I had to put my dog to sleep today, but I didn't have the guts... How do I get the courage I need?

This is my story about it
http://www.experienceproject.com/uw.php?e=605693

Posted 4 months ago

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krisis

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"The Greatest Gift" by Karla M. Bertram:

I always knew this time would come,
From the very instant our eyes first met.
How I loved you then! How I love you now!
I made a promise then, and I will keep that promise now...
You will not suffer from a pain that will not heal;
You will not know the loss of a life remembered, now gone.

It is for me alone to make this decision,
The price for the bright joy and pure laughter
You brought me during the time we shared.
I am the only one who can decide when it is time.
When my hope dies, and my fear rides high,
Just when I need you most, I must let you go.

It is for you alone to tell me when you are ready
For without your guidance, I will not know
When to lay my grief, my guilt, my anger
My sorrow and my selfish heart aside
And give you this last gift, this greatest gift.
Your eyes will speak to mine, and I will know.

The pain of this moment is excruciating.
Tears stream down my face in a river of sorrow.
And my heart drowns in a pool of grief.
For you have spoken and I have listened,
And unlike other decisions I have made
This one brings no relief...no comfort...no peace.

For if there´s one thing you´ve taught me,
If there´s only one thing I´ve learned...
Unconditional love has a condition after all,
I must be willing to let you go, when you speak to me
I must be willing to help you go, if you cannot go alone.
And I must accept my pain so you can be free of yours.

Go easily now, go quickly now,
Do not linger here, it is time for you to leave.
Go find your strength, go find your youth.
Go find the ones who've gone before you.
You are free to leave me now, free to let your spirit soar
Rest easy now, your pain will soon be gone.

I pray I will find comfort in my memories...
In the dark and lonely days ahead.
I cannot say I will not miss you, I cannot say I will not cry.
For only my tears can heal my broken heart.
But, I promise you this; as long as I live,
You will live, alive in my mind, forever in my heart.

So I give you this last gift, all I have left to give,
And this will be my greatest gift...sending you away.
It is the measure of my unconditional love...
For only the greatest love can say,
"Good-bye, go find the bridge, we'll meet again,
Loving you has been the greatest gift of all."
-"The Greatest Gift" by Karla M. Bertram (CC-BY-SA)

Posted 4 months ago

Other 9 Answers to I had to put my dog to sleep today, but I didn't have the guts... How do I get the courage I need?

Puffaluffagous	Posted Jul 2nd, 2009 at 6:42PM This is a difficult but sometimes necessary choice to have to make. I had to do this with my pit bull girl. A car hit her and her back was destroyed. I hated to do it but I knew there was no other choice. I didn't want to see her suffer and not be able to live the quality of life that she was use too. I would want someone to make the decision to put me down if I were ever in the situation she was in. The only thing I can offer you is that your dog counts on you 100% to make the right decision for it. I know you don't want to do it but it is kind of selfish in a way to want to keep it here for you, especially if it is suffering. I know that animals are closer than family for me in a lot of cases. Say what you need to say and do what you need to do. I am sorry you have to make this call but it is part of being a loving owner...HUGS Rated: +3Vote for this!
Artisina	Posted Jul 2nd, 2009 at 6:37PM By realizing that your companion should not die in the arms of a stranger. It will comfort him being in your arms as life dims away. I let down 2 of my companions and I feel so guilty, I will never do that again. Just do it. You will feel better knowing that you were there for your dog, the way your dog was always there for you. I know the pain. I am crying for you ( and me) right now. I know it feels like your heart is being ripped out, but be there anyway. I am so sorry for your loss. Goddess bless. Rated: +1Vote for this!
JackGrey	Posted Jul 2nd, 2009 at 6:39PM Beautiful poem, Krisis. Here's the one about the bridge that is referred to in your post: http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html Rated: +1Vote for this!
interesteddeb	Posted Jul 3rd, 2009 at 2:57AM I've suffered this grief and I do sympathize with you. It broke my heart to hold my poor friend as he died. But I did regret waiting a few days because he seemed to be in pain. Rated: +1Vote for this!
DaneMom	Posted Jul 2nd, 2009 at 6:19PM First of all, I am sorry for the loss you are facing... and this situation is a very personal one, with different people reacting in different ways-- and in advance, I hope no one makes snarky comments, as I know you are hurting and reaching out. Some pet owners feel it is responsible, and take solace in the fact that they are ending a life that doesn't have great quality for their beloved pets. They may choose to be in the room, and see their pet off into the afterlife... or they may ask the vet to do so. Some vets do home visits so a pet can be humanely euthanized in a familiar setting. Any of these can be discussed with your vet. Other people prefer to let nature take its course. This can be just as difficult, as watching your pet decline, or discovering them when they have passed is also a hard choice. Know that your beloved Ms. Little doesn't have the sense of mortality and death that we do... and she does know she is loved and cared for, very much. Whatever choice you make will be the right one for you and her. Please talk to your vet about any anxiety or recommendations he/she may have. Rated: +1Vote for this!
midlifemadness	Posted Jul 2nd, 2009 at 6:22PM Lexxie, I'm so sorry you are having to go through this... I know how very painful it is. I read your story and I left you a message there. Hugs to you... :( Rated: +1Vote for this!
Coyotegray	Posted Jul 2nd, 2009 at 6:32PM Your pup has trusted you to feed her and care for her and do whats best for her all her life. She knows, perhaps better than even you, what a decent loving person you are. When you accepted her and brought her into your life you accepted the responsibility for her - all of it. Sometimes it was easy and joyful, sometimes it was hard and sad. This is the hardest and saddest one of all - but it is what you accepted when you asked her to share her brief time with you. Give her love, give her comfort, give her peace - they are all the same and they are what she has come to expect of you. Rated: +1Vote for this!
yourtruestar	Posted Jul 2nd, 2009 at 7:47PM Just realist that it's not about you but your little friend...If he/she is in pain or is very old it may be time..even if it isn't so much for you. it's never hard saying goodbye, i have had my share with pets that were more family then my own sometimes. you'll never forget him/her..just do what is best for them and time will heal all! Rated: +1Vote for this!
ParanineXY	Posted Jul 3rd, 2009 at 3:58AM If your dog needs to be put to sleep just remember that it is probably in so much pain that it is the right thing to do. And your dog will always be a good dog and if they could, it would thank you for not letting it suffer to death. Rated: +1Vote for this!

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