Putting our Family dog down

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bob71
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Hi, Bob,

I am sympathizing with your pain right now. Our Newfoundland/German Shepherd mix, Murphy, had to be put to sleep today. He had massive cancer and was suffering. šŸ˜¦ He was such a gentle, loving giant.

Although I have no theological evidence to support this, I believe God does have pets in heaven. After all, they bring him glory by their existence, do they not? And He certainly has allowed them to be companions for us in this life. Is it so far from possibility that, in His great Mercy, He also allows them in the next? I hope so.

You and your family will be in my prayers. I am sorry for your loss. šŸ˜¦
 
Several years ago I put my poodle Mitzi down when she went into heart failure. Hardest thing I ever did, but the most compassionate thing I could do for her.

I, too, believe that our animals will be with us in Heaven just because I think that God will bless us in Heaven with the things that gave us pleasure on earth. If your animals are that for you, I believe they will be for you in Heaven.

If you havenā€™t read ā€œThe Rainbow Bridgeā€ ā€“ I think thatā€™s what itā€™s called. It was referenced in an earlier post ā€“ I would highly suggest it. It gives such a beautiful vision of what I hope it will be like when I am reunited with my Mitzi and Charlie.
 
Sorry about having to make such a difficult decision about your dog. As far as seeing our pets in heaven, I believe there is an article on this website about ā€œTen Reasons why are pets are in heavenā€ and it is all bible related.
 
It sounds to me like you loved and cared for this dog as best you could. You took it in as a member of your family. You provided it with a good life and thatā€™s all that can be asked. Focus on the good times you had with your dog rather than the heart breaking moments near the end. As the years pass, the good news is that you will remember the quirky fun stuff you loved about your dog far more often than the painful memories.

As for dogs and animals in heaven, I have no idea. I do know that God will take care of that stuff, so your dog is in good hands (the best hands).
 
It always amazes me (but shouldnā€™t anymore) how God guides us to what we need at just the right timeā€¦

5 days ago we had to let go of our beloved 14 year old cat Daisy.
Because I work from home, we were always together and she followed me around and was always on my lap when I sat or around my feet when I was movingā€¦my constant loving companion. She gave our family so much joy.

Ever since last Monday, Iā€™ve been crying., mostly because of the guilt I have
for feeling that it was me who killed her - maybe too soon,

And I donā€™t think Iā€™ve ever cried so hard and for so long for a human being - because
I can pray for them to be released from purgatory and received in heaven for all eternity.
For my cat, this was the end.

This morning was especially a bad morning - I couldnā€™t get out of my mind how I told the vet to go ahead and euthanize her. Her final little meow haunts me. And I kept thinking I should have waited longer - spent at least a few more hours with her.

Then I came across these forums and was shocked when I started reading these posts from all of you. This is exactly what I neededā€¦others who had gone through the same emotions and heartache.

What wonderful words I was reading - how we can dream of seeing our pets again in heaven and how it is better to let go of a suffering animal a week early than a day too late.

To all who have posted here with these words of wisdom and great comfort, I thank you!
God bless you !
 
Bob71 ā€” I am praying for you and your wife at this time of sadness. Your little doxie was a beautiful dog and friend, wasnā€™t she? She gave you joy and you did the right thing by taking care of her when she could not continue to live in joy.

I can truly sympathize as well as the others who have replied here already.

DH & I had two Giant Schnauzers who were litter brothers and as we bought them both at age 8 weeks, they were never separated.

Max developed lymphoma. He had been dealing with diabetes and twice daily insulin shots and blindness from cataracts. He dealt with both of these diseases really great - you would never know there was a thing wrong with him. then the cancerā€¦We knew the cancer was the last straw. The vet said 2 - 6 months and he lived nearly 9 months.

We took Max to have him humanely put down, the vet came out to our truck where Max was lying in the back seat. DH and I went to the passenger side of the truck and held Maxā€™s head and talked to him and petted him as the vet did his work from the driversā€™ side. (Max was 32 inches tall and weighed 150lbs.)

That very evening, his brother, Rommel, began panting like he couldnā€™t get his breath. We rushed him to the vet in the morning, after I had spent all night holding Rommelā€™s head up so he could breathe better and giving him doses of Lasix (a water pill the emergency vet said to give him.) The vet X-rayed Rommel and found he had metastatic cancer from a lesion we had taken off his toe over two years ago. Rommel had tumors in 98% of his chest and abdomen. We felt it was a miracle that he lived as long as he did and acted TOTALLY HEALTHY! But as soon as his brother didnā€™t need him anymore, Rommel knew he could leave us, too. I really believe what had made Rommel so strong was he knew Max needed him around.

So we put Rommel to sleep the day after Max. The only separation these two Gentle Giants ever experienced.

We buried them together in my MIL back yard and there are now flowers and decorative bushes planted there in their memory.

God will let all of us see our beloved pets again someday because that is what it will take to make us fully happy in heaven.

Bob71 ā€” I am praying to St. Francis for you and for peace in your hearts that you did the right and good thing by her. :console:
 
Bob, I really feel for you. We just let our 15 yr. old kitty go by way of having a vet come to the house and her to sleep. She was so sick, would not eat and was wasting away from cancer. It broke our hearts but we knew it was best for her. It was very peaceful and she did not suffer. I petted her lovingly as she left us. The vet was so loving and tender with her. And I still cry thinking of it just because it is very difficult to lose any being you love. Each day gets better and in time you will be healed and think only of the good times. Iā€™ll pray for your strength and that of your wife.
And welcome back my friend ! Godā€™s ways are not easy but they are always right.
 
I know this sounds crazy, but I want to be a contrite Catholic and go to heaven so that my animals can be with me. God allows NOTHING to suffer needlessly after death, and animals give Him Glory by being animals. Also, they were part of the first creation. I believe that when Christ comes again and the New Heavens and New Earth are formed, that all of creation, all living things, will be there to praise Him and give Him Glory, save only demons and sinful men who rejected God. Now, I donā€™t know if animals are in Heaven with us after death but before the Final Judgment, but I would consider this - everything good comes from God, and everything bad comes from sin. God offers everything we need to survive bad things, namely His Presence, and He is lavish with His gifts to us. If He gave you your baby animal in this Earthly life, then I think He would be happy to give you your animal in heaven befor the Last Days, just because He enjoys having His children enjoy good things.
 
tabsie3210 said:
I know this sounds crazy, but I want to be a contrite Catholic and go to heaven so that my animals can be with me. God allows NOTHING to suffer needlessly after death, and animals give Him Glory by being animals. Also, they were part of the first creation. I believe that when Christ comes again and the New Heavens and New Earth are formed, that all of creation, all living things, will be there to praise Him and give Him Glory, save only demons and sinful men who rejected God. Now, I donā€™t know if animals are in Heaven with us after death but before the Final Judgment, but I would consider this - everything good comes from God, and everything bad comes from sin. God offers everything we need to survive bad things, namely His Presence, and He is lavish with His gifts to us. If He gave you your baby animal in this Earthly life, then I think He would be happy to give you your animal in heaven befor the Last Days, just because He enjoys having His children enjoy good things.
Click to expand...
Well said. I feel the same!

Bob71 ---- How are you all doing??
 
BOB71- this poem was passed on to me by my mother after having to putdown our 2 year old beagle. šŸ˜¦

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Their bright eyes are intent; their eager body quivers. Suddenly they begin to run from the group, flying over the green grass, their legs carrying them faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge togetherā€¦

Author unknownā€¦
 
Your post has brought tears to my eyes, as I had to let our dog, also named Mandy, cross the bridge in January.

I got her before we had kids, and we did everything together - from walks, to flyball, to agility, to herding, swimming, camping, you get the idea.

She was 12 years old, and her sudden illness was unexpected.

However, I knew I was doing the right thing. In my dog training circles, itā€™s common knowledge that itā€™s better to let a dog go a week early than a day late. In other words, do not let your furry companion suffer. It is an act of respect and kindness, and is putting their value and dignity before your own hurt and heartbreak.

I just donā€™t see how it could be considered murder, or how our loving God could expect anything other from us. It is the ultimate act of kindness for your pet.

My tears are for me, because I miss her, and I miss showing her love - but they are also for your family, during this incredibly difficult time. You love her, and she knows it.

Kathie
 
Bob71 said:
She is a doxie and her name is Mandy.
Click to expand...
Iā€™m sorry to hear of your suffering. Paralysis is not uncommon in Dachshunds. But dogs with this condition can live VERY happy lives and there are countless dachshund rescue groups (I belong to oneā€¦www.dachshundrescuesouthflorida.com that will place such a dog in a home that can provide the care it needs).

Also, check out this web site related to ā€œintervertebral disc diseaseā€.

dodgerslist.com/
 
SO SORRY about your loss, my friend. The patron saint of Dogs, St. Roch, is holding your beloved pet and welcoming him to his new life.

God bless you-your in my prayers.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top