AITAH for putting my dog down myself because I couldn't afford the vet?

I (38M) recently had to make the hardest decision of my life about my dog, Buddy (12M). His health had been declining rapidly over the last year—he was in constant pain, barely able to walk, and the vet said euthanasia was the only option.

But when I asked about the cost, it was way more than I could afford. I live in a rural area, and even getting Buddy to the vet was physically challenging for me—I’m over 500 pounds and not in great health myself. My truck, a Ford Raptor, guzzles gas, and with prices these days, just the trip alone would have been a financial strain.

I know my priorities aren’t perfect. I have a bad habit of relying on junk food and soda for comfort, which doesn’t come cheap either. But it’s one of the few things that keeps me going, and I couldn’t see a way to cut back enough to afford the vet bill without breaking myself even more.

So, I made the decision to handle it myself. I took Buddy to his favorite spot in the woods, spent time with him, and then I shot him. It was quick, and I hope it was painless. Afterward, I brought him to the swamp and let him sink into the water.

I feel awful about it, but I didn’t see another option given my financial situation and physical limitations. I truly loved Buddy, and this was the best I could do for him with what I had. AITAH?

This is… a lot to unpack.

YTA for prioritizing your comforts over your dog’s humane treatment. The story feels fake, but if it’s real, it’s even worse. Next time, figure out how to save money where it matters.

Joss said:
YTA for prioritizing your comforts over your dog’s humane treatment. The story feels fake, but if it’s real, it’s even worse. Next time, figure out how to save money where it matters.

I get why you’re upset, but life’s complicated, man. I made a choice I could live with under my circumstances.

You drive a Raptor and claim you’re broke? Plus, $2 for a bullet? Was this a .50 cal? The math isn’t adding up.

Dru said:
You drive a Raptor and claim you’re broke? Plus, $2 for a bullet? Was this a .50 cal? The math isn’t adding up.

Poor guy turned into pink mist. I’ll never forget it. It’s not about the cost of the bullet—it’s about trying to do the best I could with what I had.

So you’re saying a 500-pound man waddled into the forest with a dog that couldn’t walk, shot him, and then managed to throw his body in a swamp? None of this sounds real.

Is this some kind of plot for a tragic movie? Because it sounds unreal.

Farmers have been doing this for years with old dogs, but your story is just all over the place. You drive a Raptor but couldn’t afford a humane euthanasia?

This can’t be real.

Vesper said:
This can’t be real.

It’s more real than you’d believe. Poverty forces you to make hard choices.

I’ve put down animals both with a vet and with a gun. Sometimes the gun is kinder. No painful trip, no strange smells or needles. It’s not an easy decision, but I get it.

Kim said:
I’ve put down animals both with a vet and with a gun. Sometimes the gun is kinder. No painful trip, no strange smells or needles. It’s not an easy decision, but I get it.

Thank you. That’s what I was trying to do—give Buddy peace in a way that didn’t add to his stress or pain.

You drive a Raptor, weigh 500 pounds, and couldn’t skip a few meals to save money for a vet? Come on.

Mai said:
You drive a Raptor, weigh 500 pounds, and couldn’t skip a few meals to save money for a vet? Come on.

What’s more humane: a stressful vet visit or a quick, peaceful death in a familiar place? I made the choice I thought was best for Buddy.

NTA. You did what you had to do. It’s not easy, but it’s not wrong either.

So finding someone to rehome Buddy wasn’t an option? You definitely could’ve handled this better. YTA.

There’s no easy way to say goodbye to a beloved pet. You did what you thought was best in the moment. Some folks might not understand, but I’ve been there.