Having to say goodbye to a dog is extremely painful - and is enough to put an owner off getting another because the loss is too great.
A woman has shared her surprise after receiving a heartwarming card from her vets after having to put down her pug, Tinker, who was suffering with congestive heart failure.
Struggling to grieve the loss of her special dog, the woman posted her vet's touching message on Reddit, with the caption: "The vet sent us a letter expressing their condolences".
It came alongside a poem with her dog's paw prints painted at the bottom and a small bag filled with Tinker's golden brown fur.
Inside the card, the veterinary team shared their sympathies.
One note read: "My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time, Tinker was a good girl and she will always be loved and never forgotten."
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Another read: "I am very sorry for your loss of sweet Tinker. She was a lovely member of your family that was loved and will be missed."
A third read: "Tinker was such a sweet baby with the sweetest kisses and wiggly tail. I know it was not easy to say goodbye but it's only a see you later. Be encouraged that you gave her the best life and all the love in the world."
Trying to bring the woman comfort during this difficult period, the team included a touching poem from an unknown author about grieving a loved one.
It reads: "If it should be that I grow weak and pain should keep me from my sleep. Then you must do what must be done, for this last battle cannot.
"You will be sad, I understand. Don't let your grief then stay your hand. For this day more than all the rest, your love for me must stand the test.
"We've had so many happy years, what is to come can hold no fears. You'd not want me to suffer so. The time has come, please let me go.
"Take me where my needs they'll tend and please stay with me until the end. Hold me firm and speak to me, until my eyes no longer see.
"I know in time that you will see, the kindness that you did for me. Although my tail its Last has waved, from pain and suffering I've been saved.
"Please do not grieve it must be you who had this painful thing to do. We've been so close, we two, these years. Don't Let your heart hold back its tears."
While most users praised the team for their thoughtful letter, others shared their own experiences of having to have their pet put to sleep in the vet's room.
One user said: "I’m a grown man and I’m literally crying reading that kind card you shared here. We had to let go of one of our dogs a year ago due to cancer. It was the hardest thing to do. Hugs to you and Tinker."
Another user added: "This is so touching, we put our old guy to sleep recently and my husband really struggled with the decision to do so but knew it was for the best. I’ll share this poem with him, thank you for sharing. Your sweet girl is watching over you!"
A third user said: "That was so thoughtful of your vet. When I had to put down my Maltese, the vet send me a card that let me know a tree was planted and dedicated to my dog. I cried!"
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
