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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Said goodbye to my much loved dog yesterday

18 replies

NormaJoan · 03/02/2022 09:38

Hi, not posted on Mumsnet before, only lurked but felt that it might help me to post about yesterday when we made the decision to have our gorgeous labradoodle put to sleep. He was nearly 14 and had been unable to go out for walks for a year, but enjoyed pottering around the garden. He has slowly been able to do less and less, for example a two day kennel stay at the beginning of December seemed too much and he was unable to go for a groom for a few months. But yesterday and the evening before his legs seemed to unable to take his weight and he couldn't walk. My DH and I laid with him in the garden ( it was sunny yesterday) and he was sent to sleep there.But I'm so sad and upset and my other dog seems at a loss for things to do (no ears to clean etc).
I feel guilty of course, should I have insisted we wait to see if it was a bad day .... but I know really this isn't the case.
I have had an elderly dog sent to sleep before but this seems more intense, maybe because he suddenly went from just about managing to disaster.
Anyway, I have posted for thoughts/support and I hope I've done it ok.

OP posts:
TyrannysaurusXXrightshoarder · 03/02/2022 09:47

I feel guilty of course, should I have insisted we wait to see if it was a bad day .... but I know really this isn't the case
No lovely, you did the right thing. People on here often say it’s the last kind thing you can do for them, and it is, even though it hurts. I lost my boy last May when he was 15 and my girl in September when she was 14. They soldiered on until, suddenly, they couldn’t anymore. I would never have put them through unnecessary suffering just because I didn’t want to lose them but in the end it was obvious when time was up. I miss them every day - and those that went before. Sometimes I spend ages looking through all the old pictures of them all and although it brings a tear to my eyes it also invariably brings a smile to face remembering all the funny things they did. You’ll get there, don’t worry, and in the meantime have some Flowers and maybe a GinSad

resetting2022 · 03/02/2022 12:07

You must be experiencing incredibly intense emotions but you know that it was the right thing to do. How wonderful for him that he could stay in the garden - his home. So that's where he will always be now, your memory of him.
Bloody dogs - they bring to our lives so much, unconditionally, but by God do we pay for it once they've gone. Beautiful creatures Flowers

Original poster
NormaJoan · 03/02/2022 12:20

Thank you both, your replies have helped. You're right , it was best for him but it hurts a lot . And I agree resetting22, bloody dogs !

OP posts:
FFSFFSFFS · 03/02/2022 12:23

What an absolutely ideal and lovely way for him to go xxxx

SockFluffInTheBath · 03/02/2022 12:28

OP you absolutely did the right thing Flowers you know your dog better than anyone and you just know when it’s time. Cherish the lovely memories x

steppemum · 03/02/2022 12:31

Oh my dear lady. I am in the same situation and my heart is breaking.

We had to have out springer put to sleep yesterday. we should ahve done it on Tuesday, but my ds is at uni and came home yesterday to say goodbye. He was young, only 7, but since Christmas he has been ill, and then went badly downhill in less than a week. We thought we would have a few months left with him.

It is awful. The house is empty, I've had to collect up his toys and blankets and bed as I can't bear to see them empty.

It is so tough Sad

Original poster
NormaJoan · 03/02/2022 12:50

@steppemum I'm sorry for your loss, it's so hard. I keep looking at the place he died, it's like I'm intent on torturing myself.

OP posts:
steppemum · 03/02/2022 13:14

I've had to move his bed and move some furniture. I work in the room where his bed is and I can't sit here and look at it empty Sad

SheldonesqueTheBstard · 03/02/2022 13:25

You’ve done right by your boy.

Off on his way surrounded by love, sunshine and familiar surroundings. Away before life got more difficult for him.

Doesn’t make it easier on you or your DH or your other dog. (A few dogs ago, my dog saw what was going on with the older hound. After a sniff and an inspection, they really did seem to accept it - even though they were clingy and upset for a good while after)

You did right. You know it. He would have known the love.

And now you get to nurse your broken hearts. The price you pay for 14 years of love. Always always worth it even though this bit of the love is the hardest.

We know. 💔 🐾 🐾

SheldonesqueTheBstard · 03/02/2022 13:26

steppemum

🌻 x

Original poster
NormaJoan · 03/02/2022 20:22

Thank you for your kind words. I know it will get a bit easier but I’m really not thinking I can go through it again (although will have to with elderly cat and other dog anyway). I know I’ll be missing out if I don’t get another dog but I’m scared of the pain. However, all of your comments have soothed me so thank you .

OP posts:
newfriend05 · 03/02/2022 21:20

So sorry op 💐

goodbyestranger · 03/02/2022 22:55

Norma I had my beautiful old dog put to sleep this morning and am totally with you. I feel so desperately sad and so guilty too and can’t face going to bed withy him. Sorry to hear you’re struggling too.

goodbyestranger · 03/02/2022 22:55

*without him

steppemum · 04/02/2022 14:06

goodbyestranger

so sorry about your boy. It is so sad Sad

goodbyestranger · 04/02/2022 14:47

Thanks steppemum. My sincere sympathies to you too - I read your post after I'd posted mine.

Original poster
NormaJoan · 04/02/2022 18:12

Sorry for your loss goodbyestranger and I’m thinking of you x

OP posts:
goodbyestranger · 05/02/2022 09:10

Thanks Norma. Same.

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