Coping with loss

[kglassman]

I have a very old dog who I just found out has stage 4 brain cancer. She is more than just a dog to me. I’m an only child and she is literally my sister. She’s been around and there for me when I had no one else. I’m a mess right now and I don’t know what to do. The vet says she doesn’t know how long she has left to live. How do I deal with this? I also have a vacation planned to go away in about 2 weeks and feel like I should just cancel and stay with my dog. Would I be a horrible person if I still went on the trip?

[Hidden]

Oh I'm so sorry for this. My youngest has a yorkie, 16 years old & she is failing now. It's so hard to go through. You have to make the choice if you want to go or not, you'll make the right choice, don't be hard on yourself. Love, peace, light, joy & hugs!

[Lulu02]

I had lived with my dog since I was born all the way up till he was 18 (I was 14). We all knew his day was soon to come to a close considering how old he was and that he was deaf, blind, had trouble moving places and had been becoming more sick more frequently. There had been a few mornings where I had gone to school and didn’t know if I was going to see him when I came back. But it was a Monday morning when I came downstairs to find him once again sick. He wouldn’t eating anything including all his favourite foods. I kept reassuring myself that it was just another false scare, that I would come back home and everything would be fine again.

My dog had been through so much in his life. He’d moved countries and back and had had one of the best lives I believe.

I also believe that he could’ve never truely died until we put him down. There have been so many times where he should have passes on but kept going. Although it would have been amazing to keep him forever, he was in pain, it was coming to the point where it would be selfish to keep him alive so we can avoid grief. It was his time.

February 13th I’ll always remember. His ashes lay inside a stone in our backyard. Nothing could replace a soul like his, but I haven’t lost him, he is still as clear a day to me.

[AZ1970]

I have not had an animal that I have been close to, so I don't know exactly what you must be feeling. I imagine this is a scary place to be in. You are not a horrible person if you go on the trip or if you stay home. Perhaps you can think 6 months from now, what would give you the most peace and the least regrets? I am so sorry this is happening.

[SmilesLots]

My dogs were members of the family - I understand your grief.

[dore13]

I am so sorry, I lost my dog to cancer last year. Pets are as much a part of our family as any person. I wish I knew some magic words to make you feel better but all I can do is say I am very sorry. As for going on a trip, you have to decide that for yourself.

[hypercat54]

How awful and I am so sorry. I have been there too and there is no easy answer. My main criteria has always been is the animal in any pain or distress? Ask the vet if you are not sure. If she is then it is your responsibility as a caring animal owner to put her down to save her from this. Think of it as the last good thing you can do for her.

Unfortunately dogs and cats live much shorter lives than us so this is the downside of having them. You have got to put your dogs feelings and needs first though. If you do need to put her down then get someone to go with you coz if you are like me you cry buckets and need a towel rather than a hanky! I will be thinking of you. x

[kglassman]

We are going to have to put her down today. Her personality just isn’t there. It’s sad but I know it’s what’s best for her.

[Lulu02 in reply to kglassman]

So sorry to hear that. Just know she will be in a peaceful place away from all pain and suffering. I’m here if you need to talk. Xx