My heart goes out to you. It’s a horrible time. Tomorrow my vet comes to our home to put down my Wee Man. I feel like my chest is going get cave in. He is 16 years old. ❤️

My baby’s name is also Luna. I think we have to say goodbye to her today. She’s only almost three years old but had to suffer through 2 surgeries in just one week. After the second surgery, we thought she would be fine, but she started bleeding profusely again. I don’t want her to suffer any longer. This is the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make.

@@elsamanaloto it is horrible. It’s as if there is a feeling of guilt, along with the terrible sadness. Very few people seem to fully understand it. They are our companions, we do a lot of things with them, and we love them. It helped me to talk about it.

@@almccallie4314 I think most people understand.

@@jamesfiero3255 if they’ve been through it. If not, no…I don’t think they do. I can tell by their reactions.

It's never easy, even when you know that they will no longer be suffering. It's important to remember to try your best to celebrate your pets life and to not make this the memory that you hold onto.

roden70 😥😢😭 So true

Im so sad..... i have to do this very soon and i feel like a murderer..... how im supposed to kill the one who adores me? Someone please help me...im going crazy 😢

@@pascal5522 You know in your mind that you spare the one that loves you a lot of suffering. You give your furry friend a soft death instead of a struggle. You act out of love and compassion, you are far from a murderer! My heart goes out to you. Be strong and be a good friend untill the end. ❤

@@pascal5522 i’m probably gonna have to do that this Saturday. We’ve had him since 2008. He’s lived for 16 years. It’s killing me, but I know it’s the best decision. I’d rather him go like this, than if Im not there with him.

Im sorry to hear that may his soul rest in peace just know that you gave him the best live he could have, Im sorry for your loss and I wish you the best,

For me as well and yes, this video has given has also given me some comfort.

So sorry.

I’m sorry 😢

I agree😢

My doctor prescribed meds to,,,,sometimes we all need a little help....there our family.......

I’m so so sorry. I truly feel your pain as I said good bye to my 17 yr old baby in august. I don’t have human kids so she truly was like my child. It’s so surreal isn’t it? I’m lucky as I’m 43 and never dealt with loss like this. I hope you’re hanging in there and trying to focus on all of the amazing memories you had with your sweet Bella. That’s all we can do. I still cry almost every day but because of the love and joy my fur baby brought to my life, I will eventually adopt another pup, maybe even a senior who is overlooked at the shelter. Maybe eventually you’ll feel ready to do the same but until then just take good care of yourself so you can be a doggie mom again one day💜

I am so sorry for your loss I feel exactly the same way. I pray that we meet again. The thought my Brady is gone forever is excruciating.

12 good years

Same boat as you were in Sophie. I don't want to imagine my life without my Bella. She is 15. Arthritis in both hips. I know she is in pain. I decided the best thing I can do for her now, is to let her go. I don't want to at all. Set up for the vet to come to my house on 10-9. So hard. I break down everyday thinking about it.

Thank you for that good piece of advice.. My. 15 y 4 mo old Havanese Jack. I'm having it done tom at Vets.. & its killing me but ill be talk calm & loving to him until its over.

🥲

I know that feeling when you

Sorry for your loss. Going through it right now too, I think it’s time for my cat. I don’t want to to wait until it gets so bad and she’s completely gone.

Hello there jennifer your cat was a great age , the live a long time , we had julie she was 20 ,she had gum C ,,cant say the word ,,she was such peoples cat great personality they are amazing pets .

So true!

YES! 1000% agree.

I totally agree, great summary 🙏

I had a senior cat (16), and the vet recommended we put her down at 15, but a year later she was still going... She was very weak, but always happy because I was there. Then one night it all went downhill. She slumped down, and just waited to die. I sat with her, giving her pets, but she was just too weak to even purr. Eventually about an hour later I could feel her stop breathing, and it made me so very sad. I pet her some more to ease the realisation that she's gone. I then put her in a box with a towel, took her to the emergency pet care (only place open) and just by walking in with a box and no pet, they could understand what happened. I got to the desk and they said "do you want to cremate her", and I said yes, but I asked them to take out the towels as they were sentimental to me. I now have her ashes in my room, to forever remember her. This was four and a half months ago.

Sometimes pets will have a second wind only to end up getting worse again. It's up to the owner when the right time is, but I've heard it is better to be a little early than too late.

We are really pleased that our video was helpful. Having to euthanize a pet is such a difficult decision because we love our pets but it can also be a time to celebrate and commemorate the time enjoyed together. All the best to you guys:) - The HCFP Team

Rip😢 this is so sad, Covid ruins everything❤️‍🩹

I had that happen with my boxer - the first day of the shutdown. The hardest thing was taking her collar off and giving her away to get treatment. I'm sorry you went through it too. It was so awful.

It sounds like you're a very loving caregiver, enjoy all the time you have 😊🐾

That’s the best we can do. ❤️

Our dog has this too.😢 She has lost so much weight and cant go up and down the steps anymore. It's so sad to see

Yes. Your Dad was right. My longtime Vet told me the same thing….and I knew without question when the time was right.

I read your article @knash965 we have the same exact predicament with our "Angel" the guilt is overwhelming and I just can't face reality. I can't let go. 7 yrs she's been with us not long enough. I don't know what to do at this point. 😢

I had to do this two days ago. I still feel guilty. She was 14 years and 8 months. Her mama died while she was only 5 weeks old. Mine was a very small dog so they aren't weaned as fast as bigger dogs. I had to feed her and a sister with a syringe trying to get them to feed on their own. It was a week or more. The sister was given to a good home. But man, those eyes who completely trusted me brings me guilt. She could barely see with her cataracts but she looked my direction all the time. The whole last year she just wanted yo sleep behind my chair. Her health had declined. But she loved her food. I noticed her stools would sometimes smell like something rotting and she was having accidents. I had to lift her up and down the majority of the time. She no longer sat on my lap or enjoyed being outside. I knew it was time but I'm still heartbroken and feel so guilty.

@@cathyann6835 I think about my dog almost every day and it’s been 2-3 weeks. I’m sure we’ll feel better as time passes and know they’re no longer suffering. We should remember all the good times, and fun memories we had.

@@Sergio-gm4gv yeah, I'm trying. I kept feeling like she was in bed with me last night. Every time I start crying I try remembering how much she'd declined and her body failing. I know she wasn't the same and was worn out. She gave my fingers a lick when we got to the vets office. Her doggy kiss. She was my support through some rough years I'd had starting 2013. It was just so hard letting her go.

@@Sergio-gm4gv it will get Better , i live on A Beautiful Farm in Ontario we had to put down 4 horses 3 dogs in the past 6 years ,,, Celebrate their lives every DAY ... My Beautiful Golden Doodle Brindle will be Next he turned 11 yesterday But he still has lots of Energy Eats Well and is very Happy just he has slowed Down a wee bit and walks slower unless he see's a Chipmunk or Bunny ... hope he is around for another 2 or 3 years ... love you Teddy Bear ... cheers Sergio .

Yes and it's a process. Try not let the recent traumatic experience of saying goodbye overshadow the lifetime of positive memories you’ve built during your relationship with your cat. Wishing you all the best.

And the truth wil set you free.

It is but we always try to stress to pet parents no matter what to try to focus on celebrating your pets life and all of the wonderful memories you've shared. Wishing you and yours truly all the very best.

Update. I purchased a cart to put him while I bike and he now spends every Saturday morning on a 2-hour bike ride on a bike trail system. He loves it.

my lab is going through the same thing.. I am taking him to see his vet thursday and I think its time. He is barely eating and is having a very hard time walking. This is the hardest thing... im so sorry about your shepherd. Im sobbing just writing this. I hope they will let me be with him when the time comes. This is so hard.

My famale GSD is 13... struggling to walk..constantly falls...and whines a lot. I know she's in pain. She still manages to have some sort of energy for my 6yr old son. But it's hard to even think about putting her down...

@@Tita-jy5ge sounds like it’s time for a decision.

We have to say goodbye to ours today 😭

@@k10h73 so sorry to hear about it... Mine akita is going through lymphoma and is not feeling very well... I love her so much and she gave so much love and happy moments to our family..

Oh we are so happy to hear that you found it helpful :) Hearing that means so much! All the best :)

sorry to reopen old wounds but scrolling through comments I saw yours I am in the same boat. My Idefix was diagnosed with neuroblastoma about a year ago and we tried everything. He was operated once and 2 days after he was like a new dog but the tumor regrew after only a month. We did a second surgery and radioteraphy and he was somewhat fine for 5 months but it is back since about two weeks. Right now he cant really use his back legs and pee on his own. Vet gave some steroids that potentially could give him some time but even though he is eating, drinking, I see that he would like to be with me I also see how he is in pain. But the guilt is killing me thinking it is to early because he has good moments but he is not walking anymore, his spine is hurting (i can tell when I touch it he makes that pain sounds), but at the same time I dont think that me or him want to see this going even worse in this next weeks...

So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers of comfort and healing to you. I am weighing the decision to put my dog down. She is extremely sick right now and after watching I think it's the best because she's in so much pain. I have had her for 15 years. May God bless all of us who love our pets forever. 💚💚✨✨

@@jaznchic thank you. I know it isnt easy. Sending prayers to you as well no matter what choice is made. My dog was just at the point where he wouldnt get up to eat and hadnt eaten in a few days. I think my other dogs sensed he wasnt well. Its def a hard situation to go through 😔

Beegi crossed the rainbow bridge on October 3rd, 2023. It was a hard time, for Dan, and I. It still hits me hard to this day. Because he reminded me of my childhood kitty. She was all black in her fur just like he was, and she was such a sweet kitty. Just like Beegi.

I'm going through that now. The guilt and doubting myself. It's only been 2 days. I didn't realize how much my heart would be breaking and missing her.

@@cathyann6835 I’m so sorry for your loss! I totally understand how you’re feeling. The first few weeks were the worst for me. My heart literally felt broken and I was too sad to walk into my empty house that I slept in my car one night. But things will get better ❤️. Take it easy and give yourself time to process everything. It’s normal to have doubts, to feel guilty, to feel depressed, to blame yourself, but you’ll move on someday. Personally it took me about a year to stop blaming myself and to accept everything. I still miss my baby every single day, but I know she’s in a better place now and she’s happy. Make something to keep your kitty’s memory with you: a necklace, keychain, tattoo, etc. I’ll be glad to chat with you if you wanna talk about your kitty ❤️

@@fvnt0miix953 thank you for your kind words. It was actually my dog I had to put to sleep. My sister and I bred our dogs because we both wanted a pup and so did a family member and friends. The mama dog died from cushings disease the pups were 5 weeks old so we had to train them to eat food. (They were little dogs so they take longer to wean than bigger breeds). When she was around 5 years old, I got really sick with an autoimmune condition. My children had just left the home and my husband drove truck over the road, so my dog was my support and companion. There's a lot more about the stuff I went through, but she was always there. I didn't realize how much she was a emotional support animal until she was gone. Now I understand why people have emotional support animals. That being said, 10 days before I had the appointment for my dog, my cat who was 9 died unexpectedly. He was a rescued feral kitty when I got him with an underlying health condition. The vet originally suggested putting him to sleep as a kitty but he pulled through the initial rough spot and treatment. The life expectancy for him was around 5 with that condition but he lived to a little over 9. He played with my dog. They would chase each other around, hide and jump out at each other making me laugh when my dog was younger. Both slept with me and were devoted to me. So I lost 2 pets within 10 days. I was and am going through a rough patch. I want to wait before I get another cat because I don't want to be replacing the one who's gone and expect the same personality. It wouldn't be fair. Thank you again.

@@cathyann6835 Oh gosh, I can’t imagine losing 2 beloved pets in 10 days! You’re definitely going thru a tough time and I totally agree with your decision to not get a pet right away, I think it’s too early as well. I believe the emotional support you received from your dog was mutual, you saved her life and the spiritual connection that you have built together will last forever. You seem like a great loving person with a kind heart and I’m sure you gave both your dog and cat the best you could, so please don’t feel guilty. I know you probably feel like you could’ve done certain things differently, but we can’t change the past no matter how much we would like to, so try to forgive yourself. The first few weeks after loosing my cat were painful, but it was the most beautiful spiritual journey for me. She visited me a lot in my dreams and she even came to tell me she’s okay on the 2nd night after she passed away. It was the most surreal experience, one that I’ll cherish forever ❤️. That night, I saw her sitting there looking at me and then a big pair of hands carried her up gently. Right as she disappeared, I felt a strong and calming energy wave flowing down my body from head to toe, filling every blood vessel. I received 3 messages: I’m safe, don’t cry too much, don’t blame yourself. There was no sound, I guess telepathy would be the best way to describe it. The energy wave was so strong that it paralyzed me, but I also didn’t want to move because how calm it made me feel. When I woke up again a few hours later, that energy was still in my body. Some people can say it’s just a dream, but I’ve never had a “dream” this powerful and detailed. All this to tell you, your babies are in a safe place free from pain and agony now. They are running and playing together in their new home and everything is okay now ❤️

So sorry to hear about this. It's important to remember if you do decide to go this route that euthanizing a beloved pet that is suffering and having more bad days than good days is an act of compassion. And that's exactly it, you have given him a good life and although it may be difficult at first, remember all of the wonderful memories and time you've spent together. Celebrate your relationship with your pup and try not to dwell on that final process. Wishing you all the best. - The HCFP Team

Hi Pat, glad to hear it was helpful.

I know how you feel. Cats are amazing companions. My buddy is starting to fade away now, it breaks my heart. Will probably have to make that decision now. So he doesn't suffer. It's devastating.

Hi Mike, so sorry to hear about this. That is understandable but it sounds like you did the most compassionate thing. Try not to make this the sum total of your relationship and focus as much as possible on the all the wonderful memories you've shared together! Wishing you all the best.

please dont feel guilty you did the right thing for Roger , they cant talk so we dont know how much pain they are in or suffering , his spirit is in cat heaven now he is fine and pain free,, god bless Roger .

I had to put my cat down today. He was only 2& 8 months old

Carrie Shin I agree

We so appreciate hearing that and are happy that it resonated with you! Feedback like this really helps confirm why we do what we do. All the best :) - The HCFP Team

Thank you! :)

Hi Bobby, it's our absolute pleasure. You have to remember that you have provided so much love and care for your cat throughout its whole life. Try not to let this become the sum total of your feelings about a lifetime with your pet. Celebrate this special animal that shared a part of your life and that you gave so much of yourself too! Wishing you all the best :) - The HCFP Team

I really do appreciate your kind response. You're right. I was looking through old photos and videos of him and I had not really realized exactly how bad his health had declined these past 6 months. To me, I knew he was losing weight and everything but I would just be optimistic and feed him 3x's a day with the canned food and he was eating the dry food whenever he wanted. Looking at pictures from even 2 years ago, I knew he wasn't the same. I know he was holding on as long as he could as well, but when a cat starts to go hide and he starts to sleep a lot more than usual I know those are the signs of a cat who's sick and dying. I really really miss him and I love him but I know I did him the best thing someone can do for the animal that they love.. the ability to die with dignity and grace. The vet sent me a card saying how sorry they were and I'm going to donate the rest of the cat stuf that I have to them.. I'm sure they can use something from it.

That's right and it's great you're putting those toys to good use! Take care and remember to celebrate the time you had with your kitty! :)

Yeah. It's been a month now and I still think about him a lot. It's hard losing a constant companion. Whenever I'd come home from work he'd be there waiting for me on the stairs right in front of the door or he'd be looking out the window as I went to get the mail first and he'd go greet me... I just miss him so much. Especially late nights like tonight when he and I used to spend a lot of time together. Whenever I see a cat I think about getting another one but I feel like I would just be replacing him and I really don't want to look at this in morbid terms like this but in the end in another 10-15 years I'd have to go through this all over again. I really think he's going ot be the last cat I ever have. I really can't get emotionally attached to another animal and lose them like my little Chaos. I talked to my councillor about it and told him I felt guilty knowing threre was an option on the table and if I did it who knows what may or may not happen but the vet didn't seem to be optomistic about it and he put me in this position of pay this extrodinary amount of money up front and for the rest of his life he'd require treatments but they were not sure what was wrong. First they said it was his kidneys, then they said his liver, then they said he had diabeties... and they were basing it off of a very limited blood panel that I could barely afford and if I did submit to this treatment plan it would be 350 every 2 weeks and once they had the meds straightened out it would be 300 every 6 weeks. I know I couldn't pay that. I was put in an impossible situation.. mmy councillor told me "well there you go, you had no choice... don't put so much pressure or blame on yourself. The vet could have made other payment arrangments or taken your financial situation into consideration for the benefit for the cat's wellbeing but I don't think he saw a good prognosis so you did the right thing by not subjecting your cat to a rigerous round of treatment after treatment just for the sake of holding on." So I am starting to believe that. I still miss him terribly and wish he was here, but that's how life goes..

You know you did the right thing..vets plead,,,a week to soon is better than a week late...

For some people it is the end of their world for others it is nothing ..My dog is suffering I just can't do it . Thinking about it makes me cry . I pray that she die peacefully . I can't kill her . I will never have a dog again . It is to painful .

The pet on the other side will.never blame you.

@@Evelyn-zg9gp thank you.🙏💖

Just know; You did your best. What you did was compassionate and right.

Hi Kathryn, sorry to hear about what you guys are going through. Don't let this overshadow the lifetime of positive memories you've built during your relationship with your pet and try to celebrate the time you had together. Wishing you both the very best.

I had to euthanize my cat last week after he suffered for a while with a brain tumor. I talked to a friend about not knowing when I should let him go, and my friend told me I would know when it was time, and he was right. I came home from work last Tuesday and I suddenly felt in my heart that ti was time to let him go, and later that day he let me know I was right, as he looked up at me with his tired eyes almost to tell me it was his time and I had to let him go. I know his soul is finally happy and free again, although I did feel initial guilt, I still know it was the best thing for him. My point being you will know in your heart, and maybe your poor pup will tell you too, when it's the right time, and there will be little doubt.

Betty Smith Im sorry for your loss! 🙏❤️ I had the same experience. I knew that morning when my dog was cowering, shaking, and wouldn’t even eat bacon. While I was waiting for a traveling vet who euthanatizes animals in the home, I gave him a triple dose of his pain meds, and he felt better. What was he going to do, get addicted? His last meal was bacon and vanilla ice cream. A vet once said that better a day too early than a day too late.

My condolences. We have a 17 yo Shih Tzu who is practically blind, can’t hear and sleeps mostly; doesn’t play though he has his happy moments. To take to do his business I have to rub him to loosen his old bones and muscles up. We’re having a hard time deciding the when… of it.

Sad

Thank you for your kind words! We are glad to hear that you found this video helpful. All the best :) - The HCFP Team

Hold your head high. You gave your dog everything it needed, and just when it was needed.

Thanks for your kind comments. All the best:) - The HCFP Team

It sounds like you did the right thing and relieved his suffering. You have to remember that you have provided so much love and care for your dog throughout its whole life. Try not to let this become the sum total of your feelings about a lifetime with your pet. Celebrate this special animal that shared a part of your life and that you gave so much of yourself too! Wishing you all the best :) - The HCFP Team

Thank you.

Please don't beat yourself up, when you saw your friend unable to do the things he loved to do , you made sure he wouldn't suffer any longer. So people and animals eat right up until the end. Still eating is not the only gauge of being healthy or happy. You did the best thing for your best friend

@@jenniferdeconti9531 Thank you. I'm more at peace about Charlie. It still bothers me at times. I know he's in God's care now.

I hope you have continued to find peace in your decision. Animals are great at hiding that something is wrong and just trying to do their normal routine. Seems more so when diagnosed with a terminal issue, not just dying of old age. It really messes with your head as their caretaker. You did the right thing. Pro-longed suffering in an animal is gut-wrenching to witness and will haunt you longer than the choice you made.

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear that :( - my cat is very sick too, I guess I have to say goodbye to her ealier than I thought it would be

Today my German Shephard/Coonhound mix of 12 years couldn't make it up the stairs. I'm struggling with the decision but I think I may take him in tomorrow. He's been my friend since I was 14 years old. I'm gonna miss my Scooby.

My 14.5 year old Shep mix has the same back leg issues. I know the time is coming soon and it's killing me. She is my/our eight dog.

You're very welcome, glad to hear that it helped. 😌

I’m going through this now with our 14 year old Min Pin 😢