This is my dog’s last day.

HaaaveyoumetsamHaaaveyoumetsam
in General

Hey everyone, it’s going to be such an emotional day.
Tomorrow at 10:45 am, our family dog(and first family pet) is going to be put down..

This is a pain I didn’t think I’d experience. Our pet Rocky has been with us for 12 years. He’s grown up with me and seen me become the adult that I am
now . He’s more than a dog in my eyes, he’s my little brother. The whole block even knows
who he is because of his distinct bark and his excitement of seeing other dogs pass by the house.
To think that by tomorrow, he will leave us..I don’t know how to feel. But I do know he will not be in pain anymore.

We’ve never had a pet and we’re all trying to process it the best way we can.

For those who have experienced pet loss, what advice can you offer me about having the last best day? What did you do for your pets?

I just want him to be happy before he’s gone.
Apologies for the early thread, I just can’t sleep.

Comments

  • starrynitecudsstarrynitecuds

    I'm sorry, losing a fur babe is hard.
    My dogs and cats always had lots of cuddles and their favorite meals. The dogs always went for a looooong but slow walk, which they loved, and more cuddles. It was the best day, and worst day, all in one.
    It wasn't just for them, it was for me, too.

  • VitaminJVitaminJ

    Reading your comment made me go and lay with my senior dog and give him some extra morning hugs and cuddles and kisses. I’ve seen friends make a “doggie bucket list” and go through and make the last day(s) count as much as possible. I know for Zeus it would involve going down to the lake and letting him chase / terrorize the geese one last time, eating as much cheese as possible, and sitting out on the porch listening to his favorite Frank Sinatra XM station.

    I’m sorry for what you’re going through. With each of my pets I try to just remember the good times and be glad that they happened, rather than dwelling on the loss❤️❤️❤️

  • SolarisSolaris

    I'm so sorry. It's so hard. Pets are so innocent and full of love. I've lost a lot of pets. I always got through it but I still feel it when I think about them.

    Favorite meals and favorite activities and just love on him is what I'd do.

    Hugs to him and hugs to you and your family.

  • sunnysideupsunnysideup

    So sorry to hear that, that is the worst. Losing pets just does not feel good. Take some happiness that you gave him a good life! And you’ll have memories to cherish of him. He’ll want you to be happy, I’m sure.

  • BearBear

    @Haaaveyoumetsam
    My sympathies and big hugs. I have gone through this a few times and it never gets easy. It always feels like losing a family member. I’ve always done whatever my fur baby at the time loved the most. Special food/treats. Playtime or cuddles. Walkies. The biggest thing you could do is be with them when they are being put down and hold them. Make sure they are not alone. Tell them that you love them and appreciate everything they did for you. It’s time for them to pass on.

  • JubalJubal
    edited July 2024

    Spend whatever time is available that last day letting him know he's loved. Recently had to put down our oldest cat, and I took her out in the yard and let her roll around in the dirt, chew on grass, and just bask in the sunshine for a little while before the mobile vet got to the house. Earlier in the day I gave her small portions of some of her favorite foods along with some catnip, and lots of lap time.

    The one thing that I will tell you to do - no matter how hard it is for you! - stay in the room for the procedure. Talk to your dog and pet him the whole time, he needs you to be with him at that moment. He'll hear you, even when the sedative is taking hold. I'm convinced that it's much easier on our pets when they know they're not alone.

  • StoryDoctor1138StoryDoctor1138
    edited July 2024

    Do what he loves most - which is being with you (plus, you know, favorite foods and such). The most reassuring thing I can tell you is this: while it won't seem this way at first, the tears will eventually subside. What remains is the joy and love of years spent together, of the affection without reservation or hesitation. This may bring tears again (I'm finding that out right now and it's been 25 years) but instead of sorrow it will be like hugging him again, forever.

  • CharlieBearCharlieBear Mod

    I’m so very sorry 🫂

  • CaringSoulCaringSoul

    I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm an animal lover & have pets my entire life so I know exactly how difficult & painful when pets are about to die. IF it's not too late, I have a lot of success with using holistic natural herbal liquid medicine. For more than 15+ years I have been using Pet Wellbeing products & saved some of my severely ill cats from dying. I'm NOT affiliated with Pet Wellbeing & I DON'T get any monetary payments, so I DON'T benefit from it. I'm just trying to help fellow pet owners with sick pets & I just love their herbal liquid medicine for cats & dogs, made exclusively by trained veterinarians trained in using herbs as herbal medicine. They have different formulas for different types of cats & dogs diseases such as cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, heart disease, joint & arthritis, viral disease such as feline aids, feline leukemia, dog parvovirus, etc. Years ago, I had 1 cat that had advanced kidney disease. She was 13 years old when the veterinarian diagnosed her & she went from 12 pounds down to 7 pounds. She was close to dying so my veterinarian suggested that I put her to sleep. But I did my research online & I told my vet that I will FIRST try holistic herbal medicine. Within 6 weeks, she gained weight, vitality restored. And she became active, playful & big appetite again & she lived for another 2.5 years HEALTHY, PAIN FREE just by me giving her LIFE GOLD liquid herbal medicine twice daily. This is Pet Wellbeing website if you're interested in trying it first. You might be pleasantly surprised how quickly severely ill cats & dogs recover with twice daily supplements. The Pet Wellbeing website you can read other pet owners testimonials for each of their products. I have 1 cat right now who started loosing a ton of weight 3 years ago. So I started giving her LIFE GOLD twice daily & she's STILL alive & well. Btw she's now 16 years old & she's active & she eats like a horse now.

  • RadiantHugsRadiantHugs Mod

    I’m so sorry. Sending you hugs and thoughts of comfort.

  • JoyfulHeartJoyfulHeart

    I'm sending you a huge hug!

  • TheFunCartelTheFunCartel

    I am very sorry. I love dogs and they are innocent souls.

  • biancalovecraftbiancalovecraft

    It's going to rock your world.
    Don't schedule anything for at least a week, and you might want to cancel your usual schedule.
    And stay with him all the way to the end.
    You don't want guilt coming after you on top of grief. Find a way to honor him.
    So sorry you're going through it. Pets really snatch back all the happiness they gave us.

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    @Haaaveyoumetsam
    Long warm hugs for you.

    I agree with those who have said to give him treats or food he loves or may not have been allowed to have, medically, lately.

    I would also suggest taking pictures with him, and perhaps video, this last day, if you think they would be good memories, eventually.

    My heart goes out to you and your family. 🫂

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

    🦄 Enthusiast 🏞 Travel Fiend 🐘 Animal Lover

    Happy summer vibes! 🐬 🎹

  • MorpheusMorpheus

    @Haaaveyoumetsam

    I’m very sorry. Since I’ve been married (29 years) my wife and I have lost 4 dogs and 2 cats. The hurt is horrible. I’m so sorry 💕💕💕

  • TxTomTxTom

    @Haaaveyoumetsam
    I hope you are able to hold Rocky and talk to him as he slips away. He needs to know you're there.

    And I hope you allow yourself to cry and sob as long and as hard as you need to fight your pain.

    And in between your tears, I hope you allow yourself to find peace in knowing Rocky no longer suffers from pain.

  • ShakeShake

    As others have said already, all that matters now is making the most out of the time you have left. Let him eat all the things you wouldn't let him eat before. Give him all the cuddles & attention he deserves. No matter how much they try to prepare you, watching the eyes go is the hardest part. It's up to you ofcourse whether you're in the room with him or not in the end. Let out everything you need to feel when that moment hits.

    I'm sorry you have to endure this. 💗

  • TD1964RGKTD1964RGK

    There are no words… 🤗🐶❤️

  • CoolShadesCoolShades

    Cheeseburgers and lots of cuddles. We invited all of my friends and family over that knew and enjoyed my pup to come over and say goodbye on the last day.

    At the vet's office:

    Pressing the button to let the vet know we were ready for them to come in and start the process was difficult 😭 it all happens so fast and there is no suffering. The vet and techs were so kind with us, explaining the whole process with each injection. Make sure you pay beforehand so you don't have to sob at the front desk while fumbling through your wallet or phone.

    We were able to get the pawprints too *and ashes, for our family and pet alter, for Day of the Dead.

    Sorry you are going through this, saying goodbye is the hardest 😢

  • Vintage_EmbraceVintage_Embrace

    I’m so sorry for the rainbow 🌈 bridge beckoning your fur baby.
    It’s so hard but yet they need to be with their loved ones as they transition over. As my vet was reviewing with me.
    Much love and strength for healing ❤️‍🩹 for you all.
    Losing a family fur member is not easy no matter how and especially when they have been a staple of happy memories and fantastic love 💕 n cuddles 🥰
    Reading this thread 🧵 for ideas as my family has that dreaded end of life celebration coming up for a fur baby and it’s been hard to adjust everyone knowing the doggos last day is arriving.

  • jillyainjillyain

    I’m so sorry for your loss,
    ❤️

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    @Haaaveyoumetsam
    Continuing to think about you and your family, throughout the day. 🫂

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

    🦄 Enthusiast 🏞 Travel Fiend 🐘 Animal Lover

    Happy summer vibes! 🐬 🎹

  • HaaaveyoumetsamHaaaveyoumetsam

    Thank you all so much for your kind words. I really love this community and I’m so grateful for your advice.

    Rocky went peacefully this morning. It was one of the most difficult moments of my life but I know he’ll be okay.

    He was the best dog ever. The sweetest and most gentle. It’ll be hard to not see him every day.

    Here are a few photos I have of him throughout the years





  • timbear50timbear50

    Hug and compassion from me as well @Haaaveyoumetsam - a difficult day

  • SolarisSolaris

    Great photos of a beautiful boy. I'm sure he was well loved and had a full life. Bless you and your family. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    @Haaaveyoumetsam
    What a precious sweetheart! I have a soft spot for black and tans. Thank you for sharing Rocky's pictures. Hugs to your family.

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

    🦄 Enthusiast 🏞 Travel Fiend 🐘 Animal Lover

    Happy summer vibes! 🐬 🎹

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