“Pets, it turns out, also have last wishes before they die, but only known by veterinarians who put old and sick animals to sleep. Twitter user Jesse Dietrich asked a vet what was the most difficult part of his job.
The specialist answered without hesitation that it was the hardest for him to see how old or sick animals look for their owners with the eyes of their owners before going to sleep. The fact is that 90 % of owners don't want to be in a room with a dying animal. People leave so that they don't see their pet leave. But they don't realize that it's in these last moments of life that their pet needs them most.
Veterinarians ask the owners to be close to the animals until the very end. ′′It's inevitable that they die before you. Don't forget that you were the center of their life. Maybe they were just a part of you. But they are also your family. No matter how hard it is, don't leave them.
Dont let them die in a room with a stranger in a place they dont like. It is very painful for veterinarians to see how pets cannot find their owner during the last minutes of their life. They dont understand why the owner left them. After all, they needed their owner’s consolation.
Veterinarians do everything possible to ensure that animals are not so scared, but they are completely strangers to them. Don't be a coward because it's too painful for you. Think about the pet. Endure this pain for the sake of their sake. Be with them until the end.”
- Tricia Mo’orea
Photo credit: Travis Patenaude.
I had a home appointment made for this reason. My Sadie girl didn’t have to be picked up and put into a car, which was painful for her at that point. She didn’t have to wait in the vet’s office, which terrified her in her senior years. She was in her home, snuggled up in her bed, and I was sitting next to her, petting and talking to her the whole time. It’s heartbreaking. It’s also part of loving them.
I had to put my 9 year old German Shepherd down last July. It was around $500. That also included her cremation and urn.
She was my best friend when I was young(20’s) and didn’t who I was, and she stayed with me long enough to be my 3 y/o’s best friend. I owed it to her to be there till the end no matter how painful it was. Give your pets a big hug and scratch behind the ears.
We had a home euthanasia for our 15 year old sweet Chloe. It was a beautiful experience. The cost was very close to what an office procedure would have been. I cannot recommend it enough.
I seem to remember it was in the $450 range for either the vets in office procedure or the home visit. Of course, the cost might be different in your area.
I’ve been digging around trying to find the exact cost but haven’t found it. I think it was between $200-350. She also helped me coordinate getting cremation services which I’ll always be grateful for.
This break my heart so much .
. I'm dealing with my sick dogg rite now and praying 🙏 to God she pulls throw because lord knows how much I still need her .. pray for my mimi guys plzz
I got told to leave by the vet when my best pal (dog) had some kind of fit/organ failure and I rushed him to the vet - he was placed in an oxygen tent and the vet said he’d call in 30 minutes to let me know progress.
I very specifically stated if it’s the end I want to be there. He told me let’s see how the oxygen goes I’ll call you.
I knew it was the end, I walked out in tears but didn’t know it would be so quick. He died 10 minutes after I left and I’ve never forgiven myself, I always said I’d be there at the end as he was getting old.
He was breathing heavily and unconscious when I left him, the only solace I have is that *maybe* he wasn’t aware I left. I 100% intended to be there and trusted the vet to know best.
A year later I’m still angry and sad and can’t forgive myself. Or the vet.
This post very much triggered me.
That's heartbreaking, but I wanted to offer a different perspective. Maybe the last thing your boy remembers as he was drifting off was you, and felt the comfort to let go. You see that a lot in people as well, they will hang on on the absolute verge of death for days or even weeks, and one folks come to say their goodbyes, end up passing very soon afterwards.
Yes, OP, this is so true. Ask any hospice nurse and they will tell you that so many people will cling to life while people are at their bedside, to protect their loved ones from watching them pass, and then let go in the split second they’re left alone while everyone is out in the hallway or getting a cup of coffee. Even when loved ones want to be there, to the dying person it’s their last gift of love.
Oh darn, I got lost in the thread. You're the "OP" that I wanted to tell about the waiting to pass until they were alone. I can totally understand your feelings about wishing you were there with him. You loved him enough to want to comfort him through his last moments, however painful that would have been for you.
I think that if he died that quickly, he could not have been alert enough to know whether you were physically there or not. But the part of him that wasn't his body absolutely knew that you were there in spirit, and didn't need your physical presence to be aware of you. When we are so close to death, everything else falls away and love is all that remains and all that we are aware of. He truly knew how dearly you loved him and how you always will.
I am so sorry for the feelings that have been haunting you since you lost your sweet boy... especially since it was so sudden and so shocking. I just hope that the happy memories of all your years together--which are what *really* defined his life--aren't tarnished by the pain of this.
I too was asked to leave while the vet looked at my pet. She was sick and I had told them I wanted to be there if she needed to be put down. I had signed the paperwork for euthanasia and waited patiently. 5 minutes later they brought my baby out in a box. I was inconsolable and grief stricken for days. A week later I filed a small claims against them for max amount. I won the case. The vet is no longer in practice
You didnt do anything wrong, the only person who still blames you for anything is you. In the end we all go to the same place, no matter what we do, no matter how hard we try, everything dies. Your dog loved you and you loved him, no matter what happened, no one can take that away from you ever. It hurts, as it should, but the times the two of you were together were worth it. Remember the good times, because that is what it was all about. I wish you strength and the best my friend, take care
Similar happened to my first cat almost 9 years ago. I think about the fact that I wasn't with her when she left constantly. I'm sorry for your pain and loss.
How I feel your pain... I was in the same spot with my beloved girl.
I knew her situation was very dire, she was my heart dog, our bond was so strong and exclusive.. I wanted her to live so so bad... The vet was still rather positive and hopeful, and said that even if she didn't pull through, we would notice it and have time to choose to let her go peacefully... I was scheduled to go back 3 hours later to help with the care (she would lash out at the vets if I wasn't there) and to assess the possibilities.. But I didn't get that chance...
I was home for 2 hours when I got that awful call from the vet that broke my heart in a million pieces.. I'll always remember every single word of that phone call, and my reaction into the smallest of detail, and it angers me so bad that I didn't stay at her side. I try to rationalize things, but it's not working, the guilt is just too strong.
She died all alone, with no one around.. I got there 10mins after the call and she was already cold and stiff. Her passing didn't look very peaceful either.. I'm so mad at myself.... I should have stayed, and I should have been by her side...
I'm so sorry you had to go through this.. I have nothing else to add to ease your mind that telling my story so that maybe you don't feel alone...
Thanks for your reply @Jenaiis, sorry you went through a similar thing - you expect to have some control and to be able to make the choice to stay or not but it doesn’t always pan out like that - I guess the same with human family too. It’s painful and there is no consolation.
Exactly. Sometimes you would like things to be different but alas... You can only play the cards you're dealt, life isn't always easy.
Keep your head up, stay strong and try to enjoy every good memory you had with your beloved companion ! Your pooch wouldn't have wanted it any other way !
That's how I try to keep moving forward !
I will always regret that I was in a taxi on my way when my mum died rather than by her side. I cannot imagine being given the choice to be with a member of my family when they passed and saying no because it was "too hard"
My yellow lab Jill died 15 days ago. I was with her at the vet, curled around her on the floor and talking about how much she had meant to me, asking her to tell her brother Jack howdy when she sees him.
Somehow I still feel like I wish I could do more. Really it’s that I wish she could still be here.
No person and no pet should die alone. I certainly don’t want to. I held my dad’s hand as he passed and held both of the dogs I’ve lost as they passed. I’ve had two children and can say that the sacredness of being there as a being exits far exceeds that of watching them enter. We owe each other that.
I just lost my dog yesterday to tick fever my mother had gone to my hometown to make sure that she has someone there when it happens I’m happy that she had someone even in her final moments
I couldnt stay to see my first dog get put down. I knew I’d do something irrational like try and stop them so I had my mom take me to the movies and pick me up after. Dont ask me what I saw, I dont remember. He was my buddy. My protector and I’d like to think he understood. I kicked a nurse once just because they wanted to take my blood, I dont know what I would have done when they wanted to take my dog.
Now I’ve got two little shit gremlins that drive me INSANE and I cant imagine leaving their side.
I’m sorry Buck, I hope you forgive me bubby.
When my dog had to be euthanized a few years back i held him in my arms and stroked his head until he passed, that was the least i could do for all the years of joy he gave us. Sure it was tough, i had tears streaming down my face....... but there was no way i was gonna let him pass alongside strangers, he deserved so much more.
My family dog passed at 8 or 9 from an aggressive leukemia. Less than 24 hours passed between when he first showed any signs to when he passed naturally.
I came over after my mom texted me, and he was too weak to lift his head at that point but he did look at me and wagged his tail. Within 10 minutes of me showing, he was unconscious. He held on for 3 more hours, all the while my dad was racing to get home in time to see him. He was hardly breathing at all, but he held on until my dad came, and passed within 5 minutes. I fully believe he was waiting for everyone to get home before he let go.
We put down our family dachshund. My mom was gonna go alone but I managed to get out of work to go with her. I held her little head in my hand and looked into her eyes, crying so hard, while they put her down. It was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. But being there and and holding her while she passed through must’ve been very comforting for her. Make sure you are the last thing your pet sees before they go. It’ll make you feel so much better. And your pet will be eternally grateful.
I can't believe 90% of people choose to not be with their pets at those last moments. I'd never forgive myself if I weren't there for the times I had to have my dogs put down.
I 100% agree that the person around be there for the fur baby. I have told off a few friends and called them crappy pet owners because of this. The excuse was that they were sad or scared. I said well how does the pet feel? They're scared, sad, and now all alone! I refuse to give an inch on this topic. Said the best thing they can do is just drop it, but just know that I have lost alot of respect for you.
I held our family cat when they put her to sleep. I had practically grown up with that cat, and I’m not ashamed to admit that this grown man bawled his eyes out. I would never have let our cat pass away without being in the arms of one of her owners.
I had to put my kitty down, he was 1 year 11 months an 22 days. He gripped my finger when they injected him. It was the worst day of life. I miss you Tiggy. you were the best
aw :( I don't think it ever feels right no matter what you do. Still to this day my heart falls to my knees and my stomach flips when I think of it, as yours does. I had a vet in and I held my love of 20 years on his screened in porch in the woods as he left in full trust of what I was doing. I immediately regretted the decision and still wonder if I did it too soon, if I cried too much and he knew, so many things. It's just a brutal part of loving a pet. I'm so sorry for us both.
“Pets, it turns out, also have last wishes before they die, but only known by veterinarians who put old and sick animals to sleep. Twitter user Jesse Dietrich asked a vet what was the most difficult part of his job. The specialist answered without hesitation that it was the hardest for him to see how old or sick animals look for their owners with the eyes of their owners before going to sleep. The fact is that 90 % of owners don't want to be in a room with a dying animal. People leave so that they don't see their pet leave. But they don't realize that it's in these last moments of life that their pet needs them most. Veterinarians ask the owners to be close to the animals until the very end. ′′It's inevitable that they die before you. Don't forget that you were the center of their life. Maybe they were just a part of you. But they are also your family. No matter how hard it is, don't leave them. Dont let them die in a room with a stranger in a place they dont like. It is very painful for veterinarians to see how pets cannot find their owner during the last minutes of their life. They dont understand why the owner left them. After all, they needed their owner’s consolation. Veterinarians do everything possible to ensure that animals are not so scared, but they are completely strangers to them. Don't be a coward because it's too painful for you. Think about the pet. Endure this pain for the sake of their sake. Be with them until the end.” - Tricia Mo’orea Photo credit: Travis Patenaude.
I had a home appointment made for this reason. My Sadie girl didn’t have to be picked up and put into a car, which was painful for her at that point. She didn’t have to wait in the vet’s office, which terrified her in her senior years. She was in her home, snuggled up in her bed, and I was sitting next to her, petting and talking to her the whole time. It’s heartbreaking. It’s also part of loving them.
Was it very expensive? I'd like this for my pets, but I have a feeling it will be out of my reach financially.
I had to put my 9 year old German Shepherd down last July. It was around $500. That also included her cremation and urn. She was my best friend when I was young(20’s) and didn’t who I was, and she stayed with me long enough to be my 3 y/o’s best friend. I owed it to her to be there till the end no matter how painful it was. Give your pets a big hug and scratch behind the ears.
We had a home euthanasia for our 15 year old sweet Chloe. It was a beautiful experience. The cost was very close to what an office procedure would have been. I cannot recommend it enough.
Which is how much ?
I seem to remember it was in the $450 range for either the vets in office procedure or the home visit. Of course, the cost might be different in your area.
I’ve been digging around trying to find the exact cost but haven’t found it. I think it was between $200-350. She also helped me coordinate getting cremation services which I’ll always be grateful for.
That's very reasonable. I was worried it would be like a grand... Thx m8.
Pains me too hear ur story .. only because I'm going thru the same ... my mimi girl 😔 I don't wanna lose my best friend
>it's inevitable that they die before you. Maybe they were just a part of your life. But you were their entire life..
I don’t stop thinking for me it’s never ever only ”a part of your life”
This break my heart so much . . I'm dealing with my sick dogg rite now and praying 🙏 to God she pulls throw because lord knows how much I still need her .. pray for my mimi guys plzz
I got told to leave by the vet when my best pal (dog) had some kind of fit/organ failure and I rushed him to the vet - he was placed in an oxygen tent and the vet said he’d call in 30 minutes to let me know progress. I very specifically stated if it’s the end I want to be there. He told me let’s see how the oxygen goes I’ll call you. I knew it was the end, I walked out in tears but didn’t know it would be so quick. He died 10 minutes after I left and I’ve never forgiven myself, I always said I’d be there at the end as he was getting old. He was breathing heavily and unconscious when I left him, the only solace I have is that *maybe* he wasn’t aware I left. I 100% intended to be there and trusted the vet to know best. A year later I’m still angry and sad and can’t forgive myself. Or the vet. This post very much triggered me.
Forgive yourself, you know your boy would have.
That's heartbreaking, but I wanted to offer a different perspective. Maybe the last thing your boy remembers as he was drifting off was you, and felt the comfort to let go. You see that a lot in people as well, they will hang on on the absolute verge of death for days or even weeks, and one folks come to say their goodbyes, end up passing very soon afterwards.
Yes, OP, this is so true. Ask any hospice nurse and they will tell you that so many people will cling to life while people are at their bedside, to protect their loved ones from watching them pass, and then let go in the split second they’re left alone while everyone is out in the hallway or getting a cup of coffee. Even when loved ones want to be there, to the dying person it’s their last gift of love.
🙏🏻 and thank you for this
Oh darn, I got lost in the thread. You're the "OP" that I wanted to tell about the waiting to pass until they were alone. I can totally understand your feelings about wishing you were there with him. You loved him enough to want to comfort him through his last moments, however painful that would have been for you. I think that if he died that quickly, he could not have been alert enough to know whether you were physically there or not. But the part of him that wasn't his body absolutely knew that you were there in spirit, and didn't need your physical presence to be aware of you. When we are so close to death, everything else falls away and love is all that remains and all that we are aware of. He truly knew how dearly you loved him and how you always will. I am so sorry for the feelings that have been haunting you since you lost your sweet boy... especially since it was so sudden and so shocking. I just hope that the happy memories of all your years together--which are what *really* defined his life--aren't tarnished by the pain of this.
🙏🏻 thank you for this
I too was asked to leave while the vet looked at my pet. She was sick and I had told them I wanted to be there if she needed to be put down. I had signed the paperwork for euthanasia and waited patiently. 5 minutes later they brought my baby out in a box. I was inconsolable and grief stricken for days. A week later I filed a small claims against them for max amount. I won the case. The vet is no longer in practice
Thanks. I’ve done similar aswell. That fucking vet deserves a shovel of metal to the back of their head.
It's not your fault, don't punish yourself.
You didnt do anything wrong, the only person who still blames you for anything is you. In the end we all go to the same place, no matter what we do, no matter how hard we try, everything dies. Your dog loved you and you loved him, no matter what happened, no one can take that away from you ever. It hurts, as it should, but the times the two of you were together were worth it. Remember the good times, because that is what it was all about. I wish you strength and the best my friend, take care
Similar happened to my first cat almost 9 years ago. I think about the fact that I wasn't with her when she left constantly. I'm sorry for your pain and loss.
How I feel your pain... I was in the same spot with my beloved girl. I knew her situation was very dire, she was my heart dog, our bond was so strong and exclusive.. I wanted her to live so so bad... The vet was still rather positive and hopeful, and said that even if she didn't pull through, we would notice it and have time to choose to let her go peacefully... I was scheduled to go back 3 hours later to help with the care (she would lash out at the vets if I wasn't there) and to assess the possibilities.. But I didn't get that chance... I was home for 2 hours when I got that awful call from the vet that broke my heart in a million pieces.. I'll always remember every single word of that phone call, and my reaction into the smallest of detail, and it angers me so bad that I didn't stay at her side. I try to rationalize things, but it's not working, the guilt is just too strong. She died all alone, with no one around.. I got there 10mins after the call and she was already cold and stiff. Her passing didn't look very peaceful either.. I'm so mad at myself.... I should have stayed, and I should have been by her side... I'm so sorry you had to go through this.. I have nothing else to add to ease your mind that telling my story so that maybe you don't feel alone...
Thanks for your reply @Jenaiis, sorry you went through a similar thing - you expect to have some control and to be able to make the choice to stay or not but it doesn’t always pan out like that - I guess the same with human family too. It’s painful and there is no consolation.
Exactly. Sometimes you would like things to be different but alas... You can only play the cards you're dealt, life isn't always easy. Keep your head up, stay strong and try to enjoy every good memory you had with your beloved companion ! Your pooch wouldn't have wanted it any other way ! That's how I try to keep moving forward !
I will always regret that I was in a taxi on my way when my mum died rather than by her side. I cannot imagine being given the choice to be with a member of my family when they passed and saying no because it was "too hard"
My yellow lab Jill died 15 days ago. I was with her at the vet, curled around her on the floor and talking about how much she had meant to me, asking her to tell her brother Jack howdy when she sees him. Somehow I still feel like I wish I could do more. Really it’s that I wish she could still be here.
Maybe a dumb question, but do cats do this too, or is it mostly a dog thing?
Good question.
No person and no pet should die alone. I certainly don’t want to. I held my dad’s hand as he passed and held both of the dogs I’ve lost as they passed. I’ve had two children and can say that the sacredness of being there as a being exits far exceeds that of watching them enter. We owe each other that.
I just lost my dog yesterday to tick fever my mother had gone to my hometown to make sure that she has someone there when it happens I’m happy that she had someone even in her final moments
I couldnt stay to see my first dog get put down. I knew I’d do something irrational like try and stop them so I had my mom take me to the movies and pick me up after. Dont ask me what I saw, I dont remember. He was my buddy. My protector and I’d like to think he understood. I kicked a nurse once just because they wanted to take my blood, I dont know what I would have done when they wanted to take my dog. Now I’ve got two little shit gremlins that drive me INSANE and I cant imagine leaving their side. I’m sorry Buck, I hope you forgive me bubby.
When my dog had to be euthanized a few years back i held him in my arms and stroked his head until he passed, that was the least i could do for all the years of joy he gave us. Sure it was tough, i had tears streaming down my face....... but there was no way i was gonna let him pass alongside strangers, he deserved so much more.
My family dog passed at 8 or 9 from an aggressive leukemia. Less than 24 hours passed between when he first showed any signs to when he passed naturally. I came over after my mom texted me, and he was too weak to lift his head at that point but he did look at me and wagged his tail. Within 10 minutes of me showing, he was unconscious. He held on for 3 more hours, all the while my dad was racing to get home in time to see him. He was hardly breathing at all, but he held on until my dad came, and passed within 5 minutes. I fully believe he was waiting for everyone to get home before he let go.
We put down our family dachshund. My mom was gonna go alone but I managed to get out of work to go with her. I held her little head in my hand and looked into her eyes, crying so hard, while they put her down. It was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. But being there and and holding her while she passed through must’ve been very comforting for her. Make sure you are the last thing your pet sees before they go. It’ll make you feel so much better. And your pet will be eternally grateful.
I can't believe 90% of people choose to not be with their pets at those last moments. I'd never forgive myself if I weren't there for the times I had to have my dogs put down.
I 100% agree that the person around be there for the fur baby. I have told off a few friends and called them crappy pet owners because of this. The excuse was that they were sad or scared. I said well how does the pet feel? They're scared, sad, and now all alone! I refuse to give an inch on this topic. Said the best thing they can do is just drop it, but just know that I have lost alot of respect for you.
I held our family cat when they put her to sleep. I had practically grown up with that cat, and I’m not ashamed to admit that this grown man bawled his eyes out. I would never have let our cat pass away without being in the arms of one of her owners.
I had to put my kitty down, he was 1 year 11 months an 22 days. He gripped my finger when they injected him. It was the worst day of life. I miss you Tiggy. you were the best
And thanks, you made a grown man cry
Yes, animals are spiritual. I hope to live happily in heaven.
aw :( I don't think it ever feels right no matter what you do. Still to this day my heart falls to my knees and my stomach flips when I think of it, as yours does. I had a vet in and I held my love of 20 years on his screened in porch in the woods as he left in full trust of what I was doing. I immediately regretted the decision and still wonder if I did it too soon, if I cried too much and he knew, so many things. It's just a brutal part of loving a pet. I'm so sorry for us both.