Your dog’s last day – create magic memories, 10 things to do!
(Keef Whiteman- BA, English & Psychology, student Canine Behaviourist advisor & PA to Scotty Valadao at FOTD)
As their lives come to an end there are many ways to spend a memorable day with your dog so that they feel special and loved. Saying goodbye to your most loyal friend can be difficult and the last day you spend together will forever be etched in your mind. As such, carefully plan out the final time you spend together so that when you look back on it, you'll remember it fondly as a day filled with love……
Below are a few simple ways you can turn this day into a memorable one.
1. Make your dog as cozy and comfortable as possible
For a dog that's suffering and is in pain, one of the best things you can do for them is to leave them be in the comfort of their bed or yours. Consider adding extra layers of padding to make their space even more cozy and comfortable.
You may want to designate a special blanket just for them to use on their final days. Save it so you can have it later to wrap yourself in it whenever you need to feel them close after they're gone.
Consider keeping all of your dog's toys, bedding, leashes, and food bowls carefully stored away for a few months until you start coming out of your grief. Avoid the impulse to get rid of everything soon after they're gone.
2. Re-visit some of your favourite places
Most dogs recognize the sounds, smells, and routes of their favorite places. Plan for a day of fun by going to all of your dog's unique hangouts for one last visit. If your dog cannot walk on their own anymore, borrow a pull wagon to bring them from one fun spot to the next. Spend quality time with them at all of their special places around town with plenty of treats in between.
3. Print some paw or nose prints made
One unique way for you and your pet to spend your last day together is by getting paw or nose prints made. You can later turn these imprints into a unique piece of jewellery or artwork that you will cherish for a lifetime.
You can visit a craft store together to gather the supplies and spend the day at the park doing arts and crafts with your canine friend. You'll not only be creating a lasting memory of your last outing together, but you'll also have a memento of a part of their DNA.
4. Prepare a favourite meal
Always be aware of any special dietary restrictions you should know about and of course follow this…however on this day all rules go out the window. It’s time to indulge in every yummy greasy food without worrying about diet.
Do not let them overindulge though, as it may make them sick to their stomach. You'll want to avoid having your dog throw up with any medication the vet plans on administering.
5. Have a nice long talk
Trust has been such an important part of your relationship, and your dog trusts you with every decision you have to make, regardless of how painful it might be. Use some of this time now to talk to them about why you had to decide to put them down. Let them know how guilty it makes you feel and how much it hurts. This type of dialogue with your dog will help you release some of the stress you feel over having to euthanize.
6. Take some photos
Take lots of photos of their final adventures and consider putting an album together with captions about the moment to make it even more special.
7. Spoil your pooch
If it’s possible to move your dog around painlessly why not consider some pampering at a doggy day spar where they can get groomed, nails trimmed and a massage along with some relaxing music that will help them to feel calm.
8. Spend time cuddling
What could be better and as long as your pet feels up to it, spend the day cuddling and sharing in their warmth and scent.
Absorb everything and enjoy the moment so that you'll have a memory of this special time you spent together. You may want to add in some belly rubs, and toe tickles just for the fun of it, if of course your dog enjoys being petted and rubbed.
9. Maybe arrange to have a home euthanasia
Having to drive your dog to the vet to get euthanized is a very emotional one. The last thing you'd want for your beloved pet is to add more stress and to have them spend their final moments on a sterile metal table in a room filled with strangers.
Maybe arrange for your vet to do a home visit so that your pet's last day is spent in the comfort and peace surrounded by love, and the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of home. Remember to stay in the room with them until the end as they would do for you.
10. Surround yourself with loving support
Surround yourself with the loving support of those who'll understand how you feel. Comforting our dogs until the end is one of the last significant acts of kindness we can do for them. Your dog was a loving and loyal companion worthy of the best celebration of life you can give....
Conclusion
Well done on staying true, providing lots of love and a safe haven for your dog which, especially at the end, is not always an easy task. We hope that these tips make things a little bit easier on the heart….
Below are a few simple ways you can turn this day into a memorable one.
1. Make your dog as cozy and comfortable as possible
For a dog that's suffering and is in pain, one of the best things you can do for them is to leave them be in the comfort of their bed or yours. Consider adding extra layers of padding to make their space even more cozy and comfortable.
You may want to designate a special blanket just for them to use on their final days. Save it so you can have it later to wrap yourself in it whenever you need to feel them close after they're gone.
Consider keeping all of your dog's toys, bedding, leashes, and food bowls carefully stored away for a few months until you start coming out of your grief. Avoid the impulse to get rid of everything soon after they're gone.
2. Re-visit some of your favourite places
Most dogs recognize the sounds, smells, and routes of their favorite places. Plan for a day of fun by going to all of your dog's unique hangouts for one last visit. If your dog cannot walk on their own anymore, borrow a pull wagon to bring them from one fun spot to the next. Spend quality time with them at all of their special places around town with plenty of treats in between.
3. Print some paw or nose prints made
One unique way for you and your pet to spend your last day together is by getting paw or nose prints made. You can later turn these imprints into a unique piece of jewellery or artwork that you will cherish for a lifetime.
You can visit a craft store together to gather the supplies and spend the day at the park doing arts and crafts with your canine friend. You'll not only be creating a lasting memory of your last outing together, but you'll also have a memento of a part of their DNA.
4. Prepare a favourite meal
Always be aware of any special dietary restrictions you should know about and of course follow this…however on this day all rules go out the window. It’s time to indulge in every yummy greasy food without worrying about diet.
Do not let them overindulge though, as it may make them sick to their stomach. You'll want to avoid having your dog throw up with any medication the vet plans on administering.
5. Have a nice long talk
Trust has been such an important part of your relationship, and your dog trusts you with every decision you have to make, regardless of how painful it might be. Use some of this time now to talk to them about why you had to decide to put them down. Let them know how guilty it makes you feel and how much it hurts. This type of dialogue with your dog will help you release some of the stress you feel over having to euthanize.
6. Take some photos
Take lots of photos of their final adventures and consider putting an album together with captions about the moment to make it even more special.
7. Spoil your pooch
If it’s possible to move your dog around painlessly why not consider some pampering at a doggy day spar where they can get groomed, nails trimmed and a massage along with some relaxing music that will help them to feel calm.
8. Spend time cuddling
What could be better and as long as your pet feels up to it, spend the day cuddling and sharing in their warmth and scent.
Absorb everything and enjoy the moment so that you'll have a memory of this special time you spent together. You may want to add in some belly rubs, and toe tickles just for the fun of it, if of course your dog enjoys being petted and rubbed.
9. Maybe arrange to have a home euthanasia
Having to drive your dog to the vet to get euthanized is a very emotional one. The last thing you'd want for your beloved pet is to add more stress and to have them spend their final moments on a sterile metal table in a room filled with strangers.
Maybe arrange for your vet to do a home visit so that your pet's last day is spent in the comfort and peace surrounded by love, and the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of home. Remember to stay in the room with them until the end as they would do for you.
10. Surround yourself with loving support
Surround yourself with the loving support of those who'll understand how you feel. Comforting our dogs until the end is one of the last significant acts of kindness we can do for them. Your dog was a loving and loyal companion worthy of the best celebration of life you can give....
Conclusion
Well done on staying true, providing lots of love and a safe haven for your dog which, especially at the end, is not always an easy task. We hope that these tips make things a little bit easier on the heart….
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