Had to put my dog down

knot4u

knot4u

Repeat Offender
15 year old jack russel that i brought home as a puppy. Not sure whats harder, the loss of my dog or the guilt i feel for putting my wife through this. My dog was almost 7 when i got married, so my wife didn't have to deal with the hard part of raising a dog, as a result they became very close. I miss that little dog a lot. Wondering if any of you have any advice that might help. My wife and i are still ok relationship-wise but we are having a pretty tough time getting over this. This house just feels empty. knot4u
 
I'm so sorry to hear this. Please dont feel guilty in any way. It's a very difficult choice to make, but for the amount of pure love animals show us, it's the least we can do to let them go with dignity when it's their time. Hang in there.
 
My dad was a vet, and I saw it a lot. Some people their pets were almost like family members and grieved a lot. A tough decision to make and a major emotional even. Sometimes getting a new dog helped them. I am sorry for your loss.:(
 
granlistillo said:
My dad was a vet, and I saw it a lot. Some people their pets were almost like family members and grieved a lot. A tough decision to make and a major emotional even. Sometimes getting a new dog helped them. I am sorry for your loss.:(
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Yes, they really are like family. My dog has only been around for about 6 months but it'd tear me up to lose him.

However, if he makes it to 15 years I'll be very happy in knowing that he lived a wonderful, complete and happy life! More important than keeping a pet alive is giving them the opportunity to pass in peace and dignity. I think you've done the right thing. I wouldn't mourn the life as much as celebrate it. Well done on you for giving him 15 years!
 
Codyjp said:
More important than keeping a pet alive is giving them the opportunity to pass in peace and dignity. I think you've done the right thing. I wouldn't mourn the life as much as celebrate it. Well done on you for giving him 15 years!
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:yeahthat:

We had a cat that lived to be 16. His health began to fail, and letting him go was the kind thing to do. He was a good kitty, and I considered myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow up with him (we got him when I was 4, he lived til I was 19).

Take the time be sad that he's gone, but focus on remembering all the good time & fun that you had together.
 
I am so sorry for your loss. Our furries are surely a part of our family, they are our friends and companions through thick and thin and it's like losing a family member. We always feel regret and guilt when it comes to this decision. But really, there is no choice and they don't need to suffer any longer. It doesn't help the pain you are feeling though. I know.

I have two suggestions having been through this. There are actual hotlines set up (many by vet universities) to help with grieving owners. We called two evenings the one at UC Davis last year. It was very very cathartic and useful for us. It helped a great deal. Do a search on the net and try one. Here are a few available:

Pet Loss Support Hotlines

US Davis also has a memorial page on the net where you can post about your pet and post their picture and write a tribute to them which will be there forever. There are other memorial places on line as well such as:

http://www.in-memory-of-pets.com/viewfamilystories.php?query=A&pagenum=1

When your heart is able to heal some, you will be able to open it up and take in another buddy for you and your wife and give them the love and a happy home that they need and that you can share. That is the best gift of all.

I know just how devastating the loss of your friend is. Again, I am very sorry.
 
I was so sorry to read of your loss - I wish I had some sage advice, but when it comes to this I don't. I have two JRTs - they are like my children and to lose either one of them would be devastating.

Deepest sympathy,

Bp244
 
Sorry to hear about that. I have had multiple pets put down due to age, and this was while I was growing up.

Best thing you can do is be happy you gave him a good life, but all good things must come to an end. You shouldn't have any regrets about anything(what did you do wrong?) just be thankful you had the opportunity to enjoy everything a dog can give you.

When the time is right, get another one!!!
 
I'm so sorry to hear this, but it's part of life unfortunately. You did the right thing by not letting him suffer, and I agree with what everyone is saying, don't feel guilty, use the time to remember all the good memories. I've been through it and it's rough, it'll get better though!
 
It's very difficult to lose a dog. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Be comforted by knowing you gave him a good life. 15 years is a good long life for a dog.
I had a Malamute that I adopted from a shelter and had her for 9 years. It went by quick. Still have her dog house in the corner of the yard.
 
Concur with all the comments here, and can't add much except for my own condolences.

Animals truly do enrich our lives as human beings. Their love is free of charge and unconditional.
 
This is always the most difficult part of owning a pet.

I'd agree with those saying to get another pet. Nothing can replace the one you lost, but another one can always be there for you.
 
Tld said:
I'm so sorry to hear this. Please dont feel guilty in any way. It's a very difficult choice to make, but for the amount of pure love animals show us, it's the least we can do to let them go with dignity when it's their time. Hang in there.
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Agreed. And if it was the dog's time to go then it's time for the dog to go. If the little guy was in pain, it would have been worse to not do it.

Sorry for you guys' loss. :(
 
Thanks for the support, not going to get another dog for awhile. We've still got our other dog, an 8 yr. old pit bull. Having her around helps and each day seems to a little easier than the day before. Again, thanks. knot4u
 
I'm a wee bit slow on this one, but condolences.

When the pup I raised in my boyhood was put down.... I got an email.

I still miss that dog.
 
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