I'm so sad, I have to put my dog down, he's 12 years old and he can't walk anymore and he's in pain.

Question

I wish I could help him, but he's had accupuncture, and is on pain meds and muscle relaxers and he's still in pain. I can't stop crying.....life stinks.

Answer 1

I'm so sorry to hear about this. I had to put my dog down about a year ago, one of the hardest things Ive ever done. Dogs can mean so much to a person and a family, and its an extremely hard decision to make to put them down. I just have to look at the bright side and know that they will be in a better place, free of pain. I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

Answer 2

Like you said, "...you can't stop death..." Everything dies after a period of time. Rather than fret over the dogs death, think about the joy he gave you and the nice things you done for him. He won't forget and neither will you. It is always painful to lose something you love, but it doesn't mean it is the end of it, not as long as they live in your heart. Wherever your dog's life force goes, it isn't going to forget you, no more than you're going to forget him. It is a bond of love, is it not? Seeing your dogs dead body is nothing but a shell you're looking at. Just like us when we die, we shed our shells and move on to whatever we believe in. If your dog is not in pain or suffering, why would you want to euthanize him? Don't be responsible for "his death" let him die naturally. Would you put your grandmother down because she is going to die? Of course not! Let your dog live out his life. I can feel what you're feeling. I was 14 and had a dog that I loved and adored. She died in my arms. Her last gesture was to lick my hand as the light left her eyes. I cried and cried, then my pain turned to a sedate kind of peace. She knew I loved her and I know she loved me; and this made me think of all the happy times we had together. I don't know where dogs spirits go, but I do know this; wherever she is at she knows that she is a part of my heart. I am 70 years old now and I will never - ever forget her. I hope that I have been of some help to you. Everett

Answer 3

I'm sorry this is so painful for you, as it's obvious that you have done so much to try to help your dog, and yet you find that all of your best efforts were not good enough.

The most unselfish and loving thing you can do is to put your dog down. It will undoubtedly be the most painful thing for you, but you will be releasing your dog from a life of pain and agony. You will feel depressed and devastated when you do this, but know that you did the best you could for him and know that you ended his pain and suffering and that is the greatest act of love you could bestow on your beloved friend and companion.

I put my dog down a few months ago, after 14 years and I thought I'd lose my mind. The only thing that got me through this agony was knowing that he was no longer in pain.

Sometimes, people hang on to their animals because they don't want to let go. Knowing that your beloved companion is suffering and knowing that you can end his suffering is selfless, humane and loving.

All the best to you.

Answer 4

Your exact right. Life does stink.
Cry, cry some more...and then be happy because there is a happy ending.
You and your dog were pals, friends...you enjoyed great times together and that you will always hang on to and cherish.
But now your pal is in pain and he's not going to get better.
The best thing is for you to put your pal out of his misery, hard as that sounds because imagine you were in his place and he yours.

It's a tough position to be in but the saying goes, the more pals you have, the more heartbreak.

Good luck friend.

Answer 5

i was always an "it's just a dog" guy, until my squeechy came along. this is my real 1st dog, and i'm 44. i can only imagine what you are going through, and have thought that the odds are that i will go through it too, as have you, and many many others before you. the only solace is knowing that your not alone. i have seen the toughest cowboys, and meanest gangsters cry when their dogs died. i will cry when my dog dies. they really are like children, but all i can say is that it's a cycle that must turn. time to reflect on the joy that the dog brought, and very soom you will find that your are starting to cry and smile at the same time. that's the turning point to getting back, and perhaps the time to think about bringing happiness to another poor critter.

Answer 6

I had this same problem with my dog after 12 years as well. I am very sorry for your pain, but I felt it was best for my dog not to live that way. I think mine had a strok and it was a very hard decesion. I cryied forever it seemed, I still think about him 5 years later and miss him big time. He was the best dog ever.
It is up to you but you need to think of him and make the right choice, even if it is not the right one for us.
It is painfull and I wish you luck, and very sorry to hear about this.
Best wishes for you and your dog, my heart is with you right now.

Rest in peace Max you were and will always be part of my life....

Answer 7

two years ago I had to have my dog put to sleep. I held her the whole time, because I hated the idea of her dying on a cold metal table surrounded by strangers. I wanted the last thing she ever knew to be love. so, I know what you're going through. and you have my complete sympathy.
if you google "The Rainbow Bridge", assuming you don't know it, you may find some comfort there. I read it frequently.
I know life stinks. and it's okay to cry. may the God and Goddess bless you both.

Answer 8

I had to do this once too. I cried for days straight. I went on hunger strike (I starved myself). I was SO sad. I kept telling myself he shouldn't have to lived drugged & in pain. That is no life at all. I want to make sure you eat so grab a box of tissues & drown yourself in your favorite music & watch your fave. shows.

I felt like I was so angry I wanted to forget about him but I wish I would've taken more pictures so I can remember him now. You'll get through this. "A bond like this doesn't die even when one in the bond dies" Quote me & remember this because there are things to know & one is that you should always remember your dog & and the friendship you had .

I'm crying now looking at the only picture I have of my childhood dog. I'm... gonna go now, I need tissues.

Answer 9

Oh, I'm soooo sorry. Well, it sounds as if he had a nice long life and that now he's in a better place where he's not in pain. That is a very long life for a dog. I wish you the best. You can make it.
He's gonna be your little guardian angel.

Answer 10

I went through this 2 years ago with my 14 year black lab.It was one of the most painful things i ever had to go through!.I took him to the vet to be euthanized then brought him home and buried him.I didnt get help from anyone,had to go it alone.You know i havnt had another pet since because 1) i dont wanna go through it ever again and 2)When i was finally done grieving(several weaks)i kinda enjoyed the freedom of not having to race home to feed the dog,let the dog out,etc.You should end it now.I dragged it out for 2 years and it only made it harder on me!You will never forget your dog,but his quality of life will never improve.Sorry to say it but you know what needs to happen.I will shed a tear with you.Good Luck!!