My precious dog is being put down tomorrow.....help?

Question

She is my baby, a loving lap puppy. Only 8 yrs. old. Cancerous tumor with no hope. I cannot cope with ending her vital life.

This is not like me; I've always realized it is a given that my Dobes will not outlive me, but Macey is just so much a PRESENCE in our home. Never the thought in her head to be aggressive, only totally loyalty and love, unconditional. I am already lonely.

Did you go through this? Any tips I haven't already tried? I can't get the grief under control, and I don't know if I can watch her take her last breath, even though I feel as though I owe it to her for mine to be the last eyes she sees.

Oh my, you all have helped me a whole lot. I really needed the support you've ALL given me. Thank you so much for taking time to write a comfort to me.
I'll be going in now to spend night hours with her. She knows she is loved and cherished. Thanks again to all of you. You have kind hearts.

Well, it is now two days later and it is finished. It was every bit as difficult and painful as I had ever dreamed. The vet and staff were so very kind, literally even cried with me.

But, I want to say to all of you: You all truly, truly have helped me more than you can ever know. Having so many virtual "strangers" reach out to me with words of sympathy, support, and encouragement really did help, and continues to help. You are some caring people -- if only there were more in the world like you guys.

Again, thank you so much for your responses. The IS hope in a sharing humanity, and the love for our pets span all languages, cultures, and creeds.

Answer 1

I am glad you were able to make it through it.

only think of the good times, not the bad

i lost a dog not to long ago,,,,,,,,,it gets easier, but u will never forget.

Answer 2

When the people were attacked, was the hospital informed that it was a dog attack? Because when there is ANY animal related injury, police have to quarantine the animal and the animals gets a record. If the animal is found to be vicious, they'll put it down, if not, it will be released back to the owner, but if it ever attacks another person, it should be put down. When I was younger my puppy's tooth got caught on my sister, and she had to get stitches. That night there were police at our house inspecting my dog. My friend also got an infection from a cat scratch and was hospitalized. The cat was put into quarantine for 2 weeks before they released it again. Plus, if there is any proof that the animal was abused, tell the police. It's not the dog's fault, it's the neighbor's. I really don't think you should do anything to the dog yourself. You could get into trouble yourself if you hurt or kill the dog. Just be persistent with the police until the come and check the dog out.

Answer 3

I know how you feel, I lost a dog when I was little because he jumped the fence during a fireworks show and got wounded really badly. His injuries were so bad that he had to be put down. Your Macey sounds like a very loving dog, and you will no doubt remember her forever. Just keep in mind, all things come to an end and nothing is made to last forever. It is for her own good that you put her down, she is in pain and suffering every day. I am very sorry about your loss. Spend your last moments together and enjoy every second you have left together. (If you are religious) Pray to God that she goes to a better place.

Answer 4

I have a tumor inside my brain right now. I don't know what the future holds for me. But... I know this, it's causing me pain everyday and I would imagine your loved. Macey, must be having similar pain. Putting her down is the most humane and the most loving thing you can do for her now. You don't have to watch the procedure; but I personally think that IF you're that close to her, then she is also that close to you. So don't leave her alone...hold your babies paw and let her know that it's going to okay. You're the momma...and she needs you right now.

Many years ago, when I was a young girl in the 6th grade, I lost a pet dog named Mexi. I had to leave her alone and go to school while she was very sick. By lunchtime, I could't take it anymore and I had to go to her. I actually left the school campus (with the office staff trying to keep me there) and ran home to find her dying. I held her on my lap and I cried and I told her how much I loved her and How much she would be missed. Then she passed. I don't remember much after that. But my mother has told me that she arrived home and found the two of us on my bed....me asleep and my arms around my baby. It's hard. It still hurts me after all of these years. Just allow yourself to grieve.... But try to do it after she's gone. Mexi did have a litter of pups and my parents made sure that one of them was mine. That helped me some....

Answer 5

There is a wonderful website that I have discovered. It is:
www.petloss.com. There is also a Monday Night Candlelight Ceremony. They also have a moderated message board there as well as a chatroom. It is run by a marvelous person who gave up his regular job to run this website. He was featured in the NY TImes. Everyone there has lost a pet or has a special needs pet. They are a compassionate group of people and do NOT allow flames.

I have no connection with this website nor anyone on it as I found it quite by accident.

Answer 6

i feel your pain and am truly sorry for what you are going to go through. you seem to know that it is the loving thing to do and that you must be with her when the end comes. that is a VERY loving thing to do - one which most people can't bear.

unfortunately i have been through this 4 times in the last 3 1/2 years and it never gets any easier. i have lost 2 of my precious basset hounds and 2 of my beloved kitties - both dogs to cancer and both kitties to old age. i still shed a tear when i think of them (as i am now) but i know that their lives were as long, full and happy as they could possibly be. they were all rescues, so who knows what horrors they might have experienced had it not been for me rescuing them

may you be blessed with the knowledge that you WILL meet again

Answer 7

I am deeply sorry about this and yes I have gone through this a couple of times with cats. You grieve and cry all you want to but it will not bring them back. But?You will survive but you have to remember the good times. All creatures have to depart from us. It might be best that YOU are with Macey when she departs. A loving human that loves her to death by her side.(biting back the tears for you). Its hard to let go of some animal that is like a second skin to you. But that is the process of life.I know you will miss that second skin but one day a new layer will evolve. You miss her and think there will NEVER be another Macey like her. You really dont want another like her but maybe there is another one that needs your love and devotion. Love is never ending. A circle . Keep that circle alive with the memory of Macey. Prayers are with you tomorrow.

Answer 8

You need to enjoy the last little bit of time you have with her. Remember you are doing what is best for your dog. She no longer has to suffer in pain. This sacrafice you are making is in her best interest. It is very selfless of you. I have been in your place before. I can honestly say, you will never forget her. Your heart may ache everytime you think about her after she is gone, but it gets easier. As each day passes it gets easier to cope. I think it would be wise for you to contact a grief counseling center for animals. I know michigan state university offers this.

Answer 9

i went through the same thing with my dog. i got a new puppy 2 try 2 cope with the pain. it helped alot. just remember, shes not dead as long as u let her memory run. this part is 4 her. i would let her go out with a big bang. take her 2 places u wanted 2 but couldn't. get her purked up so she can see how much u love her and how much u will miss her. i hope u can move on.

Answer 10

we had to put down our shi tzu about 2 months ago.. i grew up with him. we had him since i was born. it was very unexpected but we ended up having to call the vet and go in right away to end his pain and suffering. the pain never goes away but it will feel better after a few weeks. you are doing the right thing, you are stopping her pain.here are some websites:
http://www.seefido.com/html/dog_euthanasia.htm

http://www.thensome.com/memorial.htm

http://petloss.com/

you will need to make a choice if you wanna bury her or have her cremated. we had our dog cremated. i know it is very hard, but you are helping your baby make it to the "Rainbow Bridge"

here is the "Rainbow Bridge" story:

Rainbow Bridge

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 of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, 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 you and 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 Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Answer 11

Sorry about your special friend . We had to put to sleep our daughter's cat (aged 13) recently. I feel for you.

When the decision was made I asked to be there when the cat was given the needle. The vet prepared the area of her leg beforehand and when it came time I held the cat so her head was on my arm. During the process I couldn't look as I was weeping and I felt Sooty's head slowly drop on my arm. It was horrible but I'm so glad I was strong enough emotionally to hold her in her last moments. I felt I had to do that for my
daughter as she now lives 400kms away.

The vet was very kind to us and we asked to take Sooty's body home where we have buried her and we bought a rose to plant on her grave. My daughter requested we get one the same colour as the creamy spot on Sooty's cheek. We did - it was a champagne colour.

We have another cat and it definitely is missing Sooty just as we are. I feel very upset writing this even now. I'm still grieving as Sooty was very special to us.

Hope this helps you in your sad time. Good luck.