Euthanasia Options

[AnimalLover23]

Lost my dog of 16 years this week. Terrible experience, but I am doing better as each day passes. I had a lot of guilt of not being present for the euthanasia itself. I was just around the corner, but I could not bear to watch. My girlfriend sat with him, so I was very happy for that. I heard that the animals can sense your grief and it is generally not good for them to see that, and I was definitely in bad shape and would have added stress to the whole situation. But, for some reason I am still feeling some guilt about not keeping myself composed enough to sit with him as he passed. I know he knows I was there, and I did everything I could within my power for him. I just hope I can get over the guilt I am feeling about not being there for his last breath. I miss him dearly.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Animal Lover, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved companion. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the cir%%stances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company. Euthanasia is never an easy decision to make but it is the last gift of love we can give to our companions - - at great sacrifice to us - - so that they can go home to the angels with their dignity still intact. There is no "wrong" decision whether or not to be present during the procedure. My first experience in this matter happened when I was in my 20's. A kitty I had been blessed to have for several years was in end stage renal failure, and it was time to let her let go of her failing physcial body. My mom went with me but she could not bear to be in the exam room when my kitty received the shot, and I could not bear not to be there. So, my mom waited in the reception room while I stayed with my kitty. Your precious companion knows you love him, and that you are now having to adjust your life without his physical presence with you. Unfortunately guilt is a part of the healing grief journey - - we ALL go through this horrible grief stage - - so please know what you are feeling is absolutely normal. You did not abandon your precious companion when you couldn't stay with him during the procedure. You did everything you could for him to make his passing comfortable for him - -. Hopefully in time as you progress in your healing journey you will come to understand that your precious fur child's sweet living Spirit is still with you - - that you are only temporarily separated physically. But not having his sweet physical presence with you is a difficult adjustment, and this grief journey is both physical and emotional. So, please do what you need to do to help yourself through the difficult moments. When my number one kitty son Eli went home to the angels 26 months ago, I slept with his collar under my pillow and held onto it or one of his blankets tightly during the deep sorrowful moments. Animal Lover, please know you are not alone - - you are among friends here who do understand how you are feeling, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Animal Lover, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam