Post # 1
Member
29 posts
Newbee
Hi Bees,
I don’t know what I’m looking for, maybe just a place to share my sadness or reassurance that it will be okay.
We have to put down our family dog, a 12 year old miniature schnauzer. He brought our family together and was the light of our life, we all argue over who loves him the most.
He’s been having stomach aches for about a year which the vet thoguht was digestive problems due to age. Over the past month he got worse, stopped eating/drinking, won’t go up or down stairs, labored breathing, sleeps a lot. We took him for scans and he has a very large cancerous tumor that is now bleeding. He’s in a lot of pain and was given painkillers. Due to a heart murmur and weak heart surgery is not an option as it would just be painful for him and he likely wouldn’t survive it.
The painkillers have helped and he’s a little livelier now but we give him water with a syringe as he won’t drink. We have to do it maybe within a week or sooner.
I’m hearbroken. He is so loving, gentle, happy, and goofy. I don’t know what life will be like. I wasn’t ready, it feels way too soon. I thougth we had a good couple years left. He lifted my spirits after an awful breakup, stayed by both my dad and sister’s side when they both went through health problems. I will miss him so much. I’m waiting to get approval to work from home to see if I can just stay by his side while I can.
I hope he’s not scared. I hope wherever he’s going he won’t be lonely, he hates being away from us. We are leaning towards doing it at home.
I can’t even wrap my mind around this. Thank you for listening. Has anyone gone thorugh this and can give me some advice on how to cope?
Post # 2
Member
1637 posts
Bumble bee
Oh honey, I’m so sorry. We’ve all been thru it I think, and it never gets easier.
Many hugs. Allow yourself to cry, to grieve. Also, the sooner you can get it over, the better for your little friend.
I’m so sorry………..many hugs.
Post # 3
Member
9575 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
Aw its the worst, Im sorry. But it is the right thing to do if hes suffering. If the vet will come to your home definitely do it that way. Been through this a few times. Sorry for your loss <3
Post # 4
Member
1604 posts
Bumble bee
Sending you so much love. I grew up with two miniature schnauzers – they truly are amazing dogs. It was awful when we had to put them to rest 😞 I don’t really have any advice, other than to let you know that this is the right thing to do if he is suffering. And like PP said, give yourself time to grieve and cry. So sorry ♡
Post # 5
Member
5938 posts
Bee Keeper
tamtam86 : I am so, so sorry. Agree with a PP, it’s the worst. I’ve gone through it a few times myself. But it’s the right thing to do, it’s just hard to do. You mention you wonder where he’s going and sometimes I imagine something like this. All the dogs are happy and healthy. They have no pain, no aches and they are just waiting to see us again while hanging out with all their new buddies. I also imagine they are with family members who have passed. I don’t know, it kind of helps me. The thing that helps the most, unfortunately, is time. It just takes time. Take care…
Post # 6
Member
237 posts
Helper bee
I’m so sorry OP. We had to put our family dog of 14 years down unexpectedly, and it was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. The only advice I can give is to stay with your little guy until the end and hold him for as long as you need to before you have to say goodbye. That was my one comfort after we put ours down, knowing that she was surrounded by her people.
It’s going to be really hard in the weeks after he’s gone, and it will feel really weird coming home to a house where he is no longer there. What helped me was keeping myself occupied outside of the house, and really only going home to sleep. It felt too empty being at home without our girl there.
I promise it does get better. It feels like you will never get over it, but eventually the grief will lessen. Within 6 months after her passing, I rescued a dog from the shelter who has become my absolute best friend, and he helped fill that void in my heart. When you’re ready, maybe even volunteering at a animal shelter will help you feel better.
Post # 7
Member
9575 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
ButternutPoppy : oh my that pic! Thats definitely what heaven looks like to me 🙂
Post # 8
Member
29 posts
Newbee
Thank you everyone. I’m sad that we all go through this but I guess it’s a part of having these furry babies. I just feel so overwhelmingly sad.
ButternutPoppy : This is so cute and what I am picturing too. I find myself wondering a lot where he’s going. When he’s home alone (which is rare) he gets so mad at us for leaving him so I just don’t want him to feel lonely or abandoned wherever he goes. Nothing like this to make you wonder what happens “after”. I don’t want him to think we left him and be scared. I told him over and over last night “I love you” and I can only hope he understands what that means.
This is a heartbreak like no other and I appreciate all the kind words.
Post # 9
Member
29 posts
Newbee
sassybeee : They are the best dogs ever. I will miss how when he wants to be petted he puts his little paw on your lap and looks at you. Sometimes when I’m giving him a belly rub if I stop he gently kicks me with his little leg and gives me the funniest side-eye.
Post # 10
Member
662 posts
Busy bee
tamtam86 : I am so sorry Bee. I went through this with my baby boy Boomer 3 months ago exactly (April 20th). He was 12 years old. Losing him was the hardest experience I have ever gone through, but the actual act of having him put to sleep was not hard because I knew he could no longer go on like that. It was not fair to him. I had to put my own wants and needs aside and do what Boomer needed me to do. I hope you are able to do the same for your baby. Also, I HIGHLY recommend having the doctor come to the house. This was such a great decision for my family. Feel free to PM mee if you need someone to talk to, or if you have any questions or concerns about anything.
Fuck cancer.