When The Time Comes

Whether we bring a dog into our lives as a young puppy, or are introduced to them as a rescue when they may be much older, there is no denying that they will ultimately have to leave our sides one day.  We all want our dogs to live forever, but unfortunately, this is not an option and we know this deep down from the moment we meet them. 

If we are lucky, our dogs will live long lives and be with us for over a decade at least.  Others will have their lives tragically cut short due to illness or accidents.  But it remains, they will all have to leave this world at some point.  

Some people refuse to even think about this day and some are so traumatised when their dogs leave them, that they feel unable to welcome another dog into their lives through the fear of the heartache to come when they too, have to leave.  I have always said that our dog's only flaw is that they simply do not live for long enough.  

I like to consider myself as a realistic person.  I know that everything that is born, will eventually die.  That is simply an unavoidable fact of life.  However, I still feel somewhat unprepared for my own dogs leaving me when their time comes. I have lost several dogs in my lifetime; those who were my own, those that were fostered and those that I took care of as a house-sitter over numerous years.  I am not sure whether this makes it more difficult, or easier to deal with in the long run.  On one hand, I know what to expect when they leave us, yet I am also all too aware of the heartache and grief that comes alongside this.

As dog guardians, the decision to let our companions go often rests solely on our shoulders.  In a sense, we are lucky that we have the opportunity to say goodbye to our dogs in a dignified and peaceful manner, by having them put to sleep.  However, this is often a source of huge turmoil for guardians, who struggle to accept when the time is right.  It is human nature to want our beloved canines to stay with us as long as is physically possible, but this should never be at the detriment of the dogs themselves.  

All too often I see dogs who are clearly drastically unwell, whose quality of life is extremely poor and who are quite simply suffering in order to stay alive.  In my opinion, this is selfish on their guardian's part.  If these dogs could voice their own thoughts, I am sure that they would tell you that their time has come to say goodbye, despite how difficult this is for their guardians to accept.  It begs the question, of who is your dog still living for? Are you keeping them alive for their own benefit, or for yours? Is it in their best interests to let them stay?

There is no doubt, that losing our dogs is one of the hardest moments we will face in our lives. There are no words to fully describe the depth of sadness we feel when it's time for them to go. However, being prepared for this moment can help both you and your dog. Although it's a difficult concept to consider, try and make important decisions surrounding your dog's passing, before their time comes. Decide if you want the vet to come to your own home or if you want to visit their practice. Decide if you want to bury them at home, or cremate them. Decide if you want to scatter their ashes, or have them back home with you in a casket. These are all extremely personal decisions, that only you can make for yourself. Making these decisions can make the process marginally less stressful for both you and your dog in the moment. This way you can focus all your energy on saying goodbye to them properly. 

Our dogs enrich our lives so selflessly, for every moment they are with us.  Surely the last and perhaps the greatest gift we can give to them, to show our appreciation, is a dignified and peaceful exit from the world when the time is right for them to go.  

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