My Dog Is Dying.

I'm crying for you. I am truly sorry you are going through this!!!

I know how hard it is to put a pet down!!! Please know that you are doing the best thing for her since there isn't much the doctors can do for her. I don't think we're ever ready to say good-bye.

The Rainbow Bridge Poem

Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head. You look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…
Author Unknown

TTT-typing through tears-so sorry to hear about your dear friend. I grew up with German Shepherds-they are beautiful, majestic dogs-tireless and fearless and brilliant. When dogs are put down-I do feel it is painless, so she won't suffer-don't be scared-you are not alone in your pain-take care. xo.

Please find a time during which you can break down and cry as hard as you feel like crying. Crying is part of the grieving and healing process. With me it sometimes feels like I'll never get back up but I always do.

And... let yourself cry around your children. They need to cry too. Crying together is also a part of the grieving and healing process. My mother always cried with us kids when times were sad. It felt so good to know that Mother felt the same way and to share our grief.

I almost didn't click on this one because I knew I would cry. And I am!

So incredibly sorry for what you are going through. I wish I could help but I lost my dalmatian, Tino, 2 years ago this December and I STILL cry over him. He was also my first and even though we did get a new dog, it doesn't fill the hole his passing left in my heart.

I say, go ahead and break down. The night we let Tino go (due to a sarcoma; he had surgery and then started chemo but one night was so bad I rushed him to the ER and the next day they said he wouldn't make it another 24 hours), I sent our son (who was about to turn 3 at the time) to his best friend's house to play for a bit. It got the distraction of him out of the way and enabled us to really be in the moment. We did have him say his goodbyes before he left but he didn't quite understand what was going on.

My husband came home from work and we called our friends that Tino was close to and they came by during the day to share their memories and give him love. Yes, he was the kind of dog that people fell in love with. We used to call him the Mayor of our town b/c he seemed to know everyone. It was a sad occasion but being with "his" friends for a while helped.

Our vet came to our house that evening to send him off. It was very loving and you might see if yours is willing to do that. Everyone else went home and he was on his bed, with his toys and favorite blanket, while my husband and I surrounded him and pet him 'til the end. And then some.

When his ashes came back, I couldn't believe something that left such a huge hole in my heart and my life, that gave so much and seemed so BIG, could fit into a box so small.

Ten months later we adopted another dalmatian, this time an adult dog. I didn't know if I was ready, but I started searching around the seven month mark. When I saw the picture of "Jack" on a local shelter's web site, I cried. I knew he was going to be my dog. I don't know how I would have made it through the first anniversary of Tino's death without a dog to love and hug. I think Tino would have wanted it that way.

We're never ready to say goodbye to family. You are doing an amazing, loving thing by putting her needs before yours. I wish you peace.

You may want to look fo ra vet that will come to your home to do it. We did that the last 2 times we had to put a dog down. It made it easier because they weren't scared and anxious when they got to the vet. Instead each time, the dog was asleep in their favorite place. The vet came and pet them and let them get to know her. She asked us some questions and got the injection ready. We were able to be there and comfort the dogs as they went to sleep.

I am sorry you are going through this. I just lost my 10 year old pug Sophie to what was most likely a brain tumor. She never had seizures a day in her life, but then she seemed a bit "off" for a few days, then had 4 seizures one morning in a 2 hour time span. I started treatment with anti-seizure meds but while she didn't have any more seizures, she continued to deteriorate and 24 hours later I was having to euthanize her to spare her any more suffering.

I would talk to your vet, if you haven't already, about anything that might at least buy you some more time, if it's possible and it's what you want. It won't change the outcome but it can allow you to spend maybe a bit more time with her. Some dogs will respond temporarily to a course of prednisone, and maybe some pain meds to she's uncomfortable. It's only works for a short time but it might give her a good couple of weeks. If she's not eating well, offer her steak, hamburger, eggs, anything. Try to make those last days the best ones you can. When I have clients come in with their dogs to have them put to sleep, I try offer the dog a little bit of chocolate, just for the heck of it. I keep some in my desk for just such a purpose. You might be able to find a vet who will do it at your home.

Did your veterinarian discuss chemotherapy with you? Lymphoma is a chemo responsive cancer and might be a good option. The average (median) survival with chemotherapy is approximately 11 months. It helps about 80-85% of the time. If you decide against that, sometimes steroid medications can be palliative. If you have decided that euthanasia is the best choice, it may help to know that dogs do not anticipate the future and so do not worry about tomorrow or the next day. Of course we do and losing a pet is difficult and grieving will take time. It is fine for your kids to see you sad. That is how they know it is ok to be sad (and angry and all the other emotions that go with grief). I am very sorry you are going through this.

I'm so sorry for you. We had to put down my st bernard when he was only four because he had bone cancer and couldn't walk anymore. He was my baby before I actually had babies. My husband was kind enough to make the call and set up the appointment.

I cried uncontrollably when it happened, sobbing, never thought I would be able to catch my breath. Then I went home and crawled into bed for the next 24 hours. I think the only thing that kept my going was my 9 week old baby. I didn't have a choice but to get out of bed and keep moving forward. Same for you. You'll move on because you have no choice.

You're probably going to cry like you never thought was possible. And it's going to last awhile. It will probably be harder than mine because you have kids who know and will ask about the dog at random times for who knows how long.

Allow yourself to grieve. See if you can get someone to come help with the kids for the first day or so, just so that you can have alone time or sleep through it or deal with it however you need to.

And I would tell the kids about what's going to happen and give them a chance to say goodbye. My mom made our dog disappear one day when I went to kindergarten and my sister and I have never forgiven her. My husband and I have decided not to hide death from our kids. It's sad but it's such a part of life and they need to know that.

So sorry. There's no good way for this to happen. Maybe take some last minute pics with the kids? Make a pawprint impression or garden stone or something? And above all, know that she is suffering and will be going to a better place. You're doing the right thing for her.

I worked at a vet and have seen many animals put down. I have also seen many animals NOT put down, that should have been, b/c they were just in so much pain, they needed the comfort and strength of their human parents to help them rest in peace.

There are two things you can do, have her euthanized with an iv drip, it will be slower and you can hug her and comfort her in her last moments and spend time with her in that way. Or, she can get the injection, which will take mere seconds for her heart to stop. Most pet parents choose to do the iv.

When my dog of 14 years was put down, it was so incredibly difficult for me. They really do become important parts of our families, don't they? You can have her cremated and put her ashes in a special urn/box, or you can have her buried. We buried our girl with a tree in remembrance of her.

Just know that she will be in peace. Spend the next few days really loving on her and pampering her. Get a footprint plaster kit and make a footprint from her for a memory keepsake. Don't be afraid to cry, but also be sure to take care of yourself and your little ones so that they don't get too upset.

I lost mine like this too, C.. Please accept my consolences. The only thing that helps is TIME.

Take care of yourself and focus on your kids. And yes, it's okay to cry and to grieve. Your kids need to know that it's normal.

Hugs~
Dawn

C., I'm so sorry about your doggy. I totally know. It's ok to break down and freak out. It's ok to be incredibly sad and broken.

Geez, I wish I could come there and take care of you.

:(

Here's some awesome responses I got from the ladies when I had to put my dog down last year.
http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/16108853612318490625
http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/2819143741871357953

Thinking about you.

:)

I am sorry!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Brooks! He is the best dog I have ever been lucky enough to share my life with. When the day comes that I am in your shoes, I know for a fact that I will be a mess!

~I have a very vivid memory from my childhood of my mom's dog getting sick...she talked with my father and said I know we have to put her down, I just can't do it, you will need to take her. My Mom got in the shower and my Dad loaded up the dog, my mom heard the truck start and came running out completely naked and crying hysterically..."I didn't mean today Eddie"!!! She ran out the front door like that...my Dad didn't see her. My Mom was heart broken b/c she didn't have time to say goodbye! I will never forget that.

It's OK to get upset. Make sure you say your goodbyes and trust in the fact that you will see her again when you get to heaven!

Ughhhhh... so hard. He is part of your family, of course you're a mess.

Find a time and place to break down. Find someone to watch your kids and cry because you really need to. And there's nothing wrong with crying in front of your kids afterwards either.... because it will hit you out of nowhere for a long time and it's ok to say you're crying because you miss her.

For me what helped was knowing that my pet was suffering...( we had a beloved cat we had to put down and I STILL miss him after 10 years.) It was harder to watch him suffer than to let him go, and what you're doing is really the last loving and compassionate thing you can do for your friend.

It is so so hard. I hope you have a good person in your life to support you though it~ Sending you hugs, C.~

C., I'm so very sorry. You received some amazing advice and I concur with all of it. Please don't feel bad allowing yourself to grieve to whatever extent you need to. Parting with a pet is surprisingly hard...we know we love them, but somehow don't always expect it to hurt as much as if it was a person. It's then that you realize what an enduring fixture they've become in our lives.

Don't worry about your grief effecting your baby. I had some trauma with my second pregnancy....flashbacks and grief from our first loss...that would wake me at night crying so hard I would get sick. I was so worried that my baby would turn out to be anxious and stressed, but he was fine. God is merciful. You and your family will be in our prayers. I'll also pray that He gives you wisdom in explaining this process to your children in a way that doesn't instill fear.

Peace and hugs.

Oh C., I am so sorry. My background is in veterinary medicine, I'm currently working in human pathology and genetics. It doesn't make it any easier for me other than I have been through the process and it really is a peaceful way to go.

My dog acted strange (less active, she was a crazy boxer mix) for almost 15 hours so I took her to the veteriarian along with my teenage daughter. My dog had a huge hemangiosarcoma in her heart and spleen. She would have died within 48 hours and I wasn't going to take her home like that. We made the decision to euthanize her right there. I don't know if I could schedule something like that, for me I just know it's time and that's it. I know I would dread every single second until the appointment.

I assume your children are young. My daughter saw the good, bad and ugly. I'm so, so sorry you are going through this. I miss my dog every day and it has been over four months.

I am so sorry, C.. I'm crying along with the others. It's so hard to lose a family pet. ((hugs))

Your heart aches...and it will for a long time. That means you have made your sweet dog a big part of your family. She has felt the love of a family...what a gift you gave to her. I believe her spirit will live on...there is a special place in heaven for animals. You will see her again someday..and what a romp in the heavenly clouds you will have together.(no..I don't really think it will be clouds but it was a great visual to give you!)

I would like to add a little piece of our experience when our beloved cat passed away. We knew we were going to put her to sleep. We talked to the kids about it. We cried together. We laughed about the funny times together..then cried some more. I think it is very healthy to cry in front of your kids and then be able to laugh also. It allows for a healthy example of how one acts when there is love and loss.

Don't be terrified of Wednesday. Look at it as your way to let her go peacefully on to a better place. You are very selfless to do this. So many pet owners hold on to their pets because they can't face losing him...and the pet suffers.

Try to walk through in your mind how you want Wednesday to go down. Take a favorite toy..think about what you are going to say..where you will be stroking and loving on her as he slowly passes on. Think about how long you plan to stay in the room with her after he passes. Think about what you are going to do after you leave the vet's office. As a family, we went out to eat at the kids' favorite restaurant and talked about our cat. At one point our daughter said she thought our cat's spirit was with us and watching over us. (A very healthy way to deal with the sadness..she was moving on.)

Good luck and best wishes!

Oh my gosh I am so sorry you have to go thru this; I have tears in my eyes just reading this. I've been thru it and I know it is not easy. I hope your vet is a caring enough person that will let you stay and hold her; that is if that's what you want. I held my cat the whole time and she died peacefully in my arms - she had a cancerous tumor:( I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

The only advice I can say is to definitely involve your children but DO NOT use the words PUT TO SLEEP!! (Yes, I noticed you used "put down.") My kids have never been shielded from death - we've had animals from Day 1 - and I think it's been very helpful with dealing with the death of humans as well.

Being that she is a German Shepherd, have you considered cremation? That's what I did with one of my dogs. It wasn't as high priced as I had thot; but then that was several years ago.

God bless; prayers are coming your way:(

p.s. @ Cheryl O - thank you for sharing. I had never seen that before. Now I need more tissues!!!

I am so very sorry, C.. I lost a dog to lymphoma as well. Our family got her when I was in tenth grade and she passed away when I was about 28 years old. She was 14. Out of our family members, she some how became most fond of me, so it was very hard to lose her. I don't know which is worse-losing them suddenly or having to go through the process of putting them down. It stinks all the way around. As Dawn said, it just takes time to get over. Do allow yourself to grieve. These pets of ours love us so unconditionally and bring such a wonderful source of companionship, it would be silly not to grieve for them like we do for people, IMO. Honestly, the best thing you can do for yourself (when some time has passed and you are ready) is to get another dog. My mom's internist told her that when she lost a dog she was particularly close to. At the time we didn't think it was good advice, but we did end up doing just that. We even found another dog that was a black toy poodle, female. Not that we were trying to replace our other dog and forget, but it was comforting that the new dog had some traits that reminded us of our other dogs and it brought a certain kind of joy and comfort as if they were still with us.

EDIT: I agree with DVMMOM if there is a way to prolong your dog's life for a few more weeks, it might be an option to think about. When we knew our dog was going to die, she did have trouble eating, so I ended up hand feeding her canned dog food. It was therapeutic for both of us in those final days.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
A.

Our dog passed away unexpectedly this year. She was twelve and had helped my husband get through the divorce from his first wife. One day we got up and she was paralyzed from the waist down. Putting her to sleep was the hardest thing we've ever had to do, and today when we put up our Christmas tree (we're early, we're going to be out of town the next few weekends and wanted it up before December....) and my husband came upon all of her Christmas stuff, her stocking, ornaments, dresses, etc, and totally broke down. He was under the impression that he should be over it by now.

What helped him is knowing that she was better off not being in pain or humiliated (she couldnt control her bowels anymore, and this was a dog that would get so upset she'd throw up if she had an accident in the house).

A friend of ours lost her Golden after only 3 years to bone cancer. She planted a tree for him and it helps her to visit his tree.

I'm so sorry you have to go through this right now, especially with a baby on the way.

my heart breaks for you. know that you are making the right decision for her. I am so sorry for you, her and your family. Yes it is so hard but she is going to be at peace.

My condolences HUGS

My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry you are having to do this. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Tell your girl to look for Gucci in doggie heaven. God bless.

Dear C.,

As a mom and a life long dog mommy, my heart goes out to you. No way around this, it's going to hurt.....just try to remember (maybe even write down) all the good memories you have about your beloved dog. I hope you have some nice pictures.....I have some really cute Santa visit pictures of my son and my dogs.

May God bless and comfort you during this time. I know your new baby will bring you great joy and will bring joy to you husband and children.

If your children get sad about the loss of their dog, ask them to remember a happy memory about him.

Blessings...

PS....Crying over a loss is very normal

I have had to put down three pets in the last two years. The hardest time is when you know you are going to do it, and it's scheduled, because that's all you can think about. It will be a hard day for you on Wednesday, but know that you gave her a great life and you're letting her out of it easily, instead of suffering. It's such a blessing to be able to help them through this time.

It gets a little easier every day after that. You'll miss her, but you'll get through it. I still miss my three, but the busyness of life -- and knowing I did the right thing -- helped get me through it.

Hugs to you.

I am so sorry. Ours is 8 1/2 and more and more I worry about when that day will come for us. She gave us a scare a few years ago, and we thought we'd have to put her down when she was about 6. Somehow, we all made it through, but she is aging and I know her time will be up before we will be ready. We will never be ready.

Fellow GSD lover.

((hugs))

I am so sorry that you have to go through this. When you are in the shower, let yourself have a good cry. Crying is so cleansing. By letting yourself cry in small amounts of time, it will help the grieving process. You don't want to let it build up inside as it may come out at the worst possible time when you least expect it.

Talk about her to your older kids that will be grieving as well. Show them that it is appropriate to be sad. Help them to make pictures to express their feelings.

On Wednesday, remember that you are doing your dog a favor by not making her suffer. Remind yourself of what a good caretaker you have been and how blessed you have been to have her. Think of fun memories. Stockpile as many memories as you can remember so that you have a lot to draw from in these next weeks and months. Talk about her with whomever will listen.

Just wanted to say I am so, so sorry. Even with kids, husband and a full life losing a dog is so very painful. Be sure to give yourself time and privacy from the kids to grieve.

The simplicity and loyalty of a dog's love is so precious. I'll be thinking of you.

I'm so sorry to hear that you are going through this. It's now been about 6 years but I had to but down my lap after 16 yrs. She was my baby and I had her since she was about 6 weeks. She developed Colon cancer. It was very difficult for me to do but I knew that it was best and I didn't want her to suffer. i chose to be in the room when they did it and it was like she just went to sleep. But I think it made her more comfortable and not feel alone. My son was 5 at the time and we talked about it. I did cry and he did too. It's ok for you to grieve as well. Your dog might as well be another kid. Your unborn will be fine. No one ever said that while you were pregnant any drama or upsetting events would not occur. God made our children stronger than we like to believe. Again it's ok to cry. You might even want to talk with your children a little about it if they are old enough to understand death. Or play the movie, "All dogs go to Heaven" May make it easier for them to deal with it. Good Luck and I will be praying for you. I know it was hard when I put Sugar down and don't feel bad about crying.

Oh, I am so sorry to hear! Sending strength and peace to you and your family.

I am so sorry. I had to put a dog down a few months ago. Not because she was sick but because she started attacking my smaller dogs and attacked my 18 month old grandson, didn't bite but knocked him down and growled and barked right at his throat. It wasn't safe to keep her the libility was too great.
I cried for days after I found out I had to put her down. This is not easy no matter what the circumstances. All you can do is remember that the dog will not be suffering any longer. Take time to say good-bye to her, tell the kids the dog is sick and can't be cured and have them give hugs and say good-bye. I was allowed to stay with her until she was gone. The vet who put her down was very kind and let me pet her until she was gone.

C.-

Wishing you and your beloved companion an easy time of the transition.

Think about how much you want to share with the kids, and how much notice you want to give them. Kids can react differently, some might be indifferent, some might be happy, some might be sad, some might be angry with you. Be ready to stomach that on top of your grief.

Good luck to you and yours,
F. B.

I'm so sorry to hear your sad news. My heart breaks for you too. I'm crying just typing this to you. I know this will be painful for you, and I know it will be very emotional for you as well. Try to remember that you are doing the right thing by your girl, your friend, your companion. You've given her the best life that you could and her time here with you has come to an end. Spend the next few days loving her, cuddling her, enjoying her. If you're sad, she will sense your sadness, so try as hard as you can to be happy for her sake and remember all the fun times you had with her. Remember to take some pictures of her with the family, you will treasure them forever.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your strength on Wednesday! Be strong!

I am so sorry you are going through this.

As an animal lover, I can tell you that it is best for your beloved dog.
Especially when they stop eating.

She is in pain and isn't doing well. You are doing the best thing for her.
Spend as much time with her as you can now.
Try not to be terrified of Wednesday.
While you are not ready to say goodbye to her, remember you love her so much that you are not allowing her to suffer. You will be right there with her petting her.
She will be comforted with you there.
Pets come into our lives to give us love & companionship. In return, we
give that to them.
They are part of our family.

But remember, you are loving her by taking care of her when she is needing you most. She is sick. When they won't eat, it's their way of dealing with and letting us humans know it's time to go.

My thoughts & prayers will be with you on Wednesday.
Take comfort knowing you are not prolonging her pain for your need/desire to have her with you.

Many hugs for you dear one. Know that they never truly leave your life.

Oh C., I am SO sorry about you Liberty. I lost my 14 YO Irish Setter with lymphoma and my 12 1/2 YO Great Dane in February. It's SO hard. One thing I WILL tell you is - no matter how bad you hurt - you STAY WITH HER. If you have a vet who will come to the house, that would be great! It could be a family affair. If not or if you (like me) want those last moments alone with her, then go and do it. Don't just hand her over to the vet or vet tech. They will probably ask if you want to be there. Please say YES. It is the greatest memory you will cherish. Most vets will go ahead and start an IV, then leave you alone for a bit. Mine took my hand and prayed with me and ask the Lord to give me a peaceful heart and help me to know that I was giving KC the most wonderful selfless gift I could give her - release to be whole again and freedom from sickness and pain. She came in about 10 minutes later and I indicated I was ready. I was sitting on the floor with her head in my lap stroking her and crying (yes, C., it's OK to cry!!!!) telling her what a wonderful friend she is and thanked her for taking such good care of me and my family - raising my grandkids, etc. When it's time, the vet will give her a shot (like they give when they're going to do surgery. This will relax them and they'll go to sleep. Then they administer the medicine that stops the heart. Then my vet left and told me to take my time....there is NO rush to leave. That was when I totally lost it. Such pain. But tears help heal our hearts. You probably already know there are different ways to dispose of her earthly body (just like ours). Please don't let money be a factor here. Cremation is expensive, but if you want her remains close, do this. Or you can have her cremated and scatter her ashes in a favorite flower bed or underneath a favorite tree where she laid or something. Neither of my dogs would ever like being 'put in a box', and we don't live in an area where the soil is conducive to burial, so I chose for communal burial. They always loved playing with other dogs - I didn't want them to be 'alone' .... I know, I know..... Don't let anyone make you feel bad if you choose this .... (unless you're going to have her preserved and lay her in a corner of the living room - don't laugh, people do this) it's just like us - dust to dust .... her spirit is gone.

Sorry for the long post. I just want to impress on you the importance of you being right there with her. She knows you - you are her whole life - you are her safety and her comfort and you have been since she was 6 weeks old. It WILL be very hard, but you will NEVER regret it, I promise. Talk to her and stroke her, hug her, tell her anything you want to say.

Thank you for being such a wonderful companion to Liberty and releasing her compassionately to be free and whole and young at the Rainbow Bridge. My thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow.

God Bless.
C.

Oh, Congrats on #4 .... don't know about your other 3, but you can probably count on this little one being a very big animal lover!!!

Updated

C., please let us know how you are doing.

I am so sorry. I've been through it with 2 of our Cocker Spaniels.

We are on borrowed time now with our 13.5 yr old cocker spaniel. For us, he seems to be in no pain, not irritable, but has a cancer on his face and eye that is gross, drains and smells.

We haven't made the choice to put him down just yet because we see him happy, eating, playing.

It's so hard and heartbreaking. I will be thinking of you. It's the hardest thing we've had to do but when the time comes, you know.

Bless you!