Had to put down our dog last night.

[gizmo1979]

My wife is taking it pretty hard.I try to tell her she did the right thing,the dachshund was 16 years old and in very poor health,but this hasn't helped . Any ideas on how I can help her out? I'm not good at the whole consoling thing.I'm trying though.

[Richardo]

1. Just let her be sad.

Don't try to fix it, cheer her up, rationalize it, or say he's in a better place. She misses him and just needs to be sad about that.

Be attentive - but not oppressive. If she wants to be left alone, let her be, and don't take anything personally.

We've had to put down some pets and the grieving is never easy. You'll both get through it, but you have to go through it.

:hug: to you both. I know you miss your puppy.

[gizmo1979]

7. That sounds like

good advice,keep my mouth shut,that's always a good idea.

[Richardo]

8. It's a lesson that took me too long to learn, my brother

:pals:

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. gizmo, I'm sorry. That's so sad...

The only thing that I think would help me in that situation would be to just have MrG sit next to me. I'm sure you're doing a fine job.

[gizmo1979]

9. Thankyou for your help

and concern.I'll forward everyones condolences that'll make her feel better.

[China_cat]

3. Just because it was the right thing to do

doesn't make it hurt any less.

[gizmo1979]

6. That's exactly what she says

she says she feels like she killed one of her own children.I feel really bad for her because she is a total animal person,and does alot more good for animals than bad.

[China_cat]

15. I know how she feels.

You always second guess yourself...did I do this too soon? would he have rallied and had more good time? did I leave it too late? did I let him suffer too long? Why couldn't he have just died and not made me make the decision?

That last is the hardest and we always feel it.

I've got a household full of OLD animals. The last 2 years have not been pleasant. The next few will not be either. I don't want to make the decisions I know will come.

[ChickMagic]

4. My little pet parakeet died in my hands last night

I'm going through the same thing. Just let her work it out. She'll need to talk it to death - just let her do it. You don't have to fix it. I'm so sorry for your loss. :hug:

[gizmo1979]

10. Sorry to hear about

your loss.That's what's so great about du,no matter what you're going through you are not alone.

[ChickMagic]

12. That's the truth

It's never easy to lose a loved one, even if it's their time to go. I was bawling my eyes out all morning over the responses to my hubby's post and everyone made me feel so much better.

I hope you both heal well and soon. :hug:

[faithnotgreed]

18. count me in with ginbarn

my 16 yo siamese had to be put to sleep
she was with us a long time and its always hard when you care so but knowing we got her from the shelter (as she had been there the longest for some reason) then i just end up feeling grateful that she had any life with us at all

just give it time and expression
and like ginbarn said there is no way to fix it but letting her know your dog had a great life with you is the best love we can give

best wishes to you both

[Richardo]

16. Aw ginbarn, I'm sorry

:hug:

[Texasgal]

5. Oh... how horrible....

Putting down an animal has got to be one of the hardest things ever. The only thing I could say about consoling is just to be as supportive as possible with her feelings.

When I had to put down my shepherd Penny, ( she was 18 years old) and had cancer. I had the vet cremate her, I have her ashes in a box with her leash wrapped around it. I cried for weeks after I lost her, but when I picked up her ashes, I felt better.

I still think about her alot ( she's been gone for 5 years now ) but I have her pictures all over my house.

My heart aches for you and your wife. Just remember that time heals all wounds.

I am so sorry for your loss.

[gizmo1979]

11. Thanks for the advice

time is a difficult thing to believe in when it just happens but we all know it's true.We thankyou for your support!

[livetohike]

13. I'm so sorry gizmo1979

:hug: to you and your wife. We have lost several dogs over the years (the last one was almost 16).

I hope all the happy memories you have of your little Dachshund will soon ease the sadness. :cry: with you - this is never easy

[madmom]

14. let her mourn...

I went through the same thing about a year ago and I still feel sad when certain things remind me of him. It is really like one of your kids when it's that long. Just be there for her.

[Bunny]

17. Aw, sorry to hear that.

:hug:

[friesianrider]

19. I'm so sorry for your loss...perhaps...

When you're both ready, you might consider adopting another Dach? There's a couple good Dach rescues here in my state, and you could save a Dach's life and it would be in memory of your sweet friend :)

At 16, that was a very long life and I'm sure he knows how much you love him - he's in a vetter place now, over the Rainbow Bridge :hug:

[gizmo1979]

29. I suggested that

she's not ready to even think about that.She didn't want to have to go through the pain at the end.

[friesianrider]

30. I totally understand.

It's traumatic, trust me I know. My pets are my life. I promise it will get easier, and I'd be willing to bet at some point in the future (probably sooner than you or she thinks :)) you'll be ready to have a doggie again and will adopt :hug: to you both!

[ronnykmarshall]

20. Sorry gizmo!

Just let her cry. That's all you can do.

[Left Is Write]

21. I'm sorry to hear that.

You did do the right thing, but losing a pet is never easy. :hug: to you and your wife.

[ulysses]

22. sorry to hear it.

I've been there. 16 isn't a bad lifespan for a dachsund. Just be there for her.

[SammyWinstonJack]

23. So sorry.

I don't know what to tell you. She did the right thing, as I am sure she knows. Still it's hard to deal with. Your doxie had a long life and I bet a loving one. I guess just be there for her.

[henslee]

24. You can make sure your wife keeps busy and make sure she takes

care of herself. Eats well, etc. It's pretty easy to go a day without eating which messes you up more. P.S. 16 is a ripe old age.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

25. I'm sorry about that....

Just be there for her if she needs you. Give her hugs and listen if she wants to talk about it. That sort of thing.

Other than that, let her grieve the loss of her dear little friend.

[SoCalDem]

26. There's nothing you can "do.. Just hug her and let her cry

Our pets are our fur-babies, and it's horrible to lose them, even if we know they "had" to go..

Just take cues from her...

One thing NOT to do.. do not suggest a "new" puppy..

I once gave up on a friend because of my cat. I had gotten the word from the vet that she was terminal with cancer. I called my friend all upset and she actually said.. "Well they have lots of kittens at the pound..just go get a new one"..Never felt the same about her afterwards, and we drifted apart soon afterwards.

[skygazer]

27. That's so sad, I'm sorry

She doesn't need to hear how rational it was, she just needs a shoulder to cry on. Listen, hold her, let her mourn, tell her you understand (even if you don't). I'm sure in her heart she knows it was the right thing but she's hurting.

[roguevalley]

28. Tell her that because she loved her dog so much, she eased his

way to God. I lost my baby in the sig line, Tippy, in March. I thought I would die. I have a file on my desk top and each night I write to him and say goodnight. It helps me a lot.

I had a dachsie that was 22 when she died. I had to get three puppies, including the two in my sig to make it through the days. She was my buddy and because of her, she taught me more about love and life and being a friend than anyone else.

Let her feel terrible but tell her that she did the best, last, most loving thing possible and eased her to her rest. Her baby knows. Hug her for me.

[gizmo1979]

31. 22 wow

that is a long life for any dog but a dachshund it's really long.When they're with you a long time it's so much a part of your family that it's just empty once they're gone.

[bearfan454]

32. Maybe this will help

http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

[gizmo1979]

33. Thanks to everyone for their support

you are all so great and caring people!I'm actually not a very vocal person so this is my outlet to say things I wouldn't normally say,it keeps me sane and grounded thanks again!

[kodi]

34. my sympathies. i have had to do it twice and soon, my old dog kodi

nothing is worse.

reflect through the tears that each day you treated your dog as you wished you had now it is gone. if you can say that, you can accept the gift of companionship your dog gave you as a blessing and a treasure of happiness in an otherwise sorrowful world.

never pass up a chance to pet a dog. it takes little and gives much back.

hug your wife tonight.