My mini-Schnauser Scruffy has cancer and heart disease, and if she makes it to Saturday she will be getting her final shot. I'm so glad to have found this forum as I am heartbroken and not doing so good. This was the last thing I ever wanted to do. I am hoping to hear from others who have been through this. I have read and cried through the poems but it's my first time going through this euthenasisa thing and the first dog I've ever known that I loved and I know she loves me that I've had to deal with this. I am going to have her cremated and take her ashes to scatter in the creek I learned to swim in. My ex wife doesn't even know about about her dog, she gave her away and I got her back two weeks ago, only to deal with terminal cancer after it was too late. I am so mad and sad too...I will miss Scruffy sooo much. I know God will have her ready to meet me when I come over the hill....but this sucks so much...
Thanks for listening, Doug

Doug--

You have my sincerest empathy and I'm sure most other people on the board would agree.

It's obvious that your dog is very special to you and I'm sure you have done everything you can.

This board is a good place to be--a lot of the members have gone through similar experiences and they will understand what you're going through.

Hang in there, buddy.

Pete

Oh, this is a tough one. I am so sorry to hear about Scruffy.

Take some comfort in knowing you are doing the right thing by releasing Scruffy from a body that no longer can serve him well.

It will seem like a long time to you before you and Scruffy meet again at the Bridge, but only an instant to him.

It's good that you are processing your sadness and grief and not trying to push it away.

I am sorry, got the genders mixed up.

Off to my crate now.

My deepest sympathies to you, Doug. It is a testamony of your love for Scruffy to let her go where she will feel no more pain. The pain for you will never truly go away, but as time goes on, it will become easier to bear.

God bless you in this difficult time.

Post deleted at member request.

P.S. Joy, come out of that crate, Scruffy is a pretty masculine name and she's never had a problem with a little mistake like that. After all, you didn't call her a kitty. Now, that would need a belly rub. I gave her one for you anyways. God Bless, Doug

Doug--

Here's something that I've often found helps people in your situation.

Accept that you can never "replace" Scruffy--because dogs, like people, are individuals and each one is completely different.

But I think the best thing for you to do would be to get a new dog in the near future. I've seen friends who had only one dog, and then had to put the dog to sleep, become overwhelmed by grief because they miss their dog so much. Soon they arrive at a point where they don't want another dog "ever again," because nothing can replace the friend they have lost.

While this may be true, it really isn't healthy and it unnecessarily deprives them of the canine companionship they need (whether they know it or not). You are obviously a dog person from the get-go and nothing is going to change that fact.

Mourning for the dog you have lost will go on whether or not you have a new dog. But I think the sharp edges will become dull more quickly when you have to keep up with the antics of a new puppy or the boundless energy of a young dog. That's the best advice I can give you.

Pete

Thank you, Pete. Advice well taken. Doug

Doug, Sorry for your loss.
Iv'e been through it many times, and will again. I reciently went through it with my grandaughters for the first time. It always hurts. I realize it's a very personel choice, but I'm with Pete on getting a pup right away. Good luck on whatever you decide.