I feel really bad right away. I’ve never had to do this before, so I didn’t know what to expect. It cost about $400, but it would’ve been $600 to bring him home after cremation. We went for the $400 because we weren’t prepared for the cost, especially with two kids under three. I thought he would’ve been put to sleep, but he wasn’t. He struggled until the very end and even cried out a couple of times. Is that normal? I’m feeling so guilty and I’ve been a mess throughout this whole thing.
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Saying goodbye to a pet is incredibly difficult, and it sounds like this experience was especially stressful. While euthanasia procedures are designed to be peaceful, an occasional twitch or vocalization can happen because the body isn’t completely unconscious yet. This doesn’t necessarily mean your dog was in pain. The cost of aftercare can vary a lot, and choosing cremation over bringing him home was a responsible decision, especially with young kids. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed but focus on the love you gave your dog throughout his life. Talking to your vet or a pet bereavement counselor can help you process this and find comfort.
Feeling guilty is a natural response, but please try to be kind to yourself. You made a difficult decision out of love and did the best you could in the moment. Grieving and feeling a mix of emotions is part of the process, and it’s okay to reach out for support from friends, family, or even a counselor.
Yes, death can be a painful experience for any animal. Dogs are super intelligent and some can even read our human emotions. So, it was probably feeling like you had betrayed him, or it was feeling the loss of leaving Earth. Either way, it was painful. I wish you peace in these grieving moments,
I’m really sorry you’re going through this. Euthanasia can be emotionally overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel guilt and sadness. Sometimes the process isn’t as smooth as expected, which can be distressing but doesn’t necessarily mean your pet was in pain. Remember, your decision was made out of love. Take care of yourself, seek support, and consider talking to your vet for reassurance. Grieving a pet is valid and important.