My beautiful boy is being put to sleep later today

[Electrocute1980]

I feel like my heart is breaking. It's 100% the right thing to do, he has so many health problems and is in pain but it's so so hard. The vet is going to come to the house as he is such a nervous boy and we don't want that to be his last moments. I haven't cried like this for a long time.

What a gorgeous boy...bless you .💐

"it's the last act of love you do for them"

This is so true. I think we all wish, that when our time comes, there'll be someone to do this for us.

I've been through this 3 times. It never gets any easier. But I take comfort in the knowledge that I did not fail my beloved pets when they faced the last hurdle.

RIP Alfie. You were obviously much loved. x

So sorry for your loss. I honestly believe that if there is an after for any of us, our best boys and girls will be there waiting xx

Sorry I didn’t see this yesterday. I’m so very very sorry. You did the right thing and it was indeed the last act of love you could give Alfie, letting him trot off to rainbow bridge enveloped in your love.

I don’t want much for this life of mine but I do want the choice to join my girl there when I go.

She will be waiting with a huge welcome committee I’m sure.

Run fast and free Alfie x

I'm really struggling today. Just can't stop crying. The empty spaces where his bed should be, his food and water bowls, his lead and collar not hanging at the back door. But worst being on my own in the house because even when everyone was at work and school, he was always here with me. Tell me it gets easier.

It doesn’t get easier. You will always miss your boy. You will however find a way to remember him with smiles rather than tears.

I still shed a tear (or fifty) over my girl almost 5 years on.

The emptiness and the dog shaped hole takes some living with but it can be done. It is all so very raw for you just now and time needs to heal you x

He was such a gorgeous little dog by the way.

I had my old girl put to sleep on the 3rd of Jan and I am feeling what you're feeling.
I was hoping it would get better but the emptiness in my usual madhouse is unbearable.

I spent the last few months of her life cooking for her, watching every move, cleaning up her accidents, giving tablets and vet visits and I just don't know what to do with myself anymore.
The empty spaces and constant reminders are so painful. I keep talking to and stroking her little jumper. I feel like I've lost the plot to be entirely honest.

I went back to work Saturday and Sunday but have been off this week as I've also got the worst cold I've ever had now. I'm sure that isn't helping as I feel physically and mentally not well.

I wish I could tell both of us something that would stop the hurt but I can't.
Just know you're not alone.

Thank you both so much 

@Carrotcakeforbreakfast I feel exactly the same - for so long now my daily routine has revolved around Alfie's medication, special diet, appointments, never leaving him on his own very long and now I'm lost.

I spoke to a very kind man at the pet crematorium this morning - Alfie's ashes are ready to come home just as soon as we choose an urn for him.

I keep feeling like I'm doing a bit better then it'll hit me that I can't smell his fur anymore and it just feels unbearable again.

Someone asked me yesterday if we'll be getting another dog - part of me can't imagine never having a dog again and the other part can't bear to even think about it because it won't be Alfie.

I keep panicking that I can't remember what she smells like already.

I hope you feel better when you bring him home. It helped me a little bit but was painful too. The people at the pet crem have such hard job but they were so comforting to me.

I still feel a lot of guilt over it all. I know deep down it was the right choice, but because she wasn't suffering as such. Well she could still stand etc I question myself. Awful.

We have spoke about another dog. Not right away and the same as you I cannot imagine being in a house without a dog but equally I feel like I would be wrong to have one as I would always compare it to her or my dog I lost a few years ago.

Again I'm sorry you're feeling this way but it is nice (for want of a better word) to know I'm not alone with this pain.

I am so sorry for your loss, Alfie is gorgeous. Carrotcake, sorry for your loss as well.

I dont have any wonderful words of advice as I havent yet been where you are but my beautiful girl is 10.5 and she is starting to slow down and its on my mind.

Be kind to yourself

@Electrocute1980 & @Carrotcakeforbreakfast

🌷💕it gets ‘less raw’ you miss them as much and it still hurts so much but in time your brain finds space to think about other things as well - it’s not as ‘all encompassing’

Some people just cope better with bereavement of humans/pets than others. I ‘cope’ as in ‘do what needs to be done, plaster a smile on, but I cry at the drop of a hat these days, it’s like the tears are sitting just under my eye balls and if something is a bit sad the tears just flood out. Accumulated grief I suppose ?!

I won’t say it’ll get better, but it will get less intense x

Electrocute yes it does get better, promise. The raw grief that sideswipes you and takes your feet from under you will decrease. It'll still get you from time to time, but it won't happen so often. Think it's very common to feel like you're on a roller coaster in the early days. I always think you learn to accommodate the loss and make peace with it, rather than get over it if that makes sense? The love of a dog, and for a dog, is so pure and innocent isn't it, no wonder it takes time to accept the loss

As for another dog, that's a decision for another day. For now, take each day as it comes. Some and a hug coming you're way, and to others in the same situation

Thank you so much all x

We got his ashes home on Friday so it gives me a little comfort that he's home but the house just feels all wrong.

I really do appreciate all the replies on this thread and although I'm sorry to those also feeling this, it does help to know I'm not alone x

🌷yes, I found getting ashes home helped a bit, but the house does feel empty/wrong when they’re not underfoot. Like most difficult/horrible situations time is a healer on them at score, at least. Or obviously getting another dog - some people get one immediately, others take some time and some people never do. They’re definitely not a replacement for the one you lost, but they bring their own personality to the house and help with some of the ‘missing routine/empty house’ stuff. You’ll know when the time is right x

Thank you @IncrediblySadToo x

I had been thinking I didn't know how we could possibly get another dog as it would feel like trying to replace him but then this morning I was thinking of all the doggies out there in rescue centres desperately needing loving homes so maybe that is something we'll look into in the future. It wouldn't feel right just now though (although I can totally understand why some people get another dog straight away).

Each day will get a little more bearable I know. I think I feel it most when the house is quiet and everyone else is at work and school. I've planned a busy week so I'm out a lot.

Having a busy week is good!

Yes, you’ll never replace Alfie, but you could give a wonderful home to a rescue dog. You’ll know when the time is right 🐶

My friend and her DH weren’t going to get another dog, but just before Christmas they went to lady’s house to pick up a chair they’d had recovered and the two dogs came bounding out to check them out. Short story, they now have the most gorgeous black spaniel! (He was being fostered)

🌈 for Alfie xx

OP I feel like you are me 3 months ago. My mini schnauzer, my baby, lots of daily medications and special diet etc, and we had to PTS. He went downhill very very quickly from us noticing breathing problems to it being clear he was in pain and not getting any better. I won't lie, I still have a little cry most nights about him. I miss him so much. He was giving me kisses even as they were trying to find a vein to give him the injection. I just wanted you to know you are not alone in the pain you are feeling. It doesn't make it any easier but you've done the right thing by your pup xx

@jamburglar I'm so sorry, I just saw your reply. I'm so sorry you are in the same place as me. It's very hard. I'm the same, the house is empty all day when there's just me here then when everyone is home it still feels wrong as someone is missing from our family unit. I miss him so much. The kids want to get another dog but I can't think about it yet. I'm not saying never but nowhere near ready yet. Hope you're ok x