
There is plenty of food and fresh spring water
The sick and old are young and well again
They are running and playing all day long
But one thing is missing,
They are not with their special friends
Who loved them on earth,
Each day they play, run, eat and sleep
They wait and wait by the gate,
Until the day comes, when they stop playing,
Their noses twitch, ears up,staring eyes, listening
They run from their group,You have been spotted
Their Special Friend, You meet and cling to each other
Never to be parted again,your face is kissed & kissed
You look once more into the eyes of your beloved pet
The Gate opens and the Angels take you across the
Rainbow Bridge to Heaven Never to be separated again.

My thoughts are with you tonight

Answer 9

Its not easy to take the decision to do that but if your dog was given the choice of living and dying in pain, dying alone and separated from you; or falling asleep in the arms of his master, then his choice would be clear.

You did the right thing and you are going to miss him. You sound like good dog owners so you should get another in time. Wait six months or so before you do - that way you can treat a new dog for itself as opposed to a replacement.

I've had to do the same to three of my dogs before and it kills a part of you every time. My thoughts are with you.

Answer 10

If it should be I grow frail and weak
and pain would keep me from my sleep, then you must do what must be done
for this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand- don't let grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
your love and friendship stand the test.
we've had so many happy years
what is to come will hold no fears,
you'd not want me to suffer , so
when the time arrives please let me go

Take me where my needs they'll tend
only stay with me until the end,
hold me firm and speak to me
until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you too will see
it is a kindness you do for me

Answer 11

Some-one recommended this site to me a few weeks ago when I lost my dog, http://www.petloss.com It really helped and today I 'rescued' a new friend who came from one of those horrible puppy-farms!
You both need to grieve and soon you'll be able to remember the good times and always remember you did the 'right' thing for your pal. It takes love to know when to say goodbye! You loved him enough not to let him suffer!
You might like to consider 'rescuing' yourself in a few weeks time, there are lots of dog's just waiting for a Loving owner
Good wishes to you both,