How to say goodbye to a loved pet: My son's little doggie is fading right before our eyes...been diagnosed with degenerative bone disorder, arthritis in his back and hips and...

drainbamage

My son's little doggie is fading right before our eyes...been diagnosed with degenerative bone disorder, arthritis in his back and hips and Cushings...he's eating less and less. The vet has him on 3 meds to fight the symptoms. I know it's "that" time and I know it's sad, but do any of you know any comfort words?

He and his wife are expecting twins within the next two or three months and they are heartbroken about their four-legged friend they've had with them for nine years. It's a very difficult thing to talk to them about. I'm struggling with what words to say to comfort them...thanks.

Krittermom

Tell them that they and the pup were blessed to have each other. I’m sure they know they’ve given pup a wonderful home. As I told my brother last year: The dog had been born. It would have lived its life out somewhere. With my brother, that life was beautiful. I’m sure your son gave him a beautiful life. Part of the responsibility of a good pet owner is loving them enough to let them go easy. I know how hard it it as my heart has broken several times over the years. God bless them.

DNW

It's hard to find the right words to say. The rainbow bridge is the rainbow bridge. :(

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

Whatever you do, do NOT suggest that the babies will "replace" the dog. Other than that, compliment your son and wife on the good life they provided for their great friend and for the joy that the dog provided all of you.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

When it’s time visit the Rainbow Bridge site and share with them. Great program

drainbamage

Krittermom wrote:

Tell them that they and the pup were blessed to have each other. I’m sure they know they’ve given pup a wonderful home. As I told my brother last year: The dog had been born. It would have lived its life out somewhere. With my brother, that life was beautiful. I’m sure your son gave him a beautiful life. Part of the responsibility of a good pet owner is loving them enough to let them go easy. I know how hard it it as my heart has broken several times over the years. God bless them.

Yes...doggie was rescued and they gave him the king's life for a dog....I like "Let them go easy" I'll pass that on. Thank you!

DMGill Loc: Colorado

We lost one of the best dogs we’ve ever had to bone cancer last summer. We miss him, but we gave him 7 years of a great life after we rescued him...and he gave us the last 7 years of his life. Do I miss him? Yes, but he was better off as a result of our rescuing him, and our lives were enriched by his being part of our lives. Celebrate the life!

drainbamage

lesdmd wrote:

Whatever you do, do NOT suggest that the babies will "replace" the dog. Other than that, compliment your son and wife on the good life they provided for their great friend and for the joy that the dog provided all of you.

Thank you.

drainbamage

DMGill wrote:

We lost one of the best dogs we’ve ever had to bone cancer last summer. We miss him, but we gave him 7 years of a great life after we rescued him...and he gave us the last 7 years of his life. Do I miss him? Yes, but he was better off as a result of our rescuing him, and our lives were enriched by his being part of our lives. Celebrate the life!

Thank you! Those are great sentiments to pass on to my son. His was a rescue dog as well...a Brindle mix. beautiful doggie.

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

By all means celebrate their lives together. They rescued a great dog and made his life better while they enjoyed his love over the years. Let him go down easy and don't let him suffer. When its time they can rescue another and with the twins they can all grow up together. Enjoy life.

one shot Loc: Pisgah Forest NC

The vet gave me meds to prolong my little dogs life and I wish I had let her go sooner. I think I prolonged her suffering. I had her for 15 years and it was so hard to let go. Release her with love.

drainbamage

DMGill wrote:

We lost one of the best dogs we’ve ever had to bone cancer last summer. We miss him, but we gave him 7 years of a great life after we rescued him...and he gave us the last 7 years of his life. Do I miss him? Yes, but he was better off as a result of our rescuing him, and our lives were enriched by his being part of our lives. Celebrate the life!

Isn't it interesting how much they enrich our lives, simply by loving us to the utmost degree?

drainbamage

one shot wrote:

The vet gave me meds to prolong my little dogs life and I wish I had let her go sooner. I think I prolonged her suffering. I had her for 15 years and it was so hard to let go. Release her with love.

How do you take your dog to the vet to be euthanized, and sound cheerful about it. I think if I faked it, my dog would know something is up...even if very sick. but of course....he's just a dog.......NOT.

drainbamage

JoAnneK01 wrote:

By all means celebrate their lives together. They rescued a great dog and made his life better while they enjoyed his love over the years. Let him go down easy and don't let him suffer. When its time they can rescue another and with the twins they can all grow up together. Enjoy life.

Thank you - they think another dog when the twins are old enough, will be a good tribute, and show their children that dogs are best friends to everybody.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

We’ve lost two beloved cats that we had since kittens in the last 6 months, and like you, we watched them go inexorably down hill before our eyes. In the end, through all the teers, the things that made it bearable were that we knew they didn’t suffer, that they had a great life and were loved, and that, silly as it may sound, I truly believe I will see them again at the rainbow bridge. I wish you and your family the best at this most difficult time - you have my sincere condolences. Wish I had more wisdom to share.