Saying goodbye to a Dog
- Thread starter xrobwx71
- Start date
- Aug 13, 2021
- 3,338
Been there too many times.
I'm on my 5th pair of dogs now (4th pair of Dobermanns), and just like every other person that's had a close relationship with a dog, I know what a big hole they leave behind when their oh too short lives come to an end.
I'm on my 5th pair of dogs now (4th pair of Dobermanns), and just like every other person that's had a close relationship with a dog, I know what a big hole they leave behind when their oh too short lives come to an end.
- Aug 13, 2021
- 3,338
Yes, like you I grew up with dogs, and aside from the years I spent at sea, they have always been a part of my life. My current two are at this moment asleep in their baskets, which are just behind the table where I'm sat typing this.
andrewlen
Well-known member
I had a german shorthaired pointer for thirteen years. The best pet I'd ever owned in my life and a great companion to not just me, but for my wife and kids too. Spent a fortune on her by don't regret a single cent. Then I had to have her put down when she got very sick and was suffering. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life. Putting her down hurt so much that I haven't been able to bring myself to get another dog since. I think it would have been easier if she had just died naturally.
- Aug 13, 2021
- 3,338
I've had to have two of mine put down, one had cancer, the other had a thing called GOLP (geriatric onset laryngial paralysis) which is a nervous condition that started in her larynx, and spread down her spine till she lost control of her back legs. Both were around 11 years old.
You're right Andrew, having to do it is a horrible experience, and one you would not want to repeat.
Fortunately the rest of mine have gone in their own time, and it is easier, but only just. You still miss them, but at least you don't feel like a murderer (as irrational as that is), even though you know that you were only trying to save them from suffering.
For me, the only way to get over the death of one, is to get another. They never replace the one you've lost, but a new puppy requires so much of your time, that you don't have time to dwell on things, and I found that helps me a lot.
But I've spoken to others that have felt as you do, and that couldn't bear to go through the grief again. All I can say, is that if you get another dog, then yes you will have to grieve again at some point, but in the meantime you'll have years of company and enjoyment from them, and to me that is worth the price.
You're right Andrew, having to do it is a horrible experience, and one you would not want to repeat.
Fortunately the rest of mine have gone in their own time, and it is easier, but only just. You still miss them, but at least you don't feel like a murderer (as irrational as that is), even though you know that you were only trying to save them from suffering.
For me, the only way to get over the death of one, is to get another. They never replace the one you've lost, but a new puppy requires so much of your time, that you don't have time to dwell on things, and I found that helps me a lot.
But I've spoken to others that have felt as you do, and that couldn't bear to go through the grief again. All I can say, is that if you get another dog, then yes you will have to grieve again at some point, but in the meantime you'll have years of company and enjoyment from them, and to me that is worth the price.
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