My dog had to be put to sleep today. It was so fucking horrible.

[LeftyAndProud60]

The closest person to me that died was my father a few yrs ago. And that was difficult, but for some reason this seems just as bad. Maybe becuz an animal is really helpless. She was my responsibility and I let her down. She always had so much energy, then 2wks ago she began not to eat and drink lots of water. We put her on some medicine but that didn't work. She just kept getting worse. Then 2day I went outside and it was like she went into shock. She was breathing hard and unable to move. Her eyes were wide open and wouldn't close. I'm a grown man and can't stop crying.

[XemaSab]

1. I'm so sorry for your loss

:(

[VenusRising]

2. I'm sorry for your loss.

Safe passage to your sweet furry friend.

:hug: for you.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear LeftyAndProud60...

I'm so sorry for your loss...

:hug:

She is at peace and I hope that you will be too, very soon...

[SwampG8r]

4. i buried my kelsey

under the banana trees she loved 6 years ago and i still cry for her
there is no truer friend than a good dog
you have my heart today i grieve with you

[fizzgig]

5. you didn't let her down

you did an incredibly selfless thing today. i experienced that for the first time last fall and, although it was a devastatingly painful experience, it was a very enlightening experience.

i am so very sorry for your loss, peace to you :hug:

[Whisp]

6. you didn't let her down, Lefty.

you loved her, you gave her a good life, you grieve for her. awful things happen all the time and we are too often totally helpless against it.

My doggie has a death sentence as well. He's 12, part corgie and lab, sweetest guy, bladder tumor, maybe 6 months the doc says. But he's as smiley as ever, losing weight, but still the dear dear soul he is even in his bad shape.

I dread picking the right time for him to go. will it be too soon, too late? oiy

[begin_within]

7. You did the right thing.

I've been through that several times and I know it always feels like the wrong thing even when it is the right thing. But the right thing is to not let her suffer, to prevent her from suffering, and that's exactly what you did. I'm sorry for your pain and I know how painful it is, I've experienced that same exact intense pain. But it goes away rather quickly and you will soon feel better. Your pain and tears are symptoms of your love for her. And in doggie heaven she is thanking you for helping her out of her suffering.

[TorchTheWitch]

8. I know exactly what you mean

My dad died a few years before I had to put my first dog to sleep. I was just as devistated and in some ways even more so and felt confused and guilty about that for a long time.

Losing a pet can be a bit like losing a child I think since pets are totally dependent on you in the same way a child is and have the innocense and helplessness of children. Dogs in particular are generally totally devoted and trusting. I think a lot of the pain comes from a feeling of somehow letting them down or betraying that devotion and trust even though it isn't so (it just feels that way).

Don't feel guilty about having to do it or how you feel about it. All these years later and I still get weepy over the loss of my first dog. There's no question it was the right and most humane thing to do, but MY GOD it hurt.

You did the right and most humane thing, too. I'll pass on to you what one of my brothers said to me when I was devistated about having to put my first dog to sleep. He said "It was the last and most significant act of love you could ever give him." And it's true. Ending the suffering of a loyal friend and having the courage to make the decision and do it even though it is wrenchingly painful for you is truly a significant act of love.

[jobycom]

9. Deepest sympathies. I reacted that way to a pet, too.

I've lost friends that didn't hit me as hard, and I couldn't stop crying. I think when it's sudden and we don't watch it coming, we blame ourselves and wonder if it could have been otherwise.

Hang in there. You gave her a good life, and one day you'll be able to remember that with a smile.

[Crystal Clarity]

10. My condolences

Losing a pet can be almost unbearable. I'm so sorry for your loss. :hug:

[JNelson6563]

11. So sorry for you.

Like many, I too have been down this road. Very difficult. :hug:

Julie

[LeftyFingerPop]

12. Lefty...I had to put my female dog down this past February.

Your reaction is entirely normal, Lefty. I am also a grown man, and even after 3 months, I still cry when I think about her. Sometimes the grief is unbearable.

Remember this...you did not let her down. It was the kindest thing you could have done for her. You helped her pass over to the other side in a gentle way.

I wish you peace, Lefty.

[raccoon]

13. BTDT, I feel your pain. Sorry for your loss. :hug: nt

[bigwillq]

14. I am so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[msanthrope]

15. I am sorry for your loss--but you did NOT let her down.

She passed knowing that you loved her, tried to help sustain her life, and when that was impossible, you made the merciful choice for her.

You did what was best. Be well and safe.

[Call Me Wesley]

16. Safe passage to your dog.

May she be free from suffering. Peace and comfort to you and yours.

[undeterred]

17. I'm sorry for your loss.

The lifespan of a dog is long enough to get deeply attached and then we lose them.

[graywarrior]

18. I am so sad to hear that, LeftyAndProud60

Damn, now I'm crying along with you.

[Love Bug]

19. I'm so sorry for your loss

It's always hard to lose a fur baby. (((((hug)))))

[Gidney N Cloyd]

20. I gotta tell you-- I lost my dog and dad about a year apart and the dog hit me MUCH harder.

Loved them both so it was really weird how I was nearly inconsolable over the dog but calm and collected over my dad.

[Tikki]

21. We are so very sorry...

She knew you loved her and she loved you. Soon
the memories won't be so painful..they will be of the fun times together.


The Tikkis

[driver8]

22. I'm so sorry for your loss...

It is never easy to make that decision, but you did what was right for your sweet girl.

[sarge43]

23. Condolences Lefty

You did not let her down. It was her time to cross the Rainbow Bridge and you helped ease her passage. She's at peace now and waiting for you.

We grieve for the loss of a friend and loved one. Our fur and feathered friends find a place in our hearts and when they leave, there's an emptiness. It will be filled with sweet memories.

:hug:

[Flaxbee]

24. I'm so sorry, Lefty

Animals can touch your heart like no other - with their unconditional love and companionship. You did fine by her, you DID NOT let her down. You tried to help with medicine and it didn't work, and then you helped her on her way out. It sounds as if you loved her a lot.

:hug:

I still greatly miss my Tommycat; he was my true kitty love and he died over a year ago. But that pain isn't as acute.

[WinkyDink]

25. Trite expression or not, I think you helped her.

[LeftyAndProud60]

26. Thanks everyone. NT

[LisaM]

27. You didn't let her down. It was her time.

I had a dog who left us in the same way. She was 16 years old. I had always said I would never put a dog down, but she acted the way you said yours did. We called the vet and made the appointment, after about a day of what you describe. As my SO was actually on the phone, my sweet Zelda expired in my arms, and we had to call the vet back. It was sad, but I knew she was ready to go, and she ended up making it as easy on us as she could.

I'm terribly sorry for your loss.

[RagAss]

28. I'm sorry man. Been there a few times and every time was a first time.

Time will heal.

[libodem]

29. So very sorry for your loss

I can empathize my 21 year old kitty had to be put to sleep this year. Even when it's the right thing to do it still hurts. The vet sent me the most terrific sympathy card with a handwritten note saying she would have done the same thing and that I gave my kitty a good life, it was so affirming to my decision. Sorry for your grief. You did the right thing.

[proteus_lives]

30. That sucks, I'm sorry.

We had to do the same to our family dog a couple years back. She had stomach cancer and was in constant pain. We did it at home and I buried her in the yard.

Cried all day.

My condolences man.

[woofless]

31. Know how you feel Lefty.

Our old boy Sam is just about in that same boat. Goes to the vet this afternoon, perhaps for the last time. Pain is inevitable and you are not alone.

Woof

[grasswire]

32. do you have a picture of Sam?

In fact, maybe the OP has a photo of his dog. It seems to memorialize the lost one to have a photo for us all to see.

[woofless]

40. Sam did indeed take his last car ride this afternoon.

He was a good boy all his life.

I have never gotten around to posting pics here on DU.

Tearily, Woof.

[Sheltiemama]

43. Many hugs to you, too.

I'm about to cry just thinking about it.

[myrna minx]

33. I am so sorry.

:hug: :cry:

[KatyaR]

34. I'm so, so sorry about your sweet doggie.

It's so hard to lose a pet. I lost my Maggie girl last summer, and I still cry over her, even though I have a new dog in my life now.

They ARE family, I don't care what anyone says. :hug:

[foxfeet]

35. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I've been there and it hurts like hell. You did the right thing by her, and you will always carry her sweetness in your heart.

[Sheltiemama]

36. I am so sorry.

I've been there, and it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Yahoo has a great forum for those grieving the loss of their pets. I still feel guilty, but at the same time I know it was the compassionate thing to do. Both feelings are normal.

[havocmom]

37. Very sorry for your loss. Out pets are part of our families. We grieve for their loss as such

And you did not fail her. Everything dies. We cannot change that, no matter how much we think otherwise.

There is a book, called: Good-bye friend that I recommend at these times. It is a sweet little collection of anecdotes and musings on the loss of family pets. It can bring some comfort sometimes, and also help with more practical matters.

[kimi]

38. Deepest condolences.

Grieving for our beloved pet companions is a special kind of feeling that knows no comparisons, really. I do believe that your pup, wherever she is (and in a way, she will always be with you), knows that you did your best for her, and gently let her go when she was suffering and needed peace.

Take care, and know that you did the kindest thing for her. Truly. :hug:

[Ikonoklast]

39. Take solace in the knowledge that you gave her a good life.

And that she loved you as much as loved her.

[S n o w b a l l]

41. I'm so sorry...

I understand and feel your pain.

:hug:

[S n o w b a l l]

42. Dupe...sorry

[TommyO]

44. Lefty, I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through

When ex and I had to put down our cat, we were both doing the same thing. We arrived home from work, and saw the pain she was in, she was old, and had been feeling ill for a few days, but when we saw her, we knew what we needed to do. My best wishes for you.

[Writer]

45. Major hugs...

I remember when I put my kitty down. It wasn't easy.

:hug:

[Phentex]

46. I'm sorry...

I know how much it hurts. Hugs!

[applegrove]

47. So sorry for your loss.

[WillParkinson]

48. I understand your pain

I went through the same thing with my beloved Misty.

My heart goes out to you. :hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

49. I am so very sorry *hugs*

[Captain Hilts]

50. It's really tough. I'm very sorry. nt

[Dystopian]

51. My heartfelt condolences

You had and gave unconditional love.
I still weep when I think of my own girl that died in my arms so many years ago...
We always remember...
Wishing you peace of mind...

[Old Troop]

52. I'm so sorry! Try to remember the life you had.

[tango-tee]

53. What can I say other than that I'm so very sorry.

Why do you think you let her down, dear friend? Although taking care of her was your responsibility, there are so many illnesses which are simply beyond your ability. You tried, you gave her medicine, you took care of her. You did the best you could.

So many of us here have experienced this loss and we're with you in our thoughts. We all know how much it hurts.

Sending you many good, healing vibes and a :grouphug:

[Decoy of Fenris]

54. Sounds like how my last dog went. Sorry for your loss, mate.n/t

[BlancheSplanchnik]

55. Cry. Cry hard as much as you need.

Crying is the best thing.

But try to coax yourself away from those last images--for some reason we latch onto them, I don't know why---to help us cry and get it out? I don't know.

I know from experience. It was unexpected...she ate something.

I didn't know how wrong things were; took me too long to get to the vet.
I'm crying now, it was two years ago. I will always cry when I think of my Weenie.

I tortured myself with guilt and sorrow for what I thought I did to her, my baby. They ARE babies, and that's why we love them so.

Very mysterious though---about a month before she left, I started feeling this more than usual bonding; it was something mutual going on, and I could sense a bittersweet tinge to it, a premonition. I find that soothing, that she knew she was getting ready to go. And she found her way to do it.

Perhaps there were hints that your baby was getting ready to cross to the next adventure.........
?

[Happyhippychick]

56. I'm a dog lover and lost my dog the same year as my dad, too. It was just as hard to lose my dog,

maybe even harder. Hugs to you.

[Ishoutandscream2]

57. I'm so sorry for your loss

Peace be with you.

[RadicalTexan]

58. I'm so sorry Lefty.

:hugs:

[Walk away]

59. I am so sad for you...

it's so lucky that your dog had someone to love her and help her. It's a great thing to do for a friend.

[hippywife]

60. It is fucking horrible.

So you have every right to cry. Have at it. :hug:

[Lindsey]

61. I'm so sorry. It's a horrible thing to go through. Peace to you. n/t

[Odin2005]

62. Oh no! I'm so sorry!

:hug:

[Old Troop]

63. I'm so sorry, Losing a beloved dog is like losing a close member of the family

[backwoodsbob]

64. im so sorry

:cry:

[BrklynLiberal]

65. I am so sorry for your loss. Unconditional love is so rare...and is a treasure when we find it.