Had to put down my dog of 15 years tonight

[vercetti2021]

Honestly I can't stop crying. Was there when they injected him and just like that I was relieved his pain was gone. No more arthritis, no more cognitive dysfunction, or anything. But still I couldn't leave. I stood there just leaning over him not wanting to leave him behind. I can safely say I hate myself so much for letting him suffer for so long because I was scared to let go. I won't forgive myself for that for a long time.



Til we meet again Snickers. Love you boy and thank you

[dem4decades]

1. You loved that dog, he loved you. It's a sad day. It'll get better.

Good luck.

[Gothmog]

2. I am sorry for your loss

[KT2000]

3. Yes, the hardest thing

to do and we never know when the right time is. That is universal vercetti2021. I am pretty sure we all wait too long. Please do not be hard on yourself. For Snickers you did that most difficult thing even though it breaks our hearts. Peace to you. Rest in Peace Snickers

[vercetti2021]

12. It keeps replaying in my head over and over

Just him lying his head down and sleeping. I can't stop thinking about it

[KT2000]

74. I know....

he was at peace and your heart is broken to lose him. You did what was best for him and you were brave for him. That memory will fade and in time you will talk to friends about him again - the fun and funny stuff. It will just take time. Let yourself grieve - they lived in our hearts and that is a big loss. Later, your memories though will be the good times.

[vercetti2021]

75. Bad last night

My friend uninvited me to her daughter's party because how emotionally wrecked I am

[KT2000]

80. That's OK

Grieving takes time and you have to give it that time - all that you need. It is not wrong to do that, in fact it is necessary. If you had gone to the party, you would have felt even worse because it is impossible to be happy and joyful in grief. This is like a wound in that it heals at its own pace and while you are doing that, all those things that Snickers meant to you are settling in. Peace.

And by the way - we all feel guilty when we lose such friends because we can never match their pure love - we're just people.

[vercetti2021]

81. Very true

I agree with you. I tried going to Walmart last night and I saw the dog supplies and I instantly started to cry in front of her like crazy. I had to go outside and wait. Today is even worse

[KT2000]

86. A friend told me once

when my cat died, or rather I had to have her put down because she was so ill - I give you permission to lay on the couch and cry as long as you need. A good friend, huh?

[vercetti2021]

88. Yes

My work gave me grievance leave for a week because I went nuclear on my supervisor that night. He said it's just a dog because I was gonna take off Saturday. I went AWOL

[KT2000]

90. That's good that you have time

Your co-worker is missing a few chips in the brain. Too bad for the co-worker to not have that kind of love in their life. Even though it hurts now, you know the good side of that love. Peace.

[vercetti2021]

91. Supervisor

I kinda clapped back saying just because no one cares for him doesn't mean he's gotta bring me down further. Safe to say my boss called and understood what I was going through. So next Monday I gotta report to his office about moving positions at work that suit me better

[KT2000]

92. That is something

that worked out in the long run. Here's hoping for much nicer coworkers for you!

[vercetti2021]

93. Yeah

Hoping a desk job away from people at this time

[KT2000]

94. checking in

to see how you are doing - hope things are getting better for you.

[vercetti2021]

95. Hes home now

Got his ashes back today

[KT2000]

96. That's good

it helps. At least it did for me, wishing the same for you.

[Scotch-Irish]

4. That's so hard to do. I had to have my cat put to sleep many years ago

to stop his pain. He only had a few days to live, but he was so miserable, and in terrible pain.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Laffy Kat]

5. I am sorry. They'll break our damn hearts every time.

Hugs to you and your family.

[Skittles]

6. so very sorry

I know it's hard, it's the price of love

Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you -

I loved you so -
'twas Heaven here with you

~Isla Paschal Richardson

[kanda]

7. so sorry

My heart breaks for you. Fur babies are the best. Unconditional love. Know that Snickers loved you as much as you loved him. RIP Snickers. And sending cyber hugs to you, vercetti2021.

[emmaverybo]

8. Oh, I am so sorry. You were a good parent. Even in suffering, Snickers knew you were there.

Sometimes we really can’t stop that bond. We can’t and maybe a force, call it love, beyond us won’t let us and maybe it just isn’t the time yet. I see a beautiful boy so well taken care of in this picture. Think of all you did for him, all you both were to each other, and not just what you feel you
didn’t do. That will stand out for now because when we are powerless over loss we start blaming ourselves for something done or not done. That is part of the grief and the desire to still protect.

You would not be so severe with yourself if you were not so loving and empathetic. Your beloved knew that love and tending. You have enough heart ache. He would tell you that you don’t deserve
more for having wanted more time. It wasn’t just selfish.

May you find comfort.

[Rhiannon12866]

9. What a sweet pup! I'm so very sorry too. And I've been just where you are, as well.

I really do know that panicked and terrible feeling. The only thing I can say is just to remember how very fortunate that Snickers was to have had you.

[FirstLight]

10. I'm sorry for your loss...furbabies are everything

My puppy wafflez is approaching older age, we don't know for sure how old she was when she came to us...but I recently realized it's been 8 or 10 years
...

I have had to watch a few kitty's pass on and I cant fathom the loss of my girl...they mean so much and give so much...

Hugs and I hope you can grieve knowing your furbaby l9ves you no matter what...thats why they are so special 😚

[vercetti2021]

17. I'm just replaying the night in my head

No matter where I go in my house. I see toys, his water bowl. Its just replaying from the moment of injection to him finally passing on. Its messing my head really bad

[rwsanders]

11. We grieve for them, but you did what was best for both of you...

Been through that with my families first dog.
Had no other dog until I was married and she died in our bed.
Now I've spent 8 years dreading the future as we've watched our baby get older. We don't know how well manage this time.
Don't carry that burden, he wouldn't want it. He was there for you as much as you were for him.

[ZZenith]

13. It's in the contract that we are likely to outlive our dogs.

I always console myself that it’s better to outlive them than to die first and have them think we’ve abandoned them. Snickers knew the score, and understood you were trying to help him enjoy your company for as long as possible.

[CottonBear]

14. I am so sorry.

It is OK to be sad. But, know that your love for Snickers and Snickers’ love will live on in you.

[pazzyanne]

15. Sincere condolences to you and your family, vercetti2021!

A peaceful crossing of the Rainbow Bridge for you, Snickers.

You were much loved in life, and will be remembered until you meet your loved ones across the bridge!

[vercetti2021]

19. Yes

He'll be with my first dog. Hopefully I'll see them again soon

[True Dough]

37. Not too soon!!!

Hang around with us for a long time to come!

[vercetti2021]

48. Only 29

I likely will

[StarryNite]

16. I'm so very sorry.

Such a beautiful boy. Don't think for a minute that he's not still with you, because he is.

[vercetti2021]

18. I wish that

A spirit. Just off and on crying wishing this wasn't the day.

[LibDemAlways]

20. You gave him a loving home and he,

in turn, was a loyal companion of many years. Letting go is heartbreaking, I know, but take comfort that you ended his earthly suffering. He will live on in your memories and will always hold a special place in your heart. ❤️

[videohead5]

21. So sorry for your loss

I had to have mine put down in April. He was 17.

[vercetti2021]

30. That's a very long time

Lucky us our dogs outlived the standard

[videohead5]

68. Yes

The thing that got me even though you know they are gone you keep thinking they are there out of habit.

[vercetti2021]

71. Very much so

I keep going into the living room and looking to the couch. I always think he'll be there.

[Granny M]

22. I'm so sorry, Vercetti2021

I understand what you're going through. I felt the same pain when we said goodbye to our beloved Sam. I held on too long, as well, and felt so guilty. And I couldn't stop crying, as well. But what comforted me, and I hope you, too, was knowing we gave him a great life for 15 years, we loved him, and he loved us, and we did the best we could for him.
May your good memories of your beloved Snickers bring you peace and comfort.

[vercetti2021]

31. He did

From the time we found him until now. We did everything right. From the destruction of pillows, shoes, remotes to his final night. I won't regret going to the park that late night in December of 2004.

[Roy Rolling]

23. It's Hard!

Such a sweet baby, he relied on you to do the right thing and it hurts.

Why? Because you are a loving person. If you were an asshole you wouldn’t feel a thing.

That’s what Snickers will remember, and over time, your tears of grief become tears of laughter.

It just takes time, and today is the hardest. God bless and may the natural difficulties become a lighter burden. And don’t worry about tomorrow, today has enough sh*t to deal with!

But again, your burdens are only heavy now because you aren’t an a**hole. Wear it as a badge of honor and the basis of your love with Snickers.

😁😁

[vercetti2021]

29. Thank you

I needed that right now. I just keep crying off and on and I'm a mess. I keep hoping I will walk into the living room and he'll be there like always

[diva77]

24. so sorry about Snickers....

Please don't be so hard on yourself - I'm sure you gave Snickers the best life any dog could hope for and even at the end, he knew he was loved - and that probably greatly eased whatever pain he had. Take care, celebrate his life -- that's what he would want

[vercetti2021]

28. I think the worst part is leaving him

I couldn't leave him there but I didnt have a choice in the matter. They would take him out the country to bury him.

[shenmue]

25. Rest in peace

[kysrsoze]

26. R.I.P., Snickers. We feel your pain. It's rough. Hang in there.

It gets a little bit easier each day.

[vercetti2021]

27. I hope

Everytime I go into the living room part of me hopes hes just on the couch sleeping

[MFM008]

32. He is

🐶💔🌹

[TEB]

33. So sad for you

[Doodley]

34. You gave him more time to be loved. Do not be sorry for that. I am sorry for your loss.

[democratisphere]

35. Snickers would tell you he didn't want to leave you either.

Forgive yourself. Snickers has. So sorry for the loss of your best friend and family member.

[proud patriot]

66. Ditto

was going to post below but you said it so well

[samnsara]

36. my heart is breaking for you. One month tomarrow we sent our 14 yr old Golden Retriever..

...to the Bridge. Hardest thing ever ..We found a vet who came to the home on a Sunday afternoon. Your Snickers and my Cooper are no doubt chasing something. The wonderful pets are really Angels....





Godspeed sweet Snickers...what a GOOD boy you are! (((hugs)))

[True Dough]

38. This is one of the hardest things to do in life

I'm sorry for your loss, vercetti. You gave Snickers comfort right until the very end. There's nothing more he could have asked for.

My wife and I have a 7-year-old German shepherd/mastiff cross. He's a big boy, almost 110 pounds. He has chronic joint issues but he's still mobile. We have him on CBD oil and occasional anti-inflammatories.

But the day will come -- and I hate to think about it -- when we have to take him to the vet for the final time. If we're lucky, he'll maintain his quality of life for another three or four years. Being such a large mixed breed with a bad hip and two front legs that are severely arthritic, we can't expect much more than that.

We went through the farewell with our female German shepherd/husky cross several years ago. The veterinarian was kind enough to allow us to stay in the room with her as long as we wanted after he administered the final needle. My wife and I spent almost 40 minutes wailing like babies (luckily the vet had multiple examining rooms for pets). We still had tears streaming on occasion throughout the rest of the day and we still think fondly of her.

All those years of loyalty they give us. The smiles and laughs, the warmth, the exercise, periodic frustrations too, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's just so difficult when it comes to an end.

My condolences.

[vercetti2021]

53. Cherish him

While you still have him. Hug on him and love him to death

[True Dough]

60. Multiple times daily

without fail. I have the dried drool marks to prove it (his drool, not mine)!

[vercetti2021]

61. Good

Hug him for me

[brer cat]

39. I'm so sorry.

It's heartbreaking even though we know it is the best for them.

[Stuart G]

40. Sorry for your loss.

[sinkingfeeling]

41. Condolences. Don't be too hard on yourself. He probably wanted

to hide his pain to stay with you longer.

[vercetti2021]

57. I think so too

But last night his pain was too overwhelming

[Fla Dem]

42. It's never easy and we never know the right time.

Snickers had a loving 15 years with you. You gave him much joy as he also gave it to you unconditionally. You will cry and get choked up for a while as you remember things, see photos, see his playthings, talk about him. He'll always have a big place in your heart. He'll never leave you.

[murielm99]

43. I am so very sorry.

I know it hurts. They leave us too soon.

[Bayard]

44. Be kind to yourself

You did the right thing, and kept him comfortable as long as you could. He knew you loved him. Especially at the end, when the last thing he saw was your face.

[musicman65]

45. We had to do this as well

about 10 years ago,and will never get over it.
since then we have a 5 year old german shepherd,and knowing someday will face this again.
However,the time we do spend with our family member ( not pet ) is a true blessing and do most everything together.
Would not have it any other way.
Take comfort in knowing that you did the right thing and do not beat yourself up.
Stay strong,he is watching over you,,,Peace and Love

[vercetti2021]

56. Hes got a long life ahead still

Please please cherish him or her to death

[Hotler]

46. It never is easy. Heart ache is the worst pain.

[Niagara]

47. R.I.P. Snickers

[smirkymonkey]

49. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Snickers, vercetti.

He looks like such a sweet little boy. It is so heartbreaking to let go of our four-legged angels, for some of us, they are our best friends. RIP, dear Snickers

[vercetti2021]

58. He was

Well later in life. Man he was a hellhound at first though.

[a kennedy]

50. Awwwwwwww, so sorry for you. It was for the best, and forgive yourself........

He had a great full life, he was so happy you were his owner and friend.

[kozar]

51. This is

One of the worst days a pet owner can go through. We have been through it numerous times with older fur babies. Luckily, we have a vet who told us when we were at our darkest pet day,, " all your pets have outlived life span,,you are good parents,,never stop" I hope you can find comfort in that statement,as we have.

Fullest sympathy,

Koz

[wendyb-NC]

52. So sorry for your loss.

He loved you no matter what, and you did the same. R.I.P. dear Snickers.
Vercetti2021, go easy on yourself. You are his hero, you gave him the best life. You loved him and, he knew it.

[vercetti2021]

55. You're right

We did

[BlueDawn]

54. I hurt with you.

Dearest Vercetti,

I sit here in tears just putting myself in your shoes. What a hard thing to do, a terribly hard thing to do. What a precious pet and member of your family.

I have been there and it hurts....and I still hurt over a year later. I miss my little fur-girl. I can't blame you one bit, and would never sit in judgment, that you kept your beloved with you as long as you possibly could. I hope that you aren't too hard on yourself for that, Vercetti. It is just so very, very hard to let a loved one go.

The name "Snickers' is just adorable and I love it.

I have a soft heart and I am sure that I will thinking about you for days, so every time I do I will send you my best vibes and warmest love and hope they manage to float through the airwaves and somehow touch your heart. Sounds corny, I know....but I often am struck by a thought or feeling "out of the blue" and I like to believe at those times that someone "out there" is thinking of me. Maybe....just maybe.

Thank you for sharing this. It means a lot to people like me who love animals and have been changed for the better by our furry family members.

[vercetti2021]

64. I whole heartedly appreciate that

This morning I didn't care about costs. I wanted him home with me. So this place locally is going to cremate him for me and put his ashes into a special box. Gonna put him by my grandfather's flag. I know deep down my grandfather is taking care of my past buddies.

[NewDayOranges]

59. Dr Seuss said: Don't cry because it's over -

SMILE because it happened...

I hope you soon will be able to remember Snickers without tears...

[vercetti2021]

63. Bringing him home soon

Hes gonna go next to my grandfather's flag. I know he will take care of him until I die

[sellitman]

62. I did the same to my dear friend Buddy.

Black Lab of 15 years. It's a good ride. 15 years for them unfortunately is a lifetime. I think a buddy and every day. You did the right thing. Nobody anything can say will take away you're hurt but remember he would want you you only remember the good times.

[zackymilly]

65. We had to put down Shadow, 17 years old, our last rescue dog, down two months ago.

We had 3 rescues, and they are all gone now, but we have their ashes in urns, along with cast paw prints, tufts of fur, and their collars.
All 3 were held in our arms when they went to sleep.
Shadow--17 years
Buddy--16 years
Jake--14 years
I didn't think I wanted any more furry friends for a while, but our big house and fenced-in land was so empty.
Last month, we adopted Niko, a 7-month old Dalmatian/Border Collie mix. Beautiful puppy.
We are still sad, but celebrate the great lives our boys had. We spared no expense for their health and comfort.
Just remember: Your precious loved one would never have had a better life than the one you gave him.
Please adopt again. There are so many dogs out there that need you as much as you need them.

Don't feel guilty. Our Shadow, a 65 pound Lab/Chow mix could barely walk towards the end. I would pick him up to take him outside and then bring him back in. I would hand feed him cuts of fresh beef, chicken and pork during his last days. I knew we should have taken him earlier, but I feel he understood and wanted to stay as long as he could with us too.

Take care, and know that I am hurting right along with you.

[vercetti2021]

69. That's beautiful

Thank you for sharing the greatness of your three puppers. Similar to what we did for Snickers. Carried him inside and out, hand fed him fresh steak and chicken. But God knows that I knew what he was going through.

[Tikki]

67. Hugs to the vercetti2021 home...

What a sweet baby face Snickers has in the photo.

We never forget or let go. We find a place in our heart
for the memories to rest.

Tikki

[vercetti2021]

70. He was a great dog

Hellhound to baby essentially

[MustLoveBeagles]

72. I'm sorry vercetti2021

Don't be too hard on yourself. It can be difficult to let go and I bet Snickers didn't hold it against you. Speaking from experience, the pain does get easier with time. He was handsome boy. You were lucky to have him.

[vercetti2021]

73. Thank you

Just stumbled across him one night at the park in the winter. No collar or anything

[catbyte]

76. I'm so very sorry. They're family, sometimes closer than family.

There are tears in Michigan for your beautiful Snickers. The only time our furry ones are ever capable of breaking our hearts is when it's time for them to leave us.

[vercetti2021]

85. Yes they are

Today is worse than yesterday. Not sure how my step dad is gonna make it through this. Hes very heartbroken

[FM123]

77. I am so sorry for what you are going through.

I too had to put down my babydog at 15 last year, it was soulcrushing. I know that there are no words that I can give you to make this bettter, just please remember that we are here for you at DU.

[vercetti2021]

84. Appreciate it

I feel better knowing that people here do care

[nancy1942]

78. I understand your grief.

I'm facing having to put my little companion to sleep soon and I can barely face the reality of actually doing it. It hurts every bit as much as the pain of losing a family member; probably because they really are a part of the family.

[vercetti2021]

83. I'm sorry

I wish the best and prayers for you when that time comes. Please cherish your pupper now and every day.

[Gothmog]

79. I said goodbye to my Bearded Collie five years ago

My friend was 15. He was still alert but was unable to walk at the end. My two children who were in town said goodbye in person before I took him to the Vet. I flew my middle child down from law school in Iowa to say goodbye. I picked her up at the airport and we drove straight to the vet's office. The vet carried my friend into to the room and he recognize my daughter and put his head in her lap. We were there when they gave him the shot and stayed until he fell asleep.

Saying goodbye to a family member is hard

I am sorry for your loss

[vercetti2021]

82. Yeah

I wish snickers was aware. But his dementia was so bad he didnt know what was happening. Just happy hes okay now. They need us all the way until the end. Yall did the best thing and came to see her off to the next life

[Gothmog]

87. Dealing with dementia would be tough

I am again so sorry for your loss.

It has been five years and I just got another bearded colie puppy. It took my five years to feel that I could do this again.

[vercetti2021]

89. Yeah it takes awhile

My step dad wants to get another. I said wait a few years. We'll get two this time so they can have each other