I am looking for some advise on how to manage a very sad situation. I am 33 weeks today with my first child, and this is tearing me apart.
I have two beloved labradors, Tobi and Cruz. They are brothers from the same litter, and have been with us since they were tiny pups, never spending a day apart. They are now 10 years old.
Cruz has recently deteriorated very rapidly from bone cancer, and is likely to be put down today, if not tomorrow. I have dreaded this day for years, knowing that one dog will miss the other so badly. Does anyone have any experience as to whether it is better for Tobi to be able to see Cruz once he has passed, or might it be better to do it at the vet and simply not bring Cruz home?
I so want to bury him here in our garden, but couldn't bear it if Tobi was distressed.
Sorry this is such a morbid topic, but I want to do this in the best possible way for my beloved companions. Here is a photo of Cruz - forgive me for being self-indulgent, but he is so beautiful;
I'm definately no expert, but I think it would probably be good for Tobi to see Cruz one he has passed. It will be distressing (for Tobi and you), but at least he will understand what's happened. Totally different situation, but when my mum passed we took her dog to see her so that he could see and understand why she had gone. I really do believe it made it easier on him.
In regard to burying him in the garden, I think that's a lovely idea. But there could be possibility that Tobi might dig him back up... You will probably have a better idea of if that is likely or not. If you are worried about it, most vets are happy to come to your home to do it and then take them away for you.
I think letting your other dog be around when it happens and letting him see what has happened is good. Having been a vet nurse I have seen how other dogs react and they always know what is going on sort of thing. I also think it if possible then have it done at home. Keep anything like blankets or toys around for your other dog to have the familar smell. He is likely to get depressed for a while.
I am sorry your in a tough situation. I wish your boy a peaceful journey.
Dogs do go through a mourning period just like we do, our ****er spaniel used to sit on the chair next to the window and look out at where our other dog was buried, she would also walk around the house looking for him. It was so sad. All of our dogs have been allowed to see the deceased dog, have a sniff etc, I think it does give them an understanding of what has happened. Our dogs have been buried in the garden and we have never had an issue with the other dog digging them up or being distressed.
I have worked with both domestic and wild animals and do believe that many animals including dogs grieve. Letting the animal have some time with their deceased friend appears to help this process in that they are less likely to then search for the friend. I think if you bring your dog home in a blanket and then give your remaining dog some time with the body, then that is probably the best way to do it. And then you will also be able to bury him as you wanted to do. So sorry about your little one. It is so sad to see them get old or sick.
I would definitely bring him home and let your other dog say goodbye and be involved in burying your precious dog. This has been his companion for 10 years.
When we had to have my gorgeous Millie put down we brought her home and let Scamp see her and say goodbye. It was just devestating watching Scamp say goodbye to her. He sniffed her all over and didn't leave her side from the second we brought her home until we buried her. I'm so glad we gave him that opportunity as he knew something was wrong from the second we walked in the door from the vet - they understand so much.
Thinking of you it's so sad when we loose our beloved pets.
Oh hun we had to have our big Ned put to sleep and I was so distraught I couldn't even bring him home and our other dog Esme was so heartbroken. Every time I came home she would get excited and look for him. I wish I had have had the strenth to bring him home so she could see him but I just couldn't it was so sudden and I didn't handle it well at all
Im sorry you are going thru this I never understood how much loosing a pet hurts.
Can I suggest maybe calling the vet and asking them for advice? They would be very experienced in this area I would imagine and might help you second guessing your decision if you aren't sure. Another option is to bury the ashes, or keep the ashes in a special box/urn if you want him close by. The vet clinic could help organise this too.
We lost our baby fur boy at aged six to cancer, it's such an awful thing to go through. Thinking of you
I am so sorry you're having to say goodbye to your gorgeous Cruz. Thanks for sharing a photo of him.
Years ago, we had a brother and sister spaniels. The brother was baited and died and we took the sister to live with Mum and I. She pined and pined. I don't know, but it may have been better for her to have seen her brother again, to sniff him and know he was dead, rather than feel she had been left alone.
Your other pooch will still mourn, but I think, they're part of the family and have been inseparable. Let him be part of saying goodbye as well. I don't believe he'll dig him up. Dogs have dignity and respect too.
I hope Cruz has a lovely spot in the garden to rest.
We had 2 labradors and lost one to a car accident last year. We bought her home, and let our other lab say good-bye. i was worried about what she would do, but she had a sniff, walked around and then went for a wee. i do think it helped her know that the other dog wasn't coming home though. WE buried her in the front yard, and the other dog has never tried to dig her up (another thing i was a little worried about). She did mourn her mate, and is much quieter.
Your Cruz is beautiful, and i am sorry that you have to say good-bye.
Thank you so much everyone, for all your kind thoughts and advice.
We took Cruz to the vet this afternoon, and talked it all through with him. Though we took a blanket and considered having the injection there, we decided that the vet will come to the house tomorrow instead. DF is currently digging a spot in the garden (I couldn't love him more right now), and we will bury Cruz after Tobi has a chance to say goodbye too.
I think you are all right about their awareness - Cruz had quite a strong painkilling injection today, and as a consequence is pretty out of it right now, lying against my leg, but Tobi is sticking by his side, quietly, where he would normally be boisterous.
It really is wonderful the support shown through this forum. This is so sad, but just another challenge in life, and I know so many of you have had/are still facing your own, so thank you
I'm so sorry you have to say goodbye to your dog. He's beautiful.
We had to put a young dog to sleep and at the time were living with my mum and her much older dog. When we didn't return with our's, she looked for him but seemed to understand and spent quite a few days very quiet. For a long time, nobody could mention the younger dog's name as she'd get excited and look for him.
Recently one of our horses passed away in the presence of our other horse. They'd been together for 18 years. Our other horse visibly mourned for him. He wouldn't leave the paddock where his friend had left us for some time. It took just on three months for him to show signs of wanting to move, where previously it was only a week or so before they would hammer at the gate demanding to be moved. Now he doesn't stray far from human company, but it's obvious that he understands what happened to his best buddy and doesn't look for him.
I remember our childhood dog was put to sleep in our living room and it was, as much as it could be, lovely. Much nicer than at the vets, and a safe and comfortable way for your beautiful boy to go to sleep. I remember the ache when I knew my little man was going to be put to sleep, so will be thinking of you.
Cruz died at home on Friday afternoon, with our vets help, and it was as peaceful as we could make it for him. He had lots of gentle cuddles in the garden, some shaved ham, and constant reassurance of our love. Afterwards we hugged and kissed him, stroked his ears, and let Tobi see his body. I couldn't watch, but DF buried him under a shady tree near the house.
Tobi is a little clingier than usual, but seems to be coping ok. It is a blessing that I am on mat. leave and can be home with him a lot during the day, and we are giving him lots of attention. The hardest part is simply tripping over all the memories in the house, as Cruz is everywhere around us... two bowls, two leads, two beds, but only one set of paws padding down the timber hallway. Its so hard, and I think it will be a long time before I feel happy again (46 days, according to my ticker...), but I thank you all for giving me this outlet to grieve
I'm so sorry you've had to say goodbye to your beautiful boy. I hope you are feeling a little happier soon, and that Tobi gives you lots of cuddles in the meantime. I'm glad for all your sakes that he was able to go peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Advise needed - euthanasia and other pets?
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Cruz is beautiful.
we had to have our big Ned put to sleep and I was so distraught I couldn't even bring him home 
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