Hi everyone, I’ve just joined this forum because I lost my dog this Saturday, 29/01/22. A little 16-year-old Chihuahua. I loved him more than anything in the world; I had to have him put to sleep, and it was the worst day of my life. Now, I’m not afraid of anything anymore, because after the courage it takes to do that, I honestly wouldn’t care if I died. My pain is immense. He was my little boy and we had such an incredible bond. I’m crying every minute, every second; I can’t accept that he’s no longer by my side, it hurts too much. He’d gone deaf and blind and two of his legs were paralysed. We kept him going regardless; we’d set him up in a little baby playpen and he was doing alright, he was happy enough despite everything. But over the last four days we had to take him to the vet several times; he became paralysed in all four legs this time and he was crying non-stop, day and night. He was suffering because he couldn’t sit up anymore, he was in pain... in the end, we had to make the decision to have him put to sleep. I held him in my arms until his very last breath; I didn’t leave him for a single second during the procedure, even though I felt like I might collapse myself, but I stayed strong for him until the end. I kept him in my arms. I can’t seem to get over the grief; I keep replaying that awful moment in my head over and over, wondering if I made the right choice... I’m just lost. My grief is so heavy, people just don't understand. I talk to him all the time, even though he's gone. 😞
Translated from French
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Hello, my sweet girl of 15 years and 10 months had been suffering from mouth cancer for a month. She was on a treatment that wasn't a miracle cure but was meant to help her quality of life; she also had arthritis and was on supplements to help her. Her tumour had grown quite a bit, it had started bleeding and she could barely eat. She was suffering so much and it hurt me to see her like that. I had to have her put to sleep; she drifted off in my arms. It’s been two days now. She was my girl, born right here at home. This was my first experience of this kind and it’s so hard; the pain remains and there is such a void. She followed me everywhere and slept with me. I cry for her every single day; going through this is a real ordeal. Sending strength to anyone else who is in the same boat as me.
Hello! I completely understand your pain because I’m going through the exact same thing. I had to take my beagle, Granola, to the vet to put an end to her suffering. She had a bladder tumour that just kept getting worse despite the medication (she couldn't pee anymore and her appetite was fading; she had to wear nappies because the meds caused an overflow of urine she was able to pass). She was eating so little that her last meal was just 4 or 5 peanuts and a bit of cheese; it was heartbreaking to watch. She was eating so weakly and always walked with a hunched back as if she were trying to ease the pain or discomfort.
So we had to take her to the vet, knowing it was the last time I’d see her. Once we got there, the reality that she only had moments left really hit me, and I got a massive lump in my throat. The vet was very kind, but the grief was getting more and more intense. Granola was just staring straight ahead, and not knowing what she was feeling right then was agonizing. She fell asleep in my arms with the first injection, then I laid her on her side for the second one so she could finally pass away... I watched her take her last breaths and then she was gone.
It’s been 2 days now, and my world has completely fallen apart. It was a real shock the next morning when her bed was empty, even though her scent was still on the blankets. Everything inside me has collapsed; it all feels empty, like total devastation, and it hurts so much that I feel like I’ll never get over it. It’s only been 2 days, but part of me knows that if I let myself sink into this pain, I’ll never get back up... I know I’m going to have to start the healing process to get better because I want to pull through this. That means going through almost unbearable sadness, the anger that will come soon, followed by understanding and finally acceptance. It’s called resilience, and I don’t want to be completely broken forever. It’s going to take time.
Just remember that if you hadn't done it, her suffering would probably have been even worse, and no good owner wants to leave their dog in that much pain. Putting your pet to sleep is a decision that takes immense courage and inner strength; it forces you to dig deep into the most painful places. I think you’d feel even worse if you hadn't taken her to the vet for that last time, because watching your dog pass away without taking them to the vet would make you feel like you'd done nothing for them, but that’s simply not the case. Take care of yourself.
I know exactly how you feel. My 12-year-old Chihuahua got away from me yesterday. It’s been horrendous since then, an absolute nightmare. Like you say, it’s such a unique, symbiotic bond. I’m in total despair. I feel like I’m never going to get over it. My heart really goes out to you.
Hi everyone,
I lost my little Bichon Frise, Eliot, on 18th March 2025. He was 15 and a half and was such a sweetheart.
I had to have him put to sleep because he had lung cancer that had spread.
He's left such a huge hole in my life and I'm crying every day... I really need some support.
Thanks in advance.
I'm so sorry for your loss; I’m sending you strength. I’ve lost a dog myself and it hurts, it really hurts. It’s one of life’s hardest blows.
Today is such a sad day. I’ve lost Bibou, my dog. He was the sunshine of my life. With him by my side, I felt happy and confident, surrounded by warmth and gentleness. Seven years of mischief, joy, and a bond like no other. We could read each other’s minds just with a look. I talked to him just as you would to another person. He showered me with love. He was a Malamute like no other. And then came that tick which stole my dog from me. It infected him and he contracted babesiosis. I didn’t see the illness coming. I thought he was just a bit tired and that it would pass. But when I saw that drop of blood, I knew the end of our story was near. Within three days, I’d lost you. Today the vet called to tell me that was it, it’s over, you’ve gone to doggy heaven. Blessed is the kingdom of heaven, for dogs are truly at home there. I feel such a void in my life. Everywhere I look, I see you. Bibou, you’ve left me, you’ve left me all alone, and I feel so cold. I’m certain that one day we’ll see each other again and go back to our walks. I love you, my boy; I love you, my sweetheart; I love you with all my heart.
Hi everyone. I’m about to lose my Pug, and she’s only just turned 2. It’s peritonitis following bladder surgery. She was so young, so affectionate and full of life. I don’t know how long this pain is going to last. It’s nothing like losing my other dogs who died of old age. Every time I think of her, I just cry... I’m absolutely devastated.
I know exactly how you feel; after so many years, that huge void and the tears are completely normal.
Just let yourself feel all those emotions. Tell yourself that you did the right thing, even though it’s so hard! I’ve been beating myself up for two months now.
Try to remember all the happy times you had with your little one. Grieve in your own way and in your own time.
There’s no right choice. You’re going to be hurting no matter what you decide. Losing a loved one is incredibly painful. I made the opposite choice and I’m suffering just as much as you.
There is no right choice. You’ll be hurting regardless of what you decide. Losing a loved one is incredibly painful. I made the opposite choice and I’m hurting just as much as you.
