How to prepare for a loss?

T-Jet · 07-24-2006, 11:49 AM

The wife and I recieved horrible news this morning. Her 10yr old Golden has been diagnosed with cancer. The only option is to make her comfortable and prepare to put her to sleep by weeks end. This is every pet owners worst nightmare, but on the same hand the last act of Love an owner can give. We are expecting a son in September and she really wanted "Copper" to meet him. Our family pack consists of myself, the wife, 7 yr old son, 6 year old Golden and a 6 year old Springer spaniel. The family dynamics will change. Every pet owner is given "one" pet that is "the one." My wife was granted hers as her first. Any advice on easing into this time of grief will be appreciated.

dodgeboy252000 · 07-24-2006, 12:18 PM

Very sorry to hear about copper. It is a very sad day to have a best friend leave you.

WaterDog · 07-24-2006, 12:56 PM

Todd, sorry about Copper. Don't know if there is much that can be said. Anyone who's gone through it knows it aint easy.

I do know this, she'll never be forgotten because every dog you see will remind you of her.

:depressed:

Stz ll · 07-24-2006, 01:02 PM

My deepest sympathy!!

I had to put down our 3rd dog to cancer just 2 weeks ago.

Cool Texan · 07-24-2006, 01:29 PM

Sorry to hear it. My Golden, also 10, was also diagnosed with the Big C a couple of months ago. However, she was given 3-36 months to live. Go figure.

If I knew her time was very near like this, here are the things I would do for her:

1) Let her sleep in the bed every night.
2) Give her TONS of love, pets, etc.
3) Gourmet dinners with a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
4) Take as many pictures as I could, while I could.
5) Take her for many rides in the car, trips to the park, and one last swimming trip if she could still tread water.

Sorry to hear the news. :depressed:

TheKing · 07-24-2006, 01:53 PM

I don't think you can. I just cry like a baby and get it all out. Now only the good memories come when I think of them.

I have a cat that is the best animal I have ever known and we need to make the same decision this week or next it's been like that for the last 6 months as my wife just cannot let go of him. I don't know what will break my heart more the loss of a friend or seeing my wife and kids so broken hearted.

I hope it goes as well as it can and you find only good memories in the days to come.

Sincerely,

T-Jet · 07-24-2006, 02:02 PM

Thanks folks......the last post hit the nail on the head though. Its hard for me to see the family hurt so much. I just want to take it away, but I know the grieving process has to start as well as finish. I know I am the one that will have to make the decision to end it. The newest report is not good. We will cherish this evening with her and let her condition in the morning decide whats best. Thank you all again.

RODACTION · 07-24-2006, 03:27 PM

I also lost a dog to cancer, it was tuff. She was 12 years old when she past. The vet recommended we put her down right away, we decided to watch her and if she was eating and appeared not to hurt we would keep her at home.

We did the things the CT talks about, she got all good stuff to eat, she was all of her life eating dog food. She got rast beef, gravy, hamburgers, cheese and everything else that a dog would dream of while ill. We took her to the beach alot, it was her favorite place and the river banks. She lasted about 3 months after being diagnosed, I had set up with the vet ahead of time that if we decided it was time for us to put her down, we could call them and they would come to our home and do it. At the time I held her on my lap in her bed, they gave her a shot as I looked into her eyes saying my good by, it was very hard. We also had her cremated and have her ashes.

Sorry to here your news, best of luck, and wishes to you and your family. Ken

We just got a new dog 9 months ago, it is a good thing.

fishbait · 07-24-2006, 04:02 PM

Sometimes getting a replacement ASAP helps soothe the pain and helps the healing process.

STGRule · 07-24-2006, 04:08 PM

Nothing will help except time and understanding. When we had to have our lab put down because of cancer we had her cremated and we have her urn tucked back on the mantle. I put her name tag from her collar on it. It's been a few years now and I'm tearing up just typing this.

StrikeFighter · 07-25-2006, 09:48 AM

I know how you feel as anyone reading this thread and doesn't tear up has never loss a great pet. We had put down a yellow lab which was the greatest friend we every had due to old age where he could not stand and had to be carried everywhere. We now have a new lab and a cotton.

We will never forget our lab as we told him it was OK for him to go doggy heaven.

Bill Shelton

DaleDor · 07-25-2006, 10:04 AM

Sorry for that news. Pets are a full-fledged member of many families.

One of many ideas is to focus on the GOOD times that you had over the last 10 years with your dog, as opposed to the negative aspects of the current situation.

Also, a contribution to a charity that's searching for a cure to that terrible disease might be a positive step.

T-Jet · 07-26-2006, 10:12 AM

The Wife and I thank all that have responded. Our beloved pet was put restfully to sleep yesterday afternoon.

The wife, myself and grandma by her side. Again.....thanks for the words of wisdom.

big fishy · 07-26-2006, 10:30 AM

Sorry for your loss. One thing I try to remember, is when I finally see my dogs on the other side that they will be "one hell of a welcoming committie gor me".

Cool Texan · 07-26-2006, 10:51 AM

Sorry to hear the news. :depressed:

Bugle4em · 07-26-2006, 02:46 PM

GSD · 07-26-2006, 02:52 PM

Sad to hear of your loss.
Copper will be in your hearts, always near...

William

negoc8 · 07-26-2006, 03:18 PM

When I lost a 14 year old lab, my wife found an old black and white pic of "Penny" and had it enlarged and framed real nice, one gift that has been looked at fondly for many years.

Jennie@ifish · 07-26-2006, 05:40 PM

If you want to talk, PM me. Bill and I still can't get through a full day without tears.
Our beloved Dee Dee is laid to rest in the back yard under her own Rhodie. (As is our tradition)

Two weeks, or has it been three?

It's the hardest thing in the world.

I just got back from a memorial I've made for her where we sat on the river beach together. It's just rocks, made in the form of her name, but I tend to it, daily.

Jen

StinkyFish · 07-27-2006, 01:30 PM

T-Jet and family sorry for your heart achs this week. I had to put down both my lab within 6 months of each other and know what what your feeling. If it makes you feel any better after going through this and seeing the process i have to admit, yet very hard and sad it is a very peacefull and humane process. If Copper Likes to swim, chase balls, frisbies, or chipmonks. then my two will be waiting to play with her on the other side.

Penobscot · 07-27-2006, 01:54 PM

So sorry T-Jet. After reading your post I am going home to hug and play with my 3 year old Golden, Murfy. Maybe over to the park to throw the ball. I'm already dreading the day you've been through.

Herring Problem · 07-27-2006, 03:19 PM

Our prayers are with you thru these hard times. I comforted my mom several years ago when she was forced to put down her two loved pets. A Poodle and a Siamese cat that had been with her for twenty two years. Family loved pets are always hard to get bad health news about.