Miss my dog :(

Harpie

Went to the vets this morning to pretty much say goodbye to my dog..We've had him since I was about 10 (I'm 21 now) and I think he's going to be put to sleep 2nite..I'm in absolute bits at the mo- can't stop crying and keep expecting to see him in the kitchen when I go in...Never really experienced losing anyone close to me and I just feel awful :(

xzanti

Sorry to hear that, losing a pet can be as painful as losing a person close to you.. Just remember he won't feel a thing and I'm sure he'd be greatful to you for letting him go, I take it he's sick/in pain??

Dizzyblonde

I understand exactly how you feel, losing a loved pet is very sad.

spurious

There's a thread in the Animals and Pets forum where you might like to write a bit about your pet.
If he's ill or in pain, putting him to sleep is the kindest thing you can do for him. All those times he gave you unconditional love, now is the time for you to return it.

Wibbs

I've no problem admitting I have cried my heart out when I lost a pet before. It can be very hard, but if he's in pain then it is better for him. Just remember you gave him 11 years of a good life and he impacted your life in a very positive way.

bronte

Ah, that's sad..has he been sick op?
Can you try to think of it as something you're doing for him out of respect and not wanting to see him suffer.
Let yourself grieve, it's like a member of the family is lost.

Hugs

Harpie

Thanks so much for all your replies..It helps to think he had a happy life..He was diabetic and has been on insulin for the last 3 years and he's been going downhill for the past couple of weeks so its the fairest thing to do.

themullet

I know how you feel Harpie. I had a cat for 20 years!!! I found her when I was 4. Somebody tried to drown her. Brought her home and the rest is history. She died of old age but had a great life. I cried for months after. I still think about her everyday. Even when I think of her now it almost brings a tear to my eye. Could I suggest maybe getting another one?? About two weeks after my cat died, I went to the animal shelter. I got myself a little kitten. It felt great to be 'saving' another animal from maybe a not so happy life.

Captain Ginger

Ah man, loosing a good pet is (for me at least) loosing a family member.

I don't think there is much I can say to make you feel better but best of dealing with this, and remember the good times, from the looks of it you loved the dog a lot and I'm sure you gave it a great life and it loves you back.

Best of luck man.

Harpie

I know its just really hard at the mo..he was my lil buddy im gonna be lost without him Im trying to thank all the posts but it wont let me I really appreciate all of your comments tho

TomMc

Sorry to hear that OP. Yeh, I lost one of my dogs to Jaundice back in 4th year so must have been about 15yrs at the time. I cried a fair bit too if I recall correctly. May be you get even more attached to them when it is a childhood pet.

Thought I could never have another dog again, but you grow to love the next one even more. My most recent one got knocked down last year about 16yrs old. Just about ready to go again.

So all I can say give him a hug, hope you have a few good photos of happier times. Gone but never forgotten.

Harpie

since I'm still livin at home it would prob be up 2 the parents whether or not to get another dog..They are in bits too so maybe sometime along the line we might go again..i'll never forget him though and I'll always have great memories of him

MizzLolly

Aww I'm sorry to hear that Harpie. It's a horrible thing to have happen, sometimes when it's an animal it's harder to admit how much it hurts you. People seem to feel guilty for missing them so much and crying about it because you know that not everyone will empathise with you and some people just don't understand how hard it can be. I know from having my own dog that they become part of the family and are very much loved. There is an awful space once they've gone. The next few days will be rough on you but it'll be ok. You won't stop missing him but it'll sting less after a while. Poor thing, I'm very sorry that you feel so sad.

Harpie

MizzLolly wrote: »

Aww I'm sorry to hear that Harpie. It's a horrible thing to have happen, sometimes when it's an animal it's harder to admit how much it hurts you. People seem to feel guilty for missing them so much and crying about it because you know that not everyone will empathise with you and some people just don't understand how hard it can be. I know from having my own dog that they become part of the family and are very much loved. There is an awful space once they've gone. The next few days will be rough on you but it'll be ok. You won't stop missing him but it'll sting less after a while. Poor thing, I'm very sorry that you feel so sad.

Thank you MizzLolly yeah I know it feels like some people won't understand coz its 'just a dog' but you really love a pet as a member of the family..He was always the one there in the house when I got in from school, college and would come over happy as larry to see me..just seems surreal that he's not out the back barking at the birds..

herya

I don't know what are the options with your vet but maybe you can be present when your dog will be put to sleep? Sometimes the owner can assist and then the last thing your dog would feel is you stroking his head. It may seem hard to do for you now but at the same it may give you a closure when you'll see him go peacefully. I feel for you, I have my 14 year old cat in my lap right now...

Harpie

herya wrote: »

I don't know what are the options with your vet but maybe you can be present when your dog will be put to sleep? Sometimes the owner can assist and then the last thing your dog would feel is you stroking his head. It may seem hard to do for you now but at the same it may give you a closure when you'll see him go peacefully. I feel for you, I have my 14 year old cat in my lap right now...

Thanks Herya

I don't think i could do that..it would be too hard..He's been in the vets 2 days and we went to see him this morning..He was like a shadow of himself and didnt really seem to know what was going on around him..I could barely look at hi. Would like to remember him as the happy bouncy dog he was

NextSteps

My dog died on Tuesday and I've been bawling whenever I think of her since. So you're not alone!

Ruby Soho

Hi OP, I'm a vet nurse who unfortunately has to deal with incidences like this on a pretty frequent basis. It is really tough I know. All of the staff in my practice, including myself have been through the loss of a pet before, we all know what its like. I cried for days when my last dog was put to sleep.
Your dog reached a great age, particularly suffering from Diabetes, he's a credit to you and all your hard work and care. Don't worry about the procedure itself, if you haven't experienced it before, it really is as quick, peaceful and painless as they say it is, he won't feel a thing. I think that you do understand that you are doing the right thing, if he is as you say a shadow of his former self, you need to let him go. Let him go with the dignity he deserves. Feel free to PM me with any questions about euthanasia that you have. And I know, they are not 'just dogs', like others will tell you!

lolly22

Hey Harpie

Sorry to read bout your pet. As others have said you obviously cared a great deal for your dog and its had a great life for 11 years. I have my dogs 12 years now and theyve had sooo many problems between them over the last year or so (king charles which are prone to heart problems),so dont think theyll be living very much longer (and dont think many people understand unless you have a pet they really are like another member of the family but hard as it will be at times you have to think of the happy memories youve had.your dog has given you many great years but you've also give your dog a memorable life.

Aurora Borealis

OP I really feel for you. Went through this with a former partners family dog where he was so weak at the end he could barely take a few steps . Though it wasn't even my dog I'd become very close to him, taking him on numerous walks, trips to the vet and minding him from time to time in his last week or two as his owner was away during the week a lot. When it came to the day he was put down I was absolutely distraught but tried to hide it as it was nothing in comparison to what his owner was feeling who had had him 15 years. It was like watching him lose a family member, he just melted as the vet gave the dog his final injection. It took weeks for him to be even able to look at pictures of the dog without breaking down and I guarantee you he still thinks of him all the time and that was a few years ago now. When you’ve had a pet that long they do become like a brother or sister. They’ve gone through so much with you and it is akin to a family bereavement to lose them. As Ruby Soho says try and take comfort in the fact s/he lived such a long life.

Kazobel

Sorry to hear that Harpie, some people can think you're nuts but a pet (especially a dog or cat) becomes more than a pet and more a member of the family, losing him sucks but remember for a dog that was a long life especially since he was diabetic. He's just at that age, be proud that you and your family were there to protect him enough for him to reach that age and for him to know all that time that he was loved. Take care

Gary ITR

SO sorry to hear that. I can't imagine the day my dog goes. He's only 4 now. My sympathies for you

I remember when my little dog died. We got him for my 6th birthday and he died just before my 22nd. I'm 23 and I still miss him.

He was a fighter. But not in the vicious way. He had been knocked down 4 times (losing 1 leg in the process - one of his back ones), had countless puppies (not bad for a dog with 1 back leg), had a huge heart (the vets were amazed by this), and towards the end he had to be neutered and had arthritis in his only back leg.

It was hard, lord knows it was. Like losing a best friend, a soulmate or whatever you want to think of. He died peacefully in his own bed during the night. We buried him in the back garden in his bed and put up a mini-gravestone. But he's in a far better place now, or if you don't believe that, he's not in pain at least.

Just think the same for your dog. He wont be in pain for much longer. Like with any human, don't mourn their death but celebrate their life - think of all the good times ye had together.

Good luck

Storm_rages

Oh no ... your making me cry!!

I think getting a dog (or cat) put down is one of the hardest things you can do.. but there is a time when it is the right thing to do..

I had my dog for ten years (miniature yorkshire terrier) that we found after someone had strayed her! how any one could have done that i will never know.. in the end her little back legs gave out and it was the kindest thing to do...
i held her as they put her down (it took two injections.. she was such a tough little dog!!)

god i still miss her....

auditek923

we had our dog for over 12 years ,i was 14 when we got him. he died in my arms one night after an illness. it was the saddest thing i ever witnessed in my life up to that point. i cried for 2 days .

markesmith

You poor thing! Our family lost a dog one Xmas, and I couldn't go out New Year's Eve or anything. I know what you're going through. The best tonic we found was getting a new dog. You'll still be grieving, but you'll also be giving a loving home to another of the little critters.

d

greatgoal

i know how youre feeling right now,i lost my dog 4 years ago,she was 11 and she died from cancer.i dont think anything that anybody says will make you feel any better or make it any easier,but in my experience time really does heal.i never got another dog and dont think i ever will as there would be no comparison as she was unique,but ive got great memories and lots of photos to look back on,and i know now that i did her a huge favour by getting her put to sleep,so you have my sincerest sympathies.

Harpie

Harpie wrote: »

Went to the vets this morning to pretty much say goodbye to my dog..We've had him since I was about 10 (I'm 21 now) and I think he's going to be put to sleep 2nite..I'm in absolute bits at the mo- can't stop crying and keep expecting to see him in the kitchen when I go in...Never really experienced losing anyone close to me and I just feel awful :(

Ah ya poor thing.
Dogs are like people.
We had 6 here now we have 5.
I love them all though one is getting very old (He's 16) so in another few years he will die

My favourite dog though was a cross between a terrier and a pom and he was lovely just a year old and was ran down by a van last weekend and killed stone dead.He used jump up,lick my face,ask for hugs and everything.
He always put on a sad face whenever I was getting into the car as if to say..don't go come back soon
I was heart broken to be honest and still feel very sad

It's a fact of life I'm afraid.

teencitizen88

I really feel for you OP..

I know it's not really the same but 7 years ago I had to give my wee dog away because my brother was born and my parents didn't want to risk anything (my dog wasn't vicious but my parents wanted to be on the safe side). I hated my mum for ages for wanting to give him away- I still feel a bit angry over it, but my brother comes first. I vividly remember taking my dog to the other famliy's house. At the time I thought we were just going to see what the people were like but it was actually the night we left him there. Even now I'm filling up! I remember looking at him when I got into the car and bursting into tears. I cried for days. The family offered to let me see him when I wanted but I never have gone to see him because I think it'd be just too hard. I'd just want to take him home. He'd be about 9 or 10 now which seems strange because he was so young when I had him. He was my wee friend who I took everywhere (I wasn't the happiest when I was young). He was cheeky but he was still my dog. There's not a day that goes by when I don't think of him. I still miss him loads :-(

You don't really realise how much they mean to you until you've lost a pet yourself. I have been with my boyfriend for years and I never saw him cry until his dog died. I agree with a lot of people here who are saying that another dog can really help. My other half has now got a fantastic dog who we love to spil rotten. She's so happy to see us and is so affectionate with loads of character. She has even (almost) filled the void of my dog.

It'll be very hard to get over OP but you'll look back at all the good times and be glad that you made the right decision with him. Hope you feel better soon.

RandolphEsq

Harpie wrote: »

Went to the vets this morning to pretty much say goodbye to my dog..We've had him since I was about 10 (I'm 21 now) and I think he's going to be put to sleep 2nite..I'm in absolute bits at the mo- can't stop crying and keep expecting to see him in the kitchen when I go in...Never really experienced losing anyone close to me and I just feel awful :(

I had a dog (a king charles cavalier) from the age of about 5 to 17. She was basically there all throughout my childhood and my teenage years. However in the last 2 years of her life she was quite old and run down but we never got her put down because it would be too hard. I remember the night before she died she was in my room and I knew she was going to die quite soon. I hugged her and told her I loved her and that I will miss her when she is gone. The next morning the poor thing died while she was trying to go out into the garden. The poor girl. I still miss her so much and I cry when I think that she's gone, like right now:( But you get over the sadness of the death and remember how great the dog was and how much you loved her so its alright in the end

littlefriend

We got a dog when I was about 11 and he was like my shadow. I loved him so much and so did everyone , he had such a lovely way about him, so gentle.
When he got put down, I had such a lump in my throat that I actually couldn't get the words out to tell ppl what had happened. I had to write it down on a piece of paper and show it to ppl who were querying why I was crying and all that. Horrendous - I'll never forget it.

His name was waffles and when he was around ten we got another lab kind of to keep him young I guess. Anyway, I wanted to call the new puppy 'Toast' and my mum said 'if you think I am going to stand on the beach shouting waffles and toast you can forget it'.

I got a new dog last year called Murph and seriously if someone hurt him I think I'd have them killed. He was 1 a few weeks ago and instead of thinking he's only one I went into a total panic about having probably only 12 years left with him. I'm still kind of freaked out by it to be honest! Ehhh glass half empty anyone??
I hope you feel better soon

Miss_Moneypenny

Hi Harpie
I am sorry to hear about your dog. I hope you can take some comfort from the fact that you did your best for your pet. I miss the family dog so much (He came when I was 18 and living at home. I am now 30 and no longer living at home). I miss bringing him for walks and having him nosing into everything. I love coming home to see him. You develop such a connection to your dog...I'm not sure that you really understand until you have one yourself. You would do anything for them. Try to think of all the good times you had with your dog and know that you cared for him as much as possible. Take care of yourself.

Wurly

You poor poor thing OP.

I was 13 when my first dog died. She was 17 so the day she died was my first day without her. It was terrible.

Grieve your loss and let time heal the wounds - pain in the arse advice but true.

My current dog is 13 and is blind. She's going downhill pretty fast and I wouldn't say she'll last much longer. Its terrible but I seek comfort in the fact that she was lucky enough to have had a great life with people who loved and cared for her. Not like some of the poor creatures you see starved and abused.

She loved you cos you treated her well and she's thankful in her doggy way.:D Look after yourself OP. It will get easier.xx

kraggy

Hey OP,

Sorry to hear that.

Hope it's not too late, but my fella got sick a couple of years ago and he had to be put to sleep. Was one of the hardest things I've gone through.

However, I took some solace from having him individually cremated and getting his ashes back. He's now on the mantlepiece at home with a picture of him in the sea beside him. It's a sealed box and his name is engraved in silver plate on top of it.

Also, I the vet suggested cutting of a lock of his hair which I still have.

It was a dreadful experience but these things helped. So if it's too late I'd suggest having him cremated. That way he/she's always with you.

tinkerbell

Hey Harpie, I'm very sorry to hear this Losing a dog is just like losing a member of your family because he is part of the family. Just be glad in the thought that he will not be in pain anymore because he will be in doggy heaven.

Harpie

Thanks so much everyone for your comments every one of them has been a great help..Its bee a tough few days and I'm still findin it hard to go in2 the kitchen and not see him there but I'm taking solace in the fact that he was quite ill in the end and it was the fairest thing to do..Thanks again for all your comments xxxx

eveie

This thread is making me cry and im at work….not good.
My dog dies a few weeks ago aged 16, he was a legend of a dog, my dad knocked him down one night, he would lock my dogs up every night and feed them and my dogs ran up to the farm via the field, they always cut across my grannys’ avenue but this night my dog ran right infront of my dads jeep and he couldn’t do anything to avoid him. Im just so happy he suffered no pain. I miss him so much but im not living at home anymore so I try not to think about him but after reading this its bringing it all back, my other dog had puppies the day before prince died. He was a part of the family and brought us so much happiness throughout the yrs my whole family were devastated and still are.
Try to think of the good times I know its difficult but it would be worse if he was in pain
Take care

SnowMonkey

Hi op

So sorry to hear that ...

i no how you feel on 3 ocasions
first was my cat BowBow she was black and really excentric she got hit buy a car i did actually cry a lot that day and cas arnt the clsist thing....
the other was my dog rex when i was a kid we live in a forrest in england near birimighum over 1000 achers and i had a german pointer called rex who got bitten bye an adder i lost him to.
I also lost a golden retreaver called benny to an ader but where we lived was south centel snake town they where every where so it couldnt of been helped. but im sorry to hear that dogs are such good companions...

Youle never replace him but you can allways get a new one who can be just as a good of a chum as the others ..
ive now got a rotwiler cross called tess and a staffy called lucy
the rot is stooopid the staf is so so so smart and great around kids

Lone Stone

Harpie wrote: »

Went to the vets this morning to pretty much say goodbye to my dog..We've had him since I was about 10 (I'm 21 now) and I think he's going to be put to sleep 2nite..I'm in absolute bits at the mo- can't stop crying and keep expecting to see him in the kitchen when I go in...Never really experienced losing anyone close to me and I just feel awful :(

I know how your feeling i went through the same thing with my cat who i also had for 10 years i went to the vets when they were putting her to sleep i had her on my lap as was there with her till the end maybe you should go i didnt want my cat to die alone with some stranger took ages to get over it.

trowelled

Sorry to hear about your pet Losing a pet is tough. I remember when we lost our dog Shandy I cried. I was 17 or 18 at the time. I went up to school after lunch and my friend could sense there was something wrong with me and as I proceeded to tell her I cried so teacher called me out of the room but she smirked at me when i told her why I was crying. She thankfully is in the minority as most people are only too aware of what it is like to lose a pet especially one which has been in tha family for years, it truly is like losing a member of your family!!

RandomDave

Good luck. Don't forget the dog probably loved you as much you love the dog. Just remember all the good times you had, and the fact that you gave them a wonderful life.

Puddleduck

Dammit, this thread made me cry. Im thinking of my own poor oul fella. Hes blind and his back legs look like there going. I wont be able to be there when it happens, its just too hard. Ive worked in a pound and hated watching it but its kinder in the end for them if theyre in pain. None of us live forever, but at least the dog had a good life

Fanny Cradock

I'm reminded of my dog, Jessie. 17 she was before her last visit to the vet. For years I forbade family from taking that tip sooner, but in retrospect it was for the best. You'll remember your dog for all the good times.


It's funny how these stories get a big reaction. I guess the phrase 'man's best friend' has some truth after all.


*whimper*

ODD-JOB

I had to do the same for my dog Elmo ,
so sad , like you said , my dog was always there to meet and greet me with unconditional enthusiasm !!!

He slept in my room actyally shared the bed usually , only when i feel asleep he'd jump up ! he knew he wasnt allowed - the cheeky thing :rolleyes:

I'd wake in the morning to find his big brown eyes staring at me at point blank range !!
Everyday when I put my belt on , he'd think it was his lead for walking ... errupting into a frenzy of excitement .

Just to put your mind at rest a little , the passing is painless for your dog..... apparently administered by anesthetic . I told the vet that I'd like to go that peacefully when my time comes.

Hope you feel ok , and hope your fella is prancing around up there , peeing on the trees of doggy paradise.

IanCurtis

This is a personal issue? A fcuking dog? :rolleyes:

anonymous_joe

If you've ever had a pet you'd know what this is like.

Can't offer much other than that I understand how it feels. Good luck.

IanCurtis

Have some compassion for people first and respect for a dopey useless animal might follow.

Remember, a dog will begin to eat its dead owner after only a few days.

anonymous_joe

That's not much help for someone whose lost their dog...

Compassion for people and animals aren't mutually exclusive. Lots of people with pets love them, nothing wrong with that. I know my dog's part of the family. A dirtier, smellier part, but still, part of the family.

Losing a pet hurts a lot, I know that.

TheBigLebowski

IanCurtis wrote: »

a dopey useless animal

Pot calling kettle black.

Marksie

IanCurtis: do not post like this in PI again. You are well aware of the charter. I am infracting you for the combination of your first comment and the second (no.47)

Folks, just ignore his post.

xzanti

IanCurtis wrote: »

Remember, a dog will begin to eat its dead owner after only a few days.

I believe that's cats your thinking of there Ian... I'm open to correction though..