I have to put our dog asleep...should i stay with him while he passes away or just let them take care of him?

Question

I feel if i am not there when they do it, I would remember him alive and I think it might be easier for me. Then I never see him dead. I am struggling with this and I need to make a choice soon. Thanks

Answer 1

Oooohhh what a terrible sad dilemma for you. I know exactly how you feel. When my first cat was put to sleep, I didn't go in with him, but my mom did. Afterwards, my parents and my sister and I brought him home and we had a memorial and burial for him. Before hand, we all spent some last moments with him. You are right - it was difficult and my last memories of him are him dead in a box. When I think of him, that is the first memory that still (over 15 years later) still pops into my head. With my second cat that died, he died tragically from poison my neighbor put out and none of were there at the vet when he passed (we dropped him off not knowing what was wrong with him). My parents retrieved him and we went through the same thing - but this time, I didn't look. All of my memories of him are when he was alive. I dont have that memory.

I can't tell you what to do. I am crying as I type this as I am so sad for you right now. Only you can determine what kind of memory impact that will have on you. If you are a type of person that thinks, what if, or replays things over and over in their head or wonders what could have been done differently, then you may be like me and your memory of him - when you think of him, will be that moment when he passes. To weigh against that is knowing that he was with you in his last and final moments and that will give you peace with that memory. If you think that you can remember him alive and well, then by all means, be with him.

I can't imagine - even knowing how I am, that I would not be there when my pet passes. I am willing to suck it up for him, should the time come, to be with him in his final moments - at whatever cost. I remember the good times. I do. Death is a part of life - we all need to remember that. Nothing lives forever, this is a journey that we all will take. And I would want to be there with my pet when he takes it.

I will say a little prayer for you. I am so sad for you. I will send good thoughts your way.

Answer 2

It is my opinion that the owner of an animal should be there to hold it as he/she drifts away. My reason is this: put yourself in your dog's place. Think about how you would feel and how scared you would be if the person you have loved and been a loyal friend to passed you off to a stranger. After wondering what the hell was going on, another stranger would hold you down while yet another stranger stuck a needle in your arm. Now think about how much better you would feel if the person you loved most was right there with you holding you as you went to sleep. The last thing your dog would feel is your arms around him and the last thing he would hear is your voice saying goodbye. No matter what you choose, you will always remember your dog as he was alive. When he gets euthanized, he'll basically just look like he's sleeping, so he won't actually *look* dead. Unfortunatly, I am a certified euthanasia technician, and all the animals I put down are the ones left by their owners. I, as well as the other techs who have to hold the animals, are as gentle and loving as we can be, but it doesn't take the place of having you there with your pet. So yes, I think you should be there with your dog. Your dog has spent his whole life loving you and living for you, so I think that when it comes to this we need to put our own fears and feelings aside so that our beloved pets can die in the arms of the ones that loved them.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry you had to make this kind of a decision! If it was me, I would stay with my dog, while being euthanized, because it makes them feel alot more comfortable and less stressed, if you are there with them. It will be hard, but at the same time, it would make me feel alot better, knowing that's he's at ease when he passes away. This poem may also help a little: Just this side of heaven, is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies, that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills, for all our special friends, so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill, and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed, are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing. They each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes. when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly, he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted and when your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together. Author Unknown If you type Rainbow Bridge in your search bar, it's a great site for people, who have lost a pet. May he Rest In Peace!

Answer 4

Colorado State University's Vet Hosp has done a lot of reseach with euthanasia and emotional responses to euthanasia, grief counseling, preparations, etc. Their studies have found that a large percent of people not present at the time of euthanasia usually experience a greater feeling of guilt associated with the loss of a pet.

I think the hardest part of losing a pet is that we as humans sometimes find it difficult to express to others the feelings we have for our pets. Some fear ridicule from others (it's just a dog) or embaressment for being "so worked up." Reaseach into the phenomena of the human animal bond is changing that a lot. Many people feel that their pets are their children and their worth is just as great. Many who work in the veterinary field feel the same way and understand how you feel about your pet. You shouldn't be afraid of crying or showing love for your pet that is passing away.

It is good to be prepared for what may occur before, during euthanasia and after so that when it occurs you can be prepared. You're veterinarian should go over this with you. Think of when you want to do it, and schedule an appointment. Have someone go with you for support and in case you are emotionally distraut, they can drive you home. Think about body care and see what they offer so you don't have to make those difficult decisions when under stress. Pay for the sevices before the procedure (most do this anyway) or asked to be billed later so you don't have to deal with it at that time. If you don't feel you can be with your pet, ask a friend or family member if they don't mind being with the pet.

I've been with my pets during euthanasia and am glad to have been with them. Only the person who takes care of them every day can know when their quality of life has surpassed the need to keep them alive. We can't be selfish in this decision - is the last and nicest thing we can do for our pets. Death can be scary, painful and lonely, but euthanasia is painless and planned so they won't be alone. It allows us to give them peace beyond suffering, death with dignity and honor. Sometimes keeping them alive is selfish, and ending their pain and suffering is honorable and respectful.

Just remember, the loss of one does not end your capacity to love others, it only increases it by showing you care and are compationate.

Answer 5

I am sorry that you have to go thru this. I have done both with animals that have had to be put to sleep. This is really a matter of personal preference. Some I have stayed with and there have been some I couldn't stay with and I would just take them home and bury them afterwards.
There are places that will cremate your dog for you and put his ashes in a urn for you to keep.
Again I am sorry for your loss. Whatever you decide to do your dog will understand your choice.
I was taking care of a dog for a soldier who was in Iraq. Long story short the dog had cancer and didn't have very long to live. The soldier was able to phone me and talk to his dog for a few moments and then we discussed what it was that he wanted me to do with his Boo. When it was time I was to take him to the vets and stay with him while he went to sleep and then have him cremated and save the remains for the soldier when he came home. Well, Boo, had other plans and up and disappeared. I searched and searched but to no avail. I have yet to find Boo's final resting place.
A few days after Boo disappeared I got an email from the soldier saying that he awoke Wednesday morning to find his dog sitting there beside him watching him sleep. He said it kind of freaked him out until he realized what had happened and the Boo had passed. Boo stayed with his "dad" until he redeployed back here to the states.
Our beloved animals never do really leave us. They will always be there whenever you need them. Take care.

Answer 6

I have had to put many dogs to sleep and I can tell you that it makes me feel a lot better to be there for them. It gives you a peace to watch them peacefully drift away and know that you were there for them to the end, rather than just dropped them off and left.
Dogs are so giving and understanding, and I think they know to an extent that it is the end and time to go, and I think they would wonder where you are.
I have always been there when it happens and I have never regretted that decision.

Answer 7

I stayed with my dogs when that time came. My dogs were good to me, and I felt like I had to be good to them. If I needed someone they were always there for me, so that is my way of returning that favor. It might also put you at ease to see that it is not painful, and the vet will talk you through what is going on. They give them a sedative and they actually do got to sleep before receiving the dosage that stops their heart. It's not a horrible thing to see, I promise.

Answer 8

I stayed in the room when my family dog was put down and it was very hard but he was calm and they just put a needle in his leg and it was over. The hardest part was knowing that it was my decision and I wanted to be there for him. He was a good dog and I felt that he needed to be with someone he knew. It's also the last chance you have to say goodbye. I know it's hard but if you feel you can be there, then I suggest you be there for your dog. If your not there you may feel guilty about leaving him alone.

Answer 9

That's up to you. When we had to have a dog put to sleep, my husband stayed in the room with her, but I couldn't do it.

They'll generally give him a sedative first, so you can stay with him until he falls asleep if you want to, and then leave the room before the final injection.

Either way, I really believe he will understand that you're doing what's best for him. Dogs are really good like that.

Answer 10

Do what you think is best for you to remember him in happier times. When I knew it was time for my cat to be put to sleep I went to the vet, set up the appt, paid for it and then went home to say goodbye. I had my boyfriend take her as he was not as attached to her as I was (I had her for 14 years and he only knew her for 5). He brought her body home and buried it under a tree at the edge of the lake so she could see the sun rise every morning. I know it is hard but you need to do what is best for him and you will always have him in your heart. My China is still in mine even though I have moved to another state and am unable to visit her anymore. Take care and remember the good times.