I have a 16-year-old German Sheperd, Isaac, who is absolutely wonderful, very sweet and mellow, but he's had bad hip problems for a while now. It's gotten to the point where he can't even walk, and we have to use absorbent pads under him every night so if he has an accident, it doesn't get all over his bed.

Well, he's not even trying to get up to do his business anymore, so the pads are getting a workout. And last night I had a meltdown and basically told my mom that it was okay if we had him put down (something we've discussed before.) I've been crying all morning, and I feel like once he's gone, I'll never be happy again. We've had him in the family since I was eight!!

We have two other Sheperds who I also love dearly, but I don't know how they'll take it when we finally take Isaac to our vet and have him put to sleep. How do you make it clear to other dogs that their friend won't be around anymore? I don't want them getting paranoid and thinking they'll be next! (They're both fairly young and very healthy.)

Please, I just...I need a little advice about how to help other pets deal with a death, and the reassurance that I will NOT be crying like this every day from now on. I'll be relieved that poor Isaac is finally, FINALLY at peace, but the physical absence of him will be so hard.

wow that's nice congratulations to you for having isaac..

Dear ShepherdsRule,

I am so sorry for your soon to be loss. I, myself, have recently lost a family member of mine, he was a cat named Dollar.

In my opinion, nothing but time will be able to heal the emotional and physical absence of your family member, but just remember that you have two other pack members with you who love you so much and look to you for guidance.

As to explaining to your dogs, don't. They don't need explaining, they already know. They are so in tune to you and your feelings and energy, they will know when you are down, and they will know when one of them is gone. They might mourn with you, but don't treat them any different. They will be beside you the whole time. When you are over the experience, so will they be. That's one of the best things of owning a dog. You never have to use words to communicate with them. They feel what you feel.

Keep us updated on how you are doing and how your family is doing.

Awww... sorry for your loss.. better to spend more time with your other dog..

awww im sooo sorry i deff kno what its like to lose something so dear to you.. i had a dal for 16.5 yrs...it will be 3 yrs comin up new yr eve morning..i had to carry him who was 45 lbs...just recently my mother in law put her dog down...all you can really do is remember the good times u had and be happy your lil furbaby isnt hurting anymore...and he'll be free of his hurting body..thats what i told myself..and my mom....he woundlnt want u to be sad...he would want you to be happy and celebrate his life..i hope you and ur family dogs included will be ok..again i am so sorry for your pain...hugs your way =(

It's so hard to make the decision......we all wish that they will go peacefully in their sleep but it's rarely that easy.
I lost my little girl a couple of days ago - she was almost 17years old, has been my constant companion and my closest friend. She's never questioned my love nor I hers in turn and we both fought so hard for one another right to the end.
Everyone said that I'd know and I did.
Up until recently she still had quality of life and we managed her joint pain with medication successfully. At the point that it was obvious that she couldn't fight it anymore (but would've done for me) I knew I had to tell her it was ok to go.
It is the hardest thing I've ever done and I'm heartbroken but I know it was right.
Don't risk your little one being in prolonged pain. Don't worry about the younger ones - they DO know and understand. They will be with you through it and when you get through to the other side of it. I'm not there yet but I know it will come.
My thoughts are with you.