how to deal with putting your dog to sleep

[hawgkeeperwife]

hello we have 13 year mix cocker he's our baby, today I am taking him to put to sleep we've been talking about this for the last week he is losing the use of his bck legs every so often they just give way he pee pee on my porch and poo too and once in awhile loses his bladder on our carpet...I am so just in may on what to do I don't want to put him down but knows it's best for him...my kids well daughters who are 20 and 25 want to get a pup right my hubby and I say we need to wait what do others feels that been thru this?
thanks sandra

[hawgkeeperwife]

thanks for your comments and I really appreciated it was hard he went down peacefully, and we felt his presense(sp) here at home last night and this AM, and to LL7970 no we didn't want to get rid him because of of is potty accidents...it's he was suffering and old....again thank you

[LL7970]

sounds like you want to get rid of your dog because hes having bowel, and bladder problems.

[marissposa]

I think it is important to wait until all family members are ready and desiring a new pet. It is unhealthy to not allow yourself proper time to grieve and it is not fair to bring a new pet into a situation where they are not completely wanted.  
I am also so sorry for your loss, it is the hardest thing in the world.

[Jaybay]

If your dog's mind is still working, and he is aware of everything going on, you might ask for help from your vet.  When we had to put our dog down in January, the vet gave us several pills so that we could sedate her at home.  The last thing she knew while on her favorite couch was me and my husband petting and talking to her.  She never knew we even picked her up and put her in the car for her last ride.  Literally, she went to sleep.  Euthanasia is never an easy thing to deal with no matter how it's done.  

As for getting a new dog, take your time.  Let yourself go through the mourning period and get your head clear.  You want to make sure you make a good decision for you, your family and the new dog.  Grief can sometimes lead us to make bad decisions and impair judgment, and you must be certain the new pup will be a good fit for your family.

[suzi-q]

I am so sorry about what you are going though.  It is so hard to let them go.  I put my Tiffy down in December and it still hurts a lot.  We have to do what we need to do for our dogs.  When it is time, we need to let them go.  For some reason, God gives us the strength to do it.  I hope that you find peace with your decision.

As far as getting another dog, that is a personal choice.  Some find it more healing to get a pup right away to help with the pain.  Also to give a good home to a new dog  who needs one.  Others, on the other hand, need time to grieve.  So, it is totally up to you.

A new dog never replaces the old one.  Your baby will always hold a special place in your heart and be alive there.  Go with what your heart tells you to do.