Very sad about putting my dog to sleep today

[punkster]

Hello all. I am having a difficult day today because we have an appointment this afternoon to put one of our dogs to sleep. The time has come. She is totally blind, has arthritis and advanced dementia. She spends her days walking around in circles, or sprawled out on the floor looking like she is dead. She is no longer comforted by my presence. She pees and poops exclusively in the house now (our house smells like a dog kennel). We have been giving her an anti- inflammatory for her arthritis, and a medication called selegiline for her dementia. Both medications helped a bit at first, but are not helping now. This dog was a rescue and had many issues, but worked through them with love and attention. I have memories of taking her to the park and having her chase balls and beating all the other dogs to get the ball. She also used to clear 8 foot fences and escape from our yard. She was something else! Anyway, I am sad and my anxiety is coming on. Do any of you have any suggestions on how to cope?

[Hidden]

Hi you've done the right thing I've been through it myself twice but cats there members of our family and sometimes our sole companions I wish I'd took mine sooner one was similar to your dog in health she ended up living in the wardrobe. I'm sorry I can't give you a magic cure grief has to take its course but maby start looking for another pet if your other dog misses your dog fuss over your remaining dog he she will grief too, and I can assure you the spirit lives on just because we can't see them doesn't mean there not there, try foccus on this and that your friend will be at peace from pain but living on as was when puppy visualise this, sending a hug 🤗🌟🌈

[punkster in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. It is the day after and my other dog is looking for her. We will try to give him extra loves until he stops looking for her. I gathered pictures of her yesterday in preparation of making a collage. The pictures of her as a younger dog helped me know that I was doing the right thing. She was no longer the dog we knew, but was just a "shell" of a dog. Poor thing! I will try to concentrate on my pictures and videos of her as a younger dog.

[EndUser13]

I'm sorry for your loss, our furry friends are some of the best 'people'.

A few years ago when I had to put my old, beloved cat to sleep I wrote her a letter, expressing everything I'd felt about her and how much she had meant to me- it helped me process things. After a lot of crying I eventually got back around to remembering all the great things, how much she meant to me and how dearly I loved her. The pain will never completely go away but it has dulled

[punkster in reply to EndUser13]

Thank you for the suggestion of a letter. I wrote a letter and read it to her right before they put her to sleep.

[Agora1]

punkster, hang on to those good memories you have had with her.

Even through you're pain and grieving, it will warm your heart.

I'm sorry in what you are going through.

[bethelbee]

Am so sorry for the loss of your sweet pup. It's so hard letting go even when we know it's best. Have been through it many times ; actually may soon have to with my present cat who is 18. She has been declining. I will love her until it's time and even after..They are always in our hearts...

[Lucycal]

Letting go of our beloved pets is never easy. If she is being cremated some companies make jewellery from the ashes and this way you will always have her with you.

Cherish all the happy memories you have and remember the good life she has had with you.

Sending love and hugs to you ❤️

[punkster in reply to Lucycal]

Thank you so much. We were offered both ashes and/or a paw print. We chose to have the paw print. I plan on putting together a collage of her pictures, and/or a shadow box to help me cherish the memories.

[Arymretep]

my thoughts are with you

In memory

[punkster in reply to Arymretep]

Thanks so much, this is beautiful.

[catsrock]

I'm so sorry. That is always hard. My only suggestion is to let yourself feel all of it and cry, hit a pillow, scream, whatever helps you feel better. Big hugs.

[littlestarsmum]

I’m so sorry to hear about your dog, punkster. I can understand how difficult it must be for you, and your memories of her will always be with you. It hurts, and yet the hurting isn’t all bad, because it’s a part of the love you feel for her. Are you seeing a therapist for your anxiety? I’d suggest that you listen to good music that would help you stay calm and relaxed. Maybe you could pursue an activity, sport, or hobby that you enjoy and that makes you feel good. Physical exercise has the added benefit of helping to relieve negative emotions naturally. Take good care of yourself and stay strong. Sending hugs your way.

[punkster in reply to littlestarsmum]

Thanks for your reply. Yes I am seeing a therapist for my anxiety. My visits with her have been less frequent because a lot of my anxiety has subsided, but I saw her last week and asked her for input on my dog (I have been seeing her for four years and she knows me and my dogs well). I am scheduled to see her again next week for a follow-up. It is the day after today, and I did a lot of crying yesterday. Today is the first day of getting used to her not being around. It's going to take some time. It helps because I know we did the right thing.

[littlestarsmum in reply to punkster]

Stay strong, friend. I know it's not easy. Hugs.

[designguy]

My heart aches for you, it is a very hard thing to let them go but know that they have lived a good life with you and helping them transition is a noble thing. It hurts like hell and will for sometime so try to be kind to yourself and let yourself grieve as long as you need and treasure the memories you have of them.

[Zhangliqun]

I had a kitty who almost made it to 22, about 3 months short. She was elderly but otherwise fine, then suddenly her back legs just stopped working. It was hard, but a new kitty helped a lot with the loss.

[Hidden]

So sorry for your loss, I understand, I've done same several times. Never gets any easier. I'm sitting her waiting on the vet right now. I have a mare I have to put down. My heart is breaking. So hard to know when to hold on or when to let go. She has several issues, and in pain a lot. Held on to hope this long because she is so young. So I'm praying for your pain to ease and healing to being.

[Rufus07]

this breaks my heart for you. It is so very painful when this time comes. My thoughts and prayers are with you.