WWYD - dog dying

[dngnb8]

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

 

[czycropper]

Thanks everyone about thoughts for my Dad - he was 92 so he lived a very full life.

I went to PetSmart and got a card. I brought it over with some cookies. The dog is still here and she's refusing to put it to asleep - so I'm not sure who's suffering more at this moment. I know that the dog is like a kid to her since she doesn't have kids and that's why it's so hard for her to make the decision.

dngnb8 - I love that. I'm printing it out and taking it over to them tomorrow.

 

[walden]

Here's my dilemma - my neighbor's sister's dog is dying of cancer, she has literally been over at my neighbor's house with the dog, not working, watching the dog, she's not eating or sleeping, just sits there with the dog, she's wanting the whole family to be around her, including her boyfriend, she's refusing to put the dog down.....

I absolutely love these neighbors since they have has basically adopted us and invite us to all their family functions BUT I just don't know what to do as far as condolences.

My Dad passed away 3 weeks ago and I'm grieving but not the extent that she's grieving. My DH says she's nuts, it's a dog (& not a very nice dog because it growled and snipped at people), & we shouldn't do anything - I would like to send some fruit or something....

What would you do????

OP, I'm so sorry about your Dad. And I applaud your compassion for the neighbor's sister who is in the process of grieving for her dog while you are still mourning your Dad.

She may be a little nuts, but pets mean a whole lot to some people and that has to be respected too. We don't know what the dog meant to your neighbor's sister. I remember grieving for one of my dogs and feeling quite guilty because I felt that dog's death far more than I did a rather distant human family member's death.

As to what you can do? A card, perhaps some hand-holding, some empathy. The best thing you can do is to try to understand her grief and not minimize it.

You are a very nice person.

 

[denisem]

OP, I'm very sorry for the recent loss of your father, and admire your empathy/concern for others (for what may be perceived as "lesser" losses) while your own grief is fresh. You're a good friend.

I think I'd send a card with a handwritten note saying something to the effect (and I'm paraphrasing off the top of my head): "Whether family, friend or furry creature, the loss of a loved one changes our life; however, memories and time eventually ease some of the pain."

You might suggest, if they're open to it, that today, vets can give the dog a sedative as if he's having surgery, then put the dog to sleep while he's "under". I did it that way with my last dog and will never do it another way again. They may have been with another pet in the past and seen it done the "usual" way and not want to go through that again, understandably. Euthanization can be a kindness, but not everyone can do it.

Amen. 1st experienced it with my MIL's cat (long story), but we did the same for our Millie cat awhile back. She had kidney failure, had been at the vet's, but DH wanted to bring her home to die. She immediately crawled under a dark corner, declined water or food, so we took her back the next day for euthanasia. It was hard - but strangely comforting - to hold/stroke/talk to her while she received the "simple" sedative. Once she was deeply under, the stronger drug was administered.

As much as I've loved all my pets...I hated seeing them suffer, and am thankful for vets that allow an easy journey over the Rainbow Bridge.

 

[dngnb8]

These high winds here recently.... makes my eyes leak....

 

[denisem]

These high winds here recently.... makes my eyes leak....

Nah, it's the pet hair in your eyes!

 

[dngnb8]

You may be right. My husky sheds like you wouldnt believe. Of course, I live north of Phoenix so he is shedding 24/7.

People thought I was nuts because I built misters in my backyard and leave them on all day in the summer.

My boyz need to be cool and I wasnt going to put a Husky in 120 degrees with just shade. He loves the misters.

 

[MichelleVW]

These high winds here recently.... makes my eyes leak....

same here.... I don't know why I read these threads...

 

[Planogirl]

I just wanted to add my condolences. You are thoughtful to be thinking of someone else right now.