Comments on: Don’t Say This To Someone Whose Dog Is Dying

By: Roundup - This Weeks Favorite Dog Articles, Deals, & Videos – Puppy Leaks

Sat, 27 Jun 2015 22:01:17 +0000

[…] Don’t Say This to Someone Whose Dog is Dying Coming up with the right thing to say in a difficult situation is tough – but often times a simple “I’m so sorry” would suffice. […]

By: Jan K

Jan K — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 12:12:49 +0000

I know people mean well when they say it, but I haven’t experienced that knowing myself. We just recently went through it with our cat Conrad, and before that last year with our beagle Kobi. We knew both were nearing the end of their lives, but I agonized over knowing when that right time might be. Both ended up dying in their sleep at home, so obviously I never figured out the answer but they did. I feel fairly confident they weren’t suffering but I still worry that we should have made that decision.
The only time I knew for sure was when two of our pets underwent surgery to remove cancer that had gone too far (we didn’t know until the surgeries how bad it was). We made the decision before hand that we wouldn’t bring them back if that happened, and said our goodbyes before the surgery. That was tough because we couldn’t be there for them though.

By: Repoleon

Repoleon — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 20:10:45 +0000

For me, it never “feels right”. It’s human nature to want just one more day, to resist dying and loss and letting go. When my last dog had cancer, my vet told me that any day that I decided on would be the right choice. She said that if I waited until she was suffering, or having no more good days, then she thought that would be waiting too long. That helped me, but it’s a horrible decision to have to make. I know that it is a very important responsibility I have to the animals I love, and i don’t ever want them to suffer because I can’t let go. I have never once said goodbye to a dog when every part of my being didn’t wantto hold on longer….

By: Lauranne

Lauranne — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 13:37:31 +0000

I couldn’t agree more, and I think you are right people who never rethink a decision are idiots, although, right now I can’t help but be envious of them just a little.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 13:12:05 +0000

In reply to Greyhounds CAN Sit. That was so beautifully said, Sue. I couldn't add a thing.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 13:11:26 +0000

In reply to Erin. Thanks, Erin. Love seeing you blogging. Can't wait to see what you have to share with us.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 13:04:16 +0000

In reply to Annie B..

Knowing you’re not the only one with your feelings is so helpful. I so glad you found that reassurance here.

Today I reviewed a new book about coping with loss. One of the best things about it was how honest the writer was about her feelings. I keep saying as I read it, “Yeah, me too.”

If you want to learn more, you’ll see my review here: https://www.somethingwagging.com/what-if-you-cant-stop-crying-after-your-dog-dies/

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 13:02:21 +0000

In reply to Jodi.

One of the saddest things I hear on a regular basis from Honey-greeters is “I had a golden retriever I loved. But when she died, I could never go through that pain again so I’ve never had another dog.”

I understand that aching sense of loss. And I feel so bad that someone is living without dogs because of it.

Unfortunately, pain is the price of love. I guess you and I have both decided it’s worth it.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 13:00:01 +0000

In reply to Elaine.

I’m so sorry for your sister. That must have been terrible.

Today I reviewed Roxanne Hawn’s book on surviving the loss of a heart dog. Has your sister seen it? It’s surprisingly uplifting despite showing such a clear understanding of how grief can knock us flat over and over again.

And yes, being able to make end-of-life choices for our dogs is both a blessing and a curse. I don’t think there’s any way for it to be easy.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 12:57:18 +0000

In reply to Kimberly Gauthier.

I regret so many things I’ve said (or commented) without thinking enough about how it would be taken by the person on the other end. I call it the Extrovert’s disease–talk first, think later.

When I write this kind of post, I’m writing myself a reminder. 🙂

And no, I can’t imagine what would have to happen for me to KNOW I was doing the right thing in any situation.