Pet Bereavement Support Group

The loss of a pet or animal to which one has become emotionally bonded can be an intense loss, comparable with the death of a loved one. Whilst there is strong evidence that animals can feel such loss for other animals, this community focuses on human feelings, when an animal is lost, dies or otherwise is departed.

732 Members
1,859 Posts
0 Online
Personal Challenges
/ Pet Bereavement Support Group

My broken heart

Andy729
Andy729
Today was one of the worst of my life. I had to make the decision to put my best friend to sleep. She had a tumor that was causing her to bleed internally. Because she is 14 the Vet didn't believe she could survive an operation. She couldn't get up without help, her hearing was gone and she was quickly going blind.

My only regret is I did not go with her when they administered the drugs. I just could not take one more minute of seeing her in pain. I now feel bad I didn't go with her but my heart was so broken I just could not see her take her last breath.

I now fumble around the house looking where I step to make sure I do not trip on her as she slept most of the day.
theatrediva
theatrediva
I am so sorry for your loss. But at least now she is no longer in pain. You did the right thing and I totally understand not going in the room when they administered the drugs. I wouldnt be able to handle that either. All you can do now is remember the good times you had wit her. I know it will be hard as I still mourn my kitty who died in 2009. But at least you had her and know what it is liked to be loved like that and to love something so much that your pet completes you. Hope you feel better.
Andy729
Andy729
Thank you for the kind thoughts. I even thought I heard her dog tags clinking against her water bowl this morning, the sound it would make when she was getting a drink.
utahgal
utahgal
I am so sorry for your pain. Sometimes I feel like I can't even breathe, it hurts so bad. I feel like my life is forever changed. I'm sure you gave her a wonderful, caring home. What a lucky dog! It will take time, but the pain gradually lessens and gets replaced with fond memories. This length of time varies for everyone. It's been one week for me, and I am just finally able to cope better. My crying has lessened, and I'm able to eat again.

I completely understand what you are going through. You are not alone.

Hugs.
Xxoo
utahgal
utahgal
This poem really helped me.

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Pet_Bereavement/forum/18574003-i-had-have-my


I like to think that if roles were reversed, and I was suffering, that my sweet Rocky would be brave and compassionate enough to put me down too. It is the ultimate act of kindness and compassion.

Xoxoxo
annettearizona
annettearizona
My father nor I could stay with the family dog when she got the drugs either..wanted to remember her alive and moving...but sadly someone opened the door afterwards and I saw her laying there...not a site I have forgotten..so don't blame yourself for not being able to be there for the drugs.
Andy729
Andy729
Thanks to all for the kind thoughts. I think the biggest thing that has hit me is she is not at the door to greet me coming home. Being a retriever she would always run and find something to give to me, a sock, a shoe or one of her toys. I think I will miss that the most.
My house is so quiet without her. Again thanks to all for caring.
billwfriend
billwfriend
I am so sorry you had to do this but it is the ultimate act of a kindness that we do to put them into the rainbow bridge,...she is there and might even have a toy waiting when you get there to take her into heaven with you....so so sorry your friend is not there when you get home....I still had my other two after I put Doc down....I made decision before knowing he would not live forever and got another to keep them all happy that way Doc got to train the new dog about things around here and knew him well....
annettearizona
annettearizona
Andy..maybe when you're up to it..you might make a little collection of a sock,a shoe,a toy-and make a little memorial in your furry friends honor
Andy729
Andy729
Thank you both for the support. The part that I am having trouble getting used to is how empty my house is without her.
deleted_user
deleted_user
So sorry for your loss.

You made such a big decision out of love. Your love transcends.

Although not with a pet I did go through this experience with my best human friend.

I decided when Donna came off life support that I could not stay in the room. Everyone one else did. I needed my last memory to be the last hug Donna gave me. Our friendship and love - I believe - transcended & that she understood why I left the room and others stayed.

Your best friend understands too...
billwfriend
billwfriend
hey there are loads of shelter animals that need a loving man to take them away from the possible death that they face if not adopted....maybe moving into another pet is a thing that could help....but that might be too soon just never know until you think it over....I am just suggesting thinking about it...hugs
or even a pure breed that you find you can afford to pay for...my Doc was a pure breed English Setter and with papers cost me $50....he was 4mo old when I took him home....they wanted the remaining puppies gone...I called the next day to get another of the 2 brothers that I left there that evening but someone else took both of them home....Doc went on to cost me thousands in hunting school fees and hunt club membership....LOL
but the point is I found a deal out there in newspaper for the type of dog I really really wanted....I had just moved home from Island of Guam USA and had to sell my bird before leaving the island...I had a quaker parrot...named Sensie which in Japanese means teacher
Posts You May Be Interested In