Saying Goodbye

The most difficult thing you will have to do for your dog is to saying goodbye.

Putting your beloved pet to sleep, or euthanasia, is the hardest thing to do. But it is the most unselfish, loving act you can do for the pet who has given you unconditional love, happiness, friendship all of his life.

Writing this section, I think of all of my dogs that have passed. Yes, I'm in tears. They were all dearly loved and will always be a part of our family. Little lives entrusted into our hands for a very short time. And all through their lives we must do what is best for them.

You will know when it is time. Your dog's quality of life is not enjoyable anymore. They soil themselves and the home they love, not able to make it outside anymore. They can't get up after sleeping. They have an incurable disease.

You hold your dog, pet him, love him and he looks into your eyes and you see the knowing look telling you its ok. He needs to move on. He's saying goodbye to you.

Yes, your heart will feel like it is being torn out of your chest, you will cry and feel like you had missed something in his care. This is normal. Just like grief for a human family member.

Talk to your vet. The procedure is painless. A sedative is injected into your pet's vein and he is unconscious.

You will be able to be with your dog if you wish. If you choose to do this, and we always have, (we wanted our dogs last touch and voice to be ours) be calm. Hold him and tell him he's a good boy.

The vet will then inject the euthanasia solution into the vein and monitor your dog's heart. When he has passed on, let the tears flow and grieve.

Your vet will ask whether you want to take your dog home or have him cremated. Depending on if you live in a rural area where you can bury your pet at home or have pet cemeteries, you may choose cremation.

You will experience the same grieving process as with a human family member. It may take weeks before you begin to look at all the memories and fun you had with your dog without breaking down.

This is normal. And so, down the road you will be looking at a picture of your dog or fondly remembering something your dog did and it will bring a tear to your eye. Still does with us.