AIBU to ask you to help me prepare for getting the dog put down

[AntHilda]

I have to go in with her. I'm scared, I find death hard to get my head around even though I have experienced others die in my lifetime so far. The dog is poorly and very old. She is partially blind, has cancer, arthritic and going deaf. The thing is her character and excitement is still there. She is in pain and she having accidents indoors now and I know it's her time.
What are others' experience of this, I don't know if I'm going to be a bit freaked out afterwards but I do want to be the one to hold her as she goes. Appointment is Friday, I'm so sad and frightened for her.

Thank you ♥️
She will be a huge miss x

Well done. You’ve done a compassionate and right thing even though it hurts. Take it easy

Hug

It's the last kind thing you can do for your pet. Hugs x

I hope the guilt doesn't eat you up for long. Think you know you did the right thing lovely.

When my mum put her dog to sleep she was utterly devastated and guilty like you. I bought her a rose that shared the dog's name and she still loves it so very much. They're not cheap but I'd consider getting one for yourself down the line- it will give you a way to remember positively x

Guilt is normal, it’ll pass but please know, you have nothing to feel guilty about. It’s your emotions messing with you. You were a selfless owner. You did right by her, right to the end. She had a lovely life. Be kind to yourself.

Its so hard isn't it. I've many animals put down over the years, from Gerbils to cats. Doesn't matter what size they are, it is just awful. I feel guilty every time but then I remember that I frequently wish we could be as kind to humans who are suffering. You did the right thing.

I was with my dog when she had to be put to sleep. I have never experienced any death before. The vet was kind, I held her in my arms, she felt no pain I just stroked her as she died. I always remember reading that animals get really stressed when they see their owners leave and have always thought it’s not nice for them, they have given so much joy this is just giving back for that last time

You will be doing the best thing for your dog - as hard as that is for you. Be glad that you've given your beloved pet the best life and aren't going to let them be in pain any more. Sending you strength and a big hug

Oh this thread has brought tears to my eyes and I have goosebumps.

You have done the most amazing, selfless act for your dog. They are such beautiful creatures and I dread the day I have to make that decision. I have only had childhood dogs put to sleep, and they have been the only occasions I’ve ever seen my dad cry.

You are in my thoughts. It sounds like she was a special dog xx

OP, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve been int he same position and it hurts so much.

Burying your ddog under a rose bush sounds lovely. It will be a true reminder fo her. Both of my ddogs have their ashes in 2 big planters with bright azaleas planted on top. This means if I move house they come with me. In fact I have moved once and I told the removal men not to dare drop my dogs when I pointed to the big pots. I think they thought I was crazy!
Remember, OP you have doe the kindest thing possible for your old girl.

I have been stewing over it all night and can't settle but it was the right thing to do I know that. I did consider maybe getting a large planter instead, something I can keep indoors maybe or outside, anything really. I just want her home and close again. What has got me is how she looked a bit sad when the medication was clearly taking effect, but I'm not sure if that was just her physiological reaction to the meds. I'm glad she is at peace now and I'm happy that she was in my arms and head resting on my lap as she drifted. Thank you all for the kind words x

My dog was put to sleep on a Friday too, and I still remember walking around the supermarket on Saturday just flinging any old thing in the trolley, feeling like nothing mattered and yet unable to believe how sad and lonely and weird I felt. I think I didn’t realise how much he had been a member of our family until he’d gone. Anyone who has gone through it totally understands though, and it WILL get easier. We had a lovely photo of our dog, taken by our son a few years previously, that we’d totally forgotten about. I got it printed and framed and it made things a bit easier, somehow.
Be kind to yourself this weekend.

I'm so sorry to hear your dog has passed too procrastination4. X

We had to have one of our cats put to sleep just over a week ago and the kids knew he was poorly and I was taking him to the vets so I tried to prepare them for the chance that they may not be able to make him better and we may lose him. They said they understood but they still thought he'd be OK. I took him knowing how unlikely it was that he'd be coming home and he was purring away and being such a darling. I stayed with him as he peacefully slipped away. I got in the car and cried my eyes out even though I knew it was the right decision but having to agree to end a life is heartbreaking. I drove home dreading walking through the gate as the kids would be waiting and hoping he was with me. They're devastated and telling them was awful and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I hope you're coping OK cos you did the right thing even though it doesn't feel like it x

@joFrensham I'm sorry to hear about your cat! What shame for your children too. I have gotten over the guilt mostly. Which, like you say is the worst feeling giving someone to put a much loved pet to sleep. The ashes arrived here today, I felt a bit odd about that, and I just keep expecting her to be chilling in her bed but then I remember n I get a little moment of sadness. It was for the best, I realise that, but my god what a miss. They leave us with such precious memories and will always have a piece of our heart that's for sure!!

Giving someone permission that should have said. X

I understand how hard this is for you. I had to put my 6 year old dog to sleep in april due to a brain tumour.

Its the hardest thing I've ever done. But also the most loyal and loving moment I could have given my baby.

Please please please be there with your dog in his last moments. They do look for you when you don't go in - my vet friend told me this.

They need you there. Just remember you're doing this out of love.

If its the dogs time you will know. And though its incredibly sad and hard you wont feel guilty when it's time

I'm so sorry. It sounds like it was peaceful for me. Many years ago I had to euthanize a young cat when he wasn't recovering from paralysis after an accident. I stroked and talked to him the whole time, and he just quietly went to sleep. Afterwards I broke down and bawled for days. I have many regrets, but the euthanasia itself wasn't one of them.