I’ve been wondering...

R
Remyjuke Icon representing the flag French
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Evening everyone!

In your opinion, what makes a bad owner? I’ve been asking myself a lot of questions lately.

My German Shepherd passed away nearly a month ago 🥲. The vets say it could have been one of the medications he’d been taking for his fistula since 2023 that destroyed his liver, but they don’t really know for sure, especially since he also had arthritis. He’d actually been on Librela for nearly a year, and the temperatures were high – it was really hot and he had a fever of 41 degrees.

But he often had sore ears and was so stressed that I practically had to pin him down at the vet's, and I feel so guilty 🥲, even though at home he was affectionate and wanted to play with me etc. Plus, he only ever wanted to go for walks with me. I still find myself wondering if I was rubbish with him...

Even on walks, when he wanted to eat anything and everything, I’d tell him off and tug on the lead... I just feel so awful about it 😢.

Translated from French
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2 answers
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    • Tania28
    Tania28 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, We always end up feeling guilty, trying to figure out what went wrong or if things could have turned out differently... Don't second-guess yourself; it sounds like you did everything you possibly could for your dog. Mine has been gone for 19 days now—it’s tough, but we have to tell ourselves that we always did what was best for them. We don’t hold all the cards, and destiny works in mysterious ways. Don’t put yourself through any more pain. Stay strong.
    Translated from French
    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hello, I am so sorry for the loss of your companion. From reading your post, there is nothing to suggest that you were a "bad owner". On the contrary, you managed his health issues, kept up with his vet appointments, and cared about his well-being every single day. Having to occasionally restrain him during consultations or be firm with him on walks for his own safety is simply part of being a responsible owner. With hindsight and while grieving, it is very common to focus on those less positive moments and feel a sense of guilt. Please be kind to yourself. From everything you’ve described, you gave him exactly what he needed: your presence, proper care, and affection. I wish you all the best and a lot of strength during this difficult time, Inès
    Translated from French

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