Sounds like you loved him enough to let him go..You did what was best for him including allowing him out of his pain. :)

Don't hate yourself, you did the right thing. If he was that ill, having him hang on would have been selfish. It was a true act of love to let him go.

If only humans were allowed to die with such dignity and release from pain... well done for taking a brave decision.

What you are feeling is normal grief. There is n o need for guilt. He was suffering and you put an end to that. It was going to get a lot worse. There is nothing wrong with what you did. He was going to die very soon and it was going to be painful for both of you.

Awwww don't feel sad. You did what was best for your dog. You took him out of his pain, discomfort and misery. ((((big hug))))

I can understand and feel your pain. I have been there and done that. Letting your beloved pet suffer is not love. Had you done that you would have been doing it for yourself and not your "baby". He is in a peaceful state and hopefully you will see him again. I am sure he would thank you if that happens. Love him and remember him, but also remember you did the right thing. He could not do that for himself, and very possible he would have opted for the same decision. God Bless!

I'm sorry about your dog, but you absolutely did the right thing - the most loving thing you could do for your friend.

I was in exactly the same situation, and I also felt guilt and self-loathing. My dog, Sheena, was about 12 years old, and she'd been a diabetic since she was very young (type 1, insulin dependent). My family always provided her insulin, kept her away from sugars, managed her diabetes, and made special arrangements even after she went blind, because she still seemed to be able to enjoy life. BUT, her kidneys eventually did fail, as is common in diabetes, and had lost her appetite, etc., as you describe. I loved her so much. I have never met any other being - human or not - with the same spirit as Sheena, and she inspired me. Readers, if you don't have a dog, you wouldn't understand, and even then, maybe you wouldn't. We put her to sleep because she was so obviously suffering. It killed me inside. I still question it - she trusted me, and never expected I would take her to die. I am still sometimes haunted by it. If you really loved your dog, as I did, you probably will never fully come to "accept" what you did, mostly because love means you never really can accept the death of a loved one, especially if you had a part, however well-meaning, in it. I generally think that life is worth living even if it's spent suffering. I don't believe in an "afterlife" of some vague and undefined quality, and so I think even experienced pain is infinitely better than oblivion. I don't think I would ever put a dog or a human or anything to sleep ever again. That said, you have to move on, not from the death, but from the decision that was made. Your dog loved you too, and wouldn't want you to suffer over this - and you definitely did remove his pain. Promise yourself to never forget him, always keep him alive in your heart, and give his remains the respect they deserve. Remember that sadness and self-hate don't do anything to help your dog, only hurt you, for no reason. I hope that helps. I do understand.

I had to put my 20 year old cat down a few months ago. We found her when I was 4. I'm 24 now. She was acting a little different and we found a lump on her chest, so we brought her to the vet. She basically had breast cancer. Two days after the visit, we had to bring her to put her down. I swear it was the stress of the trip and the biopsy that made her lose her will to live, like I put her through it on purpose. That cat was the only constant thing in my life. She was with me every stage of my life pretty much. They're family members. There's no other way to describe them. It would feel odd ending the life of any human family member, so really, it wouldn't feel much different to do it to a pet who's been there so long, who loved you, pretty much worshipped you. Those were my feelings at the time, and it still bothers me, but it truly is the best thing for them, and if they could, they'd understand. I've survived and she's in my memory. You'll always remember him and the fond memories are what will stand out. Sorry, that was more venting than answering. I do apologize for your loss.

You did the right thing! I had to do the same thing to my cat that I loved more than anything else in the world! She had kidney disease, but lived 2 years more than most. At the end of her life I had to put her already mushy food in a blender and feed her with and eyedropper. So I know what you are going thru. I lasted only a couple of day and went to get another cat..I'm so glad I did it really help me. I still miss my sweet baby but I'm so glad that I put her to sleep instead of letting her suffer with so much pain.

I hope you can allow yourself to "listen" to the words written here. They speak the truth. Animals live in the MOMENT. They do not worry as we do about what will come around. Most of us who have had companion animals have had to face this at least once, some of us many times, with our own and our friend's beloved companions. It's never easy, I don't believe that it becomes easier with practice. But I do believe it is often needed. If all one has is the exact moment they are IN and if those moments are no longer a pleasure, or if the sum total of time adds up to be abundantly miserable with very little pleasure...what then is the point of courting more sorrow, pain, frustration? When I procrastinated on having Bossco put down, he truly displayed annoyance towards me. I kept hoping, praying that he would "rally one more time!" He had some great moments...EATING, that was still good for him, especially since he was getting a generous amount of human food mixed with his kibble. But the images he sent me, and the expression in his eyes was painfully clear..."THIS ISN'T WORKING SO WELL FOR ME, WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM? What part of I don't like any of this are you not understanding? Unless I'm eating there is NO MORE fun being had for me, I shit and piss myself, I can't even stand up alone to go out or hold the position I need to go to the bathroom, you have me laying on a blanket on a tarp and I can do NOTHING without someone helping me!!!! THIS IS NOT MY LIFE!!! Why are you doing this to me?" He literally crawled over and wagged his tail and then licked my hand after I finally called the Vet. (and I had only waited 3 days from when he really went down, but I guess that was about enough of that for him!) Once I made the appointment for the next day, that dog didn't GLARE at me a single time, he wagged every time I looked at him for the next 24 hours. I realize that dog's do not have the mental agility we do, they do not think in the ways that we do...but there can be understanding that is clear on some matters, and evidently THIS is one of those matters. I do not believe that the spirit of any living creature dies. I believe it endures and I believe we meet those we have loved again. I cannot say where we meet, but I do believe we will. I have a human friend, an elderly man who is dying right now. Bob...I love Bob, ya can't help but love Bob. He's sort of a step dad to a good friend of ours, we met because of her and because my partner is a computer tech and fixed Bob's computer when ever it got glitch infested on him. He and I also talked and he began to email me all the usual stuff friends often do and then some. Bob is sharp witted, funny, kind, intelligent..but never pompous, knowledgeable, tender-hearted, and loved (when he felt better) to run a spoof that totally would rope you in, so he could laugh at you till you had to laugh too. Bob used to play a "mean horn" in the drum and bugle core. I've heard tapes he recorded and he was not only "SOMEBODY" in the core, but somebody in the world of bugle playing too...he was creative, passionate in his music and love of beauty. Bob is tired now, really tired, he wants to go. He's in a nursing home, has them and hospice. Our friend visits every other day, sometimes daily (her Mom is also in there dying...two for one! poor G...a lot to deal with!) There's not a thing I can do for Bob, except to visit him, hold his hand, take him a beer now and then, or a fresh brewed cup of coffee..he likes both and it's a momentary thrill when he gets to enjoy them. Would I put Bob to sleep if I could? ...in a New York minute, if he SAID...help me go...I want to now...AND IT WAS LEGAL TO DO SO. Doing so would cause me pain, but it would end his...emotional pain...DRUGS are masking most of his physical discomforts...but his mind is not working as he knows it should and THAT upsets him! His eyes are failing, so he can't read, he doesn't want us to put in a TV although we have all offered. So, he lays there dying, he loves to be visited, but only for short times, because the silly nit dislikes falling asleep on us! Typical Bob. You made the ULTIMATE sacrifice for your dog...knowing it would hurt you to say good by...you did it anyway, so that he would be free. You say you LOVED your dog...well we all know that it is not a past feeling...YOU LOVE HIM STILL! And he loves you too. He has only run ahead for a while, he's still watching out for you (between happy play times and doing doggie things...eating/sleeping/sniffing about..the important things he missed doing) I do not doubt for one moment that when you are ready to consider getting another dog...this fellow will wag with glee....as he watches you... Can you imagine for a moment his comfort in knowing he "did his job" of loving you so well...that he ADDICTED YOU to having that quality of love in your life...and know too that because of his love, another dog will have a chance at having a human companion who will ALWAYS do what ever can and needs to be done to love them and care for their needs and bring them joy...you could not have done any better, or showed more love or devotion...and I believe your Dog KNOWS IT, they always know our hearts.

I know how you feel, I had to last year put my dog "Daisy" to sleep. She was 14 and had go blind, was going deaf could hardly walk cause of cancer of her bones. I didnot want to have her suffer any longer which I am sure you did not want to see your beloved dog do. So no you did not do wrong, you did the right thing for your dog.

It is awful to have to put down a beloved pet. Your pet gave you 13 lovely years of companionship and love.Your act showed true courage you let the thing that you loved the most go. That is a very noble deed.

^I'm so sorry for your loss. You did the right thing, I went through it years ago, it wasn't an easy decision but I did what I had to do out of love and so did you. Just know he's at peace. Take the time you need to mourn his passing, and if other people don't understand it's their problem not yours. Take care.

I have experienced the same pain you are having 5 times in my life. June 3rd was the most recent. You did the most humane and loving thing you could do for a devoted companion. Of course you loved him, you loved him so much you were willing to end his pain and let him go. Continue to talk about your feelings with your friends and family, it really does have a healing effect. I am very sorry for your recent loss. I think your pet deserves an on-line tribute. I did this for several of my cats. It's free and of course you will cry all over your keyboard, but trust me, it helps. www.petloss.com

Of course you were not wrong. I'm facing the same situation with my doggie right now. She has got all kinds of problems: enlarged heart, spot on her liver, kidney and respiratory problems, and she's been blind for a couple of years. But she still acts like a dog: barks, eats, wags her tail, etc. I know one day I will have to do what you did. I'll cry, but I cannot let her suffer if it comes to that. I'm hoping she dies in her sleep one day. She's eleven years old.

You did the right thing BECAUSE you loved him. It would have been selfish to keep him around when he couldn't enjoy his life anymore. Putting a pet down is kind of like changing a baby's diaper. It stinks, nobody wants to do it but it must be done. I put my cat down when I was a kid and wasn't in the room. I felt terrible that my friend might have been looking for me and wondering who all these strange people were. Since then I have been in the room with each of my friends when it was time for them to go. They could at least hear my voice, smell me, see me, feel my touch. Hopefully they were comforted by my presence. I think you did the right, brave and responsible thing.

This is never an easy thing to decide. Sometimes people feel as if they are betraying a beloved pet's love and trust to put them down. Although I understand this feeling completely, there is no need for it. It is the kindest, most humane thing you can do if your pet is suffering. If your pet has lived a long and happy life, I am sure that they are grateful to be able to peacefully go to sleep when they are no longer able to enjoy life. I am so sorry for your loss, but as hard as it must have been, you did the right thing.

Big hugs to you at this time. Now after reading everyones answers let me see if I can quit crying long enough to type. It brought me back so many memories with my cat Muafusa I had for 7 years. He was my sons first pet & got hit by one of our neighbors who broke his back. At the time the vet found out he had feline luk. too. I kept him home after he told me that because I tried holding on to hope but I realized there was none. I fed him by hand & he moved in his lil bed I made for him but I could sense him telling me that it was time to end the suffering. We love our animals because it feels like they give us uncondictional love back & it hurts when we have to say good bye. But like one of the ABers said I too think we will meet somewhere in time again. At the time I felt selfish for having his life taken away but later I realized it was the most merciful thing I could've done for him. Now again I'm facing the same with 2 dogs I've had for 13 years one has a large tumor & the other has a growth on his backside & I'm afraid they are both cancer. They don't get around as much as they use to & they wobble & limp but if the doc says its cancer then I will have to face the decision & let my husband take them because I don't think I could do it again. My heart goes out to you hon((hugs)) but you did the right thing for you baby.

Aw, im so sorry for you, but if it helps i think you have done the correct thing here. I know you wouldnt want your dog to suffer any more, and you gave him all the love in the world. He was happy on earth with you, and im sure he will still be with you every day - wherever he is now. Take care and lots of hugs. xx

You must have loved him dearly to let go. Putting his suffering above your own is love above all else. Look at some pictures, cry, remember... and keep on doing that until it hurts a little less. Everyone here that's loved and lost a pet knows what you're going through, and knows that your doggie couldn't have had a better person to care for it.

Why do you hate yourself for putting your beloved pet out of his misery. . .I know how hard it is to put a pet down. . .but there is really no alternative. The amount of joy and love a pet bring to your life more than makes up for the agony of losing him. The only cure for your grief is. . . and you know this. . .go to the humane society and find somebody to love

you did nothing wrong. he was put out of his misery.

It made my heart ache to read your question. You did the right thing by putting him out of his misery. 13 years was a good life for a dog and it sounds like he was very well loved. Lucky dog to have an owner like you :)

this says it better than i ever could: The Rainbow Bridge There is a bridge connecting Heaven & Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole. They play together all day. There is only one thing missing: They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. Each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group. You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting friend. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

this says it better than i ever could: The Rainbow Bridge There is a bridge connecting Heaven & Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole. They play together all day. There is only one thing missing: They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. Each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group. You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting friend. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

No, u did the right thing. I'm sure it would've done the same 4 u.

You did the best thing. It's too bad that we treat our animals better than our loved ones sometimes. I've seen people suffer for years needlessly because medicine kept them alive and in pain. for what?

No you did the right thing. You don't want them to suffer, as hard as it is to have them put out of their misery, it's the right thing to do. It's your final act of love.

I would say you did the right thing. He was in pain and miserable. It doesn't make it any easier, but you definitely did what was best.

DO NOT blame yourself! He had plenty of problems and wasn't living a good life. He probably would of passed away at your home. Now how would you feel if you found him like that? Not very thrilled. This was much better than just letting him slowly die and to watch him suffer like that. Of all things you did the RIGHT thing. For you and your dog. He is having a great time in doggie heaven watching down on you. You certainly loved him for doing this for him. In doggie heaven, he can see, and he is healthy and young again. He is probably happy for you letting him go. You wouldn't want to suffer like that would you? I'm very very sorry for your loss. I can't imagine life without my dog. God Bless!

You did the loving and selfless thing. It's so difficult to have to have a pet put to sleep. I'm crying as I write this because it brings back the pain of losing my babies. But just know that what you did was best for him.

i think that you did the right thing in having your pet put to sleep there is no need to feel guilty about it,but you would have been feeling guilty if you kept him alive knowing that he was in really bad pain. so no you didnt do wrong

I also just put my dog down yesterday. This was the hardest thing I ever had to do. It was like killing my child. I had her for 13 1/2 yrs. But I know I did the right thing. She had liver cancer and could no longer get up. But I still can't get over the trust in her eyes when I was putting her down. I loved her so much. But time will heal this I know. We have to believe that these dogs go to alot better place and that they are now happy and running and feeling no pain

How could you possibly hate yourself for wanting to end your dog's suffering. There was no quality of life left for him/her. I honestly believe that we treat our pets better than we do our loved ones. You did the right thing.

Dear one...I realize this is an older post, but unfortunately all of us who have companion animals will have this same situation come up again and again, each time to our sorrow. They love us so well, but they simply do not live as long a life as we would all wish...So I will say here for you and everyone else who loves a animal...including to remind myself... You did the greater thing. You put aside your own dreams, wishes, wants...and you put your beloved Dog FIRST. This is what I believe we must do for animals..(and I often wonder for humans too in some cases)..if we love them as we should. Your dog was not worried about his future, he was living in the moment as animals do and once his moment was less than fun, less than comfortable, less than joyful for him...you made the tough choice not to force him to stay till the most bitter of ends...but to let his spirit run free of the body that was no longer giving him the happy life he had come to know and trust with you. I do believe that animals have PURE SPIRITS and so they are as beloved by the creator/God/the Great Mystery.. whatever you choose to call the one above, as we might be. I believe we see them again in a better place. I also believe that when we are ready to consider getting another dog, cat, bird...we should do so.. Specifically, because I imagine my prior dogs and cats looking down and when they see me needing another one, they KNOW they loved me so well that I have become addicted to THAT QUALITY OF LOVE...I must have more of it in my life to feel that I am whole. I suppose that just because they don't need me anymore...they don't begrudge another animal getting my love and proper care...after all each of them always has a special place in my heart and my memories...I love lots of room to share THIS SORT OF LOVE. I would almost bet that you do to...you did the most loving act anyone could do...you let go of pain and frustration and set that beautiful spirit free..to meet you...someday...he's only run ahead for now...joyfully and without fear.

I know this is an old post, but i saw it and... I have a dog too, and i love her with all my heart. whenever i think of her not being there, i feel so depressed. but if your dog was that sick, you did the right thing. sometimes, if u love someone, u have to let them go in order to let them lead a better life. i dont know if u believe in heaven, but i do, and i bet ur dog is up there now watching u n not sick at all. so dont worry...

Do not blame yourself, You did the right thing. Ultimately relieving your pet of all it's pain. I think you are very considerate of the way the dogs life had become, and i'm certain you gave it lots of love. It's so great that you loved him and looked after him so well, i wish more people were as nice to animals as you.

I know you have already gotten feedback on this. Hopefully it all tells you that you put your dog out of his suffering and it was an unselfish decision. I still want to offer my condolences for your loss... it's a really hard thing.

Do not hate yourself for your loving response to your dear friend. My 8 year old german shepard died suddenly a few days ago and I do not know if I would have ever had the courage to put him down even if he was suffering. That you had the courage to put your feelings aside really shows how much you loved him. The pain of loss is horrible. I miss my dog every minute. I am very sorry for your loss!

You did the right thing. My wife and I have had to have three pets put to sleep in the past year. Over the past 16 years or so, we have had to let go of 7 of our adopted kids, and many foster cats. We always question if it was the right thing, but we always know it was.

No I think you did the right thing because that cat wasin misery.If you wouldn't have done what you did you would have been doing the wrong thing.Good job for being brave and letting your cat to rest.

It is okay.I have had to do that with my dog.He was really the only one that stole my heart.I loved him so much.I finally got a lab and he ran away.I guess it isn't meant to be!You did the abesolute right thing,though.You took the road less traveled on.If you did not do it.Your pet would be suffering.It knows why you did it and still loves you with all its heart.Stay strong! :)

I work at a vet clinic, I see this all the time. I think the worst thing to me, is seeing people that hold on too long. People that can't let go, and would rather see their animal suffer than to part with them. Therefore, I think you did the right thing. I think you did what was best for your pet, not just yourself. I can't stand to watch an animal suffer, and if they're that bad off, then it's time. Don't beat yourself up for it. Ya know...I had a cat for 17 years that I had to have euthanized, and I beat myself up over it for a while too, but now I feel worse that I let him suffer for so long before I actually did it. I'll tell you what the vets at my clinic say...it's all about your pet's quality of life. If they're comfortable, and you can control whatever's going on, then leave it be. But if they're in any type of discomfort or pain and you can't afford treatment, or they're beyond treatment, then it's best to just let go.

Please, please do not feel guilty, you did absolutely the right and proper thing for your dog....and there's the key, you considered your pet above yourself. Feel proud that you had courage and remember the good times you had together, you are in my heart Annon

No what you did was the humane thing to do and makes you a responsible pet owner. Unfortunately there are many people who abandon pets in times such as this. We have a 16 year old Chihuahua that I am most likely going to have to put down on Monday, she has had several small strokes this weekend. She is really having some problems and I won't allow her to suffer needlessly either. I am very torn about having to do this, but I know it's the best thing to do, the right thing to do, and the humane thing to do.

No you did everything you could it's just hard to let go of a friend espeacially after having him for so long. you were responsible and im sorry about him. better luck next time. my aunt and uncle used to have a yorkie who never ate, couldn't control her bladder, and was blind. they didn't put her down until a year later! thanks for not making your pet suffer.

i totally understand how you are feeling and can sympathise with you. i have now had the awful experience of doing this twice. you must take comfort from the good times you have had and also that your pet is in a better place - free from pain.

You did the right and caring thing any animal lover would do. You preferred your dog not to suffer and took it on yourself to do what had to be done.

You did the right thing. He was suffering and would have wanted you to have him put to sleep and out of his misery.

i had to answer this as to some people a dog,cat, rabbit ect ect is just a dog, cat, rabbit but to people like me that devote their love uncondtionlly time and attend all thier needs, feel when they feel and see them as part of thier family and not just a animal then no you didnt do wrong, ive just had my baby girl(rottie) of 11years put to sleep and beleive me i never evr thought i would be able to do such thing, a couple of years ago i nusred my mum a baby brother both at the same time were dieing from cancer, i bagged and pleaded for they too survive but no they both were in my arms and i telling you hearing your mum crying in that pain and her thin lifelsee body then yes i wished it to end. you did the right thing you have nothing to feel guilty for as you loved and gave your dog a good life, just remember hes now in a place were hes out of pain and now running free in a place called the rainbow bridge.

You did the best thing ever, allowing this lovely creature to pass over to the other side and be free of pain. You will see him again when you pass. People and animals can not live without functioning kidneys. It was his time to go and you were great for helping him to move on.

The key word is LOVE you did the right thing! He loved you too but if he could tell you he probobly would not want to be in that situation. My heart aches for you!

No you didn't do wrong. You did what was right for your friend. I am in the position now where I have had to make the same decision with my little friend, except he is only seven years old. He has diabetes for over a year now and we controlled it extremely well, but recently he just isn't having much time between fits and it is so frightening for all of us, especially him. Last night came the crucial decision as he went on us again and slept for ten hours solid. I lay down with him when he woke and whispered did he want me to let him go, and he put his paw on my shoulder and looked at me with his big sad eyes. I know his time has come, because now he can't go swimming which was his love and he can't go for a walk. So no matter how much I love him, i know I have to let him go for him. He is the love of my live and I will never forget him, but eventually we all have to make this awful decision. I hope I too am doing the right thing.

When the appetite goes in a health situation like this, that mean they are feeling ill... too ill to eat. It seemed to be the best time. I learn from my pet all the time - mostly about death. I learn about being there when I can, doing what I can, and letting go easier each time. I tend to hang on too long, try too hard, and they suffer for my attempts. I know the sadness of letting go, it hurts, especially if we think we could have just done one thing different to change the outcome. But I believe our pets come as our angels to teach us to accept and to love better than we would have otherwise.

I am so sorry for your lose of your special friend.I know how you feel. I had a ferret that had different medical conditions.He was six years old.I brought him to the vet and I already knew what was going to happen. He was not in good shape. I sort of felt like a trader bringing him to the vet.He was put to sleep. We do the best we can at the time things are happening.Try not to beat youself up. If the animal was suffing it was the right thing to do. And it sounds like the poor thing was suffering. Dont doubt youself.

You have made the greatest sacrifice a pet owner can make. You put your dogs feelings ahead of your own. That is unselfish and loving. It is not uncommon to be questioning yourself now. It is one of the stages of grief. Know that you did the right thing and your dog is now in a place with no pain. Please visit this website. It has an incredible sectionf on Dealing with Grief and you will find some help there for how you are feeling as well as information on what to expect. You did the right thing. htttp://www.tributememorial.net

Yes you did you let him go pain less and you did not make him suffer any longer so if you feel you did the right thing then you did.

You Loved him, he loved you. Having to put down a friend who was suffering and who have kept getting worse, was the kindess and most selfless gift you could give. I have delayed the choice before, because I was selfish and wanted to keep my beloved friend with me as long as possible. You did right by your guy.

no you did the right thing,the poor dog was old,and im sure he mustve been suffering,though you may not have noticed it.i could understand your feeling this way,you were confused,but dont worry,hes in a better place now and without pain.

No its okay. You didn't want her to suffer. It is nothing wrong. Don't worry. I am sorry that you don't have her anymore.

You were really brave in making the decision, you did the right thing. The grief would be terrible. I know how you feel. You did'nt do wrong.

Of course you didn't do wrong, he was probably in a lot of pain. At least he had a long and happy life with you

You did good. Look for him in your dreams. And when you see him you will know you are dreaming. That way you can be in spirit w/him. That's what I do with Bilbo my beloved border collie, gone 8 years now. They live on w/us because of our love.

Please,please don't hate yourself....I have just had to do the same........it is awful and nothing seems to help take away the pain but you have to try and think positively......you have saved your beloved friend from terrible,terrrible pain that must have been dreadful for them,I know my little one did not want to go on suffering but I was so lucky that my wonderful husband stayed with her at the end and the vets were so good and thoughtful and would not have done it if there had been any other alternative.Please believe me when I tell you that you were loved and the wonderful memories will always be with you,don't let the bad memories stay in your mind,let them go.There is a wonderful web site called PETSTREET and there are thousands of fantastic animal lovers who will understand how you feel,they really helped me as they have all had similar experiences,log on and let them help with advice and friendship.I have just taken in a little stray cat from a rescue centre,She will never replace my beloved JUDY but having an animal that depends on you and loves you will really help and there are so many animals needing homes and you won't be being disloyal to your lost friend,they would love you for helping another animal with no home.Much love and best wishes......it will get easier to bear,believe me.

i say you did a good thing. Think of it this way, would you rather watch him suffer on his last days or be by his side at the vets knowing he wont hurt any more and he will just sit there and be happy by your side.

NO, thank you from your dog for your kindness

You did nothing wrong! I can understand your upset from the death of your pet and have been through similar experiences so I know how you feel and I know it's hard, but as hard as it sounds, giving yourself time to grieve will help the healing process. It's been 6 years since my situation, but the sadness got so much easier after a few weeks/months. It's easier said than done I know, but you need to think of how much you have helped your pet by having him put down. He is no longer in pain and the process, as horrible as it seems, is painless. I know you miss him, but it's better this way than for him to be alive and suffering. Keep your chin up, it will all be better in a little while. :) x

It seems obvious that your Dog was not just a Pet but a member of your Family. You could not bear to see him suffering and in Pain. You gave him release from all of that and he no longer suffers. You say that he was 13, which in " dog years " amounts to him being 91 in " our years " so he had a good, long, life. No matter what anyone says you WILL grieve. It is all part of the torment that ALL animal Lovers go through when we lose a Pet. Try to remember ALL the good times that you had with him, it may help you come to terms with your loss. You have the thoughts and best wishes of ALL Animal Lovers.

I think you know you did the right thing.

Sorry for your loss, I'm sure you did the right thing - we are much kinder to our animals than we are to ourselves.