this post was submitted on 26 Aug 2026

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351

Worst day in over a decade (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by redlemace@lemmy.world to c/dogs@lemmy.world

42 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Cried my eyes out at the vet's .... I've lost my best friend. Two cancers in his mouth left no choice but letting him go. I still feel the warmth of his head and his last breath under my hand. I'm hurt to the bone but glad his pain is over.

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[–] ButWhatDoesItAllMean@sh.itjust.works 45 points 1 week ago (2 children)

I'm so sorry to hear, it's a very difficult thing to go through 🙁 You did the right thing, he won't have to endure any more pain. You were his whole life and he loved you for it. I like to believe that when our time comes we'll be reunited with our beloved pets on the other side, tails wagging with excitement as they run to greet us.

[–] redlemace@lemmy.world 17 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

tails wagging with excitement as they run to greet us

Knowing it won't be there today is what makes coming home real hard (but yeah....some day.....)

[–] HCSOThrowaway@lemmy.world 10 points 1 week ago (1 children)

The first 24 hours were the hardest for me for exactly that kind of thing.

Years later it doesn't hurt less, but it gets easier to deal with.

Just try to remind yourself that he'd want you to be happy, so try to be happy for him.

[–] redlemace@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago

try to be happy for him

That's what's holding me together. I know he was in pain, I'm happy I could take it over.

[–] 100_kg_90_de_belin@feddit.it 12 points 1 week ago (2 children)

I'm an atheist, but being able to meet my dog again is the only way I'd be fine with an afterlife.

[–] redlemace@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

And it would not just be 'rex' though ..... Imagine being greeted by the whole pack

[–] 100_kg_90_de_belin@feddit.it 1 points 1 week ago

Cuddle puddle.

[–] BreadOven@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago

I'm not crying! You're crying.

[–] NutinButNet@hilariouschaos.com 21 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Looks like he had a good life under your care. RIP

[–] redlemace@lemmy.world 16 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Thnx. We know for a fact his first year hasn't been one of joy and warmth (he's a resq). I sure hope the 9 we gave him made him forget it.

[–] Rhaedas@fedia.io 10 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Rescues are tough because you don't know the full trauma they might have been through. But you rescued them, it's in the name. They recognize that. I could tell stories about a few of ours, but this isn't the place. Just to say that while the anxiety and fear doesn't fully disappear, it becomes more in the background covered by the love you give, and they are better for it.

[–] redlemace@lemmy.world 6 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Resq's are all i've ever had. And when the time comes ..... a resq it will be.

[–] Maeve@kbin.earth 2 points 1 week ago

For some reason, this makes my eyes wet. Bless you.

[–] Seleni@lemmy.world 18 points 1 week ago

It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.

[–] MrFappy@lemmy.world 16 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I’m sorry to hear that. I had the same thing happen on Sunday with my 10 y.o. pooch. You just gotta keep their memory alive.

[–] redlemace@lemmy.world 6 points 1 week ago

Thnx! You hang in there too!

[–] Jax@sh.itjust.works 15 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

Holding your friend while they die is one of the kindest things you can do. I've been there, and it still hurts - but I don't regret it one bit. I'm sorry for your loss.

[–] redlemace@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Holding your friend while they die

There is no other way! They have been there for me, i'll be there with them.

[–] BreadOven@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago

I was only able to with one of my guinea pigs. Differences in method I guess (different vets due to availability or something, can't remember), but it was so much better being able to hold her as she faded.

[–] velma@sh.itjust.works 12 points 1 week ago

I'm so sorry for your loss. That is devastating. hugs if you want them.

[–] PedroMaldonado@lemmy.world 12 points 1 week ago

Aw, buddy.....

[–] OldGrayDog@fedinsfw.app 7 points 1 week ago

I'm so very sorry for your loss! 😞

[–] scops@reddthat.com 6 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I'm sorry for your loss. It's unfair that we have to say goodbye to them, but it never stops being worth the love they bring to our lives.

[–] redlemace@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

I think "It's better to have loved and lost than never have loved at all" is even more true with dog

[–] jpreston2005@lemmy.world 6 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Good for you for being there and comforting your dog while they passed. A lot of people don't, and it breaks my heart.

[–] redlemace@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I dropped everything on the spot and speeded there .... nothing could keep me from being there

[–] jpreston2005@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

When my kitty passed, I held her as they gave the injection. I cried so much, they didn't even charge me. Said that so many people don't, that it was refreshing to see someone who did. Really stuck with me, how can people be so heartless?

Anyway, I'm sorry for your loss, man. Shit sucks real bad. I still see me old dogs in my dreams sometimes, and I like to think that's just them checking on me from the great beyond. 💔

[–] redlemace@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

When the say men don't cry, they obvious never have met a guy at the vet that had to part from his pal. I cry so hard, everyone in the building does not know how or where to look.

they didn’t even charge me

I'm just happy they did not charge me for the installation of a draining pump in their office ;)

[–] mike_wooskey@lemmy.thewooskeys.com 6 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I'm so sorry. From that picture I can tell that he and you were good friends to each other.

[–] redlemace@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

We where so close, A few years ago i lost something and walked back a bit along the road. When I passed the neighbors she ran to house and shouted through the open window "Honey! Come look, he goes without his dog!"

[–] mike_wooskey@lemmy.thewooskeys.com 1 points 1 week ago

Now, you'll walk without your dog, but also, your dog will always be with you. 🐶🩵

[–] antianarchist@sopuli.xyz 5 points 1 week ago

I am very sorry to hear that.

Grief is a process that makes you feel unwell. No one likes it and everybody wants it to be over ASAP. The thing is, our brain needs that process. You did not just lost a very good friend, you lost a part of yourself. This hurts, and those wounds need to heal first.

I have absolutely no doubt that you were the best for your dog, even when he was doing things he was not supposed to do and you had to correct him. You were his world, he was happy all his life.

Take your time to process. You will be alright!

[–] Jerb322@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago

Truly sorry for your loss.

[–] BreadOven@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago

You loved him. He loved you. You were there for him until the end, I doubt he would want it any other way. So sorry for your loss. I already rue the day it will happen to our girl.

[–] 100_kg_90_de_belin@feddit.it 5 points 1 week ago

Truly sorry for your loss. Virtual hugs 🫂

[–] Maeve@kbin.earth 4 points 1 week ago

🫂 I'm sorry. May you and your buddy see each other in happy dreams and fond memories.

[–] W98BSoD@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 1 week ago

Sorry for your loss.

[–] Lydia_K@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

I'm so sorry for your loss, it's so hard losing a beloved pet. It won't stop the hurting, but try to remember that you gave him the best happy life you could.

[–] FlashMobOfOne@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago

I'm so sorry. 😔

[–] alecbowles@feddit.uk 2 points 1 week ago

I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for loving him and giving the best life he could possibly have. He looks such a cute boy.

[–] pomegranatefern@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I'm so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was wonderful. Sending good thoughts and vibes from this internet stranger.

[–] redlemace@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

He sounds like he was wonderful.

You brought back tears to my eyes .... He sure was. The first visit we looked each other in the eyes and that was all it took. Small things showed he trusted no one more than he did me. I never used it against him and never let him down on that.