Re: When to put a dog to sleep...thank you?

Question

thanks to everyone who answered my question...it helped put my mind at ease. I had pretty much already made the decision, but was looking for an out.
I took him today to be put to sleep..worst day of my life, but at least Bo's happy now. I canceled my afternoon appointments at work and spent the day with him. We went to Subway where I got the "double meat" and had them put it in a bag. We went to hang out in the field behind the vet and he had his turkey and some water, about the only things he'd take in.
Then he got enough energy to make the walk into the office, and I think he knew it was time. The walk took forever cause he could barely move, and I think he was showing me that he didn't want to leave even though we both knew it was best.
He calmly walked into the room and took his place on the blanket and was so calm. The vet did his thing and I sat with him and balled my eyes out for half an hour.
I only wish you all could have known him. He was so cool. Best dog in the world.

Answer 1

Oh gosh, I didn't see your previous question, but this post brought years to my eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel, as do many of the others who have had to put a dog to sleep. I personally have to say good-bye to four dogs in my life, and it doesn't get easier the second, third or fourth time around. Sigh.

It sounds like you made Bo's last day very happy and got to spend some wonderful quality time with him. Also, I know it's easy for me say, but not easy to do, but try and remember the happy times and the wonderful memories you shared with him. Bo will forever in your heart.

I'm adding some links where you can place a free memorial and some links that may help you through your grieving process.

Best wishes to you. I'm sure Bo will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

Rest in Peace Bo knowing that you were and will always be loved.

Answer 2

I know that everyone has said "sorry!" about your dog, but, I REALLY am sorry for you. I would HATE it and ball my eyes out, too, if I had to put my dog(s) to sleep. At least you did the right thing. If you think about it, now, your dog is up in Heaven, and, your dog can walk, eat, drink, and sleep, alot more peacefully, then he could before. He can walk on all his legs, run in grassy fields, and do A LOT more! I know, this might sound a little weird, but, I know that it's true! I would recommend that you keep your dog's toys, collar, leash ect. That way, you can always go back to your dog, say, when you are having a bad day. Yes, you might cry, you might laugh, thinking of ALL of the funny things that your dog has done in the past. But, it should make your day better. You might miss your dog, but, like I said before (above!), your dog is now in a place that she can RUN freely! When you are ready, I would recommend that you get another dog. You might not want one now, but, it really sounds like another dog could use such a GREAT owner like you! If you are thinking of getting another dog, then, a dog from an animal shelter could really use you. If you go to: www.petfinder.com, you will find a pair of sad eyes looking at you, that you just can't stop looking at! You might even find that dog in your house the next week! But, this future is up to you. Not up to me, or anyone else. I hope that I have raisen your spirt up just a little bit. Again, I am VERY sorry. Thanks, and good luck,

~ Future Vet

Answer 3

Oh my gosh. That is such a sweet/sad event. Im sure he was cool. I had a schipperke for 6 years. She was back in italy with y dad while I visited my family in Louisiana. I got a call a couple of weeks ago (still in Louisiana) from my dad saying that she had escaped from the yard and went to the highwaay and got hit by a car. God I miss her so much. She was my first dog. She was always so sweet to people. Everyone thought so. She was so cute and hyper and loving. It was just so sad getting that call. They said she died instantly and was in fine condition. I just felt like so much crap because I was thousands of miles away and I couldnt hold my baby on last time. She was such a good dog. I am 15 now and I lived half my life with her. I dont remember living and her not being righ tthere with me. The pain hurts so much. And it is so hard to take the memories with me and to move on because their are other things in life wwe have to enjoy and other people we have to enjoy it with. Time is too short and everything has an end. Pepper taught me so much. I learned that life is not living without death, and sadly it is just a part of it. Im sorry for your loss and just think of the good times. He is in wide meadows right now roaming free without pain or suffering. Im glad everything worked out for the best.
All good wishes.
Ariel

Answer 4

"Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or, "Let it happen on my absence." Everything is easier for ME if you are there"
~Unknown

I can't help but cry reading this. I completely sympathize with you and offer my sincere condolences in the loss of your friend and companion.
Sometimes - the only choice is the most difficult road to walk. I'm sure you were absolutely beside yourself today...knowing what was coming and trying to imagine life without him.
It's definitely an experience that stays with you through life.

The most beautiful part of all of this isn't just the journey you both walked in life together - but the fact that you made beautiful, every moment of it right down to the very last minute. Taking him out in the field and probably sitting next to each other.... sharing time and making memories before his flight to heaven.
I would have loved to know him... and I'm so sorry you had to let him go.

There is a better place up there... he is made whole and well again and isn't suffering... but I'll bet he's sure missing you...
We are most certainly grieving with you. If not for our own experience and memories of our parting fur kids - then for the overwhelming love we each share for our pets, who are more than fur-kid members of our families... they are the pieces of our hearts.

I will keep you in prayer.
God Bless

Answer 5

My cat was 18yrs old when I had her put down. I never thought I could ever do it but when she stopped eating and could barley get up, i knew it was time. It was the worst day of my life and I dread the thought of ever having to do it again. I thought the pain of losing her would never go away but when I think of her now, I smile and remember all the good times. I'm very sorry for your loss. Its a hard thing to go through and time eventually eases the pain. Just think about the good times you had and what a great life you gave him. Sorry again.....

Answer 6

They say that you really do not know what it is like unless you have gone through the same thing....I had a dog for 18yrs, he was a cockapoo. His name was smokey. He was charcoal black with Little bit of gray. The smartest little dog I had ever had, he would sit, lay, beg and speak at command. He was very healthy through out his life, but when he finally became too old to see, or to walk or control his stool, we knew it was time to help him leave this world in peace. I too cried and felt as though my best friend would no longer be with me...I have his picture up in my bedroom and I say good night to him ever night before I go to sleep. Some people would think we are "nutty" but we know what it is all about! My heart goes out to you, and always remember your dog is happy now with out pain and will be waiting for you when you come to be with him in heaven.

Answer 7

I am glad you two had a great day to end the other great days Bo brought to your life. It was a very tough decision, I know. I am so thankful that you took the time to make his last day special. You are a great dog owner and you should be proud of having such a good dog, he was good because of you.
I hope someday you will make another dog happy by being in it's life.

Answer 8

While I did not see your original question, I can tell from this post that you did the right thing. It is never an easy decision to make. I lost my cat suddenly at 3 years of age and still have many nights when I cry myself to sleep. I honestly never thought it would get any better, but it did. It never goes away but somewhere down the road your dog will come back to you. As crazy as that sounds. Shortly after my cats sudden passing (we did not even make it out of the driveway - a blood clot is what took him from me) I fostered a new dog. I did not want to foster but something told me I had to foster this dog. Turns out he had been abused, had a broken vertebra in his spine, his hip was broken in four places and many other problems. It has been 4 months getting him back to semi-normal. He would not eat and needed a feeding tube. He is now eating and as crazy as it might sound I believe my cat somehow told me to get this dog and help him. Two weeks ago we adopted him. I could not help my cat but I could help our new dog.
You emotions are totally normal for someone who loves their pet. I wish you peace in your decision. You did the right thing for him and as many lovers believe, he is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

Answer 9

I'm sorry about your dog,but you did him a great favor by giving him a wonderful last day with you,and letting him go gently,with you by his side.It is such a hard thing to do,I know,but sometimes it's the last gift we can give to them,a swift and painless death.Of course it is hard on our hearts,but there are other dogs,millions of them,waiting in shelters,for someone to save them.Maybe,in time,one of those will be yours,and it will be the "second best dog in the world." Hug.

Answer 10

I am sorry for your loss and understand how difficult this decision can be. I went through this last fall with my 14 year old dalmatian. I thought I was going to be okay, but had to pull over on the way home b/c I couldn't see through tears. It was definitely time, but that never makes saying goodbye any easier.