Coping with the loss of a pet.....

[Wilxy]

I'm sorry if this topic is slightly off-track, however I've had my one and only pet dog Taffy for over 17 years....He is truly my best friend, however has undergone 2 operations in the last couple of years to remove a benign tumour from his jaw, the last procedure being in March this year which has sadly failed, and now his only option is to be put out of his pain and misery is to be put to sleep, which sadly is arranged for Monday afternoon....I am absolutely distraught, and almost feel guilty of playing God....How does one cope?????

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Wilxy said:

I'm sorry if this topic is slightly off-track, however I've had my one and only pet dog Taffy for over 17 years....He is truly my best friend, however has undergone 2 operations in the last couple of years to remove a benign tumour from his jaw, the last procedure being in March this year which has sadly failed, and now his only option is to be put out of his pain and misery is to be put to sleep, which sadly is arranged for Monday afternoon....I am absolutely distraught, and almost feel guilty of playing God....How does one cope?????

Hi  , it is a horrible time but you are doing the best for him stopping his suffering. Remember that you have  been lucky to have had him in your life for so long. I feel your pain mate. Derek

[Twoshoes]

I've been there many years ago having to have our dog put to sleep. It's a situation nobody wants to be in and sadly it's something you do for love. You are doing the best thing for him and have tried all you can possibly do to help him. Take comfort that his pain will be over and he will feel nothing. For you as I'm told the Queen once said  "grief is the price we pay for love".

    There are people who won't understand the unconditional love given by a pet unless they have experienced it and the pain in having to make the decision you have,what you are doing is an unselfish act putting Taffy's suffering to an end. The feelings of guilt are inevitable but knowing you did the right thing will come in time.

    

[Jumpinjoan]

It's the only downside of having a dog, or any pet. You go into it with the understanding that when the time comes, you will suffer so they don't have to. I lost my Bettsy under similar circumstances. She was diagnosed with protein losing enteropathy, for which there is no cure. I tried everything I could to manage the condition, but in the end it took over. There came the day where she told me it was time, and I did what was best for her. 

I feel your pain Wilxy, and everyone, it's just the worst. Words are just that, but I can now sit here and think of the joy and smile. A bond with a pet is a unique and very special thing. Sending love x

[Headsy]

Been two years 2 months since Maggie went due to cancer aged 4.

Still hurts eveyday and get upset

[Stanley]

awful pal , it doesn,t get any easier unfortunately.

[Zoomsoulblue]

We put our Ellie to sleep about 2 months ago - we loved and enjoyed her over 16 years - it will hit you like a train, time is a slight healer but your’ll never forget Taff - you have the memories and the love you gave and shared - feel for you

 

[Lucky One]

Horrible time for you so sorry to hear it. We have been through it five times with our dogs over the years never gets easier. Give them the best life you can is all you can do, Only downside to having a dog is that their lives are always shorter than ours.After our last dog died with cancer nearly three years ago, we had another a few weeks later. If it is possible for you to do it I would recommend having another when you are ready which is down to the individual but it works for us, It certainly helps you to move on and think of the future which is better than thinking about the past which you can do nothing about.

[Buccaneer1]

Mike buddy; all who have animals on here will know...

You may remember that we had horses, show jumping / eventing etc.

Saying goodbye to them was hard, but as others say; that responsibility is yours.

Don't shirk it pal; animals companionship, loyalty and love is unquestionable.

Be brave. I'll think of you and say some quiet words.

Your mate from yonks ago,   kev

[Algsoul]

Dogs all my life    so sad when the time comes

[Kathryn Magson]

14 hours ago, Algsoul said:

Dogs all my life    so sad when the time comes

I've had dogs all my life too - losing them never gets any easier, but you have to put your pet first. You'll know instinctively when the time comes that you need to make that difficult decision. I've always been there to hold my dogs right to the very end - it's so hard, but your pet needs the reassurance of you being there for them. My heart goes out to you Wilxy - I've been there so many times.