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putting down a pet with siblings

callktulu
Our two dogs, Frankie and Netty are sisters and 8 years old.  Except for very brief instances at the vet's office, they've never really been apart.  Frankie has a cancerous tumor (now her 2nd in 6 months), as well as a failing liver, and we're not going to spend another $1200 on tumor removal when her liver is failing, too.

Of course, as most of you know, this is terrible and gut-wrenching to begin with, but I think I'm feeling extra upset because of Netty.  She won't understand, and I know she'll be upset and acting weird after her sissy is gone.  So here's the reason I'm posting about this (not for attention or sympathy):

The girls have always shared a large crate as their safe zone and bed.  Do we immediately replace it with a fresh one, so there's no residual smell/memories of the old crate(and thus, her sister)?  Or should we continue with the old crate so she can still remember her sister's presence?  I know this is asking the impossible, as every dog is different, and we have no way of knowing what they're thinking.  But I'm hoping some of you have also dealt with a similar situation and can advise on what worked or didn't in your case.

Thanks in advance...
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Comments

17 comments

Date Votes
  • Don McManus
    We recently had to put down our little Yorkie and his companion of 8+ years was out of sorts for a while.

    We did not change anything and after a few weeks, she seemed to have come around.  Netty does not know she is losing a sister.  She will no doubt feel a void, will need a little more of your time as she adjusts.
    3
  • Nanuq907
    I had to do that a year ago, and knew it would leave one dog terribly alone.  So we found a pup to add to the mix and they became a 3-some with a brand new annoying presence that kept the older ones on their toes.  When we put down the elder one the pup was still there, still being annoying, and seemed to bridge the "gap" a little.  At least it looked like it to us.  Now the elder one and the pup are buddies and life goes on.
    6
  • jimdeere
    I think it depends on the dog. When the vet came to our house to put down our old shepherd, our young golden retriever seemed perplexed for a day or two but soon got over it.
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  • toad67
    jimdeere said:
    I think it depends on the dog. When the vet came to our house to put down our old shepherd, our young golden retriever seemed perplexed for a day or two but soon got over it.
    Same thing happened at our house, and they were inseparable for 9 years.
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  • montanajoe
    • Community moderator
    I'm sorry for the sad news.  
    3
  • TRAP55
    It's important that the survivor of a pair like that, checks out the deceased. It's heart breaking to watch, but needs to be done. They need to know the other is dead, and hasn't abandoned them, or they will suffer from anxiety and depression. Sometimes so severe, they quit eating and give up.
    3
  • callktulu
    TRAP55 said:
    It's important that the survivor of a pair like that, checks out the deceased. It's heart breaking to watch, but needs to be done. They need to know the other is dead, and hasn't abandoned them, or they will suffer from anxiety and depression. Sometimes so severe, they quit eating and give up.
    You mean bring Netty to the vet with us and let her observe the injection?
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  • KenK/84Bravo

    Sorry to hear that callktulu. Always tough.

    Some good thoughts and comments offerred up here.

    No Sir callktulu, Trap55 is saying let them look at and smell, be around the body after being put down. Heartbreaking as described, but a good thought. I concur.

    Hard to put them down when in distress, but you are doing the right thing and easing suffering. Had to do what you are describing 4 years ago.

    3
  • callktulu
    Ohhhhhh, OK, thanks, I understand now.  I'll see if they offer that, thank you for the advice, everyone.
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  • Nanuq907
    Man, this is hard to read.  My eyes keep filling up.  A dog is the only thing on the face of God's green earth that loves you more than it loves itself.  
    3
  • TRAP55
    callktulu said:
    TRAP55 said:
    It's important that the survivor of a pair like that, checks out the deceased. It's heart breaking to watch, but needs to be done. They need to know the other is dead, and hasn't abandoned them, or they will suffer from anxiety and depression. Sometimes so severe, they quit eating and give up.
    You mean bring Netty to the vet with us and let her observe the injection?
    "No Sir callktulu, Trap55 is saying let them look at and smell, be around the body after being put down. Heartbreaking as described, but a good thought. I concur. "
    Thanks Ken, exactly what I was trying to say. I was having trouble typing what I did, but wanted to add what FCD said about having the vet come to you. Small animal vets are less likely to do that, and if they do, they make it expensive.


    3
  • NeoBlackdog
    Prayers for you, callktulu.  
    Today is my boys' 7th birthday and I know sooner or later I'll need to deal with this.  
    I do not envy you, my friend. 
    3
  • gartman
    I understand a lot of vets will come out to your car to ease the stress on a fearful dog. You can hold your dog while the vet eases its passage over. Not sure if this helps the owner any. May find out soon, my little mutt about ready to cross over.
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  • callktulu
    Thanks for the all the well-wishes and prayers!  I truly appreciate it.  This isn't my first pet death, but it still hurts so badly.  Y'all know. :(  Again, thank you!!
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  • dreher
    Nanuq907 said:
    I had to do that a year ago, and knew it would leave one dog terribly alone.  So we found a pup to add to the mix and they became a 3-some with a brand new annoying presence that kept the older ones on their toes.  When we put down the elder one the pup was still there, still being annoying, and seemed to bridge the "gap" a little.  At least it looked like it to us.  Now the elder one and the pup are buddies and life goes on.
    To me this is the best way to go.   
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  • pulsarnc

    like to think all my past friends will be there to greet me when I get to heaven

    3
  • Mercury
    I agree 100% with the "have the vet come to your house" bit.

    Here, there are vets who do nothing BUT that very thing. It isn't cheap, but worth it at twice the price.

    Merc
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