I seriously wondered if I should do this blog or not – I’m passionate about dogs (big and small), but it’s a bit of a sad subject. However, I decided that it needs to be said and I’m speaking out for all the four-legged souls out there who can’t speak for themselves.
Prepare in Advance
It can be hard when you’re at the stage of having to put down your best friend, to then decide on urns, how, when etc. When you’re emotional, maybe that’s not the time to be doing it, but if you don’t have things organised in advance, well, simply you are out of time. Finding the right place, solution, and pricing point, at a time when you are not emotional is simply a step. It’s no different from doing your Will or advising your family of your Advanced Health Directive. Two things in life (for a dog) are certain – birth and death.
Now, something I did choose to do when my last best friend died, was to donate his body to training for vet students. He was exceedingly special to me, but I wanted to help the next generation of vets learn their craft, so they could help the next generation of paws out there. For me, I felt that his passing had a little purpose.
Recognise When It’s Time
Making the decision can be really hard, but I believe it comes back to the quality of life for your dog. If they are in pain, unable to toilet, or your vet says “it’s time”, then it’s time. You may not be ready to say goodbye to your beloved pet, but do you look in their eyes and they say, “it’s time”? Do what is best for your dog … they deserve that.
Who Attends
This one is a super personal thing. I know for instances where there is another dog in the household, they say it’s good for that dog to see/smell their mate. They somehow know their friend has passed over and don’t go hunting around the house in search of them.
As far as children go, that’s a parental decision. The last dog I had to sadly put down, I called all my children and they came to the surgery and were with him for his passing. They were all adults and wanted to say goodbye.
Be There in The Last Moments
The final thing I really want to reiterate in this blog is about you, being there for your dog. Sure, I get it, it can be exceedingly sad and distressing to see them put down and be there for it. But please, remember this. For most dogs, you’ve been there since they were 8 weeks old. Their entire life has revolved around you – being there for you, waiting for you to come home, smelling your scent, walking by your side … So, in their last moments, don’t let them wonder “where are you?”. In their final moments, be there for them.
Vets frequently say that the hardest thing about putting a dog down is when the dog is alone and in that final moment is looking around desperately seeking you out.
Grieving
Don’t let others diminish your grief. For some, their dog is their companion, their best friend and a member of their family. We all grieve in different ways and no one approach is best for everyone. Some people need to go puppy shopping soon after, others want to wait a long time. You may need to talk to someone about your grief, or you may simply cope well and not need to do anything.
But before we need to go there ….
Remember that life with our best friends is wonderful, full and precious. Live each day to the fullest; be appreciative of the little things (like the fur on your pant leg or the paw print on your freshly mopped tiles). Dogs give us so much; from companionship and friendship, to an exercise buddy, drive buddy or workmate. Their antics make us laugh, and their cuddles dissipate any negative thoughts. Dogs make our lives whole, rich and full.
“The journey of life is sweeter when travelled with a dog.”
~ Anonymous.