I have to put my 10 1/2 year old dog down in 3 weeks. He has a serious heart condition, which we have managed pretty well over the last 2 years. But he has dropped almost half of his body weight this summer and has serious gum disease. I know it is the best time, before he is in too much more pain.
But my heart is breaking. I'm the one people lean on for support and I'm really not good at talking about my feeling or expressing myself to others. I don't know how to be the one in need of support. But being this person has taken it's toll on my mental health, and with the future loss of my puppy, I'm broken inside.
I am in the process of starting my Masters Degree in Mental Health and Counseling, but I really wanted to reach out to a community for support. I think this is a safe and great way to talk, and feel heard.
Any tips for coping?
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hardest_goodbye
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This is heart breaking. 💕 I just put one of my dogs down about a month ago. It was sudden. I was super busy with moving, I didn't have time to grieve until recently. I felt horrible for it, she deserved so much.
I have had all my pets that have passed cremated. I'm one if those that believe they should rest in peace where they were loved. My dog that passed recently is actually buried on my property since this is actually my last house I plan to buy, she's here and I now visit her when I want to.
You'll find your own way to get through this. Our dogs or all pets really are part of our family, like our children. Lookup the Rainbow Bridge (rainbowsbridge.com/poem.htm) you may find great comfort in this poem, its always helped me get through the grieving process.
Rainbow bridge has its own website and grief support. This group helped me so much when I was going through the loss of my boy. There is a written forum and a live chat room. Moderators have all been through the loss of a loving pet.
My heart breaks for you. This is such a difficult time. May I suggest taking as many pictures and videos as you can over the next few weeks. If your fur baby is up for it go do some things he enjoyed. Love him and snuggle with him as much as you can.
I had two weeks with my boy before I had to put him down. I never left his side. I promised him as a pup I would give him the best life possible and I would not let him suffer.
I know he is waiting for me at the bridge. I believe in that.
We are here for you. Please let us help you. You are not alone.
Mine are cremated too. I hsve instructions to sneak them in with me when i go. And if i hsvd a dog who outlives me, they will be cared.for until the day they pass. Then they wil be cremated and sprinkled on my grave.
hi sorry to hear about your dearest dogs illness treasure all the great memories over the 10 years that will help you through maybe treat the dog to a few days out at his favourite place just to create some more.
For someone not good at expressing feelings it looks like you are doing a pretty good job of it here.
Losing a loved pet sucks. But they say, What you have truely loved can never be lost as part of it becomes part of you. I try to take comfort in knowing i gave my friend the best, most loved, most fun life i could. Who could ask for more? You are continuing to do what is best for them. And it may seem impossible, but you will get through it. And you will likely learn and experience things that can help you council others in the future. Yes, it sucks, but they are worth it. And you can honor your dog by using everything they tought you to help others. And someday down the road, you may find you are ready to.give another animal.the best life possible. And they will be differnt. And you wont love them the same, but you will love them just as much.
Take care. Continue to fo the best you can for hour pooch. They can love purely and it is such a gift to ecperience that.
I am so sorry this time has come for you. Giving up on your precious companion of so many year is just the worst hurt.
After my divorce, I adopted a rescue dog. I was really a mess emotionally because of the divorce and fear of doing life on my own. I got my dog and I named her Ms. G (My Saving Grace.) I had her for fourteen years.
When I realized she was getting ready to die, I started holding her like a baby and talking to her. I told her what a wonderful puppy she was and how much I loved her. I told her as much as I did not want her go away, I knew she had to and it was ok. I held her and cried. I told myself this precious animal had helped me to learn to live on my own. I thanked her. I did the routine for days. I prayed she would pass at home because I knew if I had to put her down, I also would have to stay with her. I wasn't sure I could. Ms. G. died while I was at work. My guardian to the end.
That was almost 20 years ago and I still have moments remembering her and of course I cry. Presently, I have a precious little guy curled up under my desk as I write. In about 3 minutes his is going to wake up, come around my back, position himself in his cutest begging stance just to tell me it is time for his breakfast. He does the same thing at 5 am so that he can have his medication.
Yes, you are going to hurt like hell and cry. This is one of those times we as pet lover go thru in order to have so much affection and unconditional love.
Be really gentle with yourself as you move through this. What stopped the horrible hurt for me was getting another dog. His name was Lil'Boy (Texan for Little Boy) and I had him for 14 years also.
Then of course the time came for me to let go of Lil'Boy. After letting him go, I walked to the front of the building. I sitting waiting on a cab when a woman drove up, got out with the cutest, sweetest little dog. I held him for few minutes and told her "I will take." My worst hurt stopped. Oh, I still think about Lil'Boy and cry but I know I will be ok.
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