I had to have my little toy poodle, Dolly, put to sleep today. She has been ill for several weeks and the Vet's blood tests revealed severe Kidney failure. The Vet advised that she was very unlikely to improve with treatment and it was kindest to have her euthansed.

We only adopted her in November 2004 from Battersea Dog's Home, Brands Hatch, whilst me and my partner were living in Kent for a while. We knew she was very old (they said she could be anything up to 14 or 16 years old) and has had a pretty awful time of it (found abandoned outside a pub with a broken leg, a scarred eye, matted fur, fleas, ticks, emaciated). We brought her back to Wales and gave her lots of love and affection and she turned into a really sweet, funny, adorable little dog. But she started to go downhill in January - off her food, losing weight, drinking lots, being sick etc - all the signs of kidney failure. The last few days she's been so ill that I pretty much guessed this was coming. It was as though she didn't want to go on anymore and just wanted us to let her go. . .

My boyfriend was at work and couldn't handle being with her when they euthansed her, so I went down to the vets with out other dog, Ginny. I cuddled Dolly for a little bit and told her I loved her lots and lots and would never leave her. I cuddled her while they injected her and she went so quickly it was as though she had been hanging on, just waiting to go.

At the moment I can't stop crying, but I'll probably feel better soon, knowing I did the right thing even if it was painfu to have to do itl. I love animals but why does it have to hurt so much when you lose them? It is enough to make anyone afraid to get a pet, klnowing that they will have this grief when they go . . .

My sympathies, Lady Moonlight.

Just reflect on the fact that you made the last year and a bit of her life the best it could possibly be, and she was loved and cared for to the very end.

Oooh! I'm sorry to hear that! My sympathies as well.

And to your last statement, the way I think of it is - if everyone was afraid to do things because they were afraid of being hurt, then they would rule out all the things that can also make them happy. Does that make sense? So yes it can hurt, but just remember that taking a risk for love and happiness is a much better way to go then not doing anything because of fear.

I hope that helps!

Big hugs.......I know what you're feeling - I lost black dog in December 2004, and yellow dog in April 2005. Even when you know it's the right time, it's still extremely hard and sad losing an animal. Fortunately I already had the real chocolate dog, so she's been excellent company, and kept me busy, and helped me to get over the loss of the other two, but there are still times when I miss them dreadfully.

So sorry to hear your news, but I do think you did the right thing, yu saved her from a lot of pain and misery. You gave her a great last year of life, and just think that without you she could have been lonely for the rest of her days. I wish that all dog owners are like you!

I don't think I can say anthing to make you feel better. I know exactly what you're going through as I've been through it myself recently.

Thinking of you.

We had to have one of our cats put to sleep a couple of weeks ago and it's not so long ago that our old dog died too so I know how you must be feeling. Although it hurts so much when they go, it's worth having them even for the short time you had your dog - it sounds as though she had a very happy and loving home for the last few years of her life and that was worth it. I thought that I wouldn't love another dog like our old one, but we've now got another spaniel and I love him to bits.

Oh dear, you should have seen us when we had our first rabbit put to sleep. I know it is really upsetting, hope you are coping ok. Like Katyjay said, at least she was happy in her final 18 months.

Aah it's so tough isn't it? I'm so sorry Lady Moonlight. Lots of us know how you feel.

But how lucky for your little dog that she found you in time to enjoy a good year, secure and contented in a kind home - (as most have said in various ways!) You will I'm sure always be glad that you were there when she most needed you.

I'm so sorry to hear this news LadyMoonlight.

I'm glad you gave her the nicest home and life possible. She's in a lovely place now and she will be looked after very well xx

Hi everyone and thanks for your kind words.

Been crying my eyes out for the past 48 hours, but feel slightly better now. I know that there was nothing else we could have done and that it was the right decision, I just miss her so much!

It's awful losing a pet. I look at my lovely dog (who's only 8 months old) and think what if he got ill and had to be put to sleep, and it makes me cry just to think about it.

I recommend you get another poodle as soon as possible. New life replaces old - you'll never forget dear little Dolly, but a new dog will cheer you up no end.

Here's a pic of my dog (and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Sam):

So sorry to hear the news. I echo what others above have already said, and also offer warmest, gentle hugs (if that's ok).

Amber
x

Very sorry to hear about what has been happening.

Car Expert

Rhoda: Sam is gorgeous. That pic makes me want to pet him

Ahhhh I'm so sorry LM, at least you know you did the right thing. I've had to put down pets before so I can empathise.

Love
Boxy xxx

Tough decision to make. Hopefully before long you can find another fourlegged companion who'd like to help fill the gap. There's nothing like coming home to 8 legs scampering down the stairs to greet you, anyone who says "it's only a pet" when you lose one just doesn't get it... That said, after Manny and Chalse doing a two-day mouse stakeout under the piano...

Thanks everyone. My boyfriend and I have been reading your replies and we have found them so comforting and helpful. He's very tearful right now, whilst I've done a lot of my crying already.

Rhoda, Sam is adorable! A real little sweety (bet he can be naughty when he wants to be as well?!) Thanks for the gorgeous pic! My boyfriend love Cavaliers as his family had several when he was growing up.

We will be getting another dog as a companion for our Jack Rusell (Ginny) as she does not like being an "only child" so to speak! Gets very naughty and demanding when there isn't another canine sibling to calm her down, But we need some time to grieve for Dollywog first.

I have some lovely pics of Dolly I'd like to post - including one of her "playing the piano" - but not sure how to post them in a message. Any tips would be gratefully received! I'd love to show you all what a little cutie she was!!!

LM, you need to upload them to a photo hosting service for starters - eg www.photobucket.com or similar.

Then you post the URL in a message with [IMG] tags around it = that one in front of the url, then one with / before the img after it. Sorry it won't let me post more helpfully, it doesn't like me messing around with the tags!

Make any sense? not too good at explaining this stuff!

would love to see pics

I hope you find out a way of posting the pics, I would love to see them. Sounds really sensible to allow yourself enough grieving time, even though you know Ginny would like another playmate. I think it could be difficult to attach to a new pet when you're still feeling so sad about the loss of Dolly.

Thinking of you.

Amber
x

Thank you!


Oh absolutely - but there's no guile or malice in it!! His main sin is chewing things he shouldn't and being rather willful when we go for walks.


Well I have to confess something - I wasn't really a dog-lover until my husband and son bought Sam - but Sam has stolen my heart: Cavaliers have such lovely natures, you can't help but fall in love with them!! The so crave human companionship and Sam follows me around everywhere - he just loves to be close to me (Cav's tend to bond with one member of the family in particular and Sam has bonded with me).


Yes - it's important you give space to your grief. But I'm pleased you've decided to get a companion for Ginny.


Woudl love to see them!! I use photobucket - it's so easy and it's free. Just type "photobucket" into google, click on the link and open a "free" account and upload your pictures using the "Browse" facility. Then, when the picture is uploaded (which takes a couple of seconds) and you want to paste on here, click on "IMG" (the thrid line underneath the photo), "copy" it, then open this thread and a new reply and then "paste" it and post the reply and your image should pop up. I do hope you give it a go!!