How do you let go of your doggie?

Question

I have had this puppy for 11 years and just recently got very sick. Her vet has done all that can be done, but he sees her days are limited. Just 2 days ago, we found out that she has skin cancer. It's already spread all over her chest.She is not the same amymore. She's not as hyper or responsive. She has been with me ever since I was 13 and has stuck by me when times were rough. Everytime I think of how she is feeling, I start to cry. How can I let her go?

Answer 1

Here is a poem I think it says what you are looking for.
I am sorry for the news but I'm sure she's had a great life for the 11 years you've had her.

PUT ME TO REST

Time to let me go my friend,
Because my life no-one can mend,
Its better to let me go this way,
Than watch me suffer night and day.

I'm happy to go, my time has come,
My quality of life is no longer fun,
Ive been so ill, so its not a bad thing,
To let me go forever resting.

Stay with me till I drift away,
Fast asleep forever I pray,
To relieve me from suffering and pain,
What more can I ask from my best friend.

Don't be sad, I'll be free from pain,
Never to be ill ever again,
I know you'll miss me being there,
But all the memories you have to share.

Thankyou for being my best friend,
And all my needs that you did tend,
Try not to be sad, try not to cry,
Now's the time to say GOODBYE

Answer 2

I was in your same shoes 3 weeks ago. My little Min Pin got bit on the cheek by a Cotton Mouth snake. He survived 5 days. The day it happend we rushed him to the Emergency Vet, they gave him shots and pain med, they kept him. The next day his little face was swollen twice the size it was supposed to be. They kept him again, giving him meds for the swelling and the pain. On the third day he was 4 times the size he should have weighed. They could not stop the swelling. On the 4th day we talked about ending the suffering, It was so hard to decide, the next day his whole body was yellow. That meant his liver and kidneys had stopped working. He was rotting from the inside out where the bite was. All of these things happening to him and he still got excited to see me when I came every day. The vet reccomended we end the suffering again. I finally said yes. As they got ready to do it I just told him how much I love him and it was gong to be ok. I held him while they gave him the sleepy medicine, his little heart stopped right away, he was so tired of fighting. Please dont feel bad about it, it is the most UNSELFISH thing you could ever do. Sorry for your loss. We have our baby burried in the yard, I visit him every day. There is no real way to say good bye. Good Luck

Answer 3

I am so sorry for what you are going through. She will need to be put down. This will be in the best interest of the dog. She does not have the quality of life that she deserves.

Ask your parents or one of your friends to take her in to the vet to have her put down, if you cannot bear to do it yourself.

I know exactly what you are going through. Last year, I had to put down my partners 15 year old Shih-Tzu. We had conversations about it, and I even had one of her very good friends talk to her about it as well. Then one day, I took the day off of work and did it. My partner had no idea... and it was for the best. She knew that some day there would be a day that she would come home and he would not be there any longer.

It is VERY VERY difficult.

My prayers are with you and your dog during this very difficult time.

Answer 4

We all (who love animals) feel this way. It is very hard. The most important thing to me when my Lab passed was that I was there with her when it happened. (I still cry alot at odd moments throughout the day.) I feel that animals will hang on because they don't want to leave us or put us through their passing and I think my baby girl did this. She was so sick for several days that I don't know how she kept going. She didn't want to be in the house, so I would carry her outside and she would lay down in the grass and her breathing would get shallower and then we would bring her back in and she would get restless again. My spiritual beliefs were very important in getting through it. We would tell her that it was ok to let go and that she was welcome to come visit us or come back to us as another dog. I took her for reiki (energy healing) and I meditated with her. If you know that you can connect with her spirit, it is a little easier because you know that she will never really be gone. Spend lots of time with her now because you will look back on it and be very glad you were there for her during this time.

Answer 5

I recommend that you remember the good times, think of her welfare, and be glad you found each other. If you can, go into the room with her when the vet puts her to sleep - it's good for closure. This poem/story might help:

http://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm

I'm so sorry to hear about this - nothing will take the pain away, but nothing will take away the devotion you and your dog have for each other. Cry. Let yourself grieve for her. She sounds like she's been an amazingly good dog to you and you've been good to her. When you know it's time, have her put to sleep. It's so hard, but you have the power to help your dog's passing go a lot smoother and painlessly. Don't worry about getting another dog yet, unless you feel you really need to. Take time for yourself and talk to people who understand how great of a friend she was to you. If nothing else, we can offer you our support and hugs - I know it hurts like hell, dear, but all that love your dog gave you is probably worth it, if you're anything like me.

Send me a note if you want to talk. I'm so sorry to hear about your dog - you're both in my thoughts and prayers.

Answer 6

I know what you are feeling, I had a dog for many years and he fractured his spine jumping down off of a high place. I was broken hearted that I had to euthanize him. After speaking with the Vet, I was convinced the best thing for him was to let him go. But the vet knowing how much I cared for him, allowed me to sit with him as they performed with such grace and dignity their job. I was so grateful that I was able to touch him and be with him during his last few moments. I cried for days.

It has been 12 years and I still miss him and occasionally cry that he is gone. It gets easier and in time you may even want another pet -- I did. Believe me that was what helped me get through the loss of my beloved "little guy". People will say "oh it is just a dog", but ignore them and keep your memories in your heart and take them with you forever. He may have been "just a dog" to them, but to you he was much more and you need to grieve for him. God Bless you and I will remember you in my prayers

Answer 7

Try this website it helped me a lot when I knew I had to let go. The point that helped me to decide to let my baby go was when I realized how much pain she was in and kowing I couldn't put her through that anymore for my own selfish reasons. With this web site and the rainbow bridge poem I know she'll be waiting for me when my time comes.

Welcome to Petloss.com, a gentle and compassionate website for pet lovers who are grieving over the death of a pet or an ill pet. Here you will find personal support, thoughtful advice, The Monday Pet Loss Candle Ceremony, Tribute Pages, healing poetry like Rainbow Bridge & much more.

Answer 8

You don't ever have to let her go. You will always have fond memories and she will live on in your mind. She has had a good long life, so this is just her time to go. She is suffering, and it will be hard when she is gone, but your pets are like family. So grieve for her like you would a family member or friend. Just love her and pet her and tell her it's alright and cherish the time you have left. Maybe it would help you to have a little memorial for her after she's gone.

Answer 9

You are going to cry a whole lot. But if you let her go sooner rather than later, it won't be tears of guilt or regret.
Be brave, for her. Go with her to the vet and hold her and love her and make sure the last thing she hears is "Good dog."
Then cry your eyes out but know you did the kind thing.

Answer 10

Do not fool yourself and think you can.I had to put my dog down in February and she was just 2 weeks away from being 12.She was my heart.It will get easier day by day but never forget.He has beem a part of your life for 11 yrs.you cannot forget.