Almost 13 years old. A great dog and companion. He was diagnosed with cancer a month ago. Less than 25% kidney function. Swollen muzzle. Couldn’t breathe through his nose. The vet said his cancer would progress rapidly and he had 1-2 months tops. They could provide pain meds & antibiotics to make him comfortable. I elected to have him put down. The vet said it was the right decision, yet I feel like shit.

I’ve ALWAYS had dogs since I was 5. They’ve all always died naturally. This is the first time I’ve had to choose to put one down. It’s a miserable feeling despite what the vet says.

You didn't kill him, you stopped him from suffering. Sorry for what you're going through.

We had to put down our dog last year. It was terrible. I’ll never forget the feeling of her being led away and the slight look of confusion on her face. It was absolutely the right decision but at the same time I’ll never forgive myself.

My sincere condolences to you, friend.

So many of us have been where you are currently.

I have found only 2 ways to do it:
Listen to your heart or wait for that certain look they give you.

Either way you did the right thing.

You did the right thing. He was suffering and you helped him by making the hard decision. I promise you that if he could thank you for it, he would.

I know our words wont ease your pain but I'll say it again, YOU DID THE RIGHT THING.

You did the right thing. He will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge.

So sorry to hear about your loss. I have personally held on to a dog friend on two different occasions while the vet administered the lethal injection. I also knew it was the right thing to do as both were suffering and unable to improve their situation for themselves. It is a fact of life that many things we must do that are the right things to do are hard to do. I have personally seen owners who would not do what you did and let their pet suffer and that is sad. Thankfully you have the stength my friend to do what is humane for your friend and I support you for that.

It is the utmost respect to give a friend this last dignity.

Anybody can give them love. It costs nothing to give a pat on the head or a scratch on the back. It costs much more to help them over the bridge, because it's a gift you can't give without losing a part of yourself.

You're a good dog owner, don't let anybody tell you different.

You did the right thing, I would not do it when I had to, my wife had to yell at me to do it.

I laid on the floor with him as they put him down, so we could see each other (all for me) as he was gone.

Did I know it was right, did I still regret it yes.

But making him happy was the #1 thing.

So yes what you did was one of the most painful things you have ever done, but you did what was needed.

And you know this.

I am sorry for you loss, but it was what should be done.

What you're feeling is natural -- we've all felt the remorse, regrets and, unnecessarily, guilt for this final act of kindness to those who loved us more than anything.

We've all been through it, but it's different for each of us, and with each of our pets -- friends -- loved ones...

As your pain eases to a dull ache, let go of the guilt, and realize how much agony you saved him from. I'll bet he already knows, and would tell you so, if he could.

Don't be so hard on yourself. Many of us have faced a similar situation.
It is certainly not an easy decision, but it sounds like this was the best decision for your friend. We made the decision to put down one of ours about 8 years ago, as she was diagnosed with a bad type of cancer. She was 11 when this occurred. I know we kept her from suffering more than she already had.

You did the right thing. I lost both of my Labradors within 3 days some time back. The first one to go was 14 years old. Couldn't walk and would poo anywhere without even realizing it. Once he was gone, within a day my other one got sick as hell and couldn't breath. He was 11 years old. 3K spent on him that weekend, but no saving him. Miss my boys, buy I enjoyed my time with them. Couldn't bring myself to make them suffer for my benefit.

I am very sorry for your loss, I know what it feels like. But know for sure you should feel no guilt.

I HATE the title of your post. You did not kill him. You prevented his suffering. He went over the bridge with those he loved at his side.

Your title sucks.

Do you believe your dog would have done anything for you?

The title of you post is just your pain and loss. Devil Dog you did you duty to your dog with honor and loyalty just as he did with you. Prayers on the way,

You didn't kill your dog, you saved it from the pain. I've been in your shoes, it hurts like hell. You will never be over it, because you loved your buddy. He'll be with you for the rest of your time in your heart and in your memories. Treasure those. Let's all pray they are on the other side waiting for us.

Our pets are dependent on us to make the call for them because they can’t do it for themselves. You did the compassionate thing.

Ihad to do the same for my Vizsla. It's been 18
months ago and I'm still grieving. I know how
you're feeling and doing the right thing ever
though it was the right thing___go ahead and cry.
I stil do where ever i am where we spent a lot of time to gether and she's now with me.

So sorry mo. Old fuzzy said it well.

It feels very, very bad.

Most of us here know all to well. We need to support each other. Even though these threads rekindle some of the pain of our own experiences.

I wish you well brother.

So sorry. Always very sad. My prayers are with you and your pup.