I put down my dog and it felt like the right decision, but in the long run was it?

Question

Long sad story...that i feel may have been planned by god .

I recently adopted an 8 year old German Shepard mix from the animal shelter. We met while i was doing community service for a traffic ticket. The first time i saw him he was curled up in a ball depressed in his cage.And when i went to let him out he looked at me and no one else with those big brown eyes and would not leave. He was one of those dogs that you tell "you don't belong in here hunny". I immediately named him Mercy after signing the adoption papers...because i believed god drew me to him, and wished mercy on this old soul. They later broke my heart and told me that he had heart worms......so i think "hey heart worms can be treated and hes still got 5+ years left in him. And every time i saw him after finding that out something inside told me this was something i need to do/was destined to do....no matter how it turned out. I often find myself very in touch with the earth and humanity and this was one of those compelling things.... they treated him for the heartworm on a grant at the humane society....they treated him for the heart worm and neutered him....all while he was emaciated....4 weeks after adopting him i finally got to take him home from the humane society...he was lethargic and could barely help from falling into his back while sitting. I have nursed pets back to health from ailments this serious before so i thought i could do it again...the second day of having him i noticed his respiration was forced and troubled.....he then jumped into my lap (big dog by the way....long body) and sat there still forcing his breath and went into respiratory shock and collapsed into my arms, onto my chest...i rushed him to the vet only to find out that my sweet darling had heart failure, fluid in his lungs, arteries clogged with worms and he basically was mortally ill from the heart worms....the doctor never told me he was suffering but that on a scale of 1-4 he was on the high end of death i guess. So i made the decision along with my mother husband and docs opinion to put him down. They put him on the table and i held him till death...and when he died i felt his peace within me...so i knew he was in a far better place.....it stopped my tears to see his suffering end if that makes since......but now my husband feels it wasn't our decision to make...and i don't doubt that i would do it again if the same situation arose because i know in my heart it was out of unselfish and unconditional love for him....in spite of only having him for 2 days. But now im questioning how god sees my act...i know he sees my intentions but will that come out in the end.....my mother put our dog down for the same illness when i was a little girl...so will god punish all of the kind hearts that cared for his creatures? as if it were murder? is it?

was this a test that i failed....because it ran into me as if it were planned just for me....and for him.

Answer 1

Well, I'm not sure how "God" will see things. That seems to vary by how people determine what their gods want from them. However, from a humane and people point of view, you did the right thing. You took in an obviously suffering animal who would have had no chance and you made his last weeks happy, knowing he was wanted. Putting a dog down is a difficult thing -- but you relieved a lot suffering and there is no way that that was NOT a good thing. I went through this in November when my old Dal had kidney failure. In your head you know it's the right thing, but for a while, your heart will doubt. Don't worry -- after some time has passed both your head and heart will know you did the right thing. And if your god is indeed a merciful one, then he/she will agree.

Answer 2

I have my doubts that your god saw anything that you did.  However, if that is your belief, then I would say that what you did was the right decision.   And in anyone's eye's, it was the humane thing to do to any suffering animal.  How could your husband possibly think that it wasn't the right thing to do?  What did he think the right thing was... to let the dog just suffer and die whenever your god saw fit?? What a ridiculous inhumane notion.  You, did the right thing.

Answer 3

I think this was meant to be.  In my opinion, God put you at that place and at that time for a reason.  You made the right decision.  It was better that he go to sleep peacefully in your arms, rather than suffer in a cold cage, for who knows how long.  I think that you were this dog's angel, and God feels the same way.  Bless you.

Answer 4

oh god you are too sweeet. ur story made me cry. i have put down my german shepherd in the past and it was the hardest thing. she was in a similar situation than ur dog, as a pup the breeder didnt giv her the proper shots like he said they did, and so we thought she had all her shots and about 2 weeks later seh was vomiting worms that are the same length as spaghetti(i did not eat spaghetti for about 1 year cuz of it) and the vet told us she is "ruined" the worms destroyed her inside. we should put her down(a 2 months old pup) but she didnt seem in pain after we got the worms cleared up and vomited every day a few times but seemed perfectly healthy and very very happy. so after 8 years of having her, it all came back and she was vomiting 8 times a day, ended up vomiting her own p**p. so we took her in, vet ssaid they cant do anything and the best is to put her down, which we did. i held her too and i cried my eyes out but it was the best thing to do for her.........I think u made the right decision sweetie. dont kill urself thinking u should have kept him alive in some way. because he was extreemely sick and he is now in peace with no more pain and i am sure he loved his last 2 days he spend with you, those were rpolly the best of his life, and so yes u were prolly meant to get him and love him for those two days and be there for when he goes on. we need more people like you.

Answer 5

My grandmother is a hospice nurse, and has always been a close person to me.  She says that very often people who are in a lot of pain ask her to "make the pain stop".  They understand that making the pain stop will mean the end of them, but if the pain is so unbearable, isn't it better for it to be done with?  Your dog was sick and not getting better.  Sure, you took away some of his life, but the life you took away would have been painful and short.  

Think about this - if your child had been trapped in a house that was on fire, and you couldn't get inside to save him, but you had a gun, would you allow him to burn to death or shoot him to spare him that horror and pain?  You did the right thing.  You saved your poor animal from suffering.  I love dogs very, very much.  I love dogs enough to not let them hurt when they don't have to.  So do you!

Answer 6

I think you did the right thing without a doubt.  You couldn't see the poor animal suffering like that and you made the right decision in his  best interests.

We have the privilege of making this decision to end an animal's life when they are in pain and suffering, something we are not allowed to do for a human being so please don't feel guilty.  You did everything in your power to try and give this poor boy a good life.  Some things are just not meant to be.

I am so sorry for your loss.  Only time will heal the pain you are feeling right now.

Answer 7

So sorry for your loss.  It is always hard to make that decision. And, I too, have had second thoughts as to if I did the right thing at the right time.

I have helped out at several Rescue places & one lady told me that all they were doing was to try to give a dog a second chance at life.  You gave your dog that chance.  He didn't stay in that cage depressed & facing a sooner death.  You gave him the gift of life, even though it was short it was longer than what he was facing.  He had the chance for a happy time before his death.  You gave him far more than you thought you did.  He did not die in those horrible surroundings, he died knowing that he was loved.

I have had so many rescues that I have a fairly large pet cemetery in my back yard.  I have never bought a dog & all of mine have been rescues.  I have three right now.

I know how your heart is breaking & I know you did do the right thing at the right time.  You are one of Gods creatures too & you reached out to help another one of his creatures & you are blessed for it.  May God Bless

Answer 8

When the animal's quality of life and comfort level are gone, there is no reason to let him suffer any longer.  Animals don't understand why they're in pain, and they will fight illness as long as they can but they know when it's time to let go, and it was time for your dog.  The true test of character here is one that you passed with flying colors, because it's MUCH harder to say goodbye and end your pet's suffering than it is to be selfish and keep him alive when he's in pain.  I'm not a religious person, but I would have to say that if God was going to punish you for anything, it would be for letting another living thing suffer...that would be like punishment for the animal.  Whenever someone makes that heartbreaking choice to put an animal down, they are truly an unselfish and strong individual.  I think this dog was meant to be with you so that his life could end with someone who loved him, and not in a lonely cage.

Answer 9

wow sure was.God forgives you.  

Answer 10

Oh you poor thing!!

No you did absolutely the right thing.  If you hadn't had him put to sleep then he would have suffered a lot before he died on his own.

You were very brave, having any animal put to sleep is heartbreaking and one of the worst things you can go through.

*hugs*

Answer 11

Wait a minute, you took in a dying dog, gave him a family in his greatest time of need, and are worried that God wouldn't forgive you for ending this dog's suffering a day or two earlier then expected?

No creature, not even human beings, should be forced to suffer for great lengths of time. The worst sin is to allow the dying to suffer when relief is right there.

Answer 12

To begin with, I must tell you that tears came to my eyes when I read your question.  I don't usually tell people that I know how they feel, but in this instance - I do. I have been there - more than once.

I hurt with you. And I understand your feelings of guilt.  I am a mere human and I see.  Of course God sees, understands, forgives when necessary.

I don't mean to infer that I am speaking for God, but I have known Jesus for many years.  You, my dear one, will be judged on your intentions, which were magnificent.  Remember:  our neighbors see what we do; God sees what we think and what is in our hearts.

I think it would help you to go to www.petloss.com for some real, loving, understanding.

Let me know (email) if I can be of any help.

Answer 13

You let him rest with no pain.Thats not murder,is having a heart.

Answer 14

I don't usually read long stories, but i read this(the whole thing)... do not worry, god forgives you

Answer 15

I'm truly sorry that you had to go through that. I have an 11year old German Sheppard mix as well and he was diagnosed with cancer recently. So I know the fear and I ask the same questions as well. I'm also quite religious and believe that we should not play God.

With all that said, your pup was going to have a painful and long journey. By long I don't mean months but pain can seriously lengthen every second. I'm not a vet but I can just see that all you could have done would have been to help and ease his days or give him a bit of supplements, but either way heart failure and clogged arteries would have probably left him with a few days of pure suffering.

Your pup jumped onto your lap because it trusted you and wanted you to help him. My dog follows me nonstop and I can see in his eyes the trust he has and how (I guess) he feels alone in pain and wants comfort.

Ask yourself this: if you had been given a glimmer of hope that this dog would survive or get better, would you have hesitated? Please don't beat yourself over this and know that you would have done anything if you could have had the chance to.

All in all, I can't speak for God and say what you did was right or wrong, only God is to judge. I just hope that within yourself you can find some peace and know that you didn't mean to be cruel or hurt the dog, you wanted and had his best interest at heart, otherwise you wouldn't have wanted to take care of him. Try to see this as more of a kind act to end his suffering before it got any worse (because they would have).

All the best to you.  

Answer 16

WOW TOO LONG TO READ.

What you are feeling is "Put pet down remorse"  It's like buyers remorse...

You think SOMETHING could have been done BUT OFTEN... the cure is worse than the illness.  

Animals have such a short life span in this world... and we grieve when they die.  (believe me I will be in your place soon... I have a 20 yr old cat)

So think of this ... YOU DID WHAT WAS BEST for your pet... if you had a magic wand then you could have COMPLETELY cure him.  

so remember you did the best you could with the limited ability you have.  

I am sorry for your loss...

You will have to go to the shelter and make another lost soul pet have love and a happy home...

good luck >^..^<

Answer 17

Sad story. I would be so heartbroken if it happened to me. Remember, things happened for a reason. Even though, you only had him for a few days, you gave the poor pooch love and affection for the best part of his life. He at least died knowing someone cared for him (it wasn't murder. It was for the best).

God has a way with things and he knows what he is doing. You have to keep your faith in him and try not to think he is doing this to punish you. I know it feels like it, but you have to look at the bright side of things. There is a reason behind all this, which may never know or discover at a later time. God must trust you to give creatures the love and care they need, although it seems he is taking it away from you later. Continue your faith in the Lord, and continue with giving love to the animals that cross you path.

It will work out all in the end and you will say, "Wow, that was what this all was for. Thank you!" Good luck and my sympathy for your recent loss!

Answer 18

I would not worry about being punished for putting your dog down.  What the bible says about murder is "He who hates is brother is already guilty of murder"   So if you have ever hated anyone, then in Gods eyes, you are a murderer in your heart and you have to turn from those sins and trust in Jesus in order to get to heaven.  Otherwise you will get punished.

But dont worry.  I'm sure you will not get punished for putting down your Dog.  

Answer 19

Sad sad story. It shed tears into my eyes.

I think you did the right things. No more sufferings.

Rest in Peace.

Let's put it this way, Mercy felt love and care for 2 days and that was important enough. You adopt him and took good care of Mercy. That was something. You are good hearted.

Time will heal the pain. You will be alright.

Answer 20

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~

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,

It’s 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,

I’ve been so ill, so it’s 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.

Answer 21

I worked at a vet clinic for two years and i promise it sounds like you did the right thing. It isn't murder because a case of heart worms that severe isn't treatable. Letting him continue in that kind of pain would have been inhumane so i know it was hard but you should feel good for releasing him of that discomfort