We have to put our dog down

[Anonymous]

We adopted a senior dog, so we knew this was coming, but the emotions are strong. Our husky is 14 years old ....it's time. We've scheduled the procedure. Our teen is weepy. I'm numb but know it's the right thing to do, and frankly I'm looking forward to more freedom (which I can never breathe to anyone). DH never wanted a dog...just need to survive the next few days and the immediate aftermath. Guidance welcome.

[Anonymous]

Console yourself that you gave the dog a great home in the last chapter of his life. If the dog is in pain, you're doing the dog a kindness by putting him down. Hugs.

[Anonymous]

It's going to be fine soon, OP, you're doing the right thing. But yes, this week it's going to be awful, especially for your teen, who has probably known the dog for as long as he or she can remember.

I don't have guidance beyond that, other than to say that all the people I know who lost beloved pets waited a really long while before letting go of the crates and leashes and things. And that's fine too. I know we'll have a hard time when our dog passes. We still have our gerbils' tank, accessories and unopened food bags and the last one died last year!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We adopted a senior dog, so we knew this was coming, but the emotions are strong. Our husky is 14 years old ....it's time. We've scheduled the procedure. Our teen is weepy. I'm numb but know it's the right thing to do, and frankly I'm looking forward to more freedom (which I can never breathe to anyone). DH never wanted a dog...just need to survive the next few days and the immediate aftermath. Guidance welcome.

I'm so sorry, OP. The worst thing about dogs is that we lose them. I've lost a few; it doesn't get any easier. My heart breaks for you and your family.

It's normal to feel a sense of relief or freedom, too. Dogs take a lot of our time and energy, even if it's time well spent. Especially if your older dog needed extra care in their last years/days, it can feel like the loss is also a break, and that's not uncommon. Spend extra time with your doggo, and give them a really great last day. One of our vets let our dog eat Oreos right before putting her down. I thought that was a really sweet parting gift: a taste of chocolate. Hug your buddy and thank them for all the good times.

Take gentle care of yourself. You're grieving, and it's NOT "just a dog". Go easy for a few weeks, and don't rush to clean up the dog supplies/toys (unless you'd rather have them out of sight, in which case, getting a big tote or bucket and just putting them all aside is a good way to clean up without making major decisions about what to keep). I've gone out to pick up a foster shortly after losing my dogs, and I've let the home stay empty for weeks/months/years. Neither is always the right choice. Just take your time and allow yourself and your family to process your feelings. Your dog's place in your heart can't be filled with any kind of replacement.

It's the hardest day of your life with a dog. Gentle hugs from a stranger who has been there.

[Anonymous]

So sorry for what you’re going through. Your feelings add perfectly normal. When my malamute died after a year of declining my immediate feeling was relief for both him and us. My DH wasn’t particularly a fan of getting dogs but he cried harder than me. Give your sweet pup a hug from me.

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry. We had to euthanize our cat two weeks ago and I sobbed for days. But I can relate to what you say about looking forward to freedom too -- I did nothing but care for a very sick cat for weeks and took a big toll on me.

[Anonymous]

So sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is such a difficult thing. One piece of advice I have is to stay with your sweet pup the entire time. It will be difficult and lots of tears will flow but your dog will feel your unconditional love as it transitions. Hugs to you.

[Anonymous]

Can you take a few days off work?

Knowing there's an up side to life without a dog doesn't make you heartless or mean you love him any less. And if that knowledge makes it easier for you to do the right thing, fine. Whatever it takes.

[Anonymous]

You'll be fine. Book a fun vacation overseas.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry - it's tough. The first few days are hard. I would plan to take a day off from work. for our dogs, we made paw print ornaments and phonebooks. And focus on the good life you gave your dog.

[Anonymous]

We had our cats cremated with their special toys. It gave us comfort. She had yellow yarn ball and he had red rabbit foot when we brought them home as kittens.

[Anonymous]

I am sorry 😞

[Anonymous]

I’m so sorry. It’s hard but you do get thru it. I actually found that I loved having a photo / drawing of her hung where I saw it every day. The first few times it made me sad but soon I just loved to think of all the memories we had together - and the fact that covid meant we were together non stop for her last year plus. And I loved her more than anything, but it was to the point we couldn’t travel - so absolutely understand the freedom comment. Two feelings at once doesn’t invalidate either.

[Anonymous]

Take a picture with your family and the dog. With your teen and the dog. Ask the vet if you can give them your leftover food/treats so it's out of the house.

And it's okay to be relieved that there'll be less work for you.

[Anonymous]

Hugs to you, OP
❤️❤️❤️