My darling labrador

[islasmum]

I feel very upset and distressed - I have had to make the decision today to have my gorgeous, lovely 15 year old labrador put to sleep tomorrow. I feel that he is not enjoying his life now, he has arthritis in his back legs but he seems to have dementia as well - he keeps on walking from place to place and just stopping - mentally as well as physically, I think. I know that to everyone their dog is special, but he really is.... he didn't really want his food tonight, so for this evening he can do exactly what he wants - he's had a bit of cheese and is asleep on the sofa - he had to be assisted on, and we will help him down when he wants to go out. We've known for a little while that this day would come, and I'd rather let him go now, than wait until he was really unable to have any quality of life. What's hard to take is I had to have my younger labrador put to sleep three weeks ago - she had a stroke and she couldn't walk properly, and between the vet and I decided that the best course of action was to have her put down - then and there which was a bit of a shock, but the best in the long run. What I worry about is my belgian shepherd - she's already lost her play mate, now she's going to lose the pack leader as well - she's happy to come with us to most places and stay in the car, or is allowed into a few friends' houses - fortunately we are not terribly social, so don't get out a lot.

I feel better now I've written this - sorry it's rather long and waffling - unfortunately every time my OH and I talk about Jack, we both well up; it's going to be awful for a while, but then we'll have lovely memories of him too.
Thanks for listening.

[Nibble]

islasmum - I'm so sorry to read this, particularly after your recent loss - but it's the kindest and most selfless thing that you can do for your old boy. We'll be thinking of you tomorrow ♥

[Psybbo]

Tears from me, but I know you've made the kindest decision. Love to you both x

[Bambiagain]

I am really sorry for you, but you are making the right decision, as I'm sure you already know. As far as your Belgian shepherd is concerned, I'm sure it won't be easy for her, but she will cope. A few years ago I had my older terrier put to sleep, and was left with her daughter, who had never been wthout her mother before. She got used to being alone quite quickly - I think she realised that her mother had been ill. It will be quick for your Lab, and it is the best thing you can do for him. I hope tomorrow is not too hard for you.

[Prudie]

This has made me well up too, so sorry for you, it's going to be tough for a while. The good memories will outshine the pain one day, meanwhile look after yourself and lots of hugs for your belgian shepherd, she'll know what's going on.

[Mrsspagnoli57]

Fully understand where you are coming from. We had to have our much loved beagle put to sleep the day after his 15thbirthday and I still remember the sadness even now. For months I'd turn slowly in the kitchen expecting him to be (invariably) behind me, and missed his weight leaning against my legs while I watched TV. Dogs-pets-play a big part in our lives and their deaths are just as traumatic as a human death. We too have many happy memories-the decision you have made will have been for the best and you must remember that-and the memories you can never lose. It will get better.

[chi-chi66]

Remember, you are doing this out of love. You care for you're pets, and
don't like to see them hurting. (((hugs))) to you both. xx ♥♥

[Jumbo747]

Oh how very sad you must feel - I can empathise totally, but that doesn't help you. However, at the end of the day, you know what has to be done and that it is the best for your lovely labbie.
My mum lost her beloved collie Wilfred just over a year ago, and we all still miss him dreadfully. But you then smile and remember the fun times amongst the tears.
Be brave tomorrow, give Jack a big hug and tell him what a good boy he is.
Take care.......

[paddywak]

I know exactly how you feel I went through the same thing three weeks ago, no matter how many times you go through it if doesn't get any easier.

[Purple_Popple]

Thoughts are with you on this brave but necessary decision. Havign been therer, it isnt easy, you gave your heart to a dog to tear. We love them. x x

[naomi24]

Can't read past the first few lines. Much love to you. x

[bensmum]

You've made the best decision for your old friend, it's never an easy one and you will miss him. But, as you say, you have lovely memories - will think of you xx

[furrypusscat]

I am really sorry to hear your sad news. I shed buckets over the last 2 weeks thinking my cat was really ill. After a few visits to our vet it turned out to be a very bad virus and with treatment he has got better. We all go through it with our pets. They really give us such a lot of love and affection which we return. It is truly heartbreaking and I am fighting back tears for you. You will have to give a lot of fuss and attention to your shepherd dog which she will, I am sure accept and which will help you all.

[Sir Alec]

My heart goes out to you. It will be a year on May 11th since I had to put my beloved Hamish, in my avatar, to sleep. He had gone blind and was a very ill little man at the time and it is always the kindest thing to do. I stroked and cuddled him as he slipped away and it was all over very quickly.
At least you can be assured that your blessed lab had the best of owners and 15 happy years.
God Bless for tomorrow.

[islasmum]

Thank you all, your good wishes will help us so much.

[weecalf]

We went through same sorta thing .Very hard ,came home from vets just move everything around in the backyard where he stayed ,put the kennel box out of sight till giving it to kids for bonfire about 10 months after .What I do remeber is how hard it was but surprisingly we got over it quite soon .but still have his photograph in a prominet place and take about his with great fondness as he was growing up with our children Wish you all the best .what helped us was thinking the reason we did nothing for him in the end was simply because we could do nothing or we would have .

[Mamyalynne]

This heartbreaking decision is often the most loving thing we ever have to do for our wonderful pet companions. Much love and thoughts to you .♥

[starone]

When we had to make the decision for our cat, who was 18 years old and had cat leukemia, it was heartbreaking, but you cannot let them go on suffering. So sorry for you.

[DTCwordfan]

Never the best of days, islasmum,and tomorrow will be awful.

Concentrate on the great times and love that you had together, just as you should do with a human death, and things will start to look brighter. You don't forget but the big memories become that much sharper in your mental focus.

Good luck

[delmac85]

A friend of mine once asked me how she would know when the time was right to have her dog put to sleep, it was a bichon frise and had been ill for some time, i told her the dog will tell her, it might sound silly but i think you tell by the look on there face, its never an easy thing to do, but its always the kindest thing to do.

[xstitcher]

This is a horrible time for you but you are doing the right thing. We had to do this 5 years with our lovely little Westie. It is heartbreaking and only time will heal the grief. I am so sorry.