It's just about Henneh's time. :( - Page 2

waiting · 06-29-2008, 04:47 PM

It is hard to let go, yet knowing the time to is so respectful of our loved ones. Letting them go with some dignity remaining and pain free is one of the ultimate gifts a person can give to their furry friend I think. God Bless you and your family in this decision and may Henneh find peace,

bean · 06-29-2008, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doberdog

As I break into tears 100 times throughout the day. It is even sadder knowing you will be going through the same in a few days. My husband is having a difficult time and has not been able to talk to anyone or leave the house. He wrote a Eulogy to Shaver and we sent it to some friends and posted it on myspace (I will post it on my thread next). After he gave me what he wrote to post, I had him read your husbands letter. I left the room and when I came back he was crying with you guys. We do know what you are going through and will be praying even harder on Thursday for you. Love to Henneh and your family.

Doberdog... this is such a sweet post. Thanks so much for sharing and we'll be thinking of you also. This is my husbands first dog that he's had on his own, from 9 weeks old, and he knows it's going to be tough.

I get some comfort in a quote that I'll re-word less articulately here.... there wouldn't be grief without love. We certainly learn a lot from these beings that touch our lives for too brief a time. Many hugs to you and your husband.

dobegal · 06-29-2008, 05:31 PM

It is never, never easy. My vet once told me when I was in a similar situation. All the love that your baby has shown you during their life, now is the time to show and give your love to them. My heart goes out to you.

zeus and me · 06-29-2008, 09:18 PM

so very hard....my thoughts are with you

bean · 06-29-2008, 11:23 PM

I'm wondering about Frankie - do you think we should let her sniff Henneh... after the fact? I wonder if that would tell her anything.... help her understand?

It almost seems silly to think that, but she is a smart girl and dogs do have quite a lot of instinct built in that peeks in through their domesticated nature. Or should we have her be out of the house when it happens?

What are your experiences?

Nicola · 06-30-2008, 06:41 AM

So sorry to hear about this, I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be.

In response to letting Frankie sniff her, I have heard this is often a very good way to help animals deal with these circumstances. Although slightly different circumstances, I know this is something that is often done in the horse world - especially if two horses have a special bond. A friend of mine allowed one of her horses visit her other after she had been PTS, and my friend explained what an amazing moment it was. The horse seemed to 'know' from this point what had happened and although saddened, then dealt with it without signs of huge stress. Again, a slightly different situation, but my uncle passed away last year and his dog was very distressed for the days my uncle was in hospital, not knowing where he was. When my uncle's body was lying at rest, my family were allowed to bring the dog to visit him. From that moment on, the dog was much calmer and again, seemed to 'know' what had happened. Although quiet for the following week or so, she was not howling and pacing like she had been previously.

And no you are not being silly at all, I think it is another testament to just how loving you are to your dogs that you should question the way to approach this. I can't give you expert advise, but can say that if it were me I think I would allow Frankie to say goodbye afterwards. I think it will allow her to know what happened to Henneh - and strangely (or perhaps that's not giving animals enough credit) they really seem to understand.

My condolences to all of you.

bean · 06-30-2008, 08:36 AM

Thanks, Nicola... that was helpful. I think we will let her say goodbye afterwards.

waiting · 06-30-2008, 09:56 AM

From past experience I believe in letting the dog sniff the dog that has passed. It seems to settle them knowing much like humans, they are not looking for them and thinking their lost or somewhere else. It is a closure. The studies done on humans for loss of a loved one where the body isn't found for along time and then it is as stated by the families that they feel relief and closure knowing where they are now and it allows them to move on.
Instead of wondering and hoping and thinking worse than what it already is.

dreamdobe · 06-30-2008, 03:44 PM

Sorry to hear that you have to put Henneh down...I know its hard.

**lyngr** · 06-30-2008, 10:56 PM

((((((hugs)))))))