My dear old dog is dying...

[mojoe54]

My dear old dog is dying tonight-- he has cancer and has been declining rapidly, and my bf and I have decided that tomorrow is the day to euthanise him. He is having trouble breathing, and I fear that we have waited too long-- if he's still alive tomorrow we will do what we have to do. My conscience is torn--did I wait too long? He ate (hand-fed steak) a little bit today and drank a little bit of water, but the writing is on the wall. Tonight he is having a good deal of trouble breathing, and I can't stand to see him suffer. My bf can't deal with it, so we both got a little tipsy and he went to bed. Now I am wide awake and think I will be until the morning , when we will take him to the vet and send him to doggie heaven. He has been my constant companion for the past 13 years, so I am quite bereft. I have had a lot of death to deal with in the past few years( family and friends) but in some ways this is the hardest o deal with.

 

[SilverRRCloud]

I was only 20 when my wonderful German shepard (11 years) got hit by a car. She was going thru terrible pain and suffering and we had to euthanize her.

It did break my heart and I have never had a dog ever since.

I'll get one again, once I fully retire.

Hugs to you and your parting companion.

SC

 

[jft245]

Having been a dog owner in the past I know exactly how you feel. Every time I had to have one of my beloved pets put down I always beat myself up over the fact that I waited to long. I am going thru the same thing right now with a friend whose old pup is diabetic and wont let him give him his insulin shots anymore. My friend dosent want to see the dog suffer from the problems that diabetics suffer from(blindness, kidney problems etc.) and is trying to decide if the time is right to put the dog down.

Do it knowing that you gave your old friend a good home and a good life and he gave you love with no strings attached.

 

[TriBi]

Yes - it's all about "unconditional love" with dogs.

I sympathise...but just remember you are still giving him love - by allowing him to pass with dignity and without protracted suffering (something you couldn't do for a family member/loved one).

 

[sissyboy]

It sucks, no other way to put it. Been there. Had to have my 13 year old kitty Pugsley put to sleep a couple of months ago, about 2 months after his mama (Lilith , 16 years) had died. It about killed me but I know that I did the right thing. I've lost friends, I've lost family...but other than losing my Mom, losing Pugsley was the worst. Heartfelt sympathy and condolences from me and the boyfriend.

 

[mojoe54]

Thank you, guys-- I don't seem to be able to stop crying tonight-- It's so hard to lose that unconditional love-- I know what you mean,Sissyboy--besides losing my Mom, this is definitely the worst. I know I'll get over it, but right now the sadness overwhelms me.

 

[sissyboy]

Thank you, guys-- I don't seem to be able to stop crying tonight-- It's so hard to lose that unconditional love-- I know what you mean,Sissyboy--besides losing my Mom, this is definitely the worst. I know I'll get over it, but right now the sadness overwhelms me.

Go ahead and cry. We moved an old computer out to my workshop the other night and when we booted it up, I found some old forgotten pictures of Pugsley and Lilith. I bawled like a baby.

 

[randyreese]

The hardest thing that I have ever done is saying goodbye to my many long haird daschunds over the years. Each time I found myself thinking about me only and the hurt I would feel; however, when I focused on the struggle each was having to stay alive, the decision was made. You are right to euthanize your pet when just day to day living for them is stressful. I will be thinking about you and your bf today - be there for each other and don't be afraid to cry. It will help. I know it's painful but it has to be done.

 

[Orlandude]

Bootyboi....I'm sorry. it is never easy to deal with these things but you must. You can only look at this one way. You gave that dog 13 years that he may have never had were it not for you. In return, he gave you 13 years of companionship and joy. In the same, gentle way that you cuddled him when you met, you must, in the same way, say goodbye for now. It is his time and I believe animals know when it's their time. In dog years, he is 91 years old. He could want nothing more than for you to be there to see him off. He impacted your life, you will never forget him and, in that sense, he will never really go away...

 

[Aussieguy01]

I am so sorry about the situation , it's so hard when it comes to making a decision like that . I was upset for a long time after my cat had to be put down , we were born very close to each other and we grew up together , it was so hard to say goodbye, as i could imagne it was for you , the last memory of my cat was her climbing up on my mother shoulder and not letting go when she was taken to the vet , and the look in her eyes , i still miss her so much but there will always be a special place in my heart for her. My condolences

 

[gsdx]

Having just gone through this 2 days ago, I know what you're dealing with.

 

[HaraKiri]

When my was terminally ill my worst was to not find the best moment for letting him go.

But the vet told me, that I would know, when time had come. And right she was.
Same with you and your decision - your decision was the right one.

And when you will have taken him to the vet - please stay with him until the end.

 

[lukylok]

Yes - it's all about "unconditional love" with dogs.

I sympathise...but just remember you are still giving him love - by allowing him to pass with dignity and without protracted suffering (something you couldn't do for a family member/loved one).

And it is a shame that in most countries you cannot give to your nearest and dearest the same relief which is allowed to animals.

 

[valle12tom]

Oh my. I can so identify. My dog is 12 years old and is having a hard time of it but I just love him so much. He is such a great friend and still always glad to see me when I come home no matter what mood I am in he is always wagging his tail.

He is going blind and almost deaf and the arthritis in his back legs makes it hard to get up and down and he is sleeping lots and lots but at times he can still dance around and twirl circles for his treat and throw his bone in the air and dance around the living room.

So I know his day is coming but I am trying to enjoy it while I can. A good friend just had to put hers down and it was sooooo freaking hard but for the best.

peace even in this hard time

 

[herenthere]

I think many of us have gone thru what your dealing with.
I lost my little bit 6 months ago, and yes, it was one of the hardest things I have ever gone thru.

Stay strong, focus on the wonderfull life you gave your little dog, and relive in your memory some of your favorite memories.

Peace to you......

 

[Lube]

I had to get my 12 year cat put down due to failed kindneys. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do but it was the best thing I could do for my pet.

Yeah, me too. It was very sad.

But I learned an important lesson--don't wait too long. We really should have put him down a week earlier, but the wife insisted we wait. He was really in pretty bad shape and I doubt even recognized me anymore.

I think I'm sadder at his death than I am about my divorce. Weird.

 

[agj25us]

It's been over a year since I had to put my two kids to sleep - because they were failing so bad.....
GO to www.petloss.com
The people at that site helped me SO MUCH.......
There are a lot of beautiful dreams. poems, stories and a GREAT Chat Room with a lot of voices of experience.
If you knew this, or someone else suggested it, please excuse me but I really couldn't read your whole thread....

 

[redhenry]

It's a tough decision, dude, but the right one if your furry friend is in pain or discomfort. Remember all the good things and know that your dog had 13 years of life with someone who clearly loves him and cares!

T