had to put my dog down- worried about my other dog

[subject2change]

Great post, mrs1885.
Lilamx, I'm so sorry about what you're going through. A couple of years ago we lost a dog to cancer. Our other dog was 16, and had lost her first "brother" 8 years before. We had never dreamed she'd outlive both of them. Her kidneys were failing at the time, and both dogs were in bad shape for the last month or so. We did have to put her down, 2 weeks to the day after the other dog. Not so much that losing Jake made her give up, she was just at the end of her rope physically. We were just shell-shocked and too sad for words. The house seemed so empty, even though we had a couple of cats, we brought home a dog from the shelter where I volunteer, I think only a week later. I'm not saying that's what you should do, but you might find yourself feeling the same. The joy they give you over the years is so great, it's worth what you have to go through when you lose them to me.
Again, I'm very very sorry for your loss, and what you're going through with your other dog.

[LuvABull.Denver]

Originally Posted by lilamx

Thank you all for the words of encouragement. It's hard for me to come home and not have her run up to greet me. It's hard to see an empty spot beside my other dog's bed. It's so hard to not see her anymore .
As for him, he is very sick, he has a number of ailments that he's taking medication for. We always thought he would be the first to leave. Her death was so unexpected, she was always very active and besides some minor symptoms, she was overall very happy and lively. We never thought she'd be gone before him. He barely moves from his bed now...he just sits there all the time until I pretty much force him to get up and go outside. I'm so sad for him, but I try not to show it (I also believe dogs can perceive this.). I have a feeling he's going to go soon too because he's been suffering for a while from his ailments...and we might have to put him down too. Maybe it's the best for him...he won't be suffering anymore and on top of that missing his companion.
My mother was right when she said it's so difficult to have a dog because when they leave it's just so painful...something that we don't want to go through again.

I know that great pain, oh so well. I faced it myself back in June with the loss of one my most faithful friends and companions, Tara. She and I had been through much together and at the time, she was only going to see the the vet for a sprang shoulder. He gave her a cocktail of medicines that was for her, deadly and over the next couple of weeks...I will only say it was horrible. (I also have a new vet.) Her death was unexpected and my heart still aches, I miss her so much.

...in the month after losing her, I did adopt another. I would not have gotten him had I still had her. I've saved one from death row. He didn't replace her, she was one of a kind...she could never be replaced

You see, although I still had my male Am Bulldog (4 years old) and Tara helped me train and raise him...I cannot imagine my life without dogs. The pain when they pass on is without a doubt, huge...but what they offer in their lifetime, I cannot life without.

They give unconditional love. Depending on the dog, they can be comics, regal, always loyal, greet me at the door, make a bad day better, smile and nuzzle...these are things you cannot buy, it is only through a dog can you have them.

The empty times of my life have been when I did not have a dog for company. So, now I keep two...so, I will always have one.

Approaching the sunset in our friends life is difficult, we never know when it is going to happen...or if it is going to be forced on us through illness. However, they love us with all they are and with all they have...they deserve a good sunset. Although the sunset comes, I cannot imagine not having them.

I just can't...

[TamRE]

First of all, let me say I am sorry for you loss. I have been through it many times. If it was me, I would go out an get another dog. My dog passed away last January and I went and adopted a dog from a shelter 6 days later. I just couldn't stand coming home to an empty house. I have no children. I love my new dog so much and it really helped me get over the hurt much quicker. I miss my old dog all the time, but that is natural. Your dog needs a companion. I have owned a dog my entire life and will never be without one. My parents had two dogs and after they both passed away they said they would not get another one. Well that lasted 6 months and they adopted another one. If you have the love to give to another dog, your current dog will appreciate it too.

[DaniellaG]

I am so sorry for your loss. My mom just went through this with her dogs. She had 2 and one passed a few years prior. Her dogs were treated like children. When the 1st one passed on the other dog gave her so much comfort. Then when she lost him I was very fearful for my moms well being. She would not even go on vacation because she did not want to upset the dog etc. Anyhow a few months later she got another puppy which she has had for a few months and is still in the puppy training phase. In no way does it replace her other dogs which I remind her it would not but it gives her love and comfort in other ways. The other day she even commented on how much she loves him though of course does not replace.
As for your dogs sadness right now do you think it would enjoy going to a class with other dogs to socialise? I am not sure if they have one for older dogs but maybe it would help to feel less lonely.
Again I am sorry for your loss