My puppy died from illness. How to cope with guilt and grief?

Question

Hello, we had to say goodbye to our beloved 4 month old cockapoo Ned, He was ill for approximately 1 week the vet said he had meningitis Ned was not responding to the treatment and was in constant pain, the vet advised us it was not fair to keep him suffering and there was nothing more that could be done he was to sick. I feel so guilty like I’ve let him down and that he got sick because of something I did or didn’t do to keep him safe and I miss him terribly. Pet's info: Dog | Cockapoo | Male

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am so sorry you lost Ned, but you did the right thing. Meningitis happens in dogs just as it happens in children and adults and sometimes it is so severe that the affected people or dogs die. It happens. It is terrible, but it is not something you could have avoided. We have no vaccine for dog meningitis, so you would not have been able to protect him with a vaccine. He could have picked up the bug anywhere. There is no way you can keep a dog in a sterile bubble and protect him from everything. It would not be a good life for the dog either. You did everything possible to give him a good life, and you took care of him when he was ill. You went all out and you gave him your love. You did not let him down. He had far more love and care than most dogs in this world. Grieve for him and remember him. Some day another dog will find you and will deserve you. Thank you for being such nice doggie parents.

My puppy died from illness. How to cope with guilt and grief?

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