EmilyD

Anyone one have tips on how to do this?
Going tomorrow...13 year buddy.

JW

I'm very sorry! There is no good way to say good bye to that kind of friend and family member. I'm sure your vet will understand your loss and be kind and gentle with your buddy.

I really do ache for you in this sad time. Been there many times myself.

EmilyD

I just don't see us without him in our lives. This is rather sudden.

Thanks JW, that means a lot. The little guy almost threw himself upside down whenever we came home. Unconditional love is something I'm learning about now. Who knew it would take a dog to finally teach me about that!

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

If possible, bath him and cuddle him one last time... Give him that special attention he loves... Take him for trip to a favorite place...

My heart goes out to you... Hugs

EmilyD

Thanks...we are doing that before...great idea. Sometimes I get numb and don't know what to do...thanks Canuck. Got a few hours....

padremike Loc: Phenix City, Al

Emily, I sincerely feel your pain. Sometimes the passing of a beloved dog is worse than the passing of a good friend - what better friend is there that compares to this faithful friend? When Jeanette and I finally had to have Morgan, our Springer Spaniel, euthanized we found a vet that came to our home. Morgan was on her love seat, the vet immediately gave her an anti-anxiety shot. There was none of the trauma and drama associated with having to take her out of her home and she left us peacefully.

Those of us have suffered losing a beloved dog know well that a piece of your heart is buried with this faithful friend. There is no getting around this truth. This grief you will have is hard work, very hard work, because the hard work is a labor of love.

I'm going to recommend something you might think is outrageous. Get another dog soon. Part of the pain you and your husband will feel is because the great love your heart has for your dog remains but you've got nothing to share it with, it just sits there and aches. There is nothing unfaithful about bringing another dog into your home and loving it, quite the opposite. Doing so will help you express the love you're used to giving and there is someone desperately waiting to receive it.

Finally, some of the saints past believed beloved pets would be with us in heaven. I expect they considered the sincere and genuine love man has for his dog and the reciprocal love a dog has for man can only come from the Source of all love - and love endures eternally. I hope this is true!

Many of us will be be with you in spirit today.

Texas Truth Loc: Behind Enemy Lines

Excellent advice. I have gone through that pain many times and the best advice I have gotten is to get another dog. A rescue dog might be a good idea. Let the dog Choose You and you will know that God loves you and wants you to be happy.

Big dog

That’s a hard thing to do, but know that your dog loves you and, will Always Love you, and would never want you to be Without a dog to love and protect you.

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

No matter how often you have had to say goodby to a dog friend and companion it is tough. Make sure that the vet knos both you and the dog. Have the vet provide a quiet room for you to be with the dog. Never just leave your pet and family member for the vet to euthanize at his convenience. Be there when he gives your pet the IV, and stay with your pet until you know he is gone to the rainbow bridge. If you are planning to have him buried in a pet cemitary, make the arrangements beforehand, and get the financial part out of the way. If you are having him cremated have that arranged before hand. If you are going to bury him on your property plan that beforehand. If it might not be legal, say nothing to anyone, just do it quietly. Often, waiting a couple of months before getting another family pet is a good idea. Remember, the dog has been part of your family and a friend for years, but he is still a dog and should be respected as a dog that you loved.

Liberty Tree

I sat with and petted my dog so he did not feel alone.

CodyCoonhound Loc: Redbone Country

First, know there is a doggy heaven and your puppy dog of 13 years will join many happy former human companions.
Second, when I went through my last puppy dog's demise, I said I would not have a dog right away.
That lasted one day. The next morning, now ten years ago, I woke up and started calling rescue places.

My Redbone Coon hound had just been picked up the day before and when I got to rescue, he had made a real good buddy. I adopted both and have never looked back.
Two great puppy dogs and ten years of joy for all of us.

archie bunker Loc: Texas

Emily, my heart hurts for you right now. I know the feeling well myself, and have no 'tips' to add to what has already been said.
It is an intensely painful thing to go through, and nothing can change that.
After I had my 15 year old Kelpi put down, I told my wife that I'd never have another dog because I didn't want to go through that again.
I now have an 80lb meatball laying on the bed beside me snoring in my ear.
You'll always miss your family member, but time, and knowing you did what is right will help ease the pain.

Texas Truth Loc: Behind Enemy Lines

Amen

Dwight Logan

One suggestion might be to thank God for the great blessings you received for 13 years.
Also you have the prayers of all of us in this forum. I just hugged mine as he and I prayed for you and your family.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

I don't have any words of wisdom to help you with the pain, both the decision to end a friends pain and the terrible loss. I've had to deal with it, and it's just as tough as losing any other member of the family. I have put together photo albums of my friends, to remember the good times, and chosen to believe that my friend would approve of my choice to end their suffering.

May God bless you.