How do you prepare for a dogs death?

[CLARKE-DUNCAN]

I know this section does'nt concern me at this time. As my dog has'nt passed as hes only 8 and still a mad puppy at heart! But how does one prepare to say goodbye to such a delight that has maybe been with you for 12 + years from the word go! I know its morbid to say but I do think of when the time comes. And I have no idea how Im going to handle the situation I did'nt even cry when my grand parents passed! But with my faithful friend I know its going to be different! I have tried talking to my fiancee about this and he just says don't and blocks it out! I do know though that I don't want to say goodbye to him in a vets as I will quite possibly scream the place down once Nero has passed! And I will embaress my partner. Iv'e never asked my vet about when the time comes. So Iwas wondering if maybe it could be done in the privacy of your own home? Like I say Nero is the first dog I have personally owned without him belonging to the whole family. We don't have children so I guess Nero is our child! Does anyone know if you can do something like this at home? Plus Nero hates the vets and I would'nt want his final momment there! From lisa. in the uk.

[Gretchen]

Our old dog was 8 years old when she died of cancer. Our vet gave us some options to bring our dog to the office and maybe she could put her down in the car where the dog may be more comfortable or she said she could come to our home in the evening.

When the actual time came, it was too late to take her to the vet. We carried her to the car and she died in the back seat. She loved the car so it was OK. Looking back on this I think I would have rather stayed next to her in our house rather than her being uncomfortable when we moved her.

Even before I knew she had cancer, I had a premonition/warning which was this sudden urge to look for a new dog about a month before her cancer diagnosis. And I remember thinking, what the heck am I doing looking on-line for a German Shepherd when I have a wonderful best friend with me now? So another way to prepare yourself is to know where you can find another dog, after yours is gone. We tried living without a dog, but the whole family was in a depression for too long.

[kiya]

There is really no way to prepare for it. I think one of the most devastating losses I had was our GSD Cheyenne, he was almost 9, never sick a day in his life. He died suddenly one night of a massive coronary from a tumor bursting next to his heart. We were in shock. I had 2 dogs I had to pts from health issues those were very difficult because I was the one to make the decission.
Now present day, my horse is 34yrs old he was the one that I thought would be the worst but now I pray that I will find him gone one day. I had the vet come to put him down twice because he's so skinny but my vet doesn't feel he's in pain or suffering. My oldest dog Apache is about 8-1/2 yrs old still acts like he's 8 months old as far as playfulness and (knock wood) good health except for arthritis which my vet feels is bad enough for meds. Then theres Kiya who will be 7 in May, she has seizures. I have prepared myself as best as I can knowing they will leave me someday, it's just a fact of life.
This is from a card I saw and I really like what it says:
"We are given many precious gifts as we go through life. Some we are allowed to enjoy for a long time...others only briefly. But each gift has the power to change and enrich us, to make us better human beings."
All of my animals have taught me so much, each in thier own way. And each one has broken my heart when they left.
My horse vet put one of my dogs down at the barn. You should speak to your vet and see if they would do something like that for you if thats what you want.

[Rerun]

Try really hard to remember the good times. It's hard. There is no getting around it. Euthanizing my old GSD that I grew up with, childhood friend and companion, and then our 1 1/2 yr old GSD due to a variety of medical problems.....both equally difficult, but for very different reasons.

My oldest now is Akira, 7 1/2 yr old female GSD...and the idea of putting her down...I just can't even imagine when that day comes.

[CaliBoy]

Lisa:

There is no way to prepare. The more attached you are, the more unspeakable the grief is, absolutely a nightmare of sorrow and tears. It was the worse thing that I endured. I don't know why, but it was worse than the grief of losing human loved ones.

So, don't put too much energy thinking about the end. Just enjoy each day, love each day, give Nero lots of hugs and always set aside time for him, to be with him and play with him. Don't forget to take photos once in a while. When you look back, you will have no regrets.

Since you don't care for the clinical environment of the vet office, ask one to come to your home when that day comes for your final goodbye.

[CLARKE-DUNCAN]

Lovely comments Caliboy! I do all them things with him day in day out! And have never tired of caring for him and never will!!!

[pyratemom]

I have to say making that decision is so difficult. I know that Pyrate has limited time left with me and I make sure he gets enjoyment every day and that I take time to pet and play with and talk to him every day. I tried talking myself into being strong but found that I was only making myself cry when I thought about it. There are only two dogs left from his litter.They were a confiscated litter at the shelter when the owners were arrested. All the pups had medical issues and one by one they said good bye. Now Pyrate and Colt just celebrated their 8th birthday, which I wasn't sure we would make it to. Both have severe dyplasia and Pyrate has a bulging disc and Colt has a cracked vertebrae. They are still loving and enjoying their lives (with the help of Rimadyl) and I feel blessed each day I get to enjoy Pyrate one more day. So as for being ready, no I will never be, but I know that the time will come when his quality of life isn't good enough anymore and it can't be about me or my feelings when that happens. My vet will come to the house I know.

[Freddy]

I've lost 2 GSDs. The first was my female who died unexpectedly from a large tumor in her intestine. That was very tough considering I didn't have a chance to say goodbye. Happened Dec 30th a few years back. I didn't get off the couch for probably 3 days, and skipped all the new years stuff.

The second was my male, my first, who was 11. He had been in declining health for some time and I waited as long as I could. I took him to the vet for an evaluation, and it was apparent he no longer had much of a life, going out to the yard and forgetting what he was supposed to be doing, etc.

The vet looked at me and said, "you need to decide whether you're doing this for him, or for yourself". I cried and held him in my lap as the shots were given and he died soon after.

Either way it is tough but if you have some time to prepare it is not such a shock.

[Stosh]

Most vets will come to your home and let your dog pass away in his bed or the backyard or garden, wherever you choose.

[krystyne73]

My Great Dane is 10 and I know he can't make it much more. Each day I check if he is still breathing. ugh! if there is a way to prepare, I sure hope I find out.