Today we put our 13-year-old dog to sleep. (I’m writing on Thursday the 19th of July, but posting next week). After 3 attempts to place her in a new home, and talking to experts and rescues who agreed the risk was too great for us to keep her, but also that she would likely be a candidate to be abused by someone else should she nip at someone who hasn’t loved her for her entire life, we came to the extremely difficult decision of letting her have a great last day and being surrounded by love when she died.
The night before, Poppet came out to say good-night to “Puppy” and get her toes licked. The next morning my husband woke me up to say my own good-byes, get lots of hugs and scratches, and even let her lick my face (forbidden territory). Then he took her to work with him, he shared a Poutine for lunch with her, and even let her ride in the front seat with the window wide open with no regard for the amount of fur flying around the van. He stayed with her through it all, and said she was so very good.
He had one of the most difficult days of his life.
She had one of her best.
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I’m very sorry…we lost our (old) cats recently..we still are surprised when they don’t wake us up in the morning.I really like how you dealt with final day.
I’m sorry for your loss :(
Oh how heartbreaking. So sorry for your loss. I know the pain of having to give a dog away to another home. I can’t imagine having to make the difficult decision to have my pet put to sleep. I’m sure that was very hard for you and your family.
Sorry to hear about that. I’m sure Puppy will forever live on in your hearts.
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Elizabeth… we had to say goodbye to one of our furry family members about a month ago… My life hasn’t been the same since. Sometimes I wonder why we were given the gift of loving an animal, only to say goodbye much too soon. Blessings to you and yours …
How sad. We had to put our cat down at age 20, and I was heart-broken. We did much the same as you, petting her and holding her before we said good-bye. The sadness does go away, eventually.
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So very sorry for your loss friend. I know that this must have been a very difficult day for you all.
I know it must be devastating to put your furry baby down. My heart goes out to you along with a lot of prayers. So sorry to hear about this. :(
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I am SO very sorry for your loss. I know what a heart-breaking decision you have gone through, having experienced something similar in my own life. Poppet is a beautiful dog and was blessed to be surrounded by such a loving family. I pray that even in the midst of your loss and your grief that you are at peace with your decision.
Oh, Joy, this is so sad… I remember your post about finding a home for her and I thought it was all sorted. I’m so sorry it didn’t work out and that you had to go this way, it must have been so hard for you.
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To say it was tough is an understatement. I think it helped a bit that we went away for the week-end right after, but sure noticing her absence now that we’re back! :-( Thanks for your thoughts!
I’m sorry to hear that it had to come to this, but also glad to hear how well you all handled it and made her last day an enjoyable one.
I am actually in the midst of this same decision with my 14-year-old Chow/Husky cross, for different reasons mind you, but still a tough decision none the less. I have started to write a similar post a few times, thinking it was going to be the day, but she keeps hanging in there for us and we’re making her as comfortable as possible in her last days.
My heart goes out to you and your family, thank you for this post.
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Thank you so much! I’m so sorry you are facing this decision too! I’ve had a cat who just died at home, peacefully. It was far easier than having to actually choose! Appreciate the support.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Being surrounded by love until the very end is so touching…
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I don’t know the history behind your post, but I do know it can be so sad to lose a pet. She was a beaut., and I’m sorry for your loss.
A friend of mine had to put her beloved dog to sleep a few years back for the same reasons. Before she brought him in, she gave him a forbidden snack and let him explore off leash outside. (He was a small dog and not going far)