a tribute to my loving dog TJ (euthanize, animal, puppy)

[macnomore]

after two weeks of slowly watching my loving 16 yr old westie named TJ fall to renal failure and knowing he was not going to get better, I elected to euthanize him yesterday 9-29-08. It was the most horrible experience I have ever witnessed and I now am struggling with the idea that I killed him and will not be allowed to see him at the pearly gates. How does one ever come to grips that euthanasia is ok? I moved into a different place two months ago to accomodate him...fewer stairs...better back yard...and now I am the one who needs to be comforted because he will never get to enjoy the pleasures of a simple life style and love everlasting. I found myself trying to sleep last night and i could sense him beside me moving from the head to the foot of the bed, hearing his collar as he would scratch his ear or thinking i heard him having a "puppy mare" and i did not sleep one bit. I would caress the pillow he slept on and found myself hugging his favorite stuffed animal when i would realize he wasn't there and would never be again. how does one move on? i am 50 and this is the first time i have experienced the death of a loved one...

[bjh]

Please don't feel bad. The death of any pet is difficult. Almost everyone second guesses their decisions, or 3rd or 4th. I've done that too. Others on here have done that.

But remember, your friend was suffering and you ended that suffering so he did not have to suffer needlessly to the bitter end. You WILL see him at the pearly gates. After all, you are the one who cared for him all his life and eased his death for him. You can take comfort and even pride in that.

[luvmycat]

I'm so sorry for your pain & the loss of your beloved dog...
I lost my 12 year old cat to liver failure on the 18th, and know the devastation you are feeling. You did the right thing by ending his pain, and I'm sure his spirit is grateful to you for that.
You will see each other again, either here (if he comes back to you in another animal form) or at the rainbow bridge once your journey brings you to the spirit world. You can also see & hug him in dreams if you can dream in a lucid state...
Please know you are not to blame...my heart goes out to you.

[ShelbyGirl1]

Losing one of our furkids is the one of the hardest things in life we do. We all know the pain and grief you are expeirencing and you have my deepest sympathies. What a wonderful caretaker you were!!!!!! Adjusting your life style to fit his needs...and it surely sounds like "true love". Please, do not beat yourself up over this. IMO, you did everything humanly possible and in the end, made a decision to help relieve him of his suffering.
I know it doesn't help now...but the pain will subside with time. Remember all the good times...maybe the wag of his tail, orthe sparkle in his eyes, or how he looked at you when he was trying to get your attention. Or maybe, some goofy little trick he did. These will help you through the hardest of times. Virtual hugs to you.

[donsabi]

macnomore,
I had to have my Luke put to sleep two weeks ago for kidney failure and I think I know exactly how you feel. I too am struggling with his loss but I know the decision to end Luke's life also ended his pain and suffering. If I had not of made that decision I cannot imagine how he might of suffered in a natural death from the disease. He was diagnosed months before and I researched kidney failure and knew what the outcome was going to be. I knew one day the vet would tell me there was nothing more that could be done. I prepared myself for that day and I knew what I had to do. I believe that the disease is what made the decision to end his life. It was my choice as to how it would be carried out. I wanted Luke to go quietly, painlessly, and peacefully, and he did. In my heart and mind I know I did the right thing. One thing I find helpful is a portion of the Serenity Prayer; God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. This disease is something we could not of changed. I believe that TJ and Luke are grateful for sparing them the pain of the disease. I firmly believe that we did the right thing.
Don