Comments on: How Do You Say Goodbye To Your Best Friend..your Dog?

By: Official Banana

Official Banana — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:08:03 +0000

I am sorry to say I disagree with putting a dog down. I only would agree if the dog had been hit by a car/burnt/injured and was severely hurt and unsaveable.
I think of an old person with ailments, and think – would you want them put down? NO. Sometimes when the end is near, people precipitate it by putting the dog to sleep – er, no – you mean killing your dog. Why not let your dog go naturally, when he or she is ready? There are meds to keep the dog pain free – which is the same you’d do for someone elderly. Keeping comfortable until she is ready. I’ve had other pets pass away on their own — and unfortunately, I had my 12 year old sheltie die just last year. He had cancer of the pituitary gland, the doctor said it’d be wise to do some tests – and the outlook was bleak… so he said they had meds to keep him comfortable – He still ate, went out and functioned (though his hearing was bad, he had a growth on his side and was starting not to hold his pee). Within a month, we knew the end was near. He stopped, eating, drank a lot, peed here and there more, and basically just laid around for two days. We could also tell because his breath became rancid, he could not hold food down and his gums were white. We stayed with him as his breaths became shallow and he passed away on his own in our arms at 5am. We were glad we were there to soothe him and talk to him until the last minute and did not make ourselves responsible for his death. He literally stood up, barked at us in 30 second spurts (as if he were talking to us – or saying goodbye) then he collapsed and passed away. He died when he was ready and on his own – I did not feel the burden of having to make a decision to have him killed. He was my baby. My favorite. I will miss him forever.

By: Stef S

Stef S — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:34:04 +0000

I am very sorry to hear about your doggy. I know how upset you must feel. I will tell you a story about a very similar experience that my mom had with a dog. She got this dog when she was born. It was kinda like a first birthday present. She loved that dog with all of her heart. She did everything with him and he was her best friend. When she was 14, bootsie (the dog) got old and sick and had to be put to sleep. She was devestated, and could’nt even go with her parents to put bootsie to sleep. She stayed in her room for days crying. Every dog she had after that was just another dog. She couldn’t be close to or love any other dog. But, this past year we got a puppy and this puppy actually broke the “curse” and my mom actually grew to love another dog. She still cries telling the story about bootsie, but she is grateful that a dog has come along that she can love again. I know this is hard for you, but you will be ok and you will be able to love another dog someday. It took my mom almost 30 years. You will never get over the loss of your best buddy but you will be able to heal. I know that your dog wouldn’t want to see you sad. So, think about the happy things in life, and never forget the happy memories that you’ve shared with you dog all these years. I hope i’ve helped make you feel a little bit better knowing that your not alone. i hope a miracle comes along for your dog. Best of luck.

By: Kecia & the Sibe sled crew

Kecia & the Sibe sled crew — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:12:23 +0000

First off I am so sorry for what you are going through. This is never an easy subject yet we have all had to go through this at one time or another. There is a poem that I found a little comforting when I had to say goodbye to one of my own. The hardest thing is knowing when and not feeling selfish for not wanting them to go. The best last gift you can give is to be with them to say goodbye. I still cry when I read this poem, but I think back more on all the wonderful memories I had with my dog rather than when I had to make that heart wrenching decision to do what was best for my dog rather than what I really wanted to do which was keep her with me forever.
I Loved You Best
Author Unknown
So this is where we part, My Friend,
and you’ll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you’ll surely find.
I will go on, I’ll find the strength,
life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
share one last look, before I grieve.
There are others, that much is true,
but they be they, and they aren’t you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
will remember well all you’ve taught.
Your place I’ll hold, you will be missed,
the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
take with you this…I loved you best.

By: She's got me dancing

She's got me dancing — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:42:10 +0000

Look I know your feeling terrible… I have a 3 year old lapdog and she always cheers me up when i’m alone. Whenever I think about her moving on eventually… I get VERY teared up and just bawl until I pet her and end up soothing myself and her. She’s always there for me. It really is up to you but is keeping her alive for a few more weeks or 2 months or so but at the cost of her going through constant pain worth it? I honestly would put her down… I know it’s terrible but… Honestly if you can spare this dog the bodily pain you are actually helping her out here… I think you should just give her a soft hug and just give her plenty of affection before allowing the vet to let it happen… I know it’s VERY painful but it might be the right thing to do if you can spare her the pain. I’m not completly sure because the meds and scribes may actually keep her alive for a year or more. I doubt it but there’s a slim chance. All in all if she’s experiencing worsening emotional and phsyical pain every day. I’d just have her put down but let her go out with TONS of affection and love… It IS up to you… I actually am feeling horribly depressed typing this… Best of luck to you and her…

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:01:13 +0000

I know what you are going through. It sounds like she is suffering. Do the humane thing and put her at rest. You will always have the good memories to keep her spirit alive within you. She is 13 years old and has lived a good life I am sure. Keep plenty of photos around of her when she was feeling better to help with the good memories. It is a very hard decision to make, but it is the humane thing to do, although very hard. You are right, no other dog could possibly take her place. Time will heal your sorrow. Be there with her if you decide to put her down so she is not afraid and tell her how much you love her. Maybe someday another dog will live on in her spirit and bring joy and happiness to you. Best wishes. Letting go is the right thing to do.

By: wishnuwe

wishnuwe — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:30:14 +0000

May I Go Now?
May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I’ve lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn’t want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go
I really do.
It’s difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you’re sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.
I’ll not be far,
I promise that, and hope you’ll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too,
that’s why it’s hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you’ll let me go today
PUT ME TO REST
Time to let me go my friend,
Because my life no-one can mend,
It’s better to let me go this way,
Than watch me suffer night and day.
I’m happy to go, my time has come,
My quality of life is no longer fun,
I’ve been so ill, so it’s not a bad thing,
To let me go forever resting.
Stay with me till I drift away,
Fast asleep forever I pray,
To relieve me from suffering and pain,
What more can I ask from my best friend.
Don’t be sad, I’ll be free from pain,
Never to be ill ever again,
I know you’ll miss me being there,
But all the memories you have to share.
Thank you for being my best friend,
And all my needs that you did tend,
Try not to be sad, try not to cry,
Now is the time to say goodbye
Put me to rest.

By: kegger

kegger — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:54:20 +0000

oh y gosh,in soooo sorry… i too have been thru this many times,unfortunatley,ive always had really large dogs and their longest life span so far has been eight years.some disease always steps in,and they give you as much time as they can..i think they wouldve hung on longer just for me,but those glazed teary sick looking eyes look at up for permssion,i think.youllnow, youll know the day,the hour even. they tell you .please tell them its ok and god needs them back now, cry until you cant, sing him songs,whisper how lovely he is. and of cours say thankyou. think about HOW LUCKY YOU WERE to be chosen to share those years. it will be ok hun.but follow the eyes of his soul and your instincts,let me know if you need to talk ..nancy

By: Sassy Shibas- sea kittens = yum!

Sassy Shibas- sea kittens = yum! — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:31:19 +0000

It is undoubtedly heartbreaking to lose a pet – I know I teared up reading this question…
There’s not a lot anyone can say or do to make you feel better…much like losing a human family member, there is grief and pain and sadness. Letting yourself feel these is the best thing you can do. You don’t need to hold back tears so the vet won’t see…I’m sure most of them tear up as well and they don’t know your dog a QUARTER of the amount that you do. When we had to put down our collie, the vet did the procedure and then left the room to give my mom and me some time. My mom cried and hugged her and took her collar out of the room with her. I was left to hug her and kiss her long nose and tell her just how much I loved her and how sorry I was and how much I would miss her.
It’s wrenching, no doubt about it…but I promise, that pain will lessen a little bit every day. Just let yourself be sad and don’t let anyone try to tell you that it’s not worth being that upset over.
I’m so sorry for your impending loss. Thank you for knowing that now is the time to let her go…

By: Mom of Three

Mom of Three — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:40:47 +0000

There is a *really hard* mind shift that you have to make.
She has been amazing for you, with never a thought for herself. Well, now you get to return the favor. Yes, you’ll miss her and there will never be another her, but making her suffer after all these years of loyal companionship wouldn’t be right, right?
Be brave, thank her for her love, assure her she’ll be one of the first you look for when you get to the other side and lovingly send her on.
Good luck to you both.

By: pixiedus

pixiedus — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:04:56 +0000

I’m so sorry about your doggie. I know how you feel because I had to do the same thing with my dog who was my best friend. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. But even though I woud have gave anything to save my buddy..there was nothing I or the vet could do..he just got old and got to where he couldnt walk or eat and was in so much pain all he could do was lay and whine. The morning I had to let him go, I lay all morning next to him on the floor and hugged him and talked to him and told him how much I loved him and bawled my eyes out. And bless his heart he would lick me and look at me with those big brown eyes as if to say he understood and loved me but was ready to go. Its been 6 years since then and as I write this I am tearing up remembering it. But it is better to end their suffering then to let them be miserable. I coudnt take him on that final trip to the vets, I had to have my husband do it, but I had said my goodbyes before he left and was so thankful I had someone that could take him. Just remember all the good times you had together and know she will not be suffering anymore. Letting her go to sleep for the final time is a last gift you can do for her..letting her go in peace. God Bless my heart goes out to you.