OK, my two cents now...and I don't intend this to offend, put down, or "correct" anyone else.
These are just some things I've realized through my own dealings with depression.

Everyone gets depressed over one thing or another. But not everyone has a depressive disorder. A person stuck in a chronic depression, depressive episode, or spiraling deeper into depression is not going to go get help on their own.

because...
You don't even realize that you are depressed - the entire world becomes bleak, unchanging, morbid, and everything becomes overwhelming to deal with....including relationships to people around you & things you used to care about. (been there, done that). each time you lose something you loved, it just gets worse. It really takes the effort of people who care about you, to help you get help.

There are many forms of depression. Some are situational, and after a while they lessen, so maybe hobbies & such to help one refocus will be enough to bring someone out of that kind of depression.

Then there is depression caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. No hobby is ever going to resolve this problem. There are many medications that help your body regain balance. Sometimes it takes a while for doctors to figure out what will work best for that person. It's important not to give up.

My family has a long history of depression, and I personally feel blessed to live in an age when depression is better understood. We've had family institutionalized for decades, suicides & attempted suicides, and a whole parcel of what used to be termed "crazy" behaviors over the generations.


It really bothers me when PTers get rude, insulting, abrasive & start posting back & forth biting commentary. This thread is about two people who loved their pet just as much as we love ours. We'll never know what else they were dealing with that would push them into such a sad ending.

RIP, Puppy, and Mr. & Mrs. I pray your families may find a way to come to peace with your decision.