Saying goodbye

[Aroundtheworldandback]

Sorry to post a sad thread. We have booked for next Saturday to put down our beloved King Charles Spanial age 14.5. His back legs are just bone now and it’s time. I’ve just put him on a “naughty” sofa and he’s crawled into my lap to thank me- it’s breaking my heart.

Does anyone have any experience of helping children through this? Mine are late teens and don’t remember life without him. Should they come in with me or will it scar them?

Apologies again for the morbid thread.

We lost my beloved black lab when I was late teens. I remember when he joined the family. He was such a character. I'd have liked to go to the vet to say goodbye but was away when his time came. Ask your kids what they prefer.

I am 40 now and there have been plenty of dogs in between but Ben still holds a very special place in my heart and is often brought up at family gatherings. We laugh at some of the stories of his puppy silliness. I am sorry your pup has reached his time.

Thanks Cath, maybe one of the reasons Ben holds such a special place in your heart is because you connected him with your childhood. I know we’ll be talking about our little boy and his funny naughty ways forever.

Awww, sorry to hear this.

I don't know if you have had a dog PTS before but even if it goes really well it still stays in your mind forever. As teenagers they are old enough to decide for themselves I suppose but I think it would be nicer to bring doggie home afterwards and let everyone say goodbye that way.

Thinking about it from doggies point of view, I would say no more than one or two people in the room is best, preferably older adults. It's awfully hard to keep it together but you must for him. Younger people may be less able to do that, which might scare or upset your dog.

Hugs x

I wish I’d let our old boy slip away at home. Would have been much nicer then the frantic panicked trip to the vets, which turned out to be his last. Wish we could have taken him home for a few hours and let the vet come to us. If you speak to your vet they may be happy to come out. Much nicer to let them go whilst on their bed, at home, surrounded by their loved ones. So sorry you’re going through this.

I'd get the vet to come to you, as a PP said we took our old girl to the vets and she was distressed to be out of the house that I hugely regret. Let them go in their bed, surrounded by you all. That way, everyone gets to say goodbye. Our eldest was with us when we had our 1st dog PTS - she was around 14 and asked to come, she was heartbroken but was glad she was there. I'm sorry your boy has reached his time - it's the worst decision to have to make .