How do I overcome witnessing the death of my dog? Has anyone else had this experience?

Question

My dog passed a few days ago. We had to put her to sleep. I'm still in shock of what happened. 12 years with her.
That day i cried so much.
She usually slept at the end of my bed but the last night i had with her she slept next to me. Maybe she knew that she was going to Heaven. I do believe that animals go to Heaven, why not?
I'm glad shes out of her misery, i cant imagine how much pain she was in. She had an infection in her uterus, and the vet said she might not make it through surgery, because of her age.
To go through surgery and for her not making it would be more devestating. Putting her to sleep was the best way i think.
She wasnt alone when she passed, the whole family was there.
I dont feel guilty at all, Im happy shes free, doesnt have to go through anymore pain. I just miss her. I pray to God, if only i can see her. If she can tell me that shes happy.

rip

Answer 1

my dog too, has recently passed, you are having heartache and pain but you will be relieved and thankful later on knowing that you were there with your dog when she passed, she wasnt alone, and you will relish in knowing you did the best thing you could do to keep her out of pain.
trust me, her soul is still right by your side and sleeping at the end of your bed!!!

Answer 2

Well i had a similar experience when I held my German Shepard until he died of a snake bite. It was horrible feeling to feel a life fade away while all you could do was to look on. To overcome what I did was to decide and make a decision to move on and adopt another dog, a Terrier (Jock) and to love and take care of him like I would have my German Shepard. At least with the comfort of Jock I slowly managed to recover and understand that there while you are still breathing its not wrong to care for another life be it human or canine since you still have the ability to care. Don't lose that ability to care for another living thing as it will greater loss to lose the ability to care. Hope this helps, its just my experience. All the best.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry. This is what we sign up for when we bring dogs into our lives. If your vet truly thought that euthanisia was the kinder choice than surgery, than congratulations for having the courage and wisdom to let go of your baby when you had to.

I personally watched my dog die of a heart attack at only 4 years old. There was an undetected problem with her heart and she was gone in about a minute. It was extremely traumatic, but eventually it doesn't hurt in the same way. You'll get there, I promise. There's no advice to give to help you overcome the grief. It just takes time.

I always wait a few months and then get another dog. After Chewy's heart attack, I believe we waited 6 months. No one can tell you when that feels right to you. Just remember, it's not replacing your dog, it's just adding more love to your life.

Answer 4

I too have been in this situation. My Cocker Spaniel had to be put to sleep a year ago. We had her for 13 years. She was my wifes dog and was totally devoted to her. What you are feeling at the moment if grief, just the same as you do for humans. She WAS part of your family and now she has gone. I too believe that your decision was the correct one. Better out of pain. We buried "Molly" in the garden and planted a tree there. Everytime we look at it we feel she is still with us. I also got a portrait done of her from photographs and this take pride of place in our living room. She maybe gone in body but she will always be with us in spirit.
The grieving does get easier with time, and whilst others may think she was only a dog, there are plenty of people who understand that she was far more than that to you.
I hope you feel better soon but don't feel guilty for making the only decision that was possible.

Good luck

Answer 5

I really feel for you.I had to have the local animal shelter put my Malamute down because he cornered me ,and then my daughter in less than 12 hours.They keep them for a few days to see if they can be rehabilitated,and the last day he was alive I had a dream that he was running through our backyard full of wildflowers as I was calling him to come into the house.In my dream the sun was shining unaturally bright,and Thunder was wagging his tail as he came running to the back door,and then I woke up.The shelter called me the next morning to let me know I could pick up his ashes.I asked if they knew about what time he was put down,and it was when I was having my dream...!I think that was Thunders way of saying goodbye to me.And I do think that animals go to Heaven,I read in a book once that their idea of Heaven is that they are still with you,always.The pain of your Doggies passing will fade some as time goes by,but that takes time...I had to reach for the Tissue just to keep typing this,it's been eight months for me.I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 6

First, let me express my sympathy for the loss of your beloved fur angel. I know how terrible and difficult this time is for you. It is so hard to watch them slip away, but you were a fantastic guardian to be with her when she passed over, and you were strong enough to let her go when she needed you to. That is to be commended and I know she is grateful to you for being able to do that last favor for her.
Please be gentle with yourself over the next few days... it is ok to look at pictures and cry all you need to. My favorite pup has been at the bridge waiting for us for almost 8 years now, and every year I cry on the day we had to let her go physically from our family, so know you are not alone in how you feel. In a few weeks, it might be good to maybe go get some pup therapy at a friend's house... sometimes hugging a pup really helps, and even though it is not your own, dogs have an infinite amount of love to share and will gladly be the recipient of your attention...
I am giving you a link to a poem that I find very comforting and although it will make you cry, it is a good thought to focus on... sniff, I'm tearing up now. God bless and hang in there!
http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

Answer 7

im very sorry, i know what your going through.
My dog who was 12 too, had cancer and the only thing to do was put her to sleep, let her live in misery or go thru keemotherapy but the bet said that could kill her.
So my family and I knew we had to put her down. It was a really hard day and I cried a lot but now i know shes allright and is in heaven.

I bet your dog is happy and her spirit still lives on in your house.

Answer 8

I had to put my baby to sleep too, one of my neighbors gave her crushed glass... I was mad by grief for weeks, but just like with the death of a human, only time can heal the pain. In my case i went to the pet refuge and got another dog, she helped me through the pain. Good luck, my heart goes out to you.

Answer 9

Time, patience, and acceptance. It is good that you believe in a higher existence. Anything we say to you in this time is going to sound trite and shallow but I do speak from personal experience(and I won't provide details because they are much more traumatic than you need to hear right now). Love as much as you can all the time. Shared pain is lessened, and shared joy is increased*.

Answer 10

Everything you said is right and your on your way already. I lost my Shadow 11years and I still think about him everyday. I've owned dogs all my life and I loved them all. But we do generally out live them and it is hard. But see it as the next chapter and start again. There's another little dog out there that needs you, so don't keep em waiting to long! God bless!!