Question:
It’s time to put my dog, Bingo, to sleep. I don’t know how to say goodbye to my best friend. How do I let him go?
Answer:
I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. Saying goodbye is difficult, but it can be a good experience for you and your pet. Let’s talk about how to create a good end for your pet’s current life on Earth.
First, a few things you should know about the animal’s perspective of death. Pets do not fear death. They know where they are going. They are much more conscious about the other side than we are.
Pets are often concerned about the process of death. They don’t want it to hurt. You do them a big favor if you tell them how it’s going to happen.
It can help to say something like, “Bingo, I really love you, and I’m going to miss you. It’s your time to go. The vet is coming over and is going to help you leave your body. You’re going to get a shot and go to sleep, and it’s not going to hurt.”
What is a good end? A good end consists of three things: gratitude, the sharing of the favorite things, and goodbyes.
Gratitude
Tell your dog how much he means to you, and what you’ve enjoyed about sharing a life with him. Thank him for being with you. Tell him what you love about him. This doesn’t have to be some long, drawn-out thing, just a simple time of gratefulness for the time you’ve shared.
The Sharing of the Favorite Things
Share with your pet the things that he enjoys. Take him to his favorite place. Even if you have to carry him to the park, and let him watch from a blanket, he’ll enjoy visiting the place he loves.
Give Bingo whatever he’d like to eat. If it’s going to upset his belly, then try to give it to him just prior to his passing.
My dog, Beulah, enjoyed a bacon cheeseburger before she died. Even though I was crying, it felt wonderful to watch her devour that burger with a big Weimaraner smile on her face.
Goodbyes
Tell the other pets in the household that today is the day that their friend is going to pass away. Allow them as much time as they need to say their goodbyes.
If at all possible, have the vet come to your house. If a home visit isn’t possible, schedule the office visit for the very end of the day. There’s nothing worse than sitting in a waiting room with your pet prior to his check-out from this life.
Then, be there. Don’t leave the room. It’s not scary to see a pet die. Bingo’s spirit will leave his body and pass over to the other side. What’s left will just be his shell. Your pet gave you his best. Please give him your best at the end of his life.
After he passes away, you’ll have the option of having his body cremated and the ashes given back to you. Planting a tree in Bingo’s honor, and burying the ashes in the roots can be a great way to remember your dog.
When I talk with animals on the other side, I’m struck by how happy they are. They miss us, but in heaven, they are free of the pain and negative emotions that are a natural part of our world.
Pets often come back to see us, in spirit form. If it’s helpful to you, quiet your mind and talk with your pet, in spirit. It may sound a little crazy to talk to a dead dog, but it can’t hurt and you’ll feel better for doing it.
I hope that Bingo’s passing is a good one, and that you find comfort in the days ahead.
