Death of a Pet

[melissasusan]

I recently euthanized my 8 year old dog. He got sick over Christmas and, after some testing, we discovered he had Lymphoma. I have worked in Animal hospitals over the past 14 years and worked at the Veterinary Cancer Specialists in Denver, CO. I always told myself I wouldn't do chemo on my pet - it works, but its so expensive and they go through so many bad days just for an extra year or so on this Earth. When he stopped walking, I took him in right away. I buried my head in his and told him I'd see him 'later alligator' (something I always told him whenever I left him) as he passed.
3 days after he passed, I had a dream that I had euthanized him, but he came back to life. He stood up, wagged his tail and had a twinkle in his eye. He ran away from me - tail up, tongue out. He looked so perfect and happy as he ran from me. Does this dream mean he's in Heaven, perfect and happy, waiting for me?

[starreborn]

i'm sorry to hear about you loss. i've been there a couple times, so i know how you feel.

personally, i think your dream is about you coming to terms with your decision to euthanize your dog. his running away from you is symbolic of his passing/leaving you.

his happy demeanor could refer to a couple things. it could simply be a reflection of your beliefs that your dog is in a better, happier place, free of pain, and/or you are trying to reassure yourself that you did the right thing for him.

on the flip side, it could also represent regret. many people, after making the decision to euthanize a pet, often struggle with their decisions on the timing of euthanasia. some people feel like they may have made the decision a little too early, that their pet could have had some quality time left. however, based on the info you provided, i am thinking this isn't the case. it could still refer to feelings about letting him go too early (given that he was only 8 years old), that he was too young to go and should have had at least a couple more years of happy, quality time with you.

again, i am sorry for your loss.