How do you get over having to put a dog to sleep?

Question

My mom and dad had my dog that I had since I was 11 and well yesterday my mom called and said they needed to put her to sleep because she was in a lot of pain and had blood tumors. Even though I got to tell her good bye and that I loved her. It still hurts pretty bad and I was wondering if anyone had advice on how to feel better about this.

Answer 1

I'm so sorry for your loss :( Having a dog for so long is just like another member of the family. People just don't understand sometimes!

My husband's parents had their dog for 14 years and had to put her to sleep this very day last week. She was a lovely old dog. I rang them up this morning to see how they were going. I think the only thing I can say is it just takes time. Let it all out, cry on and off when and if you have to. Once you've adapted it could be the right time to move on.

On another note, buying another puppy is always a great idea for when you're ready. I've also had experience of saying goodbye to a loved pet, my last dog had to be given away (different circumstance, I know), but buying another dog really helped as it kept me excited. We looked for weeks at different breeds that would suit our needs. We now have a gorgeous little black miniature schnauzer who is the perfect companion.

I'm sorry again for your loss, time will heal your wounds X

Answer 2

I am sure all pet lovers know how you feel. Don't be afraid to cry for the loss of a "loved one". Take time to remember the good times and think aobut doing something "good" in her memory. It doesn't have to be much. How about a small donation to a local pet shelter? It doesn't have to be cash and it doesn't have to be expensive. Just something that you are giving "in her name".  

Answer 3

I had a labrador around 4 years ago now, he had to be put asleep due to cancer throughout his body. I can tell you now you will be sad, for a long time. nothing can really make it better...time will of course make it less painful.. But even to this day if i think of my lovely lab, it does make me sad and miss him. But no other animal would ever replace the gap that he made, so i wouldnt suggest running out to find a replacement. But soon your dog will be a wonderful memory and you'll just be glad that you had the dog.  

Answer 4

Get a puppy...lol

Answer 5

I'm so very sorry to hear about your dog.  It's a big loss because she was truly part of your family and you spent half your growing up years with her.  I am glad that you had a chance to say goodbye to her.  Everyone deals with grief differently, in different stages, at different times.  I had to put my handsome poodle to sleep on Nov. 18th.  I made a "Memory Book" for him with lots of pictures.  I also had friends write something about him to put in the book.  I used to take him to school, so some of my students wrote or drew pictures.  There is a wonderful pet loss support group here on Yahoo, AOMS.  It stands for "Angels on my Shoulder," for our furry and feathered angels who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  Talk to people who love their pets the way you do and ignore the ones who say, "It's only a dog."  Or "just get a new dog," as if your best friend were replaceable.  Take care.

Answer 6

the way i got over putting my dog to sleep was by first just letting it all out, and then start getting rid of things he used but i always kept his fav bone as a memory of him

Answer 7

We had a Rottie that we had to put to sleep two years ago.  I loved that dog.  I keep telling myself that we did the best we could for her and that she isn't suffering.  

Answer 8

I am sorry for your loss.

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea

You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.

I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said, "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair

I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you every day

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled; I think you knew...

In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning

And say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me.

~Author Unknown~

Answer 9

When i had to put my rottweiler down, I cried forever, he was the best dog! I still keep a picture of him in my living room. I stay happy knowing that he is in a better place. I will miss him, but knowing that he is happy, im fine. Getting a new puppy would be the best thing to do.

Answer 10

I am so sorry you lost your dog yesterday and know how much it hurts. The hurt and grief you  feel for the loss of a dog is just as hard as that for a human you are very close to but it does get easier.

I found that the best way for me to lessen the pain is to remember all of the good things we did together and what a wonderful life my dog had compared to so many others. I know this is simplistic but it is what helps me.

The hole which is left in your life and heart never fully heals but the pain does go eventually and the little space which is left is always there for the memory of that individual and special dog, I don't think I would really want it to fully close anyway.

Answer 11

If she was in lots of pain, you did the right thing letting her go.  You should feel better knowing you got to tell her goodbye - a lot of people don't get that opportunity.  This only happened yesterday, and I'm guessing you had her for several years so it will take some time to deal with this.  Here are a couple poems I've found that will hopefully make you feel a little better:

May I Go Now?

May I go now?

Do you think the time is right?

May I say goodbye to pain filled days

and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,

an example tried to be.

So can I take that step beyond

and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,

I fought with all my might.

But something seems to draw me now

to a warm and loving light.

I want to go

I really do.

It's difficult to stay.

But I will try as best I can

to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me

and share your love and fears.

I know you're sad and afraid,

because I see your tears.

I'll not be far,

I promise that, and hope you'll always know

that my spirit will be close to you

wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.

You know I love you too,

that's why it's hard to say goodbye

and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time

and let me hear you say,

because you care so much for me,

you'll let me go today

PUT ME TO REST

Time to let me go my friend,

Because my life no-one can mend,

Its better to let me go this way,

Than watch me suffer night and day.

I'm happy to go, my time has come,

My quality of life is no longer fun,

Ive been so ill, so its not a bad thing,

To let me go forever resting.

Stay with me till I drift away,

Fast asleep forever I pray,

To relieve me from suffering and pain,

What more can I ask from my best friend.

Don't be sad, I'll be free from pain,

Never to be ill ever again,

I know you'll miss me being there,

But all the memories you have to share.

Thank you for being my best friend,

And all my needs that you did tend,

Try not to be sad, try not to cry,

Now is the time to say goodbye

Put me to rest.

I wish you and your family all the best in this hard time.

Answer 12

It sounds stupid and overused, but time heals.  Just give it time, it really will get better. A month ago I had to put my 15 year old cat to sleep, it was heart breaking. I held her while she slipped away and I thought I'd never stop hurting, but I have gradually felt better and better.  It's so hard to let go.

Answer 13

I know it sounds awful, but getting another dog is the very best thing to do. I had a dog die under tragic circumstances many years ago. I was so heartbroken that I swore I would never get another one... about a month later my husband bought home a puppy. I didn't want it. I wanted my deceased dog back (I kinda felt like I was cheating by having this new pup around).. but after a couple of days, the new pup wended it's way into my heart. I soon got over my heartbreat at losing my previous dog. ... and guess what, the "new pup" is now 16.. I think he will leave us soon to go to the big dog kennel in the sky, but he has given us 16 happy years. Pets are such a huge part of our lives.. .I hope you feel a little better soon   - **hug**

Answer 14

depending on how close you were to this dog you will never get over it I am getting upset now thinking about my dog I put down 5 years ago. (and I have a new one) I still miss her like it was yesterday. she was my world. but dogs are a gift and it is better to have them for the time you do then not to have had them at all.