I've never took any of my previous dogs to vet to have this done. My mum always handled it. Had to take my oldest dog recently and I'm still devasted. I just keep thinking about her face. Brings a whole new meaning to the saying a dog is for life, because it's not, it's for life and then it's death. I'm always thinking I want another dog but now I feel like all I'm going to see when I look at a new pet is what it will be like in years to come when I have to take it for it's last visit to the vet.
Just needed to share my thoughts. Sorry to depress everybody

Been there and done that.

Crap isn't it. :(

very sad news but there must have been a reason why she needed to be put to sleep. Hopefully she'll be better and not suffering anymore.

feel like I've been stabbed to be quite honest

yes I couldn't see her suffer. Just can't bear to look at my other dogs, all I keep thinking is how long till it's your turn.....

It's only natural you'll feel like that.

I've taken two of my cats to be put to sleep when they became too ill to carry on, and had another one die unexpectedly away from me.

In a way, I preferred to be with them when they died.

I know what you mean about fearing the end, but if they've had a good life and you've been there for them, through their life, then you should be there for them in death as well.

Death is a very important part of life, for humans and animals; it's just the next step; it's natural, it's right. Unfortunately when we take on the joys of loving a pet we also take on teh flip-side of the arrangement, that one day we'll be separated.

Whether you have that dog, or someone else does, that dog will still one day pass over; but what you can do is be there for that dog through it's life, enjoy each other's company, and then help the dog on its' way with dignity and love when the time comes.

It's all part of the lives we choose when we decide to share our lives with anyone we love, be it human, cat, dog, whatever.

Thanks JoeP.
You're right in everything you say but I need time to blur the vivid picture I have in my head at the moment.
It makes me think how much I want other dogs to enjoy their last years, I'm going to be spending every spare minute pampering my pooch from now on.

Hi. I'm posting this poem that I read on The Rainbow Bridge memorial site. Having any animal put to sleep is so, so hard, but if it's the right thing to do then you've done your beloved pet a last great thing x

THE LAST BATTLE OR IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end,
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
Author Unknown

Thanks JoeP.
You're right in everything you say but I need time to blur the vivid picture I have in my head at the moment.
It makes me think how much I want other dogs to enjoy their last years, I'm going to be spending every spare minute pampering my pooch from now on.

Death has that effect on us, I think; it makes us appreciate life and those that are left behind. You'll eventually start remembering the good times with your departed pet, and the memories of the end will still be there but be 'balanced'.

I still remember the deaths of my three cats, but I remember much more about their lives now that time's passed. I remember their daft tricks, their little quirks of personality, their bloody annoying habits. :)

I can't stop crying since reading that poem. It hits the nail right on the head. I didn't want it to be me who had to do it but i couldn't let her suffer. I just wish I could tell her. I know it's stupid but I just wish I could.

Sweetheart...... she'll know. You were doing her a kindness, remember that x

:(

you've just had to gather the strength to get you through today, and it's when you let go the pain starts :(

Try to remember the wonerful times you had together. Let those nice memories replace those jostling for attention after today's emotional time

You have done the most difficult thing any pet owner has to do, and it'll take a while to come to terms with that

Arrange to do something different with your other dogs as soon as you can. Maybe go to the beach or to a dog walking spot you don't usually go to. Somwhere you won't be picturing the last time you were there, and enjoy the company of your other dogs for a while

*Hugs and Skritches from the Strixes*

Thanks for advice, my bf has just said same thing on phone. I'm usually on my own with both dogs but now it's me and one dog. I left her lead and collar on the floor and other has just been sniffing at it. I used to stress about them snapping at each other. I just wish she was hear now to do that even. She always used to try and get under computer table when I was online and annoy me but I wish she could do that now. I just didn't think it would be this hard.

Thanks for advice, my bf has just said same thing on phone. I'm usually on my own with both dogs but now it's me and one dog. I left her lead and collar on the floor and other has just been sniffing at it. I used to stress about them snapping at each other. I just wish she was hear now to do that even. She always used to try and get under computer table when I was online and annoy me but I wish she could do that now. I just didn't think it would be this hard.

My first cat died of FIV, and I was told to scrub the place out and not have any more cats for 6 months or so.

I was devastated - he used to have this habit of sleeping on top of my computer monitor or books when I was working, or lying across the back of my chair when I was sitting watching TV.

He also used to sleep in the airing cupboard a lot - for weeks afterwards I kept expecting him to be in these places. The first couple of days are the hardest.

I've still got his bits and pieces - in fact, I've kept all their toys and things. You may want to put them out of sight somewhere safe for a while; it will make things easier.

Hi. I'm posting this poem that I read on The Rainbow Bridge memorial site. Having any animal put to sleep is so, so hard, but if it's the right thing to do then you've done your beloved pet a last great thing x

THE LAST BATTLE OR IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end,
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
Author Unknown

What a lovely peom, dosn't it hit home and bring back past memorys. :(

Hope you are feeling a bit better today, everyday will get a little easier, and it will take a long time to get over, no one can take away the memories u have.

Sorry to hear your sad news- it is never easy saying goodbye (been there, done that a dozen times of more with our beloved cats, dogs- even a parakeet) and you feel really guiltly doing what's right for them. Imagine how much worse you would have felt if you'd let your doggy hang on indefinately in pain?

Think of all the happy times you had together and please dont stress yourself out fretting about what will happen to your other dogs as they grow older...Keep giving them lots of love and fuss and make the most of every day you have together, because every day is special when you are loved by a furry friend or two, or three...and though you will never forget the ones you have loved before, be sure there will always be room in your heart for another, when the time comes... xK and the dobermutt.

Sorry to hear about your loss. i know just how you are feeling, as going through it too right now.
It tears your heart out and stamps on it, but still we do it again.

feeling a bit better today, I daren't read that poem again though because it will set me off
I've decided to pamper my other dog to feel better, going to pet shop tomorrow to spend loadsa dosh on her :)

feeling a bit better today, I daren't read that poem again though because it will set me off
I've decided to pamper my other dog to feel better, going to pet shop tomorrow to spend loadsa dosh on her :)

My dog died 3 1/2 years ago and although we didn't have him put to sleep, I still get upset thinking about it. It does get easier with time, even though there will be days when something sets you off and you'll end up sobbing.

You go and spoil your other doggy and give her loads of cuddles. They have a way of helping you to feel better x

if you have seem my previous post u will realise that I totally understand

hug!


it's crap isnt it?

RAINBOW BRIDGE
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...




This poem always make me think
Having lost a few cats over the years & our german shepherd last year, I appreciate how you feel
Nothing replaces them, but it does get easier with time
Read and remember

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
But 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 hearts 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 you heart for a dog to tear.


When the fourteen years that nature permits,
Are closing in asthma, or tumor, or fits,
And the Vet's unspoken prescription runs
to lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find - it's your own affair
But - you've given your heart to a dog to tear.


We've 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,
For when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short time loan is as bad as a long -
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?


When the body that lived at your single will,
When the whimper of welcome is stilled
(HOW STILL!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone - wherever it goes - for good,
You soon discover how much you care,
And give your heart to a NEW dog to tear.





RUDYARD KIPLING

I think I dont have to say any more