I'm so upset! My 14 year old Lab died today, we had to get him put to sleep?

Question

He had an agressive tumour in his throat, today I had to take him to my vet to be put to sleep and he died in my arms.
I can't stop crying, my poor kids are scared!
He was such a good friend, he slept on our bed with us, I miss him so much. Sorry it's not a question.

Answer 1

I'm so sorry, I know how much it hurts, it's not like losing a member of the family, it *is* losing a member of the family.
I hope that in time you can take some comfort in knowing that you gave him a wonderful life, and lots of love, and that when the end came, you did what you had to do to make his passing as comfortable as possible. I'm sorry for your children too, it's very hard for kids also to lose a pet.
Cry all you want, and think about your boy, because at least you'll always have your memories of him. Everyone here will be thinking of you, good luck xxx

Answer 2

I have been through this twice in the last few monthes. I lost a 16 year old pomeranian and a 8 1/2 year old beagle mix. My husband and I cried every day. After three weeks we went to the local shelter and spent time with a few dogs and picked one out to bring home. He has been a blessing for us. We still look at pictures and cry but we know that loving the first two made it possible to love the new pup. Three weeks may not be enough time for many people but it was the perfect time for us. It has worked out so well, we are getting another one soon. You have lost a family member and it's OK to cry and be scared. Don't discount getting another pet because this is so hard. That's what we said. "We never want to go through this again." What we have learned is that the love last much longer than the pain. I wish you well.

Answer 3

Terribly sorry. Labs often live only ten to 13 years. Cancer is unfortunutely one of the woes of the Retriever breeds. Be glad`you had`him so long. If you told the kids that the Lab was 'put to sleep' that is probably why they are scared. Example of what you should say to kids: "Buddy is sick and cannot get better. We are going to help him die." The kids need reassurence about what has happened. If they are school aged, once school starts`again, they will probably slack in their classes, won't do homework, and will be picked on by other kids who may say "You can always get another" or "It was just a dog". Hence tell their teachers at that point what has happened.to them. Losing their canine friend may have ruined what is left of summer vacation for your children. Like you, your kids will grieve along with any other pets you may have. Get them a book like "I Will Always Love You" or "The Tenth Best Thing About Barney"; maybe "For Every Dog An Angel".

Answer 4

Oh honey, I’m so sorry. I know how hard it is to lose such a good friend. I lost my black lab a quite a few years ago and I still think of her. I feel like her spirit is still around. It take time, but soon you’ll be able to think of him and not be so sad. I’m glad you were there for him in the end. I didn’t go when we put down my son’s dog because I thought I would break down and it would be too much for my son. I didn’t think I could be strong for him. Now I feel so guilty for not being there and I think my son even resents me a little bit for chickening out.
Don’t worry about being strong for your family right now. Take the time to morn. I know now I would have rather been looked at as falling apart then as a stone cold monster. You’re a lot braver then you think.
Take care

Answer 5

Time will heal the hurt, i'm sorry for you loss.
I cannot sit by a silent grave
I do not see you there
I see you whole and young again
In fresh clean mountain air.

I see you in a field of flowers
With butterflies all around
I see you chasing balls too
Across the sun warmed ground.

I see you tilt your head just so
Towards forests lush and green
I see you following rocky paths
Such beauty to be seen.

I see you splash in a mountain stream
The water clear and cold
I see you nose by a fallen log
What wonders you'll unfold.

I see the moon shine down on you
When you settle in for the night
I see you happy in this perfect place
And what I see feels right.

I know we'll meet again once more
Beyond this mortal plain
Until that time I close my eyes. And see you there, again.

Answer 6

I am sorry for your loss. You have been really blessed to have your loving companion for 14 years. Take some time and allow yourself to grieve. It is so natural, but very difficult. When the time is right, maybe you can find another lab. It will never, ever, replace your friend but will help to heal that big hole in your heart. I wish you all the best. You are in my thoughts and prayers today.

Answer 7

Very sorry for your loss. Just remember to explain to your kids why you are sad and that it is ok for them to feel the loss of your canine friend. I've had to put a few of my animal friends to sleep and it is never easy and I always mourn the loss in some cases for months. Stay strong and remember all the love you gave to your friend and all the love he gave back to you. I hope your broken heart heals soon.

Answer 8

I am so sorry. I have a lab and it breaks my heart to think of the time I will have to let her go. Hold on to all your precious memories you had through out the years with your lab. and remember at least he is not suffering in pain. I know that is not much comfort.

Answer 9

It gets better.. With time you'll stop crying and will remember him fondly.. You'll quit blaming yourself, quit wondering what you could have done differently, quit wishing you had done this or that.. You'll never forget him, but the pain will slowly go away. You'll use what you learned from him in other areas of your life, and you'll use what you know about dogs to choose another one and will go thru it all over again.. Knowing that they will die but the joy you get from spending your life with them is worth the pain when they tear a piece of your heart out when they are gone ..

Answer 10

I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my 11 year old Lab on July 6. I had to have him put to sleep. It is the saddest thing I have ever done. I still cry over Thunder because he was my best friend. He slept with me, went for rides and walks with me. He was always there with me and for me.

It will hurt believe me it will hurt. Go to http://www.critters.com
There are hundreds of pictures of dogs and what their owners write about their beloved babies that have died. I have been on there and read poems. I belong to a grieving pet loss group that is helpful.

Don't hurry your grief, tell your children that you miss your dog because he was one of the family. Please don't tell them that you put him to sleep, tell them that you had to let him go to heaven with the other animals because he was very very sick.

Sometimes children might think if they go to sleep they will never wake up. Or if they get very very sick they will be put to sleep and never wake up. So be cautious about talking to them about this.

It isn't easy. I am hurting for Thunder. We buried him in the back yard and I say good morning and good night to him every day.

Take care of yourself. Prayers are with you and your family.