Did you stay with your dog when they were put to sleep?

[Daytimetellysucks]

Did you regret it?

I really hope I don’t upset anyone, but I’m having a bit of a hard time with this and just really wondered if anyone else felt the same

We very sadly had to have our dog put to sleep last week.

He had been unwell and we knew we were coming to the end of the road, but he deteriorated very quickly in the end and none of us were ready for him to go.

I stayed with him the whole time, there was never any question of me leaving him, and of course I’d do it again in a heartbeat, but I do regret it.

It was very calm and gentle and the vet was brilliant but I just can’t forget that last moment and I wish I hadn’t been there.

When our dog died last week, he'd become ill the evening before and given pain relief - we were meant to take him in to be PTS the next morning. We stayed with him all night and in the morning the kids said goodbye and I took them to school. He died in the 15 minutes I was gone, I feel so, so guilty I wasn't there. I think you'd have regretted not being there as well - there's no nice experience option.

I try to take comfort that mine died in his medicated sleep in his own bed but I don't know for sure he was calm and not scared, it makes me so sad. I think the dying dominates your memories at this stage, however it happens. I'm hoping it passes soon, sending hugs.

I've always been there for mine. It's not a particularly pleasant experience but I think the alternative would leave me feeling rather guilt ridden.
It's a rather small gesture in the grand scheme of things, given the amount of love and devotion they've demonstrated for all those years too.

Our cat is poorly. Vet told us last week that he has kidney disease and that they are very enlarged. Was put on a drip overnight and he looked better. The vet let us bring him home. Said to call back if he takes another turn for the worse. I have been up for hours with him this morning. His eyes have a sunken look and white at the bottom. He is drinking a lot but not eating. It's time to day goodbye. My 9 year old daughter has said her goodbyes this morning and I need to make the call to the vet as soon as it opens. Doesn't feel right. Feel like I am killing him.

Yeah, I wanted her to know I was there with her and she wasn't alone. She had been unwell for 10days, after 2 operations and a £1200 vet bill we let her go. she was in too much pain. She was 13yrs old 😢.
No I didn't regret it, would do it again.

Love you suzi 🐶

My old dog had developed Lymphoma in the weeks prior to her death and it was a real struggle to watch her deterioration.
I actually found the final act quite therapeutic in some ways.

Thecounter I completely agree! I was so relaxed knowing she wasn't in pain anymore

My grown up son (who had nevertheless grown up with our dog) was hundreds of miles away working, and I think 6months on his pain at our family's loss is greater than mine, my husband and daughter's, who were all with our dear dog at the end.

Yes I did stay and will do so for future dogs (& horse). I couldn’t leave them with people they didn’t know for their last moments

My DH and I stayed with our dog. It still makes me cry when I think about it. It was over two years ago but I’m very glad I stayed with her. I held her while she passed. My MiL leaves her pets when it’s time to PTS and walks away. I find it very strange and cold behavior towards something who has given you comfort over the years. I think being with them in the end is your last act of love for them. Sorry for your loss.

I stayed with both of mine. I'd recommend it. I'd hate to regret not being with them during their final moments

I stayed with my dog. I was 15 and my parents couldn't cope with it and went back to the vet's car park. Afterwards we all sat in the car and sobbed for ages.
Also my cat, the saddest day of my life, but I would have never left her alone. I think about her and miss her every day.
Unfortunately that inevitable pain comes along with the joy of having an animal in your life...