Older dog's cough is freaking younger dog out - why?

[Gemini1963]

I am so sorry you've had to say goodbye to one of your best friends. It's so, so painful. Now that it's over, "Shower the people (and dogs) you love with love."

As you already know, you've done a very hard and loving thing. Take some comfort in knowing you were a good steward up to the very end.

[scampy25]

Originally Posted by springfieldva

We wound up having to put her down at the vet's office. It was one of the most gut wrenching things that we've ever had to do but I know it was the right thing to do. We miss her terribly and our home is not the same without her but we take comfort that she is no longer in pain and that she has led a very well loved life.

Our younger dogs sniffed me when I returned from the vet without their big sister and I think that they both knew what had happened. They sort of flopped down and seemed sad for awhile. They've both been extra snugly like they need added reassurance and commiseration. Animals understand more than we know.

I am so sorry. It is never, ever easy. There are no words to comfort you, but just know you were a great dog mom, and she was very lucky to have been so loved. One thing that always helped me, was to think of all the great times, and would I rather have not known that, in order to avoid the most painful times? I would take each of my dogs, all over again, even to the bitter end.

Sending you and your other pup big hugs. Hang in there.