Emotional Moment Family Sends Off Senior Dog
A family has taken to social media to showcase the emotional yet beautiful way they said goodbye to their beloved senior dog, set to be euthanized after a long-time battle with brain tumor.
Diagnosed with a brain tumor in January and facing her final days, the dog, Marley’s family prioritized her comfort and well-being in her final days, throwing a special send-off filled with love and delicious food in her honor.
The video of the event shared on TikTok under the username @thekittyandmarley depicts Marley, surrounded by her loved ones, enjoying a feast of her favorite foods.
“Marley had a bite of chocolate,’ the overlaid text reads. “And a picnic outside before we said goodbye. She had steak, ice cream, cheese, cheeseburgers, raisin bread and her favorite: hot dogs and hard boiled eggs. She filled her belly, rolled in the grass and basked in the sunshine. It was a perfect send off.”
The family’s difficult decision to euthanize Marley came after her health deteriorated significantly. The tumor caused her cluster seizures and progressive neurological deficits, making it increasingly challenging for her to walk.
Though this wasn’t the first pet the family had lost, it was the first they had to say goodbye to through euthanasia at home.
Sharing their experience in the video caption, the owner reflected, “Marley isn’t the first pet we’ve said goodbye to, but she is the first pet we’ve had euthanized at home. It was perfect – she was so relaxed and we were able to celebrate her life and send her off peacefully.”
The caption further elaborates on the compassionate care Marley received. “The vet was patient, thoughtful, and understanding, especially with my young nieces, who wanted to be there as well. We made a ceramic paw print and let our other dogs say goodbye.”
“Marley didn’t have the best beginnings,” Marley owner revealed, “but I’m so thankful everything came together so she could have the best last day.”
The video has sparked a wave of emotions online, with viewers sharing their own stories of loss and offering words of comfort.
“I’m sorry for your loss I can feel your pain of a loss of family pet I lost my dog at a very young childhood age do to a tumor and she passed away I didn’t really understand why she left my side but I was also really young we unfortunately had to,” one user, Hayden Currie shared.
“She was such a good girl I’m glad things ended peacefully for her all dogs deserve to go happy and dignified just like humans heck they deserve it even more than us. I’m so sorry for your loss just,” another user, Izzyawesomegal shared.
According to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, every year, 390,000 dogs are euthanized often due to factors such as poor quality of life and behavioral issues. While these decisions are often difficult, they are sometimes necessary to alleviate suffering for the pet and its owner. Although euthanasia is a personal decision, pet owners are advised to do so in close consultation with a veterinarian.
@thekittyandmarley Marley isn’t the first pet we’ve said goodbye to but she is the first pet we’ve had euthanized at home. It was perfect – she was so relaxed and we were able to celebrate her life and send her off peacefully. The vet was patient, thoughtful, and understanding, especially with my young nieces, who wanted to be there as well. We made a ceramic paw print and let our other dogs say goodbye. Marley didn’t have the best beginnings but I’m so thankful everything came together so she could have the best last day. #homeeuthanasia #lastmeal #seniordog #dogmom #rainbowbridge ♬ Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
