I had to put down my best friend

[JMpMasterSteve]

Please excuse my ramble. Well I’m on day two and if anything the feeling has got worse. 14 years me and my big fat Gus have been side by side through multiple cross country trips moving cross state and anything else. He’s an English bulldog so every morning for the last 6-7 years he depended on me for about twenty minutes worth of applying medicine to his nose, eyes, ears. He was my best friend.

I had to take him yesterday because I didn’t want my wife to have to do it while I was abroad for a couple months and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’ve lost friends in combat, family members and what have you, but this has torn at my heart like no other.

The worst part is feeling like maybe I did it to soon. He was losing control of his bladder and not eating and barely drinking but I just feel like there is something else I could have done.

The absolute worst part is this....when the doc asked me if I wanted to spend a few more minutes with him I said no please just get it over with. He was so scared and I could even look in his eyes as they pushed the medicine.... I feel like I betrayed a 14 year bond. Again please forgive me for my rant but if you take anything from it take this. Hug your dog every day, take no moment for granted with your buddy and never turn your back on them because they wouldn’t do it to you.

Again, excuse me for the rant I just had to get this off my chest. P.s. I’m not suicidal just trying to figure out the best way to cope....thank you all

 

[Evom1]

Hey man, I have no idea what to say, but just want to say I read this, and I care. I couldn't imagine what you're going through. My pup is my world. Stay strong man and we're here to talk if you need to

 

[Btcowboy]

Sorry for your loss. I have been there a couple times myself. It is tough but you will get through it.

 

[ickyrica]

Sorry to hear bro. There is a dog lover thread and a few members have had similar experiences recently. I've had to put one down as well, had to have been one of the hardest moments in time for my wife and myself. It does get easier, and as much as you probably don't care at the moment, a new best friend helps : ) it took us 6 months before we started looking.

 

[nervje]

You did the right thing, theres nothing you couldve done since he seemed to be suffering for so long anyways.

I have my rottweiler for half a year now, he is 4 years old.
You got through the day i fear most in all of my life, i have had several nights crying just thinking about having to put him down.

He doesnt suffer anymore and will welcome you in heaven my friend.

 

[Sp2.0]

The worst feeling I've experienced. I prefer my dogs to most people.

It'll pass and you'll catch yourself talking to your wife about good memories you had with him and you'll both be laughing.

 

[Anabolixrip84]

Sorry about your loss.

I had to put down my Rhodesian Ridgeback last year because of hip issues. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but, when it’s time... it’s time.

 

[Seven]

So sorry brother. I love dogs, they are always happy to see you. I had too put my girl down in Oct. It was horrible. And just like you I thought I made a big mistake, but she was so very sick there was nothing else I could do. I was in the room with her and held her. I can't even talk about without crying. She was my buddy. And I miss her.

It will get better, just takes time.

@Michael Scally MD is very good at saying the right thing in these situations.

 

[JMpMasterSteve]

Thanks everyone. As with all time will heal I’m sure. Day 2 blows Major ass though. Got to stay busy I imagine.

Sorry to hear bro. There is a dog lover thread and a few members have had similar experiences recently. I've had to put one down as well, had to have been one of the hardest moments in time for my wife and myself. It does get easier, and as much as you probably don't care at the moment, a new best friend helps : ) it took us 6 months before we started looking.

Man I can’t even look at my other dogs right now. I know eventually I’ll hop back on the train though. Did you end up going with same breed?

 

[ickyrica]

Thanks everyone. As with all time will heal I’m sure. Day 2 blows Major ass though. Got to stay busy I imagine.



Man I can’t even look at my other dogs right now. I know eventually I’ll hop back on the train though. Did you end up going with same breed?

We had put down a lab/greyhound mix. Rescued a lab/Sheppard mix from Louisiana, shea a basket of crazy lol. A year later we rescued a pitbull from a local town. The pit is the best dog ever. Hands down, can't get better.

 

[JMpMasterSteve]

We had put down a lab/greyhound mix. Rescued a lab/Sheppard mix from Louisiana, shea a basket of crazy lol. A year later we rescued a pitbull from a local town. The pit is the best dog ever. Hands down, can't get better. View attachment 107490

That’s a beautiful pup man. Droopy lips get me everytime

 

[Seven]

Btw... That's a great pic of your boy!

 

[Seven]

We had put down a lab/greyhound mix. Rescued a lab/Sheppard mix from Louisiana, shea a basket of crazy lol. A year later we rescued a pitbull from a local town. The pit is the best dog ever. Hands down, can't get better. View attachment 107490

Yours too ickyrica!

 

[JMpMasterSteve]

Btw... That's a great pic of your boy!

Thank bro. I have so damn many they are in every direction I look around the house haha. Damn it.........

 

[MisterSuperGod]

x1000. No easy way to let go of a best friend that has enriched your life on a daily basis. i feel for you, brother.

 

[MindlessWork]

Sorry to hear of your loss and it feels like losing a close member of your family. Dogs truly are a man's best friend!

 

[T-Bagger]

Sorry for you loss bro. It’s one of the hardest things to do. My heart still hurts from my pup of 15 years and that was 5 years ago.

 

[JMpMasterSteve]

Thanks again fellas, can’t tell you how much just being able to tell the story on an open forum and hear everyone’s personal experience has helped so far. Damn dogs, they really know how to pull the emotions out of ya

 

[Perrin Aybara]

Sorry for your loss. Had to make the same call myself in 2017 and it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

 

[Super Charge]

Sorry bro. It's the hardest thing I've ever dealt with. It will get better.
U likely did the right thing. I tried to keep my dog alive for too long when she was having liver failure. She ended up having a seizure and going into a coma while sleeping on the couch with me. We had to take her to the vet unconscious and put her down. Didn't get to really say goodbye. I now have memories of her in very poor health, walking in circles confused, and ultimately suffering. You'll have memories of a healthy, happy dog that didn't suffer. If I could do it over I would have lost a few months with her but kept a better quality of life for her.
He'll rest easy..