General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWe're putting my sweet little girl down today....
Our rescue mutt we got from the shelter for my son when he was little.
She's the sweetest, most loving dog anyone could ask for... Unfortunately, she can no longer stand up and walk on her own without extreme difficulty.
The day she came home, she attached herself to me since, I suppose, I'm the "alpha male" of the household. She followed me everywhere all the time. We taught her tricks. She used to love diving in the pool and chasing a tennis ball at the dog park. Watching her decline over the last few months has been heart breaking. I can't stand the thought of letting her go.
I'm off to the store right now to buy her a filet mignon and some bacon. I will sadly cook her last meal with that. Angel care will be here tonight to administer her peaceful demise. Some "Fathers Day".....
I'm a big strong ex-hockey player who can't see through the tears right now. This life sucks.
brer cat
(25,745 posts)Our fur babies live deep in our hearts.
MFM008
(19,960 posts)😢
PortTack
(34,026 posts)CTyankee
(64,552 posts)felt when our little mutt, Marvy Dog, had to be put down. She was in bad shape and in pain. It would have been cruel to her to be kept alive for my own selfish wants.
I remember her now fondly. She was wonderful.
Yorkie Mom
(16,520 posts)(((Hugs))) to you and your family.
Botany
(71,825 posts)... now and that is the gift of love. It is never easy and but always remember the hurt you
feel is a sure sign of how much your dog meant to you and your family.
FalloutShelter
(12,489 posts)Thing you will do for your fur baby. She will always be with you. My heart goes out to you.
yonder
(9,906 posts)Dream Girl
(5,111 posts)Hugh_Lebowski
(33,643 posts)Went thru it earlier this year ... it's rough for sure. I tried to focus on celebrating the good times and the love.
And it does get better in time.
bottomofthehill
(8,635 posts)I wish my dogs could live with us forever but they just have a shorter lifespan leaving us with terrible holes in our hearts. She was a good dog and you will miss her but think of the love she brought to you and your family and the love you returned to her.
I am so sorry for the pain you are going through.
bottomofthehill
(8,635 posts)The family dogs were Chief and Yaz
Chief, after Johnny Bucyk
Yaz after Captain Carl.
Two dogs, two captains.
SheltieLover
(58,655 posts)Try to connect with her in appreciation for her in your life.
Healing vibes on the way. 💓💓💓
Raine
(30,587 posts)I know how much this hurts but you're doing the best thing for her.
malaise
(275,493 posts)I cried for a month after putting down my beloved Roots
lamp_shade
(15,039 posts)barbtries
(29,444 posts)Ocelot II
(119,310 posts)Lost my special dog over two years ago and it still hurts.
Jedi Guy
(3,308 posts)He's still a puppy, just over a year old, and he's got lots of time ahead of him, God willing. But all the same, it hurts my heart to think that someday, much sooner than I'd like, I'll have to say goodbye.
We simply don't deserve dogs.
barbtries
(29,444 posts)but you're right, when it comes to unconditional love dogs put humans to shame. i can't believe how old i was until i really appreciated that. i was a cat person.
i still love cats, but not as much as i hate cat boxes, so. Dogs.
Tess49
(1,585 posts)Elessar Zappa
(15,163 posts)AZ8theist
(6,156 posts)Ferrets are Cool
(21,396 posts)ChazII
(6,293 posts)so those of us who have pets can see it at a moments notice. Bookmarking this thread. Thank you for sharing.
barbtries
(29,444 posts)it hurts to let them go, but know it is the most loving thing you can do for her now. hug.
I have my little Chasie's ashes in a tiny casket on the mantel with a picture of him smiling and his green harness. We let him go in Dec2019 and I miss him to this day. Still call my new little guy Chai "Chase" from time to time.
It feels as if in the past several months, family members, friends, DUers, even POTUS, have lost beloved pets. I hope we get to be together again when we move on.
Ocelot II
(119,310 posts)Had to send off my two lovely, sweet old cats last summer, just a month apart. It's such a hard thing but it's the last, best thing you can do. Sucks, though.
MLAA
(18,204 posts)Diamond_Dog
(33,875 posts)Hugs
irisblue
(33,775 posts)montanacowboy
(6,226 posts)it's a pain all us pet parents understand
peace to you and to her on her travels
MissB
(15,932 posts)You gave her the best life. She will have you there as she drifts off.
mvd
(65,360 posts)Polly Hennessey
(7,212 posts)Seeing through the tears when saying goodbye is nearly impossible. I have held my friends in my arms as they leave. The grief is not bearable. Two things are so hard that I often wonder how I managed. The drive home is not definable, the loss is total. The other is what I call trapped grief. It is inside and it wont go anywhere. The feeling is hopelessness. It is hard yet I keep doing it. I now have two more precious souls that bring me joy.
I wish you comfort on this most difficult journey.
StarryNite
(10,441 posts)Trapped grief that won't go anywhere...
beemerphill
(498 posts)This is the last gift that you can give your friend. She knows that you love her and is happy that you care enough to go through this pain for her. Our thoughts are with you and her.
StarryNite
(10,441 posts)I don't think there are words that can help. Time helps a little. I'm still mourning my old girl and it's been almost two years since we had to make that decision.
FoxNewsSucks
(10,740 posts)I know I'll miss my dog far more than I will miss most people.
Ka-Dinh Oy
(11,686 posts)My heart goes to you.
virgdem
(2,181 posts)peggysue2
(11,282 posts)Been there, done that. It does indeed suck. Worse part of having a furry buddy. Never gets easier no matter how many critters you've had.
On the other hand, no one wants to see a beloved animal suffer, so you must know you're doing the right thing.
The timing (Father's Day) however couldn't get much worse. But again, you get to treat her with a special meal with lots and hugs and kisses.
leftyladyfrommo
(19,262 posts)Losing a dog is often harder than losing a person. It's awful. But having that wonderful companionship for all those years is priceless.
You gave her the most wonderful gift. She had a beautiful life with people she adored.
jimlup
(8,002 posts)I think it helps. You will want them all later.
I lost my dear sweet kitty two months ago. It still hurts a lot but it is better. I think of her and am both happy and sad now. Then I was only sad....
Danmel
(5,124 posts)It is so hard to say goodbye to our sweet loving pets. They give us so much and ask for so little. Sending sympathy and virtual hugs to you and your family acd your sweet Angel.
lindysalsagal
(21,961 posts)People put pets through too much medical stuff. It's not fair to them. You're doing the right thing.
Nevilledog
(52,697 posts)Mazeltov Cocktail
(569 posts)Karadeniz
(23,132 posts)Karma13612
(4,647 posts)Save these messages to read again later. They will each carry different meaning as time goes on.
We lost our sweet black lab 5 years ago. I can still smell her fur. And hear her sweet little whines when she wanted attention.
The rainbow bridge takes her to a painless, fun, sunny place with all her friends she met in her lifetime. Treats to eat, animals to chase, grass to rest in, water to splash thru.
I still tear up thinking of our sweet Necee, but the feelings arent as painful now. It takes time.
Its better to have adopted and lost, than never to have adopted at all. You know unconditional love and that will be with you forever.
Peace
vercetti2021
(10,319 posts)Feeling is all too familiar
ProfessorGAC
(68,583 posts)We've had to deal with it, too!
It's a rough day.
Take care!
Ferrets are Cool
(21,396 posts)Hortensis
(58,785 posts)as you were loved. She was so fortunate you came and found her.
waterwatcher123
(221 posts)Anyone who has been fortunate enough to spend part of their life with a dog can immediately relate to your situation.
Solly Mack
(91,772 posts)I know that pain and wish you the comfort of wonderful memories. They help me.
femmedem
(8,368 posts)I hope it helps to know that all the joy she gave to you equals the joy you gave to her--and she won't ever have to grieve for you. (As much as it has always hurt to put a beloved pet down, it would hurt more to know I had a terminal illness and worry about what would happen to them after I die.)
mac2766
(658 posts)It's very tough, but it will get better and you will always have the memories of your beloved friend and family member. It's a very shitty thing that they live such a short life, but if we make the life that they live the very best life that they can have, we have done our jobs as parents of such wonderful, sweet, and loving members of our families.
calimary
(83,487 posts)May be in the same position before too long with our old lady cat.
Slowing down. Her - um - shall we say output looks problematic. Worried. Dont know how long she has, but I fear its not a lot.
I_UndergroundPanther
(12,828 posts)It hurts when a furry family member passes on. You will never forget your dog because she lives in your memory and heart My heart goes out to you.
Just know you are being merciful and kind to let her go. Even though it hurts so bad.
MissMillie
(38,854 posts)She knows you love her.
Midnight Writer
(22,715 posts)No dog could ask for more.
You deserve credit for taking her from what would have been a short, miserable life in a shelter to giving her a happy, loving home.
Remember her with happy memories.
cab67
(3,164 posts)arent worth knowing.
gademocrat7
(10,993 posts)Our beloved pets give us loyalty and love. Take care.
rambler_american
(815 posts)The Power of the Dog
Rudyard Kipling - 1865-1936
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vets unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will findits your own affair
But
youve given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gonewherever it goesfor good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
Weve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer weve kept em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long
So why inHeaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
catbyte
(35,345 posts)They're family. In many cases, they mean even more. I'm sure she lived her best life with you, and this is the most loving thing you can do for her. The only time our furry family members are ever capable of breaking our hearts is when it's time for them to leave us.
There are tears flowing in Michigan for your sweet girl. Again, I'm so sorry.
mahina
(18,671 posts)Wishing her comfort and love, and peace of mind and solace for your broken heart.
Tears heal but theyre also very dehydrating so dont forget to drink a lot of water. It also helps with the stress, as stress hormones are less concentrated in the body when you are hydrated.
Ill be thinking of you. Many of us will be. Aloha brother.
in2herbs
(3,028 posts)Cinnamonspice
(163 posts)I had to put my dog down at the end of March. It's not easy.
Try to remember the good times and that you gave this dog a good life. As for life sucking, just think about what your dog would want in regards to you and happiness.
I'm sorry this happened.
Niagara
(8,932 posts)I've been there several times and it's painful experience letting them go. They're loving, loyal and most importantly, they're family.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
niyad
(118,135 posts)send peace and comfort to her grieving loved ones.
My heart is grieving with you tonight. Losing our beloved companions is just unbearably wrenching. Know that your DU family is here, if we can e of any help.
Saoirse9
(3,768 posts)Maeve
(42,769 posts)Two of our cats died in my arms--there is comfort in that last cuddle.
A good meal, a loving embrace...there are many humans that would want that, as well
Meowmee
(5,185 posts)There is maybe nothing so painful than losing/ letting your furbabies go. They give so much love and unconditionally. You gave her a great life full of love and she loves you more than anything. This is gift of love you can give her, to release her from suffering. I still miss all of mine and have memorials for them all. We have a ceremony to celebrate their life and I have kept journals addressed to them to help my grief. Hugs to you
When tomorrow starts without me
Dont think were far apart
For every time you think of me
Im right here inside your heart
Duppers
(28,197 posts)We went thru something similar last Dec. Our beautiful, intelligent, sweet-sweet girl, a big yellow Lab, had to be put down due to her failing heart - it was a most serious congential heart valve problem that had never been diagnosed. She was only 5yo!
As with you, it tore our hearts out.
Sending cyber hugs & our deep sympathy. They are truly family members.
P.S. We have a small memorial of framed pictures of her in our bookcase. Perhaps that could help you & your family too.
bluestarone
(17,863 posts)Losing a family pet is amongst the hardest things we do!
Maru Kitteh
(28,734 posts)fact that she had to live somewhere, be cared for by someone, and that privilege was yours.
Norbert
(6,349 posts)Take comfort in knowing you gave her a most wonderful life.
hamsterjill
(15,434 posts)There are tears as I write this. But I cannot thank you ENOUGH for saving one from the shelter. I do rescue, and it makes my heart happy when I know one has had a good life.
That doesn't make your grief any easier, and I'm so sorry. I hope you find peace and comfort in the knowledge that not only did you love her, but she loved you - especially for that final act of putting her needs above yours today.
Life does indeed suck sometimes.
beaglelover
(3,899 posts)But in a few weeks all youll remember will be the happy memories.😊
Hotler
(11,815 posts)To mark a friend's remains these stones arise;
I never knew but oneand here he lies.
https://poets.org/poem/epitaph-dog
A toast to all our dog past and present.
MerryBlooms
(11,870 posts)herding cats
(19,585 posts)I feel your pain, truly I do. You're a good pet parent for making this extremely difficult decision. I know you're not 'feeling' that right now, but in time you will come to make peace with today. I've been here more than once... it rips your heart out and lays you flat. I still can cry when I see a pic of my sweet angels.
My heart and love to you today. ❤️
Peace to you.
albacore
(2,509 posts)It's been 3 years, and I still have tears for our dog-of-a-lifetime.
I really mean it when I say that I feel your pain.
electric_blue68
(16,882 posts)so I was her shoulder.
So sorry you're losing your fur bud.
Though President Biden was talking about people I applied I think...
In time the smiles will come before the tears.
murielm99
(31,219 posts)We had to put our beloved Kinsey down two years ago. I still am not over it. We are in our seventies, and not getting another dog.
Our son brought us a beautiful rescue cat. He is smart and friendly. We had our Claudia cat for sixteen years. Toby, our rescue cat, is about four years old.
You will have your pictures and memories. I know it is not enough, but it is something.
BobTheSubgenius
(11,725 posts)the good memories will be crowding out the bad. I am DREADING the day our 13-year old Cairn starts slipping away faster than he already is.
I feel so badly for you and your family.
seta1950
(936 posts)Ive been there and it sucks 😢😢😢
pandr32
(11,966 posts)The time goes so fast.
I am so sorry for your heartache.
FuzzyRabbit
(2,055 posts)Losing our four legged friends is as difficult to bear as any loss. I have endured it several times and I still survive. You will also.
cannabis_flower
(3,814 posts)I dont have any pets myself but my best friend has pets that I have made friends with. Over the years I have had several of my furry friends die. Honey Bunny, CoCo and Bagel, the beagles. Doble the doberman. Minnie the rottweiler/doberman mix. Miss Kitty.
Right now she is nursing Nacho who is her 21 year old orange tabby. Nacho has always looked young and healthy until this year. Recently she stopped eating and lost weight. She was down to 3.5 pounds. My friend took her to the vet and she has kidney disease. She had to be hydrated by IV (which she hates) and has to eat kidney disease cat food. Yesterday we sat with her and petted her while she ate. My friend says she seems to eat more when she sits with her and pets her while she eats. She is back up to 6 pounds now but I suspect she wont be with us much longer.
chia
(2,321 posts)cate94
(2,857 posts)GoodRaisin
(9,410 posts)I lost mine in February, he was falling down too. I still have the tears in my eyes. It's hard.
LetMyPeopleVote
(152,158 posts)It is hard to say goodbye to a member of the family