Our 15 year old terrier appears to be in her last days.
Was there anything anyone said to you or something you did to make this easier? I am a wreck ànd would rather die than go through this again.
Since the OP is looking for advice, this is better suited to IMHO than GQ.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator
We just lost our older cat, Max, at 16 1/2 years on Monday. I don’t think anything anyone can say will make it easier; the one thought we held at all times was that we didn’t want to keep her alive and suffering just because we couldn’t stand the thought of losing her. We took her to the vet for euthanasia the day it became clear that she was suffering and wouldn’t last much longer.
I’m terribly sorry to hear about your pooch, Laggard. 
Remember that interaction works both ways – while you were teaching her and playing with her, she was affecting you as well. You will always be a little different for having known her.
We don’t get to keep dogs very long, except inside us.
The only thing god did wrong with dogs is make their lives too short.
Nothing I can say will make it easier, but know that you are in my thoughts.
My vet told me that often, euthanasia is the final kind act of an owner towards a beloved pet, and I believe her.
I’ve also heard the suggestion to give your pet the “last best day” - when you know the end is near and your pet can still appreciate it, give him or her the “bad-for-you” things that weren’t allowed before. Sit on the couch? No problem! Eat that people food if you want it! Bark at the neighbor’s cat!
Finally, you may not want to think of this, but it is OK if you want to get a new dog soon afterwards. This is not a “replacement”; this is a new, unique dog to help fill the dog-shaped hole left in your heart and life, when you feel ready for that to happen. When my husband and I had to put our last ferret to sleep, we lasted a week before we went out and got two rabbits, and we absolutely adore them. My husband had a rabbit when he was a kid, and we had been discussing for some time what we would do when our last ferret died, so it wasn’t an impulse purchase of a new type of animal. We just knew it was difficult having a home with no furry critters in it, and moved more quickly on getting them than we thought.
Treasure your dog’s good days. And let her go when they aren’t good. I like the idea of a last best day. And if you can, find a vet that will provide euthanasia in your home. Let your dog end her life in her familiar place, with her people.
I’m sorry.
StG
Anything fill that huge whole left in your life? This has been a horrible year. In June I had open heart surgery and now this.
Kinda busy at the moment and have gone through this sorta thing a half dozen times in about as many years.
Short version, unless you are one of those people who see pets as just things most very likely IMO you are quite unlikely to “put down” your poor pet too soon. And I doubt you are that just because you are here asking in the first place.
You might want to call around. Some vets will actually come to the house to do this. For dogs this isnt such a big deal because like going for a ride, even if it is a final one
For cats, IMO, the home visit is almost always the way to go if you can find a vet to do it and afford it.
Sorry you have to go through this. Damn it sucks doesn’t it?
Lost my greyhound just over a year ago… was taking him to the 24-hour vet care hospital (in the middle of the night after he basically went downhill in the course of a few hours - he was an old boy though) but he passed away before we got there. Glad he got one last ride in the truck, he always loved that.
Still and all, I’ve had a new Boxer pup for about two months now, and she’s a bundle of sweet (but piranha-like) energy. You’ll never forget, but you will love again. Just takes some time.
My rabbits have. You mourn the loss while appreciating the company and love of the new pet(s). Don’t rush into getting a new pet - you don’t want to make a bad choice - but if it feels completely right, don’t feel guilty.
I’ve had two dogs pass. The first we had to euthanize when he got cancer. He was scared of the vet, so we had the vet give him anti-anxiety “happy” meds before anything else happened. Best decision we made.
The second I came home to. She had died alone, probably of bloat, while I was at work.
I never knew, until then, if it would be better to be surprised by the ending. The week or so leading up to putting your animal to sleep is miserable. I know, now, that being surprised is much worse in the long run.
So, to make this easier for you? Know that in knowing, you will be able to care for yourself as best you can, as well as caring for your dog. If I could plan my death, I would want to go peaceful, with some dignity, surrounded by those I love. You are able to do this last, good thing for a creature you love. It’s a token returned favor for all the good your dog has brought you.
The other thing that has helped me in the past - fostering animals. We fostered a dog and another time a batch of kittens. I think the kittens helped me more, though fostering dogs is certainly rewarding. Kittens are not dogs, so you won’t be comparing them to your dog, or being surprised by body language, etc., that may cause grief to resurface when you are not ready. They’re joyful and distracting. And after 8-12 weeks (right when they’re driving you absolutely crazy), they go back to the shelter for adoption, or someone else already has dibs on them. I highly recommend temporarily caring for some non-canine critter to help you get through the grief.
Hope that helps.
hugs I’m SO sorry, hon. I just got my first dog in January. I never understood dog people until I got one of my own, I seriously thought they all had a screw loose, thinking their dogs communicate with them and seeing their owners as anything more than food delivery people. Just thinking of losing my puppy makes me tear up now.
Whatever happens, I hope she goes in peace, and I hope you have peace too. Nothing will ever replace her, but I’m with those who say don’t be afraid to get another dog quickly. There are lots of dogs out there that need good homes, and when it comes to grief I’m a big believer in doing whatever you have to do to make it through, as long as nobody’s getting hurt (yourself included). If getting another dog to make new memories with helps soften the blow, do it!
I also want to give a shoutout to medication. You had open heart surgery – depression is extremely common after major surgery! And now you’re going through this. I’m not saying you’re depressed or even that meds are the answer for you if you are, but it goes back to what I said earlier – whatever helps.
I’ve read a lot of posts on a lot of forums about this subject, this is the best one yet.
To the OP, this is a fact of life, nothing makes it easier. When the time is right, and you will know when that is, please rescue a dog from your local shelter, you will change that dogs life and yours forever.
I just want to say I am very sorry. I have lost so many dogs thru my life and it never gets easier. Getting another dog is not being disloyal to your girl. Look at it as a tribute to her. One dog will never replace another, but they sure can help you heal.