Wasn’t sure where to post this. I had to put my good girl down this past Monday. And I’m having a really difficult time. Thought I would start a post to connect with people that have gone through similar and how you managed. Please delete if this is not the appropriate place.
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There is no way to easily get past the death of a beloved family member. And yes, pets are family members. Think in those terms and while the grief will still be there, you will have a better understanding of the depth of your feelings. It will take time. But it eventually gets easier, but you will never get over it. And that’s a good thing.
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Yep took me a good 6mo. Cried everyday. You don’t.
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As appropriate place as any, sorry for your loss. Few things feel as bad as having to put a loved dog down.
Take some solace in knowing you did the right thing, but that is small comfort. It will take time and allowing yourself to be sad and grieve, which isn’t always the easiest thing.
And I can’t stress this enough, everyone handles these things differently. It unfortunately is a very personal journey so I can’t tell you any sorry of magical process that makes things better faster.
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I still think about the first dog I had growing up, and he passed away around 25 years ago. Our pets are important members of our family.
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It leaves a void. The pain softens. I hate that you had to go through that.
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Thanks, fellas. It seems talking through it definitely helps. I am glad I can have some kind of outlet with people that love the same things I do. It was so sudden for us. And I am constantly second guessing myself on if I did the right thing. She was such a great dog. And helped prepare my wife and me to raise human children.
Dogs. They never live long enough.
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Sorry to hear about your girl Jo… all of our pets are treated as family in our house, too…
Unfortunately, I think when they’re taken from you in a surprise manner it hurts more & is harder to deal with in my experience because of the type of feelings you mentioned… regret, remorse, guilt…
But I take solace in knowing that I do everything I can to make sure my pets are well taken care of and well loved while they are with my wife & I.
RIP sweet girl!
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Had to put my Maddie down May 2025. She was a couple of months shy of her 17th birthday.
Got a new pup in December, but I still miss Maddie.
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Looks like an awesome friend
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The months/weeks/days leading up to having mine put down were the hardest for me.
Not wanting to do it but knowing it had to be done.
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It’s been three years since I had to put Harley down. Had a service come by and perform the procedure while we all sat with him on the couch and said goodbye. He was at peace with the process, almost like he knew it was time. Gentlest dog ever around small children. 100 pounds of molasses. 
but also the ultimate protector. This thread has the memories of the good times flooding back and make me smile. You will get there eventually.
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Beautiful dog!
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Red retrievers? Have always wanted one.
Not to take away from the subject, but whats everyone favorite breed?
I grew up with a Mastiff, too big but a great dog. Then we got a Bull-Mastiff, he was fast and strong and loved playing. My last dog was my favorite, a Boston Terrier. I still go nuts anytime i see one. What an awesome buddy that little guy was
As a single guy, losing my dog during covid was the worst. Sorry for your grief. Thank you for sharing though. I’m sure you gave her the best life. Abbie looks like the bestest and smartest girl!
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As said above, it is different for everyone and every pet. But having to put numerous pets down and some that just disappear I found photos labeled with their nick name either on your phone or in places you see when passing by helps. Think of their clever and funny habits as you view.
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My wife just sent me a video of our youngest daughter (17 months old) screaming her name and banging on the back door glass. She was looking out into the backyard. Breaks my heart.
Hope this gets easier.
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I actually have a table in my office/den with mementos from all my pets that have passed over the years. Photos, paw prints, cremation ashes, leashes, collars, etc. May seem a little macabre to some, but I find it comforting.
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