Having one dog put down - how to deal with remaining dog?

Errata

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

Thanks for all the hugs and replies.
Mills and Kates are best buddies and Mills has pined even when Kates has gone to the vets.

I had thought of letting Mills see Kates after it's been done - I suppose that'll really be down to the vet whether they think it's best or not and will take their advice on it.

I don't want to lavish attention on Mills just because I am sad; although she's never been a great attention seeker. I just want to ease any distress she has in this transition before she gets used to being on her own again.

I will consider another replacement greyhound. In time.

It might help if you sense Mills is a bit unsettled to distract her each time, perhaps with a new experience/treat/toy/different walk ?
I'm sure you'll be sensitive to how she is, and be aware that we're all very good at anthropomorphising our pet animals.

Silveralice

I am a vet and would definitely recommend you let the other dog see the dead one after she has been put down. I think it really helps them understand what's happened and stops them looking for them afterwards. As others have said, they often don't seem too bothered in the first few weeks afterwards, but some dogs do seem more unsettled or clingy. I would keep to your normal routine as much as possible, but give the survivor more time and attention if it seems to be needed. I am sorry you have had to make such a hard decision, but at least you know you are doing the kindest thing for her : (

POSSETTE

Our cavvie died on living room floor,struggling to breathe..DH and i stroked him and spoke calming to him as he went to Rainbow Bridge,my 2 other spaniels were stood away from us as though they knew what was happening.They both had a sniff of him after he had gone,and both seemed fine with it. oH GOD IM FILLING UP!!
Strange thing is,we got another cav spaniel later and he rolls around and plays on his back with an" invisible" dog in the EXACT spot Smudge died! We say he hasnt quite left us and wants to still play with his brothers..bless

gratefulforhelp_2

Crying my eyes out for you, OP. Hugs.

loulou123

I'd agree with all the others that say if its practical then to let the remaining dog see and sniff the one that has been PTS.

I had a friend who did this with their dog and it did seem to help the other dog to understand what had happened and move on.

Big hugs to you.

Sunnyday

I`m so sorry to hear about your dog, we had 2 GSDs who had grown up together, we used to joke that they were like husband and wife as they were so close.

We lost the male when he had a fit in the middle of the night, he had already had 3 strokes so it wasn`t really unexpected but the circumstances were awful. He was 16 and a half years old and had a good life after we rescued him aged 4.

We had the emergency vet out to put him to sleep and the ambulance had been called for hubby as he had had an accident and the female shepherd was put into another room to allow the vet and ambulance access as she wasn`t keen on strangers in the house.

The ambulance came and went and the vet turned up just after. I really really wish that i had been able to let my girlie see the male after he had passed away.

She pined really badly and it broke my heart. She wouldn`t eat and was really miserable despite lots of love and attention. I laid on the floor with her and spoon fed her for weeks. She did eventually come around but she never seemed the same. The spark from her had gone and i`ll never forgive myself for not letting her see him. This was years ago and i have tears rolling down my face remembering it.

Do let your other dog see her, i`m sure that it will make all the difference.

((((HUGS))) for you and your family. Your other doggie will need lots of extra love and i`m sure that she will recieve it tenfold.

SD

Careful_with_that_Axe

Thank you for all your posts and advice. Said goodbye to Kates this afternoon. Hardest thing I've ever had to do and I wish I could have kept her for longer, but she was only gonna end up suffering and that's not fair on her. She was only 8.
Mills was there and it was very peaceful.

Thanks for all your help and advice.
It's the first time I've had to do this and I'm in absolute bits, but know it was the right thing.

cinderellacomplex

I'm so sorry You did the right thing though, it is too easy to try and keep pets around for too long. Thinking of you all *hugs*

jinky67

:grouphug: Jo:sad::kisses3:

Bunny

we had our collie cross put to sleep late last year, she was 14, our german shepherd (who isn't the brightest) treated her like a mum, she cleaned him as a pup etc. He's now 10 and it seems like he's aged a lot more in the last 5 months, he was a bit lost without her to guide him.
She was taken to the vets to be put to sleep, but I'm not sure it would've made him better if it had happened at home, I can see how it normally would with a dog that's got a bit more between the ears (I love him to bits btw and wouldn't change him)