Time to put the dog down :(

[gsdx]

Sam is almost 15 years old now. Three years ago, she was hit by a van and her right foreleg was run over and literally crushed. She survived with the help of a wonderful and carring vet, but she had also been developing arthritis in her hind quarters. She's been getting daily treatments of Omega-3 and gloucosamine and, lately, Tylenol has been added to the mix to help keep her comfortable.

She started having more trouble on Saturday and, by Sunday morning, he left hind leg simply stopped working. She couldn't stand without assistance and, when she walked, her hind legs would simply collapse beneath her.

She has been a wonderful companion, but I think it is time to let her go.

Unfortunately, she is not my dog. She belongs to my roommate and he has been out on an alcoholic bender since Friday and finally dragged his ass home at 3:50 AM this morning.

It is ultimately his decision to make and his responsibility to take care of it. I just hope he can stay sober enough to do it.

I love Sam to death, but I can't stand to see her suffering like this. It is time to let her go. (Her picture is below.)

 

[NameTaken]

That's so sad. I'm sorry to hear that.

 

[Lube]

Sorry to hear about that, Neil. I lost my cat of 15 years last summer, and it was very depressing. I still think about him a lot.

Maybe it will makes sense for you to get a dog now, so you'll have control over how it gets taken care of.

That may be one good thing that comes out of this.

 

[pkacrotjs]

Neil:
Regardless of ownership, loss of a family member can be difficult--she lived with you, she's family. I've been gone for several weeks, and am sad to have this be the first post I read, but know that there are others here along with me who will be keeping you in their thoughts.
peace,
pk

 

[blackbeltninja]

Sad news.

-d-

 

[gmoney]

Neil, I just read about this in your story thread. I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I know this is your roomate's dog, but if he's unable to do what's necessary, I hope you take control of what's needed. I know this is hard as I have been there. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Gary

 

[gsdx]

As much as I hate it for the loss you will feel for the beautiful friend, I'm more saddened by the circumstance of you having a roommate who is depressed regularly, and therefore somewhat depressing.

He is sober now, but obviously hung over. I have cared for Sam these past 12 years, feeding her and, as of late, giving her the pills mainly because I cannot trust her master to do so.

I take care of her, but he is still the one who she sits and waits patiently for him to come home. He has known this problem has been coming and has threatened to 'put her down' for all the wrong reasons (like him leaving me to care for her for a week and a half and me complaining that he has no right to do that just so he can be drunk all the time.)

Now, there is a valid reason for him to do it and it is up to him to do it.

He doesn't drive. I do. I could borrow a car and take her, but I don't think I would be in any condition to drive home afterward. He is going to have to find someone a little less 'attached' and emotional.

 

[Rand]

I can not put myself in your situation to fully share the pain, but I know their is pain. I hope you find comfort.

 

[SJB69]

She is beautiful!! So sorry to hear about your predicament...throw that lousy drunk in a cold shower and make him take her...the saddest part is her suffering while he indulges.
We lost our "Theo" last summer before we moved and it was the hardest thing...12 long years with us! He was no ordinary pet...he touched everyone that knew him.

 

[sunshinesteve]

That is so sad, i feel for you and your roommate, try not to beat up on him for being drunk at this time, people deal with things in different ways. Send her off with beautiful wishes.
My thoughts are with you
Steve

 

[momp57]

I'm sorry!

"He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog." - Gene Hill

 

[rogerdale]

my first post
i know how hard this is to do.
i have had to put down two of my pets, Tina and Ginger, they were small poddles and the love of my life..
the trip home from the vet was so bad, but i knew i had to do it.
Time does help but you will never forget and still tears come up and its been 2 years for one and 1 year for the other..

 

[TriBi]

Neil,

I was going to say "I think I totally agree with what Hard_Up said (wise man that he is)...but you answered his post anyway.

I hope things turn out for the best.

I do not have a dog (living in an apartment, it isn't practical) but regularly walk my best mate's dog (who goes nuts every time he sees me!) and also care for him when they go away. I just know I would be devastated if anything ever happened to him. Dogs are very special creatures.

 

[Elwood]

I am sorry to hear the sad news.

 

[spooger]

i've had the responsibility of putting down several of my pets over the years....the biggest heartbreak of having them....other than an untimely demise...

Sam is a beautiful dog....a friend of mine has 7 white shepherds....which ALL live inside the house with him and his wife....NUTS.....i'm one of his only friends who can/will visit with them and actually sit in the living room with all the doggy testosterone in the air....

it's unfortunate that your roommate is a drinker.....but if you "have cared for Sam these past 12 years, feeding her and, as of late, giving her the pills..."...it's unlikely that you will ask your roomie to leave...but is it too late to ask him to sober up?

you have my deepest sympathy for Sam and her situation....and i wish you strength to continue to accommodate your friend and roomie....

 

[gsdx]

my first post
i know how hard this is to do.
i have had to put down two of my pets, Tina and Ginger, they were small poddles and the love of my life..

I am deeply honoured, Roger, that you saved your first post for me. Thank you.

I've had to part from other 'friends' at other times, and I don't handle it very well. When Sam was hit by the van, I was a mess. It was an untimely event as well, happening on the last day of June and the day before our Canada Day long weekend. Sam was alone in the hospital from Friday until Tuesday before the doctor could get in to see her. My only solace was that she was so doped up she didn't know where she was or what had happened.

I have been expecting this moment and anticipating it, and that makes it easier, I suppose, but still. . .

 

[StlKj]

gsdx,

As heart-breaking as it is to consider losing such a loving and beautiful animal, I'm glad you're there to help her through it. It sounds like her quality of life would have been far less if you had not been there to take care of her all this time, nor would she have had the kind of care and love she obviously needs here at the end that only you can provide.

My sympathies and thoughts go out to you.

 

[ronboy]

Neil, my sympathies go out to you.....

 

[Lefty]

neil,

your last post re SAM was sad...this one is emotionally overwhelming.

if that owner, i can't consider him the dogs friend or companion, is not capable of taking care of SAM's needs now you need to "gird" your loins and do the right thing. she is suffering and i would assume incontinent as well. this is not a show of respect for a beloved friend.

my deepest empathy is with you. i have had to ease 4 beloved pets (3 dogs, 1 cat) in my time and when this last damn cats' time comes will have no more.

my thoughts are with you and here is a hug for sam

 

[phoneguy2]

neil,

I am so sorry to hear this news about Sam.

My thoughts are with you during this trying time.

Wally