How to muster the strength to let go???

[MorkieMomii]

I don't think of it as murdering our pets. More like sending their sweet souls home. Animals have such kind souls, they truly deserve a soft exit from our world, it is the least we can do for all their tolerance and devotion.

I wish you peace with this.

Mary

[kjc]

I felt uncomfortable with euthanasia after having my first Yorkie euthanized at 16 years old. She had osteosarcoma in her jaw which made eating difficult, and she would bleed from the mouth occassionally. I thought she might have another month or so, or bleed out in front of me, at any moment.

So when my Maltese was nearing the end (tumor near the heart) I vowed to let him pass peacefully at home. I slept on the floor with him on days he wasn't doing well. The day came when I awoke to his whining. He had to pee but didn't have the strength any longer to get up. I helped him and reassured him and held him close. He was such a fighter, he wouldn't let go. His little body shook with agonal breaths for almost an hour before he finally lay still, and I knew he had gone. Again, this was not how I thought it would happen. It was not calm and peaceful, he did not go quietly into the night or morning. I was glad that I got to spend his final moments with him in the privacy of our home. But I think he would have been much more comfortable at the vets office, slowly induced to sleep.

Needless to say, I will euthanize my pets in the future when their quality of life is no longer good. It is the last nice thing I can do for them. The final decision of their lifetime, I can choose to send them peacefully and painlessly on their way. My final, loving gesture to say I care about you, and I will always love you, even in death, forever.

[Lee B]

My beloved husband of 20 years passed 3 weeks ago today. He died in agony, even with massive doses of narcotics. I prayed that he would go and go quickly, just to ease his pain. There was nothing I could do for him.

In the past, when my beloved furry kids were nearing the end of their lives, I was able to relieve them of the pain and humiliation of fading life. I probably held onto them longer than I should have to maintain their dignity, but I didn't allow them to suffer. I took them to the vet's, wrapped them in their favorite blankets; while the vet was getting things ready, I crooned in their ears and told them what marvelous dogs they had been and how much I was going to miss them, skritched their ears and when life faded from them, the last thing they heard or saw was love from me.

THEN I cried - but not until I knew they couldn't hear me: I didn't want them to be afraid because *I* was upset.

Many vets will make house calls to allow both pet and human to be in warm, loving surroundings at the end. They can then take your pet for cremation, and return him to you in a few days. When they come home, an amazing peace settles over you: the family is intact again.

I couldn't make the decision for my husband that I can make for my pets: I couldn't end his pain, the agony of a death that a good man should not have suffered. I CAN keep my pets from suffering. I will never let my pets suffer when I can ease them gently from this life.

It's not murder; you're not killing him: you're offering the final act of love and compassion by allowing him to pass while he still has some of his dignity left. You get the strength to make the decision from the love you have for the wee beastie, from a love that doesn't want him to suffer, no matter what the cost to your own, personal feelings. It's what's best for him.

[bebeyorkie]

I had to go through this in January. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. She was 16 years old and my very first pet.
She wasn't responding anymore and basically didn't really know where she was at all. She was on meds for severe arthritis of her spine and legs. Had lost alot of weight in a matter of weeks. Her legs and body were very weak and she would fall everywhere even in our pool.

There are many pet lovers at my workplace and I would ask them how will I know when it's time and every single one of them told me the same thing "You will know - she will let you know" I didn't understand what they meant because she wasn't even all there anymore Vet had said she was senial.

I am also a christian so I prayed about it alot and asked God to please help me with this. My prayer was always "Lord please take her naturally in her sleep when it's time"

Someone told me don't talk to her just look into her eyes and you will know.

I received a call at work that she wasn't doing good. I rushed home and found her stuck in a corner in the rain. My daughters had been trying to get her in house and she wouldn't stay. I looked at her and started to cry - she looked so thin and lost.

I remembered what that person had told me so I took her face in my hands and just looked into her eyes without saying a word I just thought it in my mind -" I told her how hard this was for me but that I needed her to let me know because I didn't want her to suffer anymore and I didn't want to be selfish I told her how much we loved her and how special she was to all of us"

For the first time in a long time she actually looked at me and started to lick my hands and face. There was also this amazing peace in her eyes and then I knew she was telling me it was ok.
I started to cry and I told her I know sweetie - I know thank you for letting me know - I know you're tired.

I kissed her and held her for very long time then she turned around and fell asleep. We drove to the vet's office she was still very peaceful when we got there and she went to doggie heaven that night. I still had very hard time after that but deep down inside I knew I had done the right thing.

You will know when It's time. They do let us know.

I hope this helps you - my prayers are with you for strength and peace.

[chandracz]

I'm so very sorry that you have to make such a decision, however I'm so grateful that Chewy has such a wonderful mama that loves him enough to think about his life like this! He must really feel love and you two must have many many happy memories. Hold them close to your heart! They will always dance in your mind! Hugs!

[Sandysbabies]

What a hard thing to go through. We have lost 2 in 2yrs. and to make that choice is hard. With both, because we love our dogs soooo much it felt unbearable. I too am a Christian but I know that God wants us to take care of his creation and they are also, the Bible says, are subject to man. I believe we are to take care of them and if we have to help them go in the end it is with love. Little Mandy had cancer and on the Saturday nite we had to have her put down, she had a seizure. After seeing that I would have not wanted her to ever have to go through that again. I felt like my heart was being tore out but I knew it was the best and loving thing we could do for her. I pray you will have strength and know in your heart when and how to handle the situation. God bless.

[bebeyorkie]

First pic is right after she had kissed my face and hands and assured me it was ok
Second is me saying I love you thank you for letting me know

It's very hard for me to go back and see this pics - I am in tears. i really wanted you to see her peaceful face.

(i was crying and trying to take pics w my cell - I'm glad I did or I wouldn't have this pics)

[chandracz]

what beautiful pics! she looks very happy and peaceful there, you BOTH do!

Originally Posted by bebeyorkie

First pic is right after she had kissed my face and hands and assured me it was ok
Second is me saying I love you thank you for letting me know

It's very hard for me to go back and see this pics - I am in tears. i really wanted you to see her peaceful face.

(i was crying and trying to take pics w my cell - I'm glad I did or I wouldn't have this pics)

[alaskayorkie]

Originally Posted by Lee B

My beloved husband of 20 years passed 3 weeks ago today. He died in agony, even with massive doses of narcotics. I prayed that he would go and go quickly, just to ease his pain. There was nothing I could do for him.

In the past, when my beloved furry kids were nearing the end of their lives, I was able to relieve them of the pain and humiliation of fading life. I probably held onto them longer than I should have to maintain their dignity, but I didn't allow them to suffer. I took them to the vet's, wrapped them in their favorite blankets; while the vet was getting things ready, I crooned in their ears and told them what marvelous dogs they had been and how much I was going to miss them, skritched their ears and when life faded from them, the last thing they heard or saw was love from me.

THEN I cried - but not until I knew they couldn't hear me: I didn't want them to be afraid because *I* was upset.

Many vets will make house calls to allow both pet and human to be in warm, loving surroundings at the end. They can then take your pet for cremation, and return him to you in a few days. When they come home, an amazing peace settles over you: the family is intact again.

I couldn't make the decision for my husband that I can make for my pets: I couldn't end his pain, the agony of a death that a good man should not have suffered. I CAN keep my pets from suffering. I will never let my pets suffer when I can ease them gently from this life.

It's not murder; you're not killing him: you're offering the final act of love and compassion by allowing him to pass while he still has some of his dignity left. You get the strength to make the decision from the love you have for the wee beastie, from a love that doesn't want him to suffer, no matter what the cost to your own, personal feelings. It's what's best for him.

You have a unique perspective. Thanks for sharing that personal story. It may just guide a lot of us into making the right decision for our pets.

[LilMissy]

Originally Posted by bebeyorkie

First pic is right after she had kissed my face and hands and assured me it was ok
Second is me saying I love you thank you for letting me know

It's very hard for me to go back and see this pics - I am in tears. i really wanted you to see her peaceful face.

(i was crying and trying to take pics w my cell - I'm glad I did or I wouldn't have this pics)

I can imagine it's hard for you to look back at those pics. I'm bawling like a baby looking at them myself.

[bebeyorkie]

Originally Posted by Lee B

My beloved husband of 20 years passed 3 weeks ago today. He died in agony, even with massive doses of narcotics. I prayed that he would go and go quickly, just to ease his pain. There was nothing I could do for him.

In the past, when my beloved furry kids were nearing the end of their lives, I was able to relieve them of the pain and humiliation of fading life. I probably held onto them longer than I should have to maintain their dignity, but I didn't allow them to suffer. I took them to the vet's, wrapped them in their favorite blankets; while the vet was getting things ready, I crooned in their ears and told them what marvelous dogs they had been and how much I was going to miss them, skritched their ears and when life faded from them, the last thing they heard or saw was love from me.

THEN I cried - but not until I knew they couldn't hear me: I didn't want them to be afraid because *I* was upset.

Many vets will make house calls to allow both pet and human to be in warm, loving surroundings at the end. They can then take your pet for cremation, and return him to you in a few days. When they come home, an amazing peace settles over you: the family is intact again.

I couldn't make the decision for my husband that I can make for my pets: I couldn't end his pain, the agony of a death that a good man should not have suffered. I CAN keep my pets from suffering. I will never let my pets suffer when I can ease them gently from this life.

It's not murder; you're not killing him: you're offering the final act of love and compassion by allowing him to pass while he still has some of his dignity left. You get the strength to make the decision from the love you have for the wee beastie, from a love that doesn't want him to suffer, no matter what the cost to your own, personal feelings. It's what's best for him.

Thank You for sharing - I wish I would've read this back in january. It would of helped so much

[mnewco]

I know how you feel. I had to put a cat down that had cancer many years ago and I never did it again. I can't tell you the guilt that I felt so when my Persian was sick last year, I refused to put him down and glad I did because he passed away in a few days from getting real sick and couldn't stand so I had those few extra days with him.

It is a personal decision and I wondered the same thing because of the "Thou Shalt Not Kill' commandment.

[Molly81]

Originally Posted by bebeyorkie

I had to go through this in January. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. She was 16 years old and my very first pet.
She wasn't responding anymore and basically didn't really know where she was at all. She was on meds for severe arthritis of her spine and legs. Had lost alot of weight in a matter of weeks. Her legs and body were very weak and she would fall everywhere even in our pool.

There are many pet lovers at my workplace and I would ask them how will I know when it's time and every single one of them told me the same thing "You will know - she will let you know" I didn't understand what they meant because she wasn't even all there anymore Vet had said she was senial.

I am also a christian so I prayed about it alot and asked God to please help me with this. My prayer was always "Lord please take her naturally in her sleep when it's time"

Someone told me don't talk to her just look into her eyes and you will know.

I received a call at work that she wasn't doing good. I rushed home and found her stuck in a corner in the rain. My daughters had been trying to get her in house and she wouldn't stay. I looked at her and started to cry - she looked so thin and lost.

I remembered what that person had told me so I took her face in my hands and just looked into her eyes without saying a word I just thought it in my mind -" I told her how hard this was for me but that I needed her to let me know because I didn't want her to suffer anymore and I didn't want to be selfish I told her how much we loved her and how special she was to all of us"

For the first time in a long time she actually looked at me and started to lick my hands and face. There was also this amazing peace in her eyes and then I knew she was telling me it was ok.
I started to cry and I told her I know sweetie - I know thank you for letting me know - I know you're tired.

I kissed her and held her for very long time then she turned around and fell asleep. We drove to the vet's office she was still very peaceful when we got there and she went to doggie heaven that night. I still had very hard time after that but deep down inside I knew I had done the right thing.

You will know when It's time. They do let us know.

I hope this helps you - my prayers are with you for strength and peace.

I am boo hoo crying after reading this! I am glad she is at peace and you made the decision together.

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by bebeyorkie

I had to go through this in January. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. She was 16 years old and my very first pet.
She wasn't responding anymore and basically didn't really know where she was at all. She was on meds for severe arthritis of her spine and legs. Had lost alot of weight in a matter of weeks. Her legs and body were very weak and she would fall everywhere even in our pool.

There are many pet lovers at my workplace and I would ask them how will I know when it's time and every single one of them told me the same thing "You will know - she will let you know" I didn't understand what they meant because she wasn't even all there anymore Vet had said she was senial.

I am also a christian so I prayed about it alot and asked God to please help me with this. My prayer was always "Lord please take her naturally in her sleep when it's time"

Someone told me don't talk to her just look into her eyes and you will know.

I received a call at work that she wasn't doing good. I rushed home and found her stuck in a corner in the rain. My daughters had been trying to get her in house and she wouldn't stay. I looked at her and started to cry - she looked so thin and lost.

I remembered what that person had told me so I took her face in my hands and just looked into her eyes without saying a word I just thought it in my mind -" I told her how hard this was for me but that I needed her to let me know because I didn't want her to suffer anymore and I didn't want to be selfish I told her how much we loved her and how special she was to all of us"

For the first time in a long time she actually looked at me and started to lick my hands and face. There was also this amazing peace in her eyes and then I knew she was telling me it was ok.
I started to cry and I told her I know sweetie - I know thank you for letting me know - I know you're tired.

I kissed her and held her for very long time then she turned around and fell asleep. We drove to the vet's office she was still very peaceful when we got there and she went to doggie heaven that night. I still had very hard time after that but deep down inside I knew I had done the right thing.

You will know when It's time. They do let us know.

I hope this helps you - my prayers are with you for strength and peace.

Originally Posted by Molly81

I am boo hoo crying after reading this! I am glad she is at peace and you made the decision together.

I too was brought to tears by this post, and this thread. These are heartbreaking stories as well as heartwarming. To put your desire to have your baby with you aside to allow your baby a bit of peace is heartwarming, the letting go part is what breaks my heart.

[charly]

My heart goes out to the both of you. What a difficult decision to make. Your precious memories of laughing and sharing enjoyable times with him will be yours forever. It's so very painful to think about actually letting go. Memories you hold on too, the body we let go. lt's so very sad, so sad. I really hope you have the peace in your heart to really know he'll be ok. Prayers for you both.