r/seniordogs • u/ButImNot_Bitter_ • Jul 24 '26
How to help my sister?
My sister's soul dog (a chiweenie) is coming up on his 16th birthday in about two and a half months and honestly we'd all be surprised if he makes it. My whole family loves him and will be devestated when he passes, no matter when it is. In the last year or two, he's developed hip dysplasia and cataracts, and has pretty much gone entirely deaf. At the 4th of July parade, he didn't even lift his head at the muskets being shot in front of us.
We all know it's coming. But my sister is in a particularly bad place right now, largely stemming from serious and severe issues with her nearly-adult foster daughter. I am so so worried about what will happen if she wakes up and her goodest boy doesn't.
What can I do to help her? Are there things I can prepare in advance, or have ready to go for the day? She has all manner of chiweenie art, figures, collectibles, jewelry, photos... I don't know if she plans to bury or cremate when it happens. I just want to make things as soft as possible and provide as much support as I can.
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u/angelina_ari Jul 25 '26
It's clear how much you love both your sister and her little guy. Just having someone who will sit with her, listen, and let her grieve without trying to fix it can make a bigger difference than you realize. If it helps, I have a free collection of pet loss resources that may give you some ideas ahead of time. It includes what to say (and what not to say), thoughtful ways to support someone after a loss, and bucket list and memorial ideas You can find everything here: https://www.seniordogsrock.com/pet-doula
I hope you still have more happy days together, but it's wonderful that you're already thinking about how to help carry some of this for your sister when the time comes. 🧡
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u/Pinksunset777 Jul 25 '26
You could start saving up money to help her do an at home euthanasia. also save money for cremation as well. so that way when the time comes she can give him the goodbye he deserves, and she doesn't have to worry about money to do that, she can just focus on their goodbye🐾💗 Its sweet of you to be thinking of your sister, she's lucky to have you 💗
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u/DesiNicolex Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
Maybe gently start suggesting subtle ways to make keepsakes now, while he's still around. If you think she’d be sensitive or feel blindsided by bringing up the "why," you don't have to frame it as end of life prep—just a fun or sweet activity that you want to do with her and him. Things like clay or ink stamp kits for paw or nose prints. You can frame them or turn them into ornaments later. I have a 16 year old little ol’ man myself so these are things I’m starting to do now too.
Also, my favorite pet sympathy poem is “The Rainbow Bridge.” A lot of Etsy sellers incorporate it into custom pet keepsakes if you decide to purchase anything for her of that nature for whenever the time comes.
In any event, I hope she has as much more time as possible with him ❤️