Terrible Day. I had to put my dog down

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
5,250
Some of you know my Rhodesian Ridgeback Zoe had degenerative myelopathy. She was going downhill for the past couple of months and had reached the point that she could no longer rise, walk or even stand without assistance. We had a harness made that really gave her a lot of help but eventually she needed so much assistance that my wife couldn't handle her without me or my son to lift her.

She could still waddle around with me manning the harness but I was taking a lot of her weight. I've been sleeping downstairs for the last month because she was crying a lot because she couldn't get up to rearrange herself. Since my son was home for the summer, she was never alone for more than a couple of hours. I think we gave her as good a life as we could. She was a rescue dog who we got when a breeder took her to the Vet to be put down as a puppy because she wasn't "show quality" whatever that was. Added to that our only child is leaving for college and my old German Shepard is 14 and a half and on his last legs.

Finally, yesterday, we had the Vet come and put her down. It was one of the worst days of my life. I was sobbing like a baby as she died in my arms. She was only 7 years old.
 
Sincere condolences, Shann.

All who have had and loved their pets know the heartache you are feeling.

Only time passing will truly help, but try to remember that the fact that you are so upset indicates that you deeply cared for you lost friend and your care surely translated into your providing Zoe with a high quality of life.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss.

Take comfort in knowing you gave her a good life & remember the good times.
 
Been there. It hurts. Take comfort in the memories and know that you gave Zoe 7 wonderful years. She is no longer in pain. I know "Rainbow Bridge" has been posted here many times, but it has special meaning for those who have just lost a friend.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...​

Thank you for taking Zoe into your family. "Show Quality" doesn't mean squat when it comes to the unconditional love of a dog. The dog doesn't care and doesn't know about dog shows. Dogs just want to be with their family.
 
You have my deepest sympathies. It's a matter I dread dealing with despite its inevitability.

I hope you gain comfort in knowing that you did what was best for your beloved friend.
 
I am sorry that you had to put your baby down!!! That is so sad. HUGS to you.
 
I've 'lost' five good four-footed friends over the years and I feel your pain.

For a Friend…

My eyes are glassy and filled with tears.
For the Lord has taken you back, it appears.
We have helped each other confront our fears.
You will be in my thoughts and heart for many years.

Clydetz
 
I'm very sorry for your loss. RIP Zoe. It's a terrible, terrible feeling when we loose a good friend. Prayers sent out.
 
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss-It sounds like she had a great life thanks to you and your family-rest in peace,Zoe.
 
Very sorry for your loss. I've been there many times over 60 years and it never gets any easier. What you did was supremely unselfish and it is the kindest and hardest thing that one can do for those he or she loves. And I believe that souls that bond in this life will be together again.
 
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I feel your pain, we've had to put down some very beloved four legged family members over the years and it is the end of the world every time.

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We've had a harness (from Ruffwear) for one of our dogs (three legged due to cancer) for a while now and it works for her very well.
 
Thats terrible. I just dealt with having to put one of my dogs to sleep about a year ago. It sounds mean but I miss him more than some of the people I've lost. His name was Rex and the picture in my avatar is of him. I'm sorry you had to go through this too. It'd be nice if they had an age range similar to us.
 
This is sad news, sorry to hear about your loss.

You did what you could and you were there for your pet at the end of it's life, when it needed you most.

You're a Good Man. :thumbup:
 
My sincerest condolences about your loss.

I too had to euthanize a beloved 19 year old cat last November and I have a 16 year old male who I hope will live to that age.

Euthanizing a pet is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, but it's something we have to do for our beloved pets when their quality of life deteriorates badly.

I feel your pain as I look up at my cat's urn and picture...it brings tears to my eyes as I type this.

Cherish the good times and memories you had together. Nobody can take those away from you.
 
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