We are putting our dog down :(

mattswife91805

I don't know how well my DH is going to handle this, he's had her since she was a puppy, now 10. She has health problems, limping, can't control her bladder anymore, always in pain from the limping. We've been taking her to the vet, nothing is working for her.  This is going to be the hardest thing. I don't know how to tell Makayla, and our other dog Tanner is prolly going to be besides herself. It's not going to be the best of weekends.

Has anyone been through this? My mom put our dog down but I was younger. Any advice? What can I do for my DH? Would you take Makayla w/ or leave her at home w/ a babysitter?

 Thanks...sorry so many questions.

teachny19

I went through this earlier this year....and to be honest it is a hard thing to do but you need to remember that she will not be suffering anymore.  My DH and I had to put our 6 year old female dog to sleep because of a massive tumor that ultimately affected her quality of life.  My other dog took a while to get back to his old self but eventually he did.  I dont know how old your daughter is but I would not suggest bringing her...my DH and I had a hard time with it (lots of tears).  Good luck and remember that she did have 10 years of quality life that you and DH were able to give her.  

 Check out this link: http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

TheLinkBride

I'm so incredibly sorry.  I haven't had to do this as an adult, but I remember how difficult it was as a child and to see my mom especially so upset.  Everyone in your family may grieve differently so just take your time and be there for each other.

I'm very sorry that you are going through this.  Hugs and good thoughts to everyone!

lindyanne

I'm so sorry. I was 16 when we had to put our 16 year old cocker spaniel to sleep. I had grown up with him and it was horrible. I think the only thing that can give you any peace is knowing you're doing what is best for your dog.

jjenkins

I am so sorry.  I am a mess when it comes to putting animals down.  My advice would be to keep your DD at home with a sitter.  I think the other thing to gently remind your DH if he's feeling down is that your doing what is best for their quality of life just as you would any other loved one/member of the family. 

amt954

I had this problem with our dog and my parents were a wreck and so was I. I think its best to do it yourself, but maybe explain to her that she's going to heaven, so when you don't come back with the dog, she's not surprised. My friend had to recently put down a pet, and their vet made a paw print in plaster for them, from some kit, you should ask, it would be a great way to remember her - if you think your DH would like it.

I remember the grieving process took a while, it wasn't easy - b/c dogs are a member of the family, so I think its okay to be sad and just let it run its course.

futuremrscohick

My mom and dad put our one dog down when my sister was about Mikayla's age, and I was 2.5 years older than her.  My mom ended up taking Mikey (the dog) to the vet by herself while dad watched my sister and I.  It was mom's dog from before she and my dad were together.  Dad explained to us that Mikey was sick and wouldn't be coming home with my mom, but that he was with his mom and dad and they were taking care of him from now on.  It was a gentle way of explaining it to young kids.  Maybe you can use something similar for Mikayla?

I don't know if there's really that much you can do for your DH besides let him know that you're there for him.  It's a hard, hard thing to do.  Just let him grieve.

I'm sorry you're going through this - it sucks. *hugs*

RaeAnt

Aug.28,2009 I had to put Romeo down, my lab who would have been 14  on 10/1. I think the other 2 dogs new it was the last time they were going to see him, the beagle mix was really wailing when we left. My mom, Dh, and I took him. I never want to have to go through that again, but with some many pets, its inevitable.

Romeo had rapidly declined this year. He had arthritis that progressed to where he often could stand, his hind legs buckling under him or he simply couldn't get up. The worst part for me was the fact that mentally and internally he was still very much the young dog he'd always been. I keep saying that if he was a human, we would have just stuck him in a wheelchair. But his front legs weren't strong enough anymore either to have pulled him around had we gotten him a doggie chair.

It's still extremely hard to even write about his passing. I still feel guilty even though i know he was miserable and in pain. This past weekend we were behind a truck that had a yellow lab (Romy dog,as i always called them) in a crate. I burst into tears. I"m a mess as I'm writing this through the tears. Though i think part of my issue is we had a really bad experience at the vets office that day. Had the things that occurred not happened, I would probably be better about it than i am.

As you can tell, it was very hard for me to let go and one might say I still haven't. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. As pp said, just be there for DH. We all grieve differently so he could either be very emotional, like me, or hold much of it in. Don't discount any of his feelings. Some people want a new dog right away, others don't want to have anything to do with a new one.

Sorry I don't really have advice. Just for me, never leave the dog's side. When the vet comes to give the injection, make them work around you/dh. You have every right and need to be right there holding your dog and talking to them when they pass.

I'm not sure I would little your LO attend. I think it may be very upsetting. Each animal reacts differently.(They don't all appear to grow drowsy and fall asleep) But at the end, they may pee or poo after they pass as well.

Me&Mr.T

I am so sorry. My prayers are with you.

I would also suggest to leave Mikayla home.

bonjourbelle05

My parents had to put my childhood dog down my first week I was away at college and it was really hard (and still is for me).  When it happened my parents told me the important thing to remember is eventually she would have passed away (because unfortunately our animal family members have shorter lifespans than most of us) and by doing it when they did she wouldn't suffer at all.  Something along these lines might help with DH.  That being said my Dad still tears up when we talk about the dog...

As for your daughter I agree with what others said leave her at home and explain to her that the dog is sick and will be going where her friends/parents/etc can take good care of her. 

Good luck....I know how difficult this can be....prayers are coming your way!

eastcoastimelda

I don't have any advice but wanted to send thoughts and prayers to you this weekend and in the weeks ahead.