Tonight I have googled websites on grieving over my dog all night and came upon this place. On August 20 two days before my wedding I made the decision to put my 14 year old lab down. I am 40 and never had any children but her. She saw me through many tragedies and I wanted her to die with some dignity left. I owed her that after her 14 years of unconditional love and support. I knew she would never leave me because she always put me first. I slept on the loveseat in the living for six months because she no longer could make the stairs to my room. She started defecating in the house and that final weekend stopped swimming which was her favourite, and panted all the time. She was still eating tho her passion which made the decision hard. I wanted her there on my wedding day but when I looked in her eyes I saw sadness. My friend on my wedding day gave me a locket with her picture and mine and the words always by my side. It was such an emotional day. Now that I am back from the honeymoon the emptiness of the house kills me. I still grovel over the decision.so much guilt and loneliness. I truly loved her as all us mommies love our babies and I miss her terribly. I hope she knows I made my decision out of love for her and not because I didn't want her anymore. I still have her bed beside mine upstairs cannot part with it.
Big hugs to you at this truly difficult time. I think you did exactly the right thing by making the decision that was right for your beautiful dog even though so tragic and hard for yourself. That says to me what a kind and loving and selfless person you are. I don't know why we feel guilt at times like this but it seems like a normal human reaction even though it's totally undeserved.... Just try not to dwell on those thoughts because there is nothing you should feel guilty about. What was your girl's name? Do you have friends around you who understand and knew your dog? We understand - she was your family, friend and child. Big hugs again.
What a difficult thing to do, truly heartbreaking to have to make that decision. I remember it well when I had to say goodbye to my 9 1/2 yr old lab. I thought I would never get over it and also had feelings of guilt (his illness was sudden). But rest assured that you did the right thing for your girl and she will always hold a special place in your heart. Grieving is hard but necessary, so allow those emotions to come. But absolutely no feelings of guilt. She sounds like she was very very loved.
Feeling for you as you go through this sad time. I know what it's like to lose a much-loved dog - it tears your heart. You made the right decision to let your dog go peacefully at the point when life had lost its joys for her - and I'm certain she knew you loved her. Nothing can make these feelings pass but time, but slowly it will get easier to remember your lovely girl with happiness.
What a beautifully written post ,you've brought tears to my eyes,I can tell how much you loved and cared for her and she would have known too.What a wonderful life companion she was to you and it is natural to miss and grieve her so much.Please don't feel guilty,it's a brave decision to make and the final act of love you can do for your best friend,you knew her so well,you made the right decision xxxx
It's so, so, sad that you had to lose her - they are just not with us long enough. It's such a tough decision to make, but I can tell how much you loved her and no-one was in a better position to make that decision than you. I hope in time the grief eases a bit for you, and happier memories of her takes its place. Really feel for you at this time.
How terribly sad, I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to your lovely girl. It's the hardest thing we have to do for them. She clearly had a wonderful life with you and you were with her til the end which would have made her happy I've no doubt.
Expresses all my thoughts and feelings as well at this sad time. Your girl had 14 glorious years with you and has given you many happy memories, grieve for your girl but try and remember all the happy times you shared. You have a very special friend as well with that heartfelt gift on your wedding day.
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved girl. You did the right thing and the only thing you could do for her. She was clearly deeply loved and had a great life with you. These dogs take a huge piece of our heart when they leave us and are never forgotten. Take care of yourself. Sending hugs. Sue
It is an incredibly hard decision, and I think you did the right thing for the right reasons. I understand your feelings of guilt because I've had them too. Over the years I've come to accept that the important things are that they don't stay on and suffer just to satisfy our needs, and that their lives up to that time are full of love.
I am so sorry for your loss. It is the hardest thing about sharing our lives with them, but it is the last act of kindness we can give them, your girl certainly felt love throughout her life. My thoughts are with you xx
In tears reading this, so eloquently written, and obviously a very special relationship. You did the most brave and kind thing for your beloved dog. It is what she wanted, but oh so difficult. Would love to hear more about your old girl, when you feel like sharing
I read posts like this and shed tears for both your loss, and the thought of the loss I will face in years to come. The thought of it is unbearable, but we share our lives with these beautiful souls in order to enrich both our lives and theirs. I read this some time ago, and had to hunt it out again, but I think it's a beautiful way of looking at the losses we have to endure, be it friends, family, beloved pets... I hope you find something good in it, as I did: I hope you find some solace in the knowledge that you did the best you could for your gorgeous girl. I take some comfort in knowing that animals don't fear the uncertainty of death as we do; they seem to have an understanding and a peace when it's their time to go. She would have known she was loved unconditionally to the very end. It must have been heart-wrenching that your baby girl couldn't be with you at your wedding. That must have been so hard for you. If you feel up to it, we'd love to hear more about her when you're ready.
Thank you everyone for your kind replies, this is a wonderful community of people. All of your replies helped, there are some people who just don't understand the relationship we have with our dogs, but all of you understand. Her name was Taylor, I got her at age 26 when I graduated school. She was the best thing to happen to me (besides my husband). Last night I had some girl friends over for wine and to vent about our lives. I have some really good friends but when the night was over I realized my best friend was Taylor, the bearer of all secrets, the non judgemental friend, the one whose fur caught all too many tears over the years, the one who would never gossip behind your back. Maybe one day I will find it in my heart to have another dog, but no one could replace the bond or relationship I had with her during the most critical times in my life. I was in a motorcycle accident in 2008 which I almost did not survive I did however but with a broken arm. When I came home after a week in the hospital Taylor was limping on the same front leg. Almost as if to say I feel your pain mommy I will take it for you. In 2010 I rescued an abused one year old dog name Marley who no one would adopt because of her anxiety issues (I was her third home). She died of lymphoma in 2013 at age 4. Another tragic time for me I was devastated because of her short lived life, but who was there Taylor age 12 telling me I won't leave your side yet and cuddles me for weeks after. She was such a loving dog who Loved to swim, go boating, car rides, walks and camping. In the end I whispered in her ear its ok I love you your job is done here on earth you can go be pain free now I will be ok now. I hope that I can live up to my end of the bargain when I whispered in her ear I will be ok now. Taylor June 29 2001-August 20 2015 RIP
It is really hard to imagine how you will live the rest of your life without them right there. Glad that you are able to get some comfort from others' thoughts.
She had a really wonderful, love filled life with you. You did right by your wonderful girl, and loved her, right up to the end - no dog can ask for more.
So many of us understand how very hard it is to make that decision. Taylor was a lucky dog to have such a caring owner. Big hugs to you xxx
