this post was submitted on 13 Apr 2025
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Trigger warning, I guess, but had to put my boy down a few years ago. I was fortunate in that he was in my arms in passing, but fuck, the way he went slack at the end really stuck. Gave me a taste of some shit I was not ready for that day.
I went through that last week with my cat. It was so heartbreaking and traumatic
When we had to put our sweet little girl cat Scout to sleep a couple years ago, she came back for a split second trying to fight and attack the pentobarbital as it was flowing into her leg. I can never unsee that moment, and it broke me on a level I will never fully recover from
God damn, air hugs your way, but as tough as it was, I'm sure it was the best thing, despite the last second animal instincts.
unrelated, but the USA uses the same drug on human beings for lethal executions
But your vet is more invested in making sure your pet doesn't suffer in the process.
We also use high-speed lead injections in some states now too
bullets
Yeah, it is/was one of my greatest feelings of loss I've ever experienced. Broke down instantly. Makes me dread the day I get a call about one of my parents, but perhaps I'll be at least slightly more prepared then I would be otherwise. One could consider it a parting gift I suppose...
I have power of attorney over my parents, and have strict instructions to pull the plug if there isn’t a significant chance of a full or near-full recovery. They’re in their 80s now, both with DNR instructions, so any chance of a significant recovery (if they have an incident) is becoming ever more remote. Plus, they’re in the channel for MAID - Medical Assistance In Death.
So yeah. I’m their personal Grim Reaper. And they’re counting on me to be exactly that.
But they brought me into this world, and I will do my duty of care to walk them out of it with as much grace and dignity as possible.
I was there when my 12 year old Boston mix was put to sleep and I was utterly shocked at how fast the transition went. I literally turned to the vet and said, "my god, is it over already?". To think that someone you spend nearly every day with for over a decade can be gone in seconds... it's humbling and awful.
My first dog died at a little over 5.5 years old in my bedroom. It was so traumatic, the stress triggered an autoimmune illness and I haven't been the same since (it's been 3 years and 3 months).
I had to do it more than twenty years ago and I fear that I will have to do it again soonish. It leaves a mark on your heart.
It’s a raw feeling. I wish I could forget it. But I can’t.
Yeah. My old manimal was put down a decade ago, and I still think about him nearly every day. It was crushing, watching it happen.
He didn't give a damn, though. Cheerful as ever 'til the last breath. Suppose that's the best any of us can ask to go out like.
My 16-year-old cat just needed an ultrasound a few days ago, and they gave her some sedative that made her go completely limp in my arms within like 30 seconds. I was not even remotely prepared for that, and it felt like she died in my arms. Needless to say, I cried a bunch and I think I also got a taste of some shit I was not ready for that day.
One could not hope for a more pure visualization of "letting go." We extoll its virtue, but it can be so hard to do. No matter what, there will always be something that we hold on to, until our final breath.
You gave your friend a great gift that day. I know it was hard, but you should be proud of the compassionate person that you are.