A vet has shared the 12 words that really “got him” as he euthanised a three-legged dog.
Pet euthanasia occurs for a multitude of reasons but is typically performed in a bid to stop an animal from suffering. This could be due to inoperable diseases and other terminal illnesses, or the side effects of a serious injury.
It can also take place when a pet’s old age is negatively affecting their health and quality of life, or they’re in constant pain and unable to take part in essential activities like eating and drinking, or even moving around comfortably.
Deciding to get a pet is a very rewarding experience, with animals typically bringing a lot of joy to their owners. All pets require constant care and attention, so opening your home to one isn’t a decision to be taken lightly or rushed into.
Of course, when a pet’s life comes to an end, it can be an incredibly painful and distressing experience – they quickly establish themselves as part of the family and it can be difficult to process an immediate future that doesn’t have them in it.
As part of the research process, many prospective pet owners turn to social media looking for insight on what to expect from life with an animal. Thankfully, many owners and professionals like vets are keen to share their lived experience with the masses.
Vet Dr Amir Anwary recently took to TikTok to share a touching exchange that occurred when he euthanised a three-legged dog.
The veterinarian has amassed an army of hundreds of thousands of followers on the hit video sharing platform, thanks to his regular uploads in which he offers his expert opinion, personal stories from his life as a working vet, as well as many tips for animal care and ownership.
In a recent post, the vet shared he had recently put down a three-legged dog. The video didn’t show the beloved pet, it just showed the vet looking emotional as he reflected on the situation.
Over the top of the footage, he penned: “I just euthanised a three-legged dog and as the dog went to sleep, the owner said: ‘You can finally run on the beach with all your legs again.’”
In the caption accompanying the clip, the vet simply added: “This got me…” In the comments section, people were keen to share their thoughts and similarly touching experiences.
One person said: “When you have an old guy and he says to the dog ‘I’ll see you again very soon my sweet baby’ [sobbing emojis] like noooooooooo”.
Another said: “I remember I had an elderly client just sitting in the room after the euth. I asked if they needed anything. ‘My wife died and now her dog. I don’t have a home to go to anymore’. I broke.”
A third commented: “We just put down our 15-year-old girl. Her sister died 5 years ago. When she was getting the injection I was holding her and told her Gemma was waiting for her and to say hi for me. I’m broken.”
And someone else added: “I died the day my dog died… coming back home with her collar was absolutely soul destroying…”
