Dealing with the loss of a pet

Last night was one of the most painful nights of my life as I visited my in-laws who called my wife and I to tell us that their Golden Retriever is very sick and we might lose her at any moment.
It was absolutely heartbreaking to see the dog that was always happy to see us and greeting cheerfully, now laying down while her body seems to be shutting down, unwilling to eat, barely drinking, and just basically agonizing by the minute. I shed tears when I think how last night she was breathing heavily and thinking that each breath could be her last.

This morning they are taking her to the vet in hopes that there's a slim chance that she will recover, however we feel that the most likely scenario is that we'll have to put her to sleep.
Our concern now is how her sister will be dealing with the loss, since they've been together for 12 years now since they were puppies.

I'm sure some of you pet lovers have had to deal with situations like this.

It's very hard to deal with it. My dog died last month, she was 15 years old. I cried for days... I feel like crying whenever I think of her, I really miss her a lot.. =(

A couple of years ago, we had to put my German shepherd, Emma, to sleep.  She was 14, and by the time we went through with it, she couldn't even walk.  Her back legs were paralyzed, so I had to carry her back end for her to go outside and use the bathroom.  I used to wonder if we waited too long, but it's such a painful decision to make having a dog euthanized.  I'm not gonna lie.  It felt just as bad as losing a person to me.  I couldn't even go to the vet when she was being put down.  I was affraid I would make a fool out of myself.  My sister and Pieter took her.  About dealing with the loss...one thing that I think helped me was making a list of all the crazy, funny things she used to do. :-)  I had wanted to get a photo book made with just pictures of Emma or maybe just do a photo album.  I still haven't done it, yet, but I think that is something that might help with the loss.

Thank you Erin (...and Beata too!)

Erin, our beloved Chatham has had the same problem that Emma had. She's been weakening on her back legs for the past few months, so much to the point that for the past week she need to be carried inside and outside the house when we bring her in the backyard.

Last night she made attempts to get up and walk, but she just couldn't do it. It was heartbreaking.
My wife Katie cried so much that she got nauseous and ended up throwing up. She's a lot more sensitive than I am, and it adds to my pain to see her cry so much.

My dog had exactly the same problem as your Erin. It was a very hard decision but at least she stopped suffering. My mom and dad called the vet to check her condition, he said that he can't do anything except put her alseep. It really is like losing a person. We got her when I was 4 years old, she became part of the family... in a way. We buried her in the backyard and she has grave like little person with flowers and everything. Whenever I look at it I start crying.. because, few weeks before we had put her alseep she seemed like she's doing better but all of the sudden it got worse than ever...

Oh dear, Jingles...I'm so very sorry to hear about this, I know how difficult it is for your in-laws and for you and your wife as well. (And my condolences to you too, Erin and Beata.) It truly is like losing a precious family member. I've gone through it many times through the years, having as many pets as I do. And it never gets any easier. And soon Dan and I will have to face it again. Our beloved 12 year old Border Collie, Clover was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer. The vet said she has a couple of months at most, perhaps even weeks. For now she seems comfortable enough, eating, etc. But if she begins to deteriorate we will end her suffering. She has been a wonderful friend to us, and in the end I want to be a good friend to her. I owe her that much.

Here is a poem that I have kept for many many years, that my mom gave to me when I lost my first dog. It gave me comfort, and I hope it gives some comfort to you who are facing (or have faced) this difficult part of loving a dog.

"I explained to St. Peter,
 I'd rather stay here,
 Outside the pearly gate.
 I won't be a nuisance,
 I won't even bark,
 I'll be very patient and wait.
 I'll be there chewing on a celestial bone,
 No matter how long you may be.
 I'd miss you so much if I went in alone,
 It wouldn't be heaven for me."

That's a beautiful poem Janet, and thanks for the kind words.

One thing I've learned from dogs is that no matter what kind of mood you are on, or what kind of attitude you have, they always welcome you with their tail wagging. While other humans see us as imperfect beings with defects, dogs see us as a companion that they are always ready to share time with.

^Exactly...

That poem was very beautiful and touching Janet.

Hang in there Mr. Jingles, I know how hard it is...

Keep your chin up, Mr. Jingles. I really hope you can cope with the situation.

Danny, I'm so sorry to hear this :(. The closest thing I had of that was when I had to give away my parrots 'cuz my sister was allergic.

Just think of the good moments with her, that can help a bit :)

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[b]***Marial-B*** wrote: [/b]



Danny, I'm so sorry to hear this :(. The closest thing I had of that was when I had to give away my parrots 'cuz my sister was allergic.

Just think of the good moments with her, that can help a bit :)


[b] If that was up to me, I'd send away my sister and keep the parrots.[/b]

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Dogs are the most beatiful animals on earth... they give you just as much love as you give them. They get a part of the family. They're lovely. The bad thing of dogs is that they live for less than 15 years. And almost all dogs die the way you describe. It's really hard to see and handle.

We had a dog which had the same symptons. At the moment we wanted to bring him to the vet, he died at our house... in my mothers arms. So thank God we didn't need to take the decision to put him to sleep... which in a decesion you almost can't take.

Be strong Danny. Support your girlfriend and like the others say... think of all the good times you all had together.

Do not think me cold for making this a short reply, as I know just how this all feels -

but if things go bad, they should go and buy another pet.  The sooner the better.  I learned this from James Herriot and it really is the only way to move on.  You relive old joys from past pets when you raise another one, it is the best thing to do.

I agree with Zebonka completely. The very best way to honor a cherished pet that is no longer with you, is to give a wonderful home to another one. It helps to fill the void left, and just think of the great life you will be giving to another animal.

:-)

It always sucks putting a pet down, they don't understand the concept of death, which is heartbreaking. It sucked when I had to put my cat down, petting her while they put her to sleep.

 I dunno about getting a new pet right away, now if if you mean...say get a new wife asap after the 1st ones leaves, yea that makes sence, but pet, I dunno.