... and my heart is breaking. I didn't think it would be this bad.

It's a decision I've been putting off for the past days and weeks and now it's come to it I just can't handle it.

If anyone has lost a pet or has any words of comfort they can offer, I'd really appreciate it right now.

x

It's always a very rough time because pets become part of our families as well as some of the most enjoyable friends. But if he's suffering, he will be better off this way. It's hard but it's for the best. I'll pray for you and your dog

Raspberry...

I know how bad ya feel...had to put both of my (babies) down...


I miss them both very much. There is nothing that can take that pain away but, know that there will be no more suffering.

That your (baby) will always be with you in spirit.


Take care and much

I just had the same thing with my cat.
The thing that helped me get over it a bit quicker is to get a new pet as soon as possible.
I wanted to wait a while before getting a new one, but it was so quiet in my home that i got two new cats straight away.

This has to be the worst thing to have to "decide".The saving grace in my experience was that I was away in the US when my childhood pet was put to sleep. I don't think I could have been part of that decision.

Feelin' sad for you Rasp.

Best Wishes Raspberry

I've not experienced a pet having to be put down and when I've thought about it, it makes me a appreciate our cat being around the house. Hopefully U will find a new pet that brings U just as much joy and happyness.

I know I'm going to have to do this within the near future for my oldest dog. I've had him since 1992, so he truly is like my child. The idea of having to do this is truly heart-wrenching. Still, I know I don't want him to suffer at all, so it will be the right decision when the time comes.

If your baby is hurting, then it is the right decision, no doubt about it. I know that's a small comfort, but its true. In time, the pain fades, but the memories of the joy they brought you never does.

My dogs are my best friends. My family. My everything. It's always sad to loose a loved one. The greatest thing about losing a dog though is there are so many more out there who need a loving home. When my dogs pass on, I will be at my local Humane Society or Animal Shelter the same day picking up a new friend. You should do the same! It will help to know you are saving a life in place of the one you have lost.
Good luck and give the little guy a hug and kiss from me.

If you want to find a new friend, http://www.petfinder.com is a good start. Lots of doggies in need of a home!

You gave him/her a good life, and I'm sure they are thankful to you.

...I know that experience and feeling all too well.

My heart goes out to you...

a very touching post.
last march, i had to put down my dog, jenny. she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, had surgery, etc., but it reoccured and became metastatic to her brain. she was 12 years old and an absolute joy to be around. grief is a difficult thing, no one likes to free pain, sadness, etc., but the degree of pain i feel/felt for the loss is relative to the love i had for her. i miss her terribly, but in a way the grief is blessing ( i know that sounds crazy, and could never explain it in a short post here). for me, way more pain/difficulty is wrought through running from pain than standing still am feeling it

the comfort i get is, a) that i know she had a great life, and b) from the love that i experience from the people in my life, i know that i am loved with the same intensity that i love.

all's I can say is...

and don't be afraid to let yourself be sad over this. It's heartbreaking to have to put a pet down.

I've had to put my dog to sleep a few years ago and it was heartbreaking, but the silver lining is that it is EXTREMELY quick so he didn't suffer. Make sure that you are in the room holding your dog while they do it so he doesn't have to spend his last moments in fear with strangers.

It will be hard for a while, but soon you will only remember the good times.

Here is a picture of me and my Dallas. Notice we had the same smile

Thank you all for your kind words and stories.

The vet will be here in half an hour and I just feel like I'm going through hell right now. I have had to move away from Charlie (my dog) as I think he's had enough of me stroking and kissing him for now. I will be there at the end though.

Pain ... I've never felt such pain and anguish in my life.

Thank you all for being here with me this morning.

x

Its always horrible because they become almost apart of you! And it seems strange without them there...

Feeling the sadness sweetie so huge hug!

oh, hon...

i am so sorry.

i wish there were words that could concole you more.

Raspberry said:

OMG Charlie???...poor guy..Kiren's charlie'sgonna bein a better place.. he'll be a puppy again ya know?... no pain and no more worries.iv'e head to put some pets of mine down in the past and ithurt like hell..

I'm so sorry that you have to go through with this, it's probably the hardest thing that any pet owner will do. Remember that your dog will be better off at rest than in pain. I'm glad to hear that you will stay with him until the end. I did that when I had to put my dog down two years ago and it gives a sense of closure. I also think that it makes the animal feel better. hang in there.

I hope you can find some comfort in your memories Ras. My condolences.

Raspberry
I understand how you feel because I have a pet of my own and the best thing you can do is to cherish your memories of your doggy and know that you provided it with a good life unlike other poor unfortunate creatures that are out there suffering.
You bought joy to one animals life

Raspberry

Ras, my condolences.

Around 1997, my wife's rabbit had bunnies. One, the runt of the bunch, was particularly endearing. He was so small that he couldn't compete with his siblings to nurse, so we'd often have to separate him with his mom to allow one-on-one time. He alone was tiny enough that often when his siblings slept, he'd squeeze through the bars of the cage to venture around our apartment. The first time he did this, we were shocked! We had no idea he could do that -- or would have the courage to! (Bunnies aren't exactly known for their bravery.) Anyway, whenever he wished and totally without prompting he'd come sit next to us on the floor as we watched TV. He sipped water out of a small saucer and slept snuggled up to us. While his siblings were a typical roudy, aloof bunch, he was so serene and affectionate that at times it seemed downright uncanny.

We were absolutely enchanted by him, but knew that he was failing to thrive. He eventually died, and it was like we'd lost a human child. We named him "Raga" for his calming nature and had a formal burial at sea (or rather Lake Erie).

This'll sound corny, but I totally think Raga served his purpose here... At the time, my wife and I were both running around like meth addicts -- constantly working, exhausting ourselves in graduate programs we hated and just generally not taking time to enjoy life. For the months Raga was alive, he made us sit still, be quiet and enjoy the smallest joys again.

If your pet did that, Ras, then he/she/it gave you the greatest present he could. I suppose you're returing the favor by ensuring his ultimate comfort. It's a bittersweet, but genuinely loving exchange. Of course, you'll miss him, but he'll also leave a part of himself with you. You're a good mommy.


[This message was edited Wed Jan 21 8:57:06 PST 2004 by Lammastide]

Raspberry said:

i know how you feel. this is an incredibly difficult decision to make. i believe animals have every bit as much right to lay claim to souls as do humans - more maybe. and i believe whatever afterlife is avialable to humans is available to them as well. just my belief system... hope you find some comfort.

bless you girl. only recently did i understand how much part of the family pets can be. i've never had one but my friend had to put her dog down recently and it was devastating for her. i went to the hospital and saw how ill he was...i always referred to him as the rat...affectionately of course...but i saw the closeness of the dog to my friend.
i really do see dogs differently now so my :hugs: to ya girl.

xx

Raspberry said:

Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry, sweetie! If you ever need anyone to talk to about this, I'm here for you! I hope you feel better.

Ras,
I think we orgnoted about this once. Any grief you have is just as real as if Charlie were a human, so make sure those you talk to about it respect the impact of Charlie in your life. Many s to you, and I can see by the responses here that Charlie will have a lot of furry friends to play with in heaven. Including our dog Bo, who had to be put down a few years ago.
Prayers are with you, friend.