Can I have a handhold please

[GruffBelow]

I know in the grand scheme of things going on in the world right now, this seems minor. But, we have to have our dog put down in an hour and it’s just tipped me over the edge.

2020 has been a bad year for many of us. It started off with a late miscarriage at the end of January for me. I was 20 weeks. Then all the Covid stuff happened and I lost two close relatives in the space of a few weeks, in May. One was elderly but the other one was in her 50s with no underlying conditions, so that was a massive shock. Now this.

I know it’s been coming, he was a large breed and almost 13 so he had a good innings. I don’t know why but this has hit me even harder than everything else. I don’t know if it’s just the straw that broke the camels back. He was honestly the best dog and my best friend really. I work in a very dog friendly place so he came into work with me every day and was nearly always with me. Every day for almost 13 years. He went on holidays with us, was there when I had all the dc, he even pre-dates dh!

I just feel like giving up today. I’m going to miss him so much. The dc are devastated and been crying all morning. They’re all primary age and don’t really understand why he won’t be back. To make things worse because of covid, we can’t go into the vet so I can’t even stay with him. I have to leave him outside.

It’s just shit. Everything’s just so shit right now

You can have more than a handhold, you have a big hug sent across from me.
You have had so much heartbreak to deal with.
I am thinking of you, and hope that things get better from here on in.

💐

I'm so sorry

Sorry to hear this sad news which must be heart breaking coming after all the other sadness. Just remember that you gave your lovely dog a happy life.

Oh no I am so sorry. Please take comfort from knowing it is absolutely the right decision to let him go and not watch him deteriorate further, he is lucky to be spared that. It won't help with the dreadful gap he will leave. Sounds like he had such a fantastic life with constant company and was hugely loved and appreciated. Thinking of you xx

So very sorry

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your beautiful dog had an idyllic life with you and your family, and an easeful death when it was obviously needed. I fully understand, having had and lost many companion animals over the years. Having had the year you have already experienced, I'm impressed by your courage and compassion. Lots of hugs and hand holds.

Sending a hug 💐

I’m so sorry for all you’re going through. Things will get better.

What kind of cold hearted individuals vote that that the OP is unreasonable, but doesn’t have the ovaries to explain why? Cowardly behaviour.

I’m so sorry OP. Your poor dog going to pass has probably been the final straw in what has been an horrendous year. Dogs are a wonderful comfort and I know that holding my little old Yorkie and talking to him was such a help, after I lost my husband. They’re none judgemental and so keen to be close and affectionate to their humans. They’re also completely reliant on us and so trustful, that it can make us feel completely helpless when we can’t give them the proper comfort in return. You’ve given him a wonderful life and he will have helped your children learn compassion and empathy, but now you have to do the kindest last act for him and let him go.

@GruffBelow I'm so sorry you are all going through this. Its not a small thing. Dogs are a huge part of our lives, something I never quite realised until I got my dog. She is 8, a cocker spaniel, so hopefully only about half way through her life. But these 8 years have flown by, so I am dreading having to go through this with her.
I hope your lovely dog had a peaceful end. You are doing the best thing by him. Run free over rainbow bridge gruffsdog

So sorry OP, would you like to share some photos of your doggie? Tell us something about him.

I am so so sorry

But for the sake of your children, who are very vulnerable themselves given their young ages, no school and loss of a pet that has been a presence their entires lives - you need to not let this consume you. It will be tough but you need to gently put your grief to one side for the time being.

I feel for you, I love my own dog so much. To help your children, get a copy of Heaven by Nicolas Allen, sorry I can't think of anything to help you except my understanding and sympathy.

I am so very sorry. Gentle hugs and a handhold for you.

Pain at parting is the price we pay for love; human or animal.
You are doing what is right for your pet because you love him. Remember that.

Sending lots of love to you and your family. I hope your dog is at peace now. You've had an awful year, be kind to yourself and allow yourself to grieve. The good thing with children is how they take things in their stride, they will be devastated, of course, but will get through it.

@bumpsadaisy11 and @CookieSue222 so sorry for you both. Saying goodbye to a much loved pet is so very tough.

Oh it's not not minor at all, dogs are part of your life. I feel for you, I've been through it and you're obviously doing the right thing and love him very much. It's shit, he won't suffer any more though so it's your last unselfish gift to him, if that makes sense.
Big hand hold and hug

*@GruffBelow I am so sorry and there isn't anything I can say that will make you feel better. I cried more when my cat died when my nana died and I think it is perfectly normally. We live with our pets, we see them every day and they are our best friends. I have a dog who is nearly four and I just know I will be broken hearted if she died.

Be kind to yourself. Ignore anyone who dares to say he was just a dog. We all know they are more than just a pet.

Now I have read you can't be with him has brought me to tears as I can imagine how you must feel about that. I was with my cat but we left quickly for reasons I won't bore you with and I will never forgive myself. I think the suggestion to ask to talk on the phone to him is brilliant and I think they should let you.

I am so sorry. I will be thinking of you and if you'd like to tell us about him I am sure we'd all love to read it.

.

It sounds like he won't take long to pass away, could you keep him at home for that process? I did that when my German Shepherd died. It meant we could reassure him and keep him stress-free.
Sending hugs

I'm sorry. 💐

sending a handhold and some and also wondered what unkind and thoughtless people have voted yabu xxx

It's not minor, you're losing a beloved friend. So sorry.

Thank you so much to everyone who has replied. So sorry to all of you who have also lost pets/loved ones.

We went to the vet and they did end up coming outside and giving him the injection while I was holding him. I was in a state but he was so out of it already, I know he didn’t feel any pain. He did look me in the eye the whole time and it actually gave me comfort.

I had a huge cry in the car, got myself together and drove home. I didn’t want the kids to see me in such a state, they’re already upset themselves so I didn’t want to make it worse. It’s horrible coming home to him not here. He was a huge presence, in size and personality! He was 58kg so took up a lot of space. The house feels so empty.

Anyway, life must go on. I will miss him forever but I will cherish all the amazing memories. Our other dog is missing him terribly and has wondered around the whole house and garden looking for him.

I will be ok though. I have no option not to be. I will allow myself a few glasses of wine when the dc go to bed though.

Thanks again for all the support. It was much needed today

Aw op I am so very sorry. This happened to us a few weeks ago, our boy was v poorly and we couldn’t go in but they let us sit outside once he was sedated and took him in for the last part he was in pain and he was old but so so loved also a large breed at 12 We gave him an amazing life and he was loved and I’m sure you have too.

It’s been devastating for us too my boys are lost without him, we got his ashes back recently and have lots of pics of him. Not sure if it gets easier but I hope so. I hope however it happens it’s peaceful for him and as pain free as it can be, thinking of you all