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I just survived a beloved pet’s last day ending with a heart breaking act of kindness.  It took a few days to be able to share these tips.  I have been through this now with 3 dogs.   It never gets easier but you can get better at going through the survival motions for closure and comfort.

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Here they are…

First tip, start a photo album of your dog and his or her daily life from day one.  Add it often making notes and writing stories in it.   When the first dog passed, I had to do this AFTER and I regretted it because it was so painful!

Human babies get baby albums so why not our beloved pet babies! (It seems logical to me but you do you.) I am trying to help everyone based on what I have been through to get it some purpose.)

I started this for the other dog while he was healthy and it was so much easier.  It was comforting to have a album of his pictures etc already together.  Sure, I have room left to print more pictures from my phone but it is already half full of pictures.  (60 more pages left.   Sixty pictures printed in the album so far.) It is better than not having a photo album put together already at all.

When your gut feeling tells you that the pets time is coming to an end tell all people who love the pet to mentally prepare for it so they can spend extra time with him or her

When you “know” it is down to the last few days, call everyone again and tell them that it is time to come and give some extra love and make some memories

What can you do on the dog’s last day?

Make the dog comfortable. (neck massages and cuddles were something my dogs like)

Offer them water often and make sure they aren’t hot or cold.

Try taking them outside if weather permits for fresh air while holding them sitting down on the grass.   The dog may wiggle off your lap to just lay in the grass or he or she may be up walking around a bit.

Yes, enjoy snuggling with them inside so they can doze off to sleep while you hold them their head to your heart like a baby as well.  It is balance of what your options are and what your dog seems to need.

Take  a few “last” day pictures and video of your beloved dog if they take a nap or walk around.  I did this and shared a back view picture of him facing trees.

Wrap your dog in a knitted or crocheted baby blanket to cuddle.  Store this blanket in a plastic bag and tie it shut.  It will be what you can cuddle with after you leave the appointment and sleep with you as well.

Then, wrap your  dog in a different baby blanket to cuddle.   The purpose of this blanket is for the other dog or dogs to have the smell around and lay on for comfort.

The blankets will smell like your beloved pet and will give you comfort after he or she is given the “act of kindness”at the vets office.

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What you can do after the “Act of Kindness” to end your dog’s suffering

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Cut some hair off your pet to put in a covered decorative box for comfort afterwards (we found a white decorative  heart shaped breakable lidded box for a little bit of his fur.)

Display your dogs photo album along with his or her favorite toys to bring you comfort

Next to a framed picture  of your dog in your dog’s favorite room put his collar and leash rolled up nice so you can see your dog when you go into that room.

Have a blanket or pillow case made up of the image of your dog on it   (Someone else did this and I am copying this idea!) It would be comforting for me!

Forgive yourself for the days you skipped taking him or her for a walk because you were tired, sick or extra busy.  Your best was good enough and your dog loved you very much.

Now, I am adding to my list of things to do to buy a dog album and start printing pictures of our now “only” dog.  I won’t regret it.  I already took 3 pictures of her today and it is only 10:00 a.m.   Please take pictures of your dog while they are alive and healthy! I mean napping pictures, pictures in their favorite places to potty in the yard, sitting in front of your home, pictures in their favorite room, eating their food, riding in the car, on walks, etc!  Take video of your dog playing fetch with you and being excited over getting their favorite treats.  You won’t regret it!

I take a LOT of pictures and still wish I had taken more of my beloved dog pictured in the blog before this one.

It was very healing writing this out.

If it helps someone, lovely.   If this blog makes someone sad, I am sorry to have upset you.  I hope that everyone’s beloved pets live a very long and healthy life!

It is better to be prepared and feel “some” peace afterwards compared to just “devastation” though.  The lessons learned from the painful times in life can help make everything in the future more bearable.

Hugs to you and cuddles to you dogs from me

Warmly,

Lacey