Anyone ever have to put their pet to sleep?

[skuttle]

Two years ago on May 13th my mom had to put to sleep my childhood dog. He was 13 years old and was quickly going down hill. It was a very hard decision, but after talking to the vet, we decided it was the best thing to do for him. I still miss him very much, but I know it was for the best.

 

[ShuisFan584]

I can't imagine how hard that must be. My first childhood dog is 10 1/2 right now and doesn't have too many years left, since the average lifespan of a golden retriever is only about 12 years. I know that's definitely gotta be hard on you, but it was definitely the right choice. At least now you know he's not in pain anymore.

 

[Manda1219]

My boyfriend and I had to put down his Albino Cockatiel a while back.
Birds hide illness very well as a defense mechanism, so by the time we found out he was sick, it was too late. He was acting very strange, and causing himself injury. We couldn't bear seeing him suffer.

It will hurt, I won't tell you the opposite, but know that it is for the better, and that your pet will be in a better place...

 

[tiggerlover]

I am so sorry for your loss, that is a very difficult thing to do. Our beloved kitty was put down in the fall, he was 18 years old and it was a very sad time, I cried for weeks.

 

[shirley 38]

Hi, No one knows what you are going through until they go through it themselves.
I have done it.
YOU DID THE RIGHT THING.
No one should suffer in this world only my opinion.

I just went though almost losing Todj. He is the doggie at the end of this post. My best friend in the whole world.

He could not breath. He is 14. Took him to the hospital had all kind of test done after $1800.00 we had no diagnosis.

I took him home, He was almost in a coma. But God did not want him yet. He is home and thinks he is 12 years old again.

My whole thing on this is You were there for him. You did the right thing.

I always promised Todj when his time comes and if they have to put him to sleep I will be there and I will hold him.
Thinking about this I am crying. But I have to be there for him.

Oh by the way the Hospital did not give him a chance of making it.
I truly believe God did step in.
Keep your chin up. I will say prayers for you as you have a rough road ahead of you.
Remember there is always some little dog out there that need a good home. And does not deserve to be put to sleep.
God Bless you for your courage. Shirley

 

[julie_yet]

We had to put my cat Rudy down last June. I was 7 when we got him and he was the only pet I've ever owned. When my sister still lived at home he was her's but I took care of him when she left. He was the sweetest cat you could ever meet. Friendly to everyone and everyone loved him.

He was 16 when we put him down. He limped, was deaf and had stopped eating the last couple of weeks he was alive causing him to lose a lot of weight. It really hurt to see him like that since he was always a bit of a pugde.

My sister, dad and I were all with him when he died. I know some people don't like to be around when their pet is euthanized but for us that wasn't an option. The vet and nurse were so sweet. We took him outside on the grass and my sister just sat there petting him.

It was the hardest thing I've ever done. I've had friends and relatives die and I've never cried as hard as I did when he left. But I know that he was in pain and wasn't quite the same Rudy we once knew. And no matter how much it hurt us to let him go it would've hurt worse to see him suffer everyday.

I can understand everything you're going through and am so sorry you had to make that decision. {{{Hugs}}}

 

[Kteacher]

Yes, my dear sweet smiling lab, Calvin. I know what you're going through

 

[Minniespal]

Thankfully in the end we didn't have to. Our dog had been sick for a while and it was looking as though we would have to put him to sleep but the night before he was due to go the vets he died on his own.

Can't quite face getting another pet even three years on.

 

[aprilgail2]

I've put a few pets to sleep over the years. Three dogs and a cat...I often wondered why my pets can't just lay down and die when they get old and ill....it really doesn't get any easier even after the 4th one!! I do have all their ashes in little tins on a shelf, I don't think I could just let them "dispose" of them, I always have them privately creamated and the ashes returned to me.
Sorry you had to go through it!

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

We had to have Toby, our white 13 yr old miniature poodle, put to sleep last year. He'd lost a lot of weight and had trouble going up and down the stairs, but never complained. It was almost like he was holding on as long as he could for me and Lauri (especially for Lauri). His remains are in a small urn in our dining room, with a small white poodle angel figure a friend of Lauri's gave her next to him. It's not an easy decision to make.

 

[RoeMc1992]

You have my heartfelt sympathy. My husband and I put our beloved Rottweiler Casey down 3 weeks ago and I am still crying over it. She was a wonderful, sweet dog, but she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her hind leg in late Feb. The vet said at her age (11 1/2), it would be best to keep her comfortable rather than subjecting her to an amputation. We agreed and had two more wonderful months with her. I insisted on holding her she was put to sleep. I don't think I've ever cried so hard in my life. My husband was bawling too. We miss her very much, but it was the right thing to do as she had fallen down the stairs due to the weakness in her hind legs and could no longer walk or stand. It is comforting knowing that so many people on this board have had the same experiences and can understand each others grief over losing our beloved pets

 

[poohbear1029]

We put our Sammy down a month ago and its still brings me to tears. You did the right thing. It will get easier to handle, trust me.


Dan - You kill me everytime with the Rainbow Bridge! I can't read it anymore!

 

[browneyes]

 

[phorsenuf]

I'm so sorry. I can relate having lost my baby today too. You did the right thing tho. I would have done the same yet God choose for me not to have to and took Milo on his own.
It s so hard to make those decisions, but he is in a better place and is free from any pain. Keep him alive within your heart and you'll have him forever!

 

[mousefan]

We have had to make this tough discision a few times with our beloved babies , some friends of ours had sent us a couple poems it helped us through it all.......

A Dog's Plea
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all
the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I might
lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more
quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's
sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when
the sound of your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am
a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and
lay and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing
and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun.
Please see to it that my life is taken gently. I shall
leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was
always safest in your hands. -----A Dog's Friend in Kansas City, MO



To Be FREE


Now you are sad for the way it must be
You can’t imagine life or a world without me
But I have gone to a place in the skies up above
I have brought her with me your caring, your love
I am healthy again and with my brother I wait
For the day that I see you walk through that gate
That day will be joyous and the love we both share
Will spill into our life in a world without care
I will wait for the day when once again we will be
Together as one to cross the Bridge and be free…….


Heaven’s Gate


> I got to the gate of heaven today,after we said goodbye
> I began to miss you terribly,because I heard you cry
> Suddenly there was an angel, and she asked me to enter
> heavens gate.
> I asked her if I could stay outside for someone who would
> be late
> I wouldnt make much noise you see, I wouldnt bark or howl
> I'll only wait here patiently and play with my tennis ball
> The angel said I could stay right here and wait for you to come
> Because heaven just wouldnt be heaven if I went in alone
> So I'll wait right here, you take your time, but keep me in
> your heart
> Because heaven just wouldnt be heaven without you to
> warm my heart.
>

 

[jacksonsmom]

First I want to send you a big !!! I am so sorry for you lost.

I can totally relate to your feelings right now. I had to make the same decision years ago for my childhood dog. He was a wonderful dog, but old age got him & his life just wasn't like it was. The poor thing was having trouble walking, rarely ate & lost a lot of weight.
It was the hardest decision to make, I questioned myself if it was the right decision.

I also was there with my dog when he was put "asleep". I felt I had to be with him since he was always there for me

Now when I look back I KNOW 100% that it was the right decision & he is is a wonderful place right now, pain-free, just waiting for the day we are reunited again!!!!!

Yes, I truely believe there is a pet heaven & all our beloved pets are there & not suffering anymore.

Again I am so sorry!

 

[Bacrd]

Again...thanks to all who have taken the time to drop a line and share your thoughts and poems. Not much is taking the pain away...but your warm wishes mean a great deal. Today is even harder than yesterday! I got up this mornig and he wasn't beside my bed..and I come home at lunchtime to no one waiting by the door!! I had no idea how much "guilt" would set in and I would begin questioning every reason I had for "doing" this. I feel so terrible and empty and selfish. Oh how I wish I could take back the last 24 hrs!!!
Thank you all for your understanding.

 

[jacksonsmom]

Originally posted by Bacrd
I had no idea how much "guilt" would set in and I would begin questioning every reason I had for "doing" this. I feel so terrible and empty and selfish. Oh how I wish I could take back the last 24 hrs!!!
Thank you all for your understanding.

I wish I could give you a hug!!!
Those are perfectly normal feelings!!!
For at least 2 weeks after I had my dog put to asleep, I was numbed. I really just went though the motions of the day, but I just felt numb.
It was a very sad time.

But I promise you, as time goes on you will see that you did what was the best for you pet!
It took me quite awhile to know 100% in my heart that it was the RIGHT thing to do.
It won't happen over night, you need to let yourself greive.
But you will always have your beloved pet in your heart & always hang on to the memories.

 

[dizneykid]

So sorry.

I had to put my little Rudy (rat terrier) down over two years ago, and it still hurts. She was the best thing that ever came into my life. The most loving dog ever. It is still so hard to think about it.

Please understand, when some little animal comes into your life and touches your heart, that's it. You are attached for life.

I now have my Dixie and our newest addition Remington (we adopted him from Ratbones Rescues). And I thank God every day for them.

I love that Rainbow Bridge poem. When I get upset, I read it and just picture my Rudy running at full speed toward me, knocking me down and giving me tons of kisses.

Take care and know you are never alone. And yes, there are our pets in heaven. God did make them first didn't he.