People Share Their Thoughts On The Importance Of Being There For Your Dog In Their Final Moments

Do you have the courage to be there in your dog’s final moments?

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• March 22, 2024

As a dog owner, you're probably familiar with the joyous welcome of a wagging tail after a long day. But what about when the day comes that the tail wags slower, and the eyes that once sparkled with joy begin to dim? 

It's a thought we push to the back of our minds, yet it's an inevitable part of the bond we share with our canine companions. We recently stumbled upon a thought-provoking question on the curious streets of Quora: how important is it to stay with our furry friends until their final moments?

First off, let's face it—our dogs are more than just pets; they're the ultimate binge-watching partners, secret keepers, and the enthusiastic welcome committee after a long day. 

They don't just live in our homes; they live in our hearts. So, when their tail-wagging days are nearing an end, it's more than a courtesy to be there; it's an act of love, a final tribute to a friendship that asked for nothing and gave everything.

One account shared by a former vet clinic worker shed light on the heart-wrenching experience of dogs being left alone during their final moments. They witnessed the distress of these dogs first-hand and believed it was nothing short of cruel. 

Dogs are already anxious in unfamiliar environments like vet clinics; so being left there to pass on alone? That was just another nail in the coffin. They seek comfort in familiar faces as they cross that rainbow bridge—that’s not a lot to ask now, is it?

Another contributor passionately expressed their commitment to never abandoning their dog in their final moments. They likened it to leaving a beloved family member to face death alone. Our furry friends were family too, and they deserve to feel loved until the very end.

Question for the online community

According to this user, people have developed the habit of dropping their dogs off to be euthanized, without any care in the world

They go further to advise dog owners to ensure that they’re beside their fur buddy when it crosses to the other side

“I would never leave my dog to die alone. I would never want his last moments on this earth to be filled with fear.”

“No matter how horrible a person you are, your dog always looked up to you, literally and figuratively. Be the man (or woman) your dog thinks you are.”

“I sat with my dog on my lap until she died. I was heartbroken but I HAD to be there - I owed her that much.”

“I can’t imagine not being with my beloved pet when they have to be put down. Of course you want the last voice they hear to be yours.”

“My 15 yr old cockerpoo died a few months ago of an injury. I sat with him, talking to him, stroking him until he took his last breath.”

“Vitally important it’s your duty…he needs you to love and support him in his hour of great need!”

“Very important. I spent the last months of my dog's live sleeping on the sofa, to be near him.”

“That dog has loved you unconditionally for his entire life. And now you’re planning to abandon him at the moment he needs you most?”

“You stay because you're comforting your friend while he passes so he won't be alone, that's why.”

So, when the time comes, remember—it's not just about being present in their final moments. It's about honoring a lifetime of loyalty, love, and friendship. 

It's like saying, "Thank you for being my best friend, confidant, and my family." And truly, there couldn’t be a more profound way to celebrate the story you've shared together.

We’d love to get your thoughts on this topic. Join the conversation in the comments.

Jesse