Saying goodbye to a beloved dog is one of the hardest decisions a pet owner can face. Sometimes, chronic illness, injury, or age-related suffering leaves euthanasia as the kindest option.
But while the decision is painful, the way we handle those final moments can make a world of difference to our pets.
Sadly, many dogs spend their last moments alone. Some owners drop their pets off at the vet, say a quick goodbye, and leave before the procedure, leaving the animal frightened and confused in an unfamiliar place.
What’s behind it, we can only guess —but now, a veterinary technician is fed up with pet owners abandoning their animals in their final moments.
One veterinary worker, Reddit user u/rescuemum, shared her heartfelt plea on Reddit, urging owners to stay with their pets through euthanasia.
“I’m sick of people dropping their dogs off to be euthanized. It might be hard to say goodbye but it’s hell for them. They already don’t like the vet, they’re confused, they’re scared, they’re sad and they’re looking for YOU when they take their last breath,” she wrote.
She explained that while veterinarians and staff do everything they can to comfort pets, “I can do my best to provide them as much love and comfort as I humanly can,” she said, “but ultimately, nothing can replace the love of their owner, especially not a stranger.”
The vet shared a story that broke her heart.
“Today a lady dropped off her 13-year-old dog to be put to sleep after I told her we didn’t have a vet in clinic as she was on farm calls all day. She insisted on leaving her there at 9 a.m., knowing that our vet wouldn’t be back until well after 6 p.m. She was too busy to bring her back later, so she left her sweet girl to be alone all day before dying.”
During that long day, the vet stayed with the dog, taking her for a short walk and even buying her a cheeseburger and a donut for her last meal. She laid on the ground, cuddling the dog, but the animal refused comfort from a stranger.
She said, “I kissed her and told her she was a good girl while she crossed the rainbow bridge, but her eyes never stopped looking for her family. Dogs know what’s happening, don’t do this to them. Be there when they cross that bridge. It won’t kill you, I promise.”
Many readers were deeply moved by her story.
One person wrote, “I am bawling right now. This is why I can’t have another dog. I couldn’t go through watching them die and admitting I love them more than most humans.”
Another shared their own experience: “My parents did this with our dog. They couldn’t stay in the room because they didn’t want to see it, so I was the only one who stayed with him. It was sad as f**k but I’m so glad I was there to hold his paw as he passed on.”
A third commented, “Ugh, that breaks my heart. Thank you for being there for that sweet girl.”
It’s a heartbreaking reminder that while saying goodbye is difficult, being there for your pet in their final moments is the greatest gift you can give.
They don’t just need medical care — they need your love, your presence, and your comfort as they make their final journey.
