We have to say goodbye tomorrow

[NoAddedSugarr]

We took our boy to the vet yesterday, he is 13 and they said his quality of life was quite low. He has arthritis and possible dementia. She suggested it was kinder to put him to sleep. So we brought him home and tomorrow he will go back to be put to sleep.
I thought I would be upset but I can't stop crying. Teenage kids are crying its just awful. Im dreading tomorrow. We have picked a spot in the garden to bury him, taken some last photos. Is there anything else I might regret not doing?

Give him a favourite treat that he doesn’t usually have.

A cutting of his fur? I’d want to do this with my cat. Sending love ❤️

We had to do this three weeks ago. We paid for the most amazing company called Beloved Pets to come to our home. He was wrapped in his blankets in my arms safe in his own house. If you can do it at home I really recommend this. Most vets will come to your home if you ask them to. It is excruciatingly sad and we are still reeling from his passing. I’ve never seen my husband cry so much in my life. Sending you thoughts. It is your final act of love for your dog. If only we could do this for humans.

Get paw and nose prints too.

I'm so glad our cremation company did this with a cutting of hair in a keepsake..I treasure them.

Paw prints is a great idea

So sorry..meant to say I really feel for you all. Such a tough time❤️

I’m so sorry, it’s such a hard thing, sending you all my love xx

We did not know they would do this and the prints are beautiful. They are exactly his paws and it nearly finished me off when I saw them. And his little nose too. He was cremated and he is in a beautiful heart shaped polished urn. I am sending you love. It’s so so hard. Dogs are literally man’s best friend and there is a reason that phrase exists.

Bring the vet to you.

I’m crying just reading this!
My friend made me a silver nose print necklace of my beloved dog, I’ve got a lock of my other dogs hair. I cherish these things.
Dogs that are loved as much as yours really do have the best life ever.

Get yourself on amazon prime, order some gede siligum and take a nose imprint.

The pattern on Dogs noses is completely unique, no two are ever the same and it is the main way your dog experienced the world. He probably used it to bop you too.

From that it is very easy to create jewellery or other items using the unique pattern . You dont have to do that right away, but your mould (mold?) will be there when you're ready

I’m so so sorry you’re going through this. This was me a couple of years ago and I still remember and feel every feeling.

I also would hugely recommend having the vet or a company come to your house. It’s absolutely worth it for your dog.

And then everything like nose and paw prints are done by them, and doesn’t cause you or ddog any distress.

take care x

I am so sorry. I can't offer any advice but just sending you and your family support.

Thanks everyone.
I imagined when the time came I would be upset but honestly I've cried more than for relatives that have passed away.
We took lots of photos this evening and just told lots funny stories about him we had forgotten.

Sounds completely reasonable to me OP.
Dogs are much nicer than family members!
Always pleased to see each other.
Dogs don’t moan.
Always love getting their dinner, never complain.
Always up for going for a walk.
And the love, so much love.

I have said this too. It’s a real shock and you feel guilty. I’ve cried more than when I lost a parent and I feel bad about that. But they are more than a dog. They regulate your nervous system, they are your constant companion, they are physically present every day of your life, they live in your home space, they never complain, they are unfailing in their loyalty, they are you forever constant and they give love with no strings attached. You have an attachment and bond that is unique. Since our boy went, the stillness in the house, even with the children still in it, is palpable. We can not fill the giant hole he left. Be kind to yourself. It’s so hard. Hope it goes ok today. I can say that there’s peace in knowing you relieved them of their pain. There’s a pride in that.

Thanks everyone. It went ok, very quick. The vet said she felt we made the right decision which helped.
It's very quiet and I keep forgetting he's not here. I think it also feels like the end of a chapter. The kids are older and dont need me much, now the dog has gone too.
But I do feel good that we took his pain away.