I’m never getting a pet again!

[Whynotmakeittwo]

I have a 13 year old dog and now that she is old I worry about her all the time, she has cataracts now and is blind and her black fur is almost completely grey.

I am dreading the day that we lose her and know that it’s going to be extremely painful for us. Last night, we had to take her to the emergency vets and I thought that was it. Luckily she is fine now! But the emotions that I felt last night, I don’t want to go through again. I feel like having pets is so much pain. Of course they bring you joy too, and there’s more happy times than sad, but I don’t think I could put myself through this again. She had a lump on her paw a few years ago and again, I was worried sick. I know we probably don’t have long left with her and it makes me so sad, I don’t know how we will cope without her (obviously we will, and that sounds dramatic, but if you have a dog you know what I mean). Lots of people get dogs straight after they lose one because they can’t handle not having a dog in the house and feel it’s too empty etc. but I honestly don’t know if I could cope with the worry and sadness again and the hole that they eventually leave.

Having our nearly 13 year old dog PTS tomorrow. Feel so so sad and dreading being without her. Do have a cat so at least one animal in the house. I’m not planning on getting another (well at least for a year or two). Firstly I want to grieve her and also the financial cost of having animals has gone up so significantly that I want to be sure we can afford easily for the length of their life. It does become hugely expensive as they age and less is covered by insurance (most isn’t). Enjoy your dog and try not to think about when you have to say goodbye. When you do think about all the wonderful memories you’ve made and knowing you’ve given them the best life.

Thank you ❤️ He was a Brittany spaniel rescued from the south of Italy. He was the greediest dog known to man, but also the gentlest. He had a passion for stalking ducks and hunting lizards and was our shadow from the first day we picked him up. He served as the fluffiest pillow for our other dog, who would rest her head on his tummy when they curled up for the night. He was the best dog (but of course, everybody thinks they have the best dog, and they’re all correct).

Sending love ❤️

I get it 💕

Oh, you have voiced everything I feel about pet ownership, I have one dog coming up to 12, who has a medical condition and had cancer twice and the other darling is 10 and had cancer once, she is also a very big breed and 10 is a good age for her breed.
I look at them and have so much love for them, its unbelievable, I hate that they are getting old. They have kept me sane on a couple of occasions and brought so much joy. They are such a big part of our lives. I know for certain I will never get another dog again, no matter what anyone says.

I had to put one of my dogs to sleep about 2 years ago and it's still a very painful memory for me. I will think about her a few times a week - i still miss her terribly. Actually I think about all of my dogs that have died over the years. I have two other dogs and I worry about them getting older. I say if they pass before I do (I'm old) I wont get another pet as I can't stand the pain of them dying.

Thinking of you and sending much love ❤️ xxx

@User68 I am so very sorry.

I got a second dog a few years ago when my older dog started slowing down because I hated the idea of an empty house.

My older dog has lasted longer than I'd expected and is 15 now, the younger one is 5. It'll still be horrible when we lose her but at least I know I won't rush in to replace her because we have another dog. Once the younger one goes (assuming natural life span) I'll be older myself and probably won't want the responsibility of a dog but that will be hard.

i’ve Just come back from putting my beautiful boy to sleep. He collapsed and was in pain. I knew it was the right decision to let him go but I don’t know how I’m going to be through this. He was my world. I’ve just come home to an empty house. His bed is in the corner, his toys are all over the floor. His bowl is still wet from his last meal. I’m utterly bereft. I feel lost.

I am so, so sorry.

Please know that you filled his life with love, he had a good life because of you and in the end you carried out the final act of kindness for him.

Sending you gentle hugs x

Oh she’s beautiful😘😘😘.
I just love her little cone shaped face. 🤣

Oh @ilikemethewayiam Im so sorry. I can’t imagine and dread the day I have know what your pain is like, for me the anticipation is bad enough. As I’ve previously alluded to adore them both as I did or rather do losing my dog will hurt more than losing my parents did.
Please know though that you did the right thing for your best friend.
xx

I lost my almost 12 year old Labrador last month, I very much understand where you are coming from. I always seen myself as someone that would have dogs all the time, but I no longer want that for the same reason, I have been too heartbroken.

Ours is 16. Blind nearly totally deaf and incontinent but on good days he still has a nice time . I feel guilty for even thinking the unthinkable.

When I lost my first pet I was heartbroken. I'd had my kitty from a tiny kitten & got him when I moved out of home to my first place. I had him nearly 20 years & he'd been my confident through a lot, from my early twenties. When I married & had kids he was such a big part of our family. When he passed I said no more cats but we lasted a year & got a new kitten as we missed the company a cat can be. It was the same when we lost our gorgeous dog. He was 13 years old when we had to make the decision to let him go. It was one of the hardest things to decide but we done it for him & had the vet come to the house so he was in familiar surroundings & all the family with him. Again we said we'd never get another dog as it was so painful loosing him, but again we lasted a year & got another one. The house wasn't the same without a dog in it. We now have a nearly 4 year old lab that's absolutely crazy. I think we forgot the puppy stages & were used to an old, laid back gent who slept lots & was happy curled up next to us.
Cherish the time you have left with your baby & don't make any rash decisions when she goes to get another to replace her. They can never be replaced, but having another does help a little.