Death of one of two dogs

[TFK]

We are likely to be putting down one of our beagle very soon :(. I have read many comments where pets have been ill for a period of time.  The issue with Abby is in severe pain from disc problems.  Surgery is possible but the cost is prohibitive. She is at least ten years old (rescued , no birth info). They are very close, in fact we cannot walk one w/o the other, they will not move until the other is with them.  I am leaning toward having the other beagle (sadie) time to 'view' and smell Abby once she has passed.  I know I read something many years ago that this allows the surviving pet to understand the death of the other.  Has anyone done this?  Is it the right thing to do?

My heatr aches, she is the sweetest animal and we feel fortunate to have provided her with a wonderful second half to her life. She was skin and bones when we got her (17#) and scarced to death of men.  It took her86 weeks to trust me.  I love walking in the door every night, she just goes craqzy when I walk in!!!!!!

[lindapalm]

If they were my dogs, I would not have Sadie view Abby.  She will only get stressed out and confused by seeing you upset (and probably crying)  Instead, I would try and spend a lot of time with Sadie, and keep her busy, which will help her get over Abby being gone.  Whatever you do, I wish you luck and am sorry about Abby.

[bourbonks]

My heart aches for you and your family..
You will know when the time is right to let Abby go, as she will let you know as well.
Last September 2011 our wonderful Dixie Carter, a mini dachshund rescue, passed away in my husbands arms as he was walking her into the Vets office... The prior owners never had her 'kennel cough' treated, so after years of her coughing so hard, her treachea gave out. We decided to do just what you mention here. We put her in her favorite bed with her blanket, wrapped her up just a bit, and let the other doxies pay their respect. They all had a different reaction, but none were negative. It was actually very sweet the way they softly sniffed and nuzzled her.

With you going from two to one, it may be a bit more difficult for Sadie as she will be only one, but I believe you can help fill her void till she feels comfortable again.

Hope everything goes smoothly for all of you!