putting my dog to sleep tomorrow-how to deal?

Question

i've owned my dog for 14 years. i now realize how fast those 14 years went by and how much i took them for granted. for many months i've seen no life in her eyes, only pain. she'd seldom wag her tail or follow me like she used to. today she's told me it's time and i think she knows. she's been looking at me with sadness and i feel extremely guilty. does she know she's going to die tomorrow?
i know i'm going to be sending her to a better place where she will be young and carefree, and i'm happy. but i've had multiple breakdowns throughout the day today. i can't focus on my major final projects and tests this tuesday and friday.

i dread that drive to the vet tomorrow. she hates the vet. our vet costs way too much to do a house call. how can i keep her calm? how do i deal?

i've had my dog since i was 3, i'm 17 now.

i've thought about allowing God to take her, but i can't stand seeing the pain in her eyes day after day. she can barely walk, she has bone spurs, she can't get in and out of the doggy door, and she has masses on her belly; i can't take it anymore.

Answer 1

Buy a puppy. They are much cuter then old dogs, and a lot more fun to play with.

Answer 2

I'm so sorry its sad really i would take your dog one last day at the park have some pic memories while your there give him a big hug and kiss be4 he is put down this is so sad i cant imagin a life without my lil dakota make a pic book about your dog put it near her grave at the pet semitery (put it in a box thats clear that no one can open except you with a key and you can always come to the grave whenever you want because its your best friend drink some water sit in a nice cozy chair look at the memorie book watch some tv write her will all my chew toys goes to the dog next door my food and water bowl can go to the furry chihuahua across the street and my collar the most important thing can go to my owner the best owner in the world its so sad im sorry your dog got cancer bless your dog you had a very lucky dog that loved to be with you

Answer 3

Oh, that's so so hard! I think that if she is in pain and her quality of life has dwindled down to nothing then it may be time to let her go. She isn't looking at you sadly because she doesn't want to die - more than likely she is just not feeling/doing well. Know that she isn't trying to make you feel guilty. This decision is NEVER EVER easy because our pets are our family and we love them just as much (if not more!) than our other family members.

If it's possible, maybe ask your mom or dad (or sibling, relative, friend, etc) to drive you there and back. I know this may sound dumb, but it's never a good idea to drive when upset and this way you can focus on your dog on the way there.

As for dealing - keep reminding yourself that she is happier, she isn't suffering and that she is *always* with you even though you cannot see her any more. I once heard said about pets, 'You never get over losing them, you just get used to living without them." Don't feel guilty - you are doing what is right. There will be hard days ahead of you, but trust me, it WILL get better. You may feel like you can never get past it, but you will, I promise. Then there will be the day when you can sit with friends and/or family and laugh about the silly, goofy things she used to do.. then you will realize that in spite of the pain of losing her, your life was made so much richer by having her and her love.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Answer 4

Wow, I am so sorry for what you're going through! I just dealt with this recently, tomorrow will be the four-week anniversary of our dog being put to sleep. :(

Whether or not your dog knows...well she knows how you're feeling, there's no question about that. And I'm sure she knows that your sadness comes from love. I don't know if this helps or not, but I do honestly believe it to be the truth.

I would tell you that you're doing right by her, but you know this already. :)

Don't expect yourself to be able to focus. Honestly, most things can be put on hold for awhile, sometimes that's the best way to go because you won't be able to concentrate and do what you need to do right now, which is entirely normal! Most people are going to be extremely understanding about this.

Spend as much time with her as you can tonight and don't forget to save a small lock of her fur. And if you can get her ashes back, that might help. There are plenty of pet stores out there that carry urns and do engravings also, but those are things to consider tomorrow, put them aside for tonight.

What has helped me alot is a website that is dedicated to people going through this exact thing. It's a great support group and the people there have outstanding suggestions for help and also you can light a virtual candle in your dog's name so that she can always have an online memorial that never goes away. That site is http://www.in-memory-of-pets.com I hope you'll consider checking it out, it's incredibly hard to face these things, but having so much support is going to be an enormous help in the long run.

I hope you find some suggestions that will help you get through this terrible time!

Answer 5

You will find your vet to be most helpful....we just put our beloved Mini Schnauzer down about 3 weeks ago. He was 15 years of age and had a stroke early one morning. He could not stand, could not eat or drink and we did not want to put him through any more challenges. We made sure his last year was wonderful for him...lots of hugs and kisses and time spent just moseying around our yard which he loved.

I would expect you to be broken up over this...it is a very tough thing to do but remember it is for your dog and her comfort. Is there someone who can go with you?

Your vet will give her a sedative and then the "other" drug. She will not experience any pain. You may hold her in your arms if you wish or just be in the same room with her as all of this happens....it is very peaceful.

Remember that animals "live" in the moment. She is not anticipating a trip to the vet tomorrow...she only knows that right now, you are upset.

Remember too that there are support groups out there for you. Those people who belong have all been through what you're about to encounter. You'll find them to be very compassionate and supporting of you in your efforts to go through the grieving process.

My best to you...God Bless.

Answer 6

You are being so brave and doing whats right for her even though you don't want to lose her. Ring your vet and ask if there is any way he/she could do a housecall. Explain the situation and how scared your dog gets. Ask if you can pay them off even in installments. Or you know what...bounce the cheque. Pay it off later. Or ask someone if they can lend you money. Otherwise you stay with your dog. Even if they ask you to leave. Even if you want to leave. Stay as they put the needle in. I used to work in a vet. Usually there is a sedative then a drug to stop the heart. I know this hurts..trust me I know ...but ask the vet lots of questions and let your dog die in your arms. That will be the best gift of love that you can give.
Then you just try and go on. And you cry a lot. Sometimes when the light fades you can talk to her.

Answer 7

That's so sad! I feel your pain I recently put one of my dogs that i had for 10 years down it is very hard thing to deal with. Cry! it the only human thing you can do. Just know that you are putting her body at peace. and her soul will be with you always. Have a memorial service for her afterward and if you have some where you can buried her at home, do. Then you can still visit with her whenever you like. I'm so sorry that you are having to go through this though time it will get better.

Answer 8

Taking the drive to the vets.....if you do not have to drive I would hold her tight and talk to her and tell her all the good things that you remember about your lives together Give her lots of kisses. She will like that. Then it will not be bad for her. It is never easy to give up a companion you've had most of your life, but I believe you know it is time. You read it in her face. Know that ( & I think u do know) she will be in a pain free. You had many years with your pup. It is always harder on the ones you leave behind! But your doing the humane thing. Good Luck on your exams and enjoy your Christmas Holiday

Answer 9

Hello I, I have had to do this one time and it doesn't get easier. She will know as soon as you get to the vet that something is going to happen. She is like a child of your family and you need to go into that room with her and talk to her and keep her calm. Let her know just how much you love her and you don't want her to be in pain anymore.(I am crying right now my self). Hold her in your lap while they give her the shot that will end her pain. Talk softly and pet her easily so she will not be afraid. Sweetie this is the right thing to do and you will feel a little better if you go into the room for your Loving dog. My Heart gos out to you. I have always Loved dogs and i have 3 dogs my self. Be tough and strong let her know you Love her a lot. Rest In Peace My Friend.
A Friend Who Knows The Pain,
poppy1

Answer 10

Well, it sounds like you are making the right choice for her. It's going to be hard to let go of your best friend of 14 years, but try to keep the good times you had with her in your heart. You're going to feel guilty, but also remind yourself that you are keeping her from suffering any longer. Try to remain calm when you take her into the vet and she'll likely stay calm as well. I hope you'll stay with her during the process, but that is up to you. Some people can't handle it. I personally think it's important that you're there for your pet at the time and the last person she sees is you.

Answer 11

I had that same situation this summer. It got to the point that when I finally took him in the staff had to carry him because over the last 2 days he was no longer able to walk. I cried Alot, even at the vets. If you want to keep the cost down take her to the SPCA, that's what we did since we simply couldn't afford anything else. She will be considered a surrender but they will take care of it quickly. Sadly she does want to die and that's why she's not coming around you as much. She won't be fighting much with the vet since she is so sick. Little comfort as it is just keep remembering she can't continue the way she is.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to grieve before you get another pet. You don't want to associate them with the passing of your other dog and get in over your head before youa re ready. I'm so sorry you're both having to deal with this.