Dealing with a dogs death

musicismylife78musicismylife78 Posts: 6,116
edited May 2008 in All Encompassing Trip
My families dog is being put to sleep today. he is 9 years old, has had major liver problem, stomach is filling up with liquid.

How do I deal with this? Any suggestions? Music, books, films to help me cope?

Its a sad day. Especially considering how important dogs are.

How do I deal with this?
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • patrickredeyespatrickredeyes Posts: 8,834
    My families dog is being put to sleep today. he is 9 years old, has had major liver problem, stomach is filling up with liquid.

    How do I deal with this? Any suggestions? Music, books, films to help me cope?

    Its a sad day. Especially considering how important dogs are.

    How do I deal with this?



    I am so sorry to hear the news about your family dog. :(

    It's never easy and I swear it gets harder everytime.

    Just remember that he won't be in anymore pain. Remember the good times and think of any funny stories with him when he was younger. It helps too laugh just a little bit on days that are so tough like this.


    I wish you and your family well.
  • Boom The CatBoom The Cat Posts: 482
    Remember the good parts, dogs are much more aware than people give them credit for. I'm sure your dog appreciated you as much as you appreciated him. I'm sure as an owner you gave him warmth, shelter, food, water, attention and love. That is the best life a dog can get. Just be happy that you made his like hundreds of times better than it could have been. Take care :)
    no matter where you go,
    there you are.

    - brain of c
  • sweet adelinesweet adeline Posts: 2,191
    sorry to hear about this, dogs can be like family members (or even better than some). putting a dog down is never easy.

    best wishes my friend.
  • JaneNYJaneNY Posts: 4,438
    I am so sorry. We have lost several cats. It is never easy to lose a pet. In terms of practical suggestions on how to deal with it, I guess the best thing to remember is his pain will be over and he won't be hurting anymore, and remember that he had a good life with your family.
    R.i.p. Rigoberto Alpizar.
    R.i.p. My Dad - May 28, 2007
    R.i.p. Black Tail (cat) - Sept. 20, 2008
  • pouch15pouch15 Posts: 436
    Sorry to hear this, one question, What race was your dog?
  • TowsertunesTowsertunes Posts: 187
    Sorry about your situation.
    I had a great dog for 15 years and his health was deteriorating
    so I put him down.
    It was very hard.
    There will be a normal grieving process which is very healthy and helpful.
    Time will be your best asset,and yes, it gets better.
    I often think of him and have fond memories.
    Sometimes a new dog(puppy) helps the transition.
    Good Luck.
    "they don't give a shit Keith Moon is dead,
    is that exactly what I thought I read?"


    How I choose to feel,...Is how I am.
  • normnorm Posts: 31,146
    Rainbow Bridge

    Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

    When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
    There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
    There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

    All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
    The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

    They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

    You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

    Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
  • iluvcatsiluvcats Posts: 5,153
    I'm very sorry about your family's dog. Losing a pet is awful. My cat already had medical problems but then something changed. Within 2 weeks, he was put to sleep. It was up to me to decide when. I felt like someone ripped by heart out. It's still hard for me to talk about him without getting a lump in my throat.
    It's not a year yet.

    I woke up when I was 23 (25 years ago) to find my Persian cat dead by me, on the floor, at the age of 4! I mourned for 3 weeks. I honestly don't know how I got over it.
    Time?

    my sister got another cat about 3 months after she had her cat put to sleep due to a kidney problem. I could not do that. I'm not sure when I'll get another pet.

    hang in there
    9/98, 9/00 - DC, 4/03 - Pitt., 7/03 - Bristow, 10/04 - Reading, 10/05 - Philly, 5/06 - DC, 6/06 - Pitt., 6/08 - Va Beach, 6/08 - DC, 5/10 - Bristow, 10/13 B'more
    8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
    10/10 - Brad in B'more
  • PJ_LukinPJ_Lukin Posts: 2,055
    Find your favorite picture of him and keep and keep it close by. Ultimately, that is how you will remember your friend. Mine left me almost 15 years ago and I still miss him.
    ~!~ Peace ~!~ Love ~!~ Pearl Jam ~!~
  • TowsertunesTowsertunes Posts: 187
    cutback wrote:
    Rainbow Bridge

    Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

    When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
    There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
    There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

    All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
    The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

    They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

    You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

    Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

    This story is what the vet sent me in the mail after I put my dog down.
    He also included an ink print of my dog's paw on a blank card,like a "fingerprint".
    I now have that framed with his picture.
    "they don't give a shit Keith Moon is dead,
    is that exactly what I thought I read?"


    How I choose to feel,...Is how I am.
  • FifthelementFifthelement Lotusland Posts: 6,961
    My sympathies to you and your family. Like others have said, grieve and remember. It is never easy.

    Pax!
    "What the CANUCK happened?!? - Esquimalt Barber Shop
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    I'm so sorry about your puppy :(
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • EvilMerlinEvilMerlin Posts: 1,865
    I'm really sorry about your loss. :(

    As far as what to do, I never could read, watch tv or anything like that if I'm suffering a loss. I've gotta be out and be active. I can't focus if I'm just sitting there. I'll read 30 pages of a book and remember maybe 1 page. The thoughts will just continue on and I'll continue to be sad. Not that I shouldn't be sad, but I just end up sitting there and not very functional. So if I'm out doing things that keep me busy, I'll keep my head up and have a bit more focus, all while still thinking about all the good times.
  • markymark550markymark550 Columbia, SC Posts: 5,173
    It's always sad whenever a pet dies. I'm sorry about your dog :(

    Like others have said, take solace in the fact that he won't be in any more pain and to remember the good times you had with your dog.
  • PJaddictedPJaddicted Posts: 1,432
    Sorry about your beloved dog. Petloss.com helped me when I lost my two dogs last year.

    oxc
    ~*LIVE~LOVE~LAUGH*~

    *May the Peace of the Wilderness be with YOU*

    He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
    — Unknown
  • spongersponger Posts: 3,159
    The vet that put my dog down let me have it done outside on the grassy area in front of the animal hospital.

    It was a little embarassing because there I was this grown man crying his eyes out in front of everyone. One of the receptionists brought me a box of tissues from inside, so they must've heard me from all the way in there.

    Anyhow, it's comforting for me, however, to think that maybe my dog's last moments were filled with a sense of peace and tranquility from being outside in the grass next to a person who cared for him.

    I am very thankful that it did not have to happen on one of those cold, stainless steel beds that are typically found in pet hospital rooms.

    At any rate, I suggest just trying to remind yourself that you did all you could to give your pet a fulfilling, happy life.
  • OneLoveOneLove Posts: 563
    I am so sorry. Hugs to you and your family. Hang in there.
  • patrickredeyespatrickredeyes Posts: 8,834
    I've told this story before. But when my dog Mandy had to be put to sleep a few yrs ago. They let us come in and be with her as they gave the shot. Holding her paw in my hand I watched as she closed her eyes and went to sleep. Right across from us there was a brown lab giving birth to pups. It was the circle of life right in front of my eyes. I'll never forget that.


    Once again I am sorry for all the sadness and pain your going threw.
  • the wolfthe wolf Posts: 7,027
    im very sorry to hear this. my dogs are getting old too, they are 12. not looking forward to that day.

    my heart goes out to you.
    Peace, Love.


    "To question your government is not unpatriotic --
    to not question your government is unpatriotic."
    -- Sen. Chuck Hagel
  • chiquimonkeychiquimonkey Posts: 9,337
    i am so sorry for your loss :(
  • genevievegenevieve Posts: 1,203
    Hello,

    As a person who has worked in a veterinary clinic for a while I feel your pain.
    Ive sennmany animales put down. Its always hard.
    You know what can help you get through this?
    Do you know how many animals die in pain? How many come in in very poor condition and the owners have neglected?
    You and you family loved your pet. Gave it the love and respect it deserved. Brought it in to have a fair death. The staff cares. And I care everytime I read a thread like this.

    I say this time and time again.
    Euthanasia is a mercy we only wish we had for human family members.

    Take care and talk about your pet often.
    That is what keeps them alive the longest.
    the person below me smells like cat pee and raisins...
  • ForestBrainForestBrain Posts: 460
    Oh, man, I know what you're going through. My cat had bladder stones and he was in constant misery. We tried having them removed, but he kept getting them. We had to put him to sleep. It was so hard.
    When life gives you lemons, throw them at somebody.
  • WobbieWobbie Posts: 30,430
    One week ago today, we had to put our dear doggie down. She was 13 and it was awful. Some kind folks have given me some very thoughtful words on the ~~~~doggie~~~~ thread. My heart goes out to you :(

    http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=114049&page=110

    http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll56/ddgrh8r/IMG_0008.jpg
    imalive wrote:
    A friend gave this to my wife. It really hit home with me. I've always carried Shelby's love and look forward to the day I can feel better about this. I liked this idea so much I retyped the thing my wife got and I'm going to pass it on to the next pet owner who needs it...

    If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember. The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your new friend. You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed. You may have asked opinions of many friends or done research finding a breeder. Or, in a fleeting moment, you may have chosen that silly looking mutt at the shelter, simply because something in its eyes reached your heart. But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore…when you feel it brush against you for the first time, it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through many years to come.

    The second day will occur years later. It will be a day like any other. Routine and unexceptional. But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth. You will see slow deliberate steps where you saw energy. You will see sleep where you once saw activity. You will begin to adjust your friend’s diet and you may add a pill to her food. And, you may feel a growing uneasy feeling until the third day arrives.

    On this day, if your friend or your higher being has not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own on behalf of your lifelong friend. Whichever way your friend leaves you, you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night.

    If you are wise, you will let the tears flow freely as they must. If you are typical, you will find that not many family and friends will be able to understand your grief. But, if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul, smaller in size than your own, seems to walk with you at times, during the lonely days to come. At those moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary, you may feel something brush against your leg. And, looking down at the place where your dear friend used to lie… you will remember those three significant days. The memory will be painful. As time passes, the ache will come and go. You will reject it and embrace it and it may confuse you. If you reject it, it will depress you. If you embrace it, it will deepen you. Either way, it will still be an ache.

    But, there will be a forth day when, along with the memory of your pet, and piercing through the heaviness in your heart, there will come a realization that belongs only to you. It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with the pet we have loved and lost. This realization takes the form of a Living Love, like the heavenly scent of a rose. This Love will remain and grow, and will be there for us to remember. It is a love we have earned. It’s the legacy our pets leave us when they go… and it’s a gift we keep with us as long as we live. And until we leave, perhaps to join our beloved pets, it is a Love we will always possess.


    It makes me feel a little better :).
    If I had known then what I know now...

    Vegas 93, Vegas 98, Vegas 00 (10 year show), Vegas 03, Vegas 06
    VIC 07
    EV LA1 08
    Seattle1 09, Seattle2 09, Salt Lake 09, LA4 09
    Columbus 10
    EV LA 11
    Vancouver 11
    Missoula 12
    Portland 13, Spokane 13
    St. Paul 14, Denver 14
    Philly I & II, 16
    Denver 22
  • Nothingman54Nothingman54 Posts: 2,251
    Watch Old Yeller. I need mulch.
    I'll be back
  • SmartypantsSmartypants Posts: 114
    I'm so sorry for what you're going through. I've been through this a few times and I don't think there's very much that will make the next few days, weeks, months easier.

    When my dog died a few years ago, I accidentally found something that made me feel better in the long run. I was writing in my journal that night and found myself writing a list of all the things I loved about her, all the funny things she'd done and the adventures we'd gone on together. I bawled like a baby writing that journal entry so I can't say that it made me feel much better at the time. I would also remember things days and weeks later and add them to the list.

    Over time that hurt began to heal and I began smiling when I thought of her, instead of always crying. And whenever I open that journal and read that long, long list of things it always makes me happy and some of it even makes me laugh. I never would've believed it could happen, but there are even some things on that list that I'd forgotten over time. So I'm grateful that I did it and now I do it for all my pets.
    michelle

    power to the peaceful
  • stateoflove79stateoflove79 Posts: 2,845
    I've told this story before. But when my dog Mandy had to be put to sleep a few yrs ago. They let us come in and be with her as they gave the shot. Holding her paw in my hand I watched as she closed her eyes and went to sleep. Right across from us there was a brown lab giving birth to pups. It was the circle of life right in front of my eyes. I'll never forget that.


    Once again I am sorry for all the sadness and pain your going threw.

    That's an interesting story...

    For the poster, I am so sorry for your loss. My wife and I had to put a dog down 3 months ago and we still grieve...we probably always will, he was a special boy...

    As others have said, remember the good times. Dogs are seriously like family. Hell, they BECOME family. I call my dog "son"...lol

    Sorry for your loss...never forget.
    Is it so wrong to think that love can keep us safe?
  • Rainbow Bridge

    Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

    When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
    There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
    There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

    All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
    The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

    They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

    You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

    Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

    Author unknown...
    sorry to hear that it's so sad:( hugs
    "You're the eve of my destruction in the garden of fears"
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