re: Gotta put my dog down I’m a wreck

Went through this in March. Still hurts, but less and less as time passes. Remember all the good times

Let it hurt. It just means you were blessed with another living breathing creature that loved you. None of those acts of love through the years can be taken back. And whether your mind can recall every moment on demand or not, that imprint of love will remain on your heart as long as you live. Cry, weep, but remain grateful for the love you received. It isn't gone and never will be.

We are nearing that stage with ours, similar age at 14 years. Wife and I had the first real discussion about the end at dinner a few weeks ago, first time my wife was ready to really talk about it and what’s best for the dog. Wife started crying, and the dog rested her head on my wife’s foot under the table at that exact moment, seemingly trying to tell her it’s ok. There was also the most beautiful pink sky that evening, I thought it was time.

Brought her to the vet the next day to get a professional opinion, and vet upped her pain med dosage. The next day the dog had an excellent day and has been a little better ever since. So back to square 1, hoping for a few more months, but don’t want to be late.

You’re doing the right thing. You didn’t ask my advice, and I’m in no position to give it. But I would avoid the alcohol, and embrace the grieving process head on. Spend the day sober with your loved one, and be present physically and emotionally for every moment. You need this.

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How did you guys deal with this?

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Just gotta go through it head on. If you have a wife and kids, you'll show strength through how you process these emotions.

I put my dog down back in March, and it was devastating. Even though she was a shell of her former self, I was completely overwhelmed by it all.

We had to lay our good boy to rest back in December. May sound cliche but the best advice I have is remember the dog for the good times and the memories, and not the final few months.

Dogs can't always go quietly in the night and especially not on their own will. Sometimes as the human, it's up to us to do one final act of protection. One final act of mercy. Take solace in doing one last good thing for the dog. It's the ultimate kindness. It sucks, it's not easy, but pets just can't vocalize the problems like a human can. If a pet is showing real signs of problems, it's probably worse than you know.

Sorry you're going through it but it gets better and becomes easier to remember them for who their spirit was and not what they were on their final days or how you felt.

Take care.

Double post

You don't really deal with it. I think about mine all the time.


If you are asking what I did while putting them down, I held them while the vet stuck them with a needle.

I can't remember if you mentioned if you're in the Louisville area, but I recommend Heart's Ease. They'll come to your home and Dr. Bennett is wonderful.

So sorry man. It's not easy. I have one that is coming up soon that I get sad just thinking about.

Just got to give her a lot of love and know you gave her a good life. And cry a lot. Nothing wrong with crying.

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We are drugging her up for the pain, increased dosage

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All opioids can cause stomach pain and nausea.