So i write this because i cant sleep. Yesterday we put my dog down. It was one of the hardest experiences I’ve had to do since the passing of my grandfather. He was by my side for 11yrs. This is something i have never in my life done well with. Talking to people about it and i told a friend of mine who i used to drink with that for whatever reason i dont have the interest on drinking like whatsoever. Maybe subconsciously its the years of guilt catching up to me for my asinine behavior when i was drunk. He too has said that before he put his dog down he hasnt had a drink nor after. Has anyone else felt like this that maybe it takes something traumatic to finally help you in your goal of sobriety or just make you lose interest in drugs and alcohol.
I got sober because i was sick of being sick over the decades ive had to put down family pets who were loved by us all gave them a cuddle and said goodbye im the only one in our household who does this my wife and sons couldnt face it , wish you well
Firstly, I just want to say that Im truly sorry to hear about your dog. A dog isn’t just a dog, it’s a friend, a family member. I’m sorry for your loss 
You asked if anything really turned people off drink, and similarly enough, it was grief and trauma for me too. Both of my parents died at the ages of 62. My mother suddenly from aortic dissection, I have PTSD from what happened that day. Closely followed by my father’s terminal cancer diagnosis 2 years later. He died about two weeks after my daughter was born.
What happened to my parents has mentally scarred me for life. I’m terrified for my health. Not in a selfish way, I’m actually very scared of dying at their ages or younger, because I will leave my kids behind while they are still too young and still in need of guidance in this world. I’ve made it my life’s mission to improve my health in every way, that meant giving up drink and being irresponsible about my health.
There’s not much I can say to ease the pain of the loss of your dog, but I hope it eases soon. You’re thinking the right way, drink wouldn’t fix a thing. Well done on your sobriety, you’re doing so well 
I’m sorry about your dog, Matthew. It’s hard losing such a valuable friend. What you said about traumatic events makes sense to me. Such events become a turning point, or a moment when we gain new perspectives. Wishing you well.
Okay, it’s been the opposite for me. My grandpa passed and my grandma betrayed me afterwards because I was the POA of his estate. It’s been hard for me and find myself diverting back to picking up a drink. I try to stop, even got an antabuse. Only to stop taking it to be able to pick up that 1st drink. I need to get back to meetings and get a sponsor. 
You have as your sober date June 12, 2023. Pardon the bluntness of my comment but you are not even past acute withdrawal. Recovery is more than “being sober”, it is working an established, proven recovery program every day of the rest of your life. You have not demonstrated you are doing it at this stage. True recovery requires the person to undergo a “psychic change” that is not brought about by a death of a four or two legged family member.
I have had to put down three Dalmatians. One at age 14, the other two were 17 years old. We have a saying in the Dalmatian world: “If it’s not a Dalmatian, it’s just a dog”. They are special animals that cause so much attraction and emotional attachment of their human family members that losing them is very traumatic. But this is not an event that cures you of alcoholism or drug addiction. Nor can it be blamed for relapse. One event of emotional trauma does not trigger sudden cure of your disease nor does it remove the obsession to drink or use. Only working an established, proven recovery program which includes reliance on some power greater than yourself will cause the psychic change necessary to recover and avoid relapse.
I am very sorry for your loss. It truly is hard to lose a dog, there is nothing else like that experience. And you will probably have to go through it again at least once.
I am sorry about your dog. Making that decision is such a personal and challenging part of life, and a loving responsibility we owe our dear 4 legged friends.
I can see how a traumatic experience, as this has been for you, can help shift our mindset. Many people find the trauma of a ‘rock bottom’ experience propels them to change. Perhaps for you this is such a turning point.
There are many avenues and ways to nuture and grow our recovery and solidify our sobriety. Some people find community support in groups, others in forums such as this or other online groups. Sounds like you have a friend to talk with about sobriety and feelings and that is a positive.
First of all, I am so very sorry for your loss. As far as the traumatic question you posed. I think most of us had something traumatic that made us finally desire sobriety. That trauma might be different for everyone…however, something triggered to us that we were done.
I’m sorry about your dog, I know how hard that is to deal with. What I can say about this is that in sobriety the grieving process is more efficient and complete. I “drank away deaths”, lots of them and they were all waiting for me when I sobered up. Sobriety is hard in the beginning, but everything about life is so much easier after it’s achieved. Best wishes and hugs to you.
One last thing… there are plenty of ways to achieve and maintain recovery. I’ve seen it first hand and here over the years. Find what works for you and keep doing it.
@Mbernhart sorry for your lost. Dogs are special. Difficult experiences are always turning points and could be a trap or a gift. We choose