dog bereavement

[johnbjohn]

My dog was put to sleep last Friday because the vet said that he had cancer of the liver/kideys and splean. She said that she could take the spean away but the liver and kidneys could not be removed and he would have to come back again and again.
I forgot to ask if he was in pain as he was struggling to move now and again. He was not eating his food very greatly and his stools were red/brown, he was drinking lots of water and he sometimes coughed and looked like he was going to be sick and sometimes he was.
He was 9 years old, although he was not eating his stomach was getting bigger, and not getting thinner.
Could someone give me some feedback on this.
P.S This is sole destroying.
Thank you

[woofgang]

johnjohn you did the right thing for your dog. He would have been very miseraable, feeling sick and unhappy just all the time and in pain quite a lot if not all the time. I wuld hope as a human tht if ever I got this kind of spreading cancer someone would do for me what you did for your little one. You have been very brave and kind but i know how much it hurts you because I have done it for one of my dogs.

[lankeela]

Problem with our dogs is that they cannot tell us when they are in pain, so we have to do what we think is right for them., and its better to do this a day too soon than a moment too late. I am sure you would not have wanted your dog to suffer, and who knows how much they put up with before we realise how bad they are. It is never easy to lose a pet, especially if they are not that old, but you should remember the good times and be assured that you did the right thing for your dog.

[brenda]

johnbjohn--please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your faithful friend. You have done the right thing and no matter how this is hurting , try if you can to remember all the good times. Grief is a terrible thing ,and it sounds like a platitude to say that things will get better. They will but not straight away , it will take a lot of time.My thoughts are with you at this sad time. Brenda.

[andy-hughes]

Part of the responsibility we undertake when we start life with a pet is to always do the best for them - and sometimes that means unbearable pain for us.

As the other posters have said, you did what was right for him. His life was effectively over, he was simply existing, and it would be cruel to keep him suffering because you could not bear to part with him. That means a difficult decision to be made, carried through, and lived with, but it is still the right thing to do.

As your grief eases, you will remember the good times with your dog, trhe pleasure you had being together, and that is what will remain when the pain receedes and eventually becomes manageable.

Hang on to that thought, and know that although losing him was so very hard, it was still the way to love him best.

[bigmamma]

I feel for you johnbjohn , it was a kind last gift you gave to your dear dog . xx

[smudge]

So sorry to hear about your beloved dog John.

You did your very best for him & I'm sure he's thankful to be resting in peace. -x-

[johnbjohn]

Thank you all so very much for your kind feedback, i know the pain will ease and i do and will have nothing but happy memories of Bracken, you are all nice people so once again thank you for your nice thoughts.

[wendilla]

I know like others on here what you are going through . I had to have my beautiful golden Lab put to sleep 6 weeks ago as he was going off his legs. By talking on here helped to know that people cared. I still see him as he is everywhere so if it helps as someone on here told me to do light a candle for him beside his photo .I have done this every evening and I find it very calming. I can now say goodnight to him..It does get easier but takes time.My thoughts are with you.

[Dee Sa]

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this last battle cant be won

You wiil be sad, I understand
Dont let this grief then stay your hand
For this day more than all the rest
Our love and friendship stands the test

Who, who had so many happy year
What is to come can hold no fear
Would you want to suffer so ?
When the time comes please let me go

Take me where my needs they'll tend
Only stay with me to the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see

I know in time that you will see
Its kidness that you do to me
Although my tail its last has waved
From pain & suffering I am saved

Do not grieve it should be you
Who must decide these things to do
We've been so close we two these years
Dont let your heart hold any tears.