Dealing with the loss of your friend

[TheHoff]

I had to put my dog down yesterday. She was 17+ years old and her back legs simply failed to work any longer. I spent the last week with her, probably 22 hours each day, so I could hang out with her as much as possible.

How do you move on? I want to help another rescue dog but I feel like I'm forgetting Jill if I find another dog too quickly.

In memory of Jill...

 

[itsstillmatt]

I'm sorry to hear that Hoff. Our dog is finally starting to become a bit of a senior citizen, and while we hope that he has many more years, we are really worried about him.

 

[whnay.]

Im so sorry for your loss.

 

[edmorel]

That's sad. 17 years is great for a dog though and I am sure you did not want to see her goin on without the use of her legs. I don't think it's wrong to get another dog now, especially if you will be rescuing it.

 

[TheHoff]

Originally Posted by iammatt

I'm sorry to hear that Hoff. Our dog is finally starting to become a bit of a senior citizen, and while we hope that he has many more years, we are really worried about him.

Thanks, matt. Aging really sucks. I end up taking older dogs because they are otherwise hard to adopt but watching them lose their lust for life is tough. In the last month she wasn't interested in toys, treats, or much of anything.

Euthanasia really is a gift. I never understood that before yesterday.

 

[lee_44106]

My condolensces. Loss of a great pet, a man's best friend, one who's been with you for 17 years as yours has, must be real tough.

I've got a 10 months old rottie, and I too would be quite sad when his time comes.



My buddy "Bishop"

Funny thing is, my wife actually got the dog, so this is technically hers. But despite my nonchalance with his care (especially when it comes to cleaning up him mess), I've actually grown to be quite fond of him. The kids are still afraid of him, but he's very gentle. My wife is always surprised when I put $1K as the amount I'm willing to spent on unexpected vet bills when we leave him in the boarding kennel, for emergencies.

 

[RJman]

My condolences, the Hoff. It's a wrenching experience to realize that nothing can be done to help a beloved pet. Time can help, but I wouldn't fear forgetting Jill if you get another dog. A pet you care about will remain a presence in your memory.

 

[kwilkinson]

This is so sad. We are having the same situation with a pet as well. It's amazing how hard it is to let go of something, even an animal, after having such a long and joyous relationship. I'm sure that rescuing a new animal would not mean that you are forgetting about your last one, but that you are giving another animal a chance at the long life that you helped your last dog attain.

 

[TheHoff]

Originally Posted by kwilkinson

This is so sad. We are having the same situation with a pet as well. It's amazing how hard it is to let go of something, even an animal, after having such a long and joyous relationship. I'm sure that rescuing a new animal would not mean that you are forgetting about your last one, but that you are giving another animal a chance at the long life that you helped your last dog attain.

That is the hard part. I want to help another dog.. bring them to Christmas with the family, but I can't imagine what that would be like. We are supposed to show up with Jill, as we planned this year, like every year, but now we show up with a new dog? The extended family didn't get to say goodbye to Jill.

But it isn't fair to our 'next dog' to make them wait for a real home. Thinking that one might be put to sleep just because we wanted to wait until after the holidays isn't right. I think Jill would want another dog to be happy.

 

[Piobaire]

My condolences Hoff. There is no doubt, pets enrich our lives. We refer to my wife's cats as our "fur children". Doing good by another rescued dog will not, in any way, take away from your memories of Jill. Got and get an Xmas dog.

 

[Get Smart]

Sorry to hear this Hoff

our lil monster is just over a year so he's got a ways to go but I can empathize with how you're feeling

My cat is getting up there in age and this is something I've thought of as well, how I'll feel if he needs to be euthanized

 

[lee_44106]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

My condolences Hoff. There is no doubt, pets enrich our lives. We refer to my wife's cats as our "fur children". Doing good by another rescued dog will not, in any way, take away from your memories of Jill. Got and get an Xmas dog.

+100

 

[tonylumpkin]

Very sorry to hear this Hoff. Having lost two 19 year old cats in the last year, my wife and I can certainly understand your loss. I can tell you that moving on doesn't mean losing Jill. We have taken in two kittens and they are a joy to have around...different than the cats we lost, but their antics bring joy to our home and they frequently inspire memories of happy times we had with our other cats.

 

[romafan]

Sorry to hear about your dog, Hoff. It is a very sad time when a beloved pet comes to the end of their days. They give unconditional love and truly enrich our lives, and you should take comfort knowing that you gave her second chance and a comfortable, loving home. You move on by going about your day to day business. Time will ease the loss, and you'll know when you're ready to help another...

 

[TheHoff]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

My cat is getting up there in age and this is something I've thought of as well, how I'll feel if he needs to be euthanized
Thanks, Jason. If I can give any advice that might help... arrange for an in-home vet visit for the final day and talk with the in-home vet ahead of time. We were scrambling to find someone who would do a house call for us; I couldn't imagine going to the vet's office to do it. We lucked into finding the most caring Dr. possible who was available on just the right day, but next time, I would plan ahead. Having her final moments on her bed, in our living room, was the right way. edit: and thank you to everyone for the kind words.