View Full Version : Deciding when to put your dog down.
Was wondering how everyone has dealt with deciding when the time is the time with their dogs. My childhood dog it was apparent when he no longer could stand and was in so much pain and there was a lot of suffering leading up to it.
Things with charlies condition havnt been good. (German Shepherd, Perianal fistulas with recurring lesions and infection) He spent a few months doing pretty good with a new diet. Occasional nights whining a bit as he strained. But as of the last week things have reached a head. His sudden incontinence is on the rise, when he goes out to try and go, it's gone from just a quiet howling or whine when it was at it's worst before, to now it's a barking shriek that pretty much I'm guessing is waking the neighbors. Also losing appetite somewhat and losing weight. Wants to lounge around more.
The vet can go extreme with surgery including removing his tail though the CU vets didnt think surgery was a good option these days anymore. Pretty much the infection can be treated, and stuff given to encourage the lesions to heal. But his overall issue is going to be a constant recurring chronic thing as well as other complications. There are some expensive immunosuppresives that help but wont cure or completely prevent flare ups, just keep the inbetween flare ups more tolerable. Between the pain he's in, ongoing high expense (vs a one off 2k surgery), and extra care in the form of twice a day applications to his bum which is difficult when he's defensive of the area. I can't help but wonder if the better thing for him is to put him down? Or do I wait until his condition gets all the more worse and he's on his deathbed anyways like my parents did with my first dog. If it comes to it, has anyone had the courage to do it themselves vs paying a vet.
We are going to try gf's vet to see if they say anything different than CU, her idea since I believe in what CU said and matches with my own net research.
[thumb down1]
SouthPaw
05-29-2014, 16:07
If you were in his shoes, what would you want for yourself?
It sucks have to make that choice but from what you described it sounds like it is time. You always wonder if it is too soon. I will say that every dog we have put down after the initial emotions have passed; our family always agree it was time. Even with surgery it sounds like he will still be in pain and just prolonging what he has. It's all part of being a responsible pet owner. Good luck with your choice.
I have had to put down a few dogs and it is never easy and you always wonder if it's too soon. If he is in that much pain and is at the end of his life expectancy put him down. The best dog I ever had waited till we went on vacation to decided it was time. Poor dog sitter had to deal with watching the mobile vet come over and put her down. I could never bring myself to put down a family pet.
This took me a while to write as my emotions for my past dogs have come back.[Cry][Cry]
I wish surgery was a simple option that would fix things. I wouldnt mind dropping 3k on that.
Natural life expectancy? He's only 3. And that's why it's such a hard choice, he's also the best dog I've ever personally known. He alerts us to people hanging out out front, but every visitor he's instantly at ease. Goes to his chair when told, etc. Just a bit of a carpet muncher.
Great-Kazoo
05-29-2014, 16:43
I wish surgery was a simple option that would fix things. I wouldnt mind dropping 3k on that.
Natural life expectancy? He's only 3. And that's why it's such a hard choice, he's also the best dog I've ever personally known. He alerts us to people hanging out out front, but every visitor he's instantly at ease. Goes to his chair when told, etc. Just a bit of a carpet muncher.
Quality of life over quality of emotions. Not to sound harsh, however $3K can feed another pet AND provide a 40lb. bag or 2 for your local pet rescue. If the consensus regarding surgey is on par, do what's right for your friend. There's a person who comes to your house and puts them down. I know Jer has used them. When i worked at VTH i saw lots of positive reports from people who used them too.
BPTactical
05-29-2014, 16:48
Yup, quality of life.
When the animal is in pain, can't see, can't walk etc.
We decided it was time after we realized it was us not wanting to let our girl go and not letting her condition dictate what needed to be done. Ask yourself if its you that doesn't want to let her go, then its probably time to let her go. I know some what I consider some real tough, emotional and physically, guys that decided to put there dogs down themselves. They said they would rather kill a random person than put down their own pet ever again. My advice, let a professional do it, and stay with them till the end.
Part of my dillema is, aside from the emotional. (Which I think I can step away from, I know a 25k vet bill wouldnt be doable and I wouldnt grab the dog before a baby in a burning building kind of thing, but some random person in my yard hurting him and I would probably do enough to them to land myself in some trouble.) I just dont know that the quality of life border has been crossed. I'd say outside of when he randomly tries to shit, he's in great health. Doesnt act distressed, but on other hand with the weight loss and what not, does lead me to believe it's not exactly a long term situation to get by on.
I'll see what other vet says saturday, but wanted my sounding board here. Glad it's pretty much one sided and that I'm thinking along the right lines. I was fearing a bunch of you must sell your house to save the dog comments.
Do what's right for the dog.. not what's right for you.
Lots of us have been in your shoes.
BPTactical
05-29-2014, 17:44
Do what's right for the dog.. not what's right for you.
Lots of us have been in your shoes.
Well said, all too often we lose sight of what is best for our furry friends.
Well said, all too often we lose sight of what is best for our furry friends.
Agreed. Good luck to the OP.
Fentonite
05-29-2014, 18:21
Yeah, like Monky said, this isn't about you. I've been in your shoes more times than is healthy over the last few years, and it doesn't get any easier. See what the vet says. Most of my critters have told me when it's time, when the bad outweighs the good. You can see it. Trust your gut.
The worst regret I have, ever, is the one time I didn't listen and held on too long. Out of selfishness and grief, I made a loyal friend endure more suffering than necessary. I still feel that it was an ultimate betrayal. Don't make my mistake.
All of the above. We had to ease the suffering of our two dogs within about 6 months of each other, within the last 2 years.
It was a VERY DIFFICULT decision, but it was the right decision. They both still visit me in my dreams, in positive ways. That helps (but stirs up the emotions too). They are always their healthy, vibrant selves when they appear, and that is a blessing in itself.
Take a good hard look at the entire situation. You will know when the time has come.
Sorry you are going through this, and best of luck.
A good dog is a special gift, and deserves to be treated as such.
Sent via Mobile Work Avoidance Device
BPTactical
05-29-2014, 19:25
Jethro's point on selfishness is the key.
None of us want to put a pet down, face it they are a member of our family.
We want to keep them forever.
But we can't.
I sure didn't want to put down my beloved Huey kitty who had been my very best pal for 18 years.
But when I could tell he couldn't see, was confused and more than anything scared, we knew it was time.
And as I held him as the vet did what she needed to he looked up at me as if to say "It's OK Daddy".
As much as it hurt to let him go, I knew it was the right thing.
To do anything else would have been cruel and selfish.
Gotta go now allergies are acting up and I need to go say hi to him.
Tough stuff to go through, tears me up. Dogs are the second best beings on earth, after girls and WAY before cats,... most cats,...OK some cats. Don't hesitate to take the step if needed, dogs tend to cover up their pain/suffering.
I really like dogs and have had to 'part' with several, it is never easy on the human. Enjoy the times you have and had!
Ranger353
05-29-2014, 21:22
We had to put down our Golden Retriever (Mokai) just before Christmas. It is almost as bad as losing a family member, because they are family members. Dogs do a fantastic job of masking their pain and suffering from us. They don't want to disappoint us. Mokai could barely stand and walk. She had large tumors that showed up on the x-rays. The vet didn't know if they were cancerous or not but she was bleeding internally and she looked sick. If she could survive the surgery, she would have been all cut up and in great pain. She was too good a dog, too good a friend to make her suffer through all that with no guaranty on the outcome. We did what was right for the dog. The decision was a no brainer. We held her and petted her as she fell asleep and then stayed with her for a little while to make sure she was knew she was not alone.
We sure miss her.45413
newracer
05-29-2014, 21:44
I just recently went through almost the exact same thing. My GSD also had perianal fistulas. We had been controlling it pretty well with special food and topical steroids.
A little over two months ago she didn't eat anything for a few days. At first this was not thought to be abnormal as she would frequently skip meals. After about a week of not eating much I had our friend (our vet) come over to look at her. The diagnosis was constipation. The weather had been extremely cold so it was thought she had not been getting enough exercise to keep things moving properly. Started giving her a liquid laxative, which seemed to help some. Other than not eating she was acting perfectly normal, good energy, playful, etc.
After about another week she was eating even less. Got to the point where I had to start force feeding her a high caloric food. Then she became incontinent and would pee every time she sat or laid down. The diagnosis was a bladder infection. This went on for about another week. At this time she was still acting normal, following my kids around the yard and vacant lot next to our house and playing fetch (her favorite thing to do),
Then one Saturday she rapidly to get worse. She would go outside to pee and wouldn't come back in even though it was very cold and snowing. She started to be lethargic and was just laying all the time and wouldn't even drink water. I tired to force some water and food into her and she threw up. After that I decided to take her to the emergency room at the vet teaching hospital at CSU. I had to lift her into my truck. She could barely walk into the hospital and she collapsed just inside the doors. I had to pick her up onto a gurney. At this time I was just thinking she was very dehydrated and they would get her on an IV and all would be OK. They took her back while I filled out the paper work. Part of the admission you have to choose what extent you want them to go to if your dog needs life saving efforts. I chose moderate effort, CPR, ventilation, etc. As soon as I completed the paper work the resident Dr came out and said Gretchen was declining rapidly and she may arrest. Maybe 10-15 minutes later she came out again and said she did arrest but they were able to bring her back. They took me back to see her and told me I had a decision to make, she was on a ventilator and had an IV. They said dogs that arrest have serious issues and only a 6%-8% chance of walking out of the hospital. It was also very likely she would arrest again before they could even figure out what was going on. There really wasn't even a decision to make, I would not let her suffer. They got her stable, removed the ventilator, and brought her into a room so I could say goodbye. They administered the drugs and I held her until she was gone.
I still miss her dearly everyday.
For God's sake, don't put your pet down yourself, you'll hate yourself forever! If you do and it doesn't bother you, there's something wrong with ya.
These kind of stories break my heart, because I know I can't keep my beloved Beagles forever.
I can barely see the screen to type and I'm glad I didn't type this out earlier... Stupid allergies.
A few years back my dear friends had to put down their husky. She was bad. I knew her from the day they brought her home till the day she went to sleep for good. Long story short and because I hate my allergies.. She wasn't doing good. I went to see her. She hadn't moved in three days.. Wouldn't eat or drink.. I sat down where she was and she barely able to move came and sat in my lap.. I lost it. I spent 2 hours just sitting there with her.. They couldn't decide if they should put her down or not.. I called the vet. I yelled at them and told them to quit being selfish. They listened when the vet got there.. It's not easy. It never will be..
My fur kids are my family. 45415
Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.
It is a special trust that dogs give to us. They give us their lives and their unconditional love and they trust that when the time comes, we will do right by them.
Love your dog the way your dog has always loved you... Think of them first.
God bless you, give you wisdom and peace, and appreciation for the love that no human being will ever be able to give you.
GilpinGuy
06-03-2014, 21:56
Like others have written - do what's you know is right for your dog fitz. I'm getting close to having to make the same decision with my 17 year old lab mix. It's not an easy time.
DSB OUTDOORS
06-04-2014, 20:02
My heart is heavy and I know it hurts. 3 down for me and these dam allergies don't help!! Look the dog in the eye's and tell them you love them. They will understand that. Be there when the Vet does it and talk to them the whole time. Don't do it your self!!!! I leave you with this link.
http://rainbowsbridge.com/poem.htm
osok-308
06-05-2014, 07:07
Do what's right for the dog.. not what's right for you.
Lots of us have been in your shoes.
This! As a pet owner, you have a responsibility to them to make sure that their quality of life is good (I don't mean feeding them steak and letting them go crazy obviously). Once that quality of life is no longer there, you have the duty to take care of your animal in the best way possible, which sometimes means ending their suffering. It's hard for sure but it's the right thing to do when they need you to do it.
When I come home, my dogs are excited to see me and they enjoy doing what they do. When that is no longer the case, it is time to let them go. If an owner's decision is based on not wanting to let their friend go, then it has probably gone too far. Prolonging a dogs suffering might help the family cope with it, but all it does is prolong an animal's suffering. If you look into their eyes and put your emotions aside, you know.
It really stinks when you lose a dog too soon. This happened to me twice. Once was an accident and once was a genetic defect; both were awful experiences.
SamuraiCO
06-18-2014, 12:47
I would give the antibiotics, stool softners, diet and immune supression meds a little more time before surgery. I hope the vets can help with a better treatment plan but ultimately the decsion is yours.
I know it is harder with younger dogs vs older ones. You question yourself if there was anything else you could do. I did that with my first setter when he got lymphoma at 9 years old. My last dog I put down was my first hunting dog that lived 17 years. For christmas this year my wife made a shotgun shell filled with his ashes that I can hang on my lanyard so he is always with me.
Sucks all the way around and it says a lot about the character of the men here.
lllRorlll
06-18-2014, 23:58
Weird this is on here tonight... My little buddy ran away... Again
His brain isnt screwed on right for the last year because of siezures and a stroke/ and or tumor.
having a hard time tonight, feel like he might not be found this time.
i miss him.
me me me.
sorry.. Just putting my two cents in.
Dogs are special.
They Love you so much, without blinking an eye.
Go hug your pup people!
wish i could right now
two shoes
07-03-2014, 11:25
We are going through this right now.. today.
With advanced hip dysplasia, he can no longer walk well, stand normally, trouble with 2 steps out the back door and getting up and down is painful. Meds no longer seem to increase his mobility.... and just in the last 3 days will not eat.
Tucker has been a super dog. Lab/Border Collie mix... had "Ball" on the brain most of his life. He'd go into the back yard and grab a large rock and throw it himself, if he wasn't done when your arm was about to fall off. We didn't even have the ink dry on the closing papers when we got him from the Humane Soc. We had seen him there and played with him a bit (about 1 year was the vet's guess on age). The Humane Soc said he wouldn't be good with kids as he was a stray and kept his tail tucked between his legs, like he couldn't be trusted. (He's been great with our kids, all of them.) We went ahead and put a "hold" on him. That night, my then 7 month pregnant wife wakes me up with "I just had a dream that Tucker saved the baby"... How the hell could I trump that?? "Well I just had a dream that the dog ate the baby...." So we bring him home that next day. In the 13+ years we've had him During that first summer, we learned he wasn't fond of loud noises, especially fireworks. We had a Tacoma truck with a topper. Went out to watch fireworks and he was in the bed. After the first BOOM he crawled through the little window and was in our laps in the front seat in .25 seconds.
Later that summer, I am out building the fence around our house. The house behind us is being built. The contractor has a big lab that knows no boundaries. He had run across the back yard and headed straight for the 7 month old baby in a saucer, in my kitchen. Just as that dog crossed the threshold, Tucker center punched him from out of nowhere... The other dog got his ass handed to him that day. Of course the wife mentioned that Tucker had fulfilled his destiny and her dream about him. He's been so good and tolerant of our kids. When they have hurt him (usually tripping on or over him) They have had him yelp and 2 have been toothed... not bitten. Basically an open mouth quick turn of his head and they caught a canine. Tucker has always looked sad, sorry and/or remorseful about it. Te kids got in trouble for it, not him.
While not a lot of "comfort", Making the Decision (http://www.rainbowbridge.com/Grief_Support_Center/Grief_Support/Making_the_decision_to_put_a_pet_down.htm) article at Rainbow Bridge is a good assessment of your pet's quality of life. It's time... Everything I can do not to cry with him at my feet right now. Will post a pic of the Best Dog in the History of Ever later...
Biggest question now is do I take my 4 year old out of school to say goodbye to him or not...
Great-Kazoo
07-03-2014, 15:20
We are going through this right now.. today.
With advanced hip dysplasia, he can no longer walk well, stand normally, trouble with 2 steps out the back door and getting up and down is painful. Meds no longer seem to increase his mobility.... and just in the last 3 days will not eat.
Tucker has been a super dog. Lab/Border Collie mix... had "Ball" on the brain most of his life. He'd go into the back yard and grab a large rock and throw it himself, if he wasn't done when your arm was about to fall off. We didn't even have the ink dry on the closing papers when we got him from the Humane Soc. We had seen him there and played with him a bit (about 1 year was the vet's guess on age). The Humane Soc said he wouldn't be good with kids as he was a stray and kept his tail tucked between his legs, like he couldn't be trusted. (He's been great with our kids, all of them.) We went ahead and put a "hold" on him. That night, my then 7 month pregnant wife wakes me up with "I just had a dream that Tucker saved the baby"... How the hell could I trump that?? "Well I just had a dream that the dog ate the baby...." So we bring him home that next day. In the 13+ years we've had him During that first summer, we learned he wasn't fond of loud noises, especially fireworks. We had a Tacoma truck with a topper. Went out to watch fireworks and he was in the bed. After the first BOOM he crawled through the little window and was in our laps in the front seat in .25 seconds.
Later that summer, I am out building the fence around our house. The house behind us is being built. The contractor has a big lab that knows no boundaries. He had run across the back yard and headed straight for the 7 month old baby in a saucer, in my kitchen. Just as that dog crossed the threshold, Tucker center punched him from out of nowhere... The other dog got his ass handed to him that day. Of course the wife mentioned that Tucker had fulfilled his destiny and her dream about him. He's been so good and tolerant of our kids. When they have hurt him (usually tripping on or over him) They have had him yelp and 2 have been toothed... not bitten. Basically an open mouth quick turn of his head and they caught a canine. Tucker has always looked sad, sorry and/or remorseful about it. Te kids got in trouble for it, not him.
While not a lot of "comfort", Making the Decision (http://www.rainbowbridge.com/Grief_Support_Center/Grief_Support/Making_the_decision_to_put_a_pet_down.htm) article at Rainbow Bridge is a good assessment of your pet's quality of life. It's time... Everything I can do not to cry with him at my feet right now. Will post a pic of the Best Dog in the History of Ever later...
Biggest question now is do I take my 4 year old out of school to say goodbye to him or not...
ABSOLUTELY. border mixes like to "nip" playfully.
two shoes
07-03-2014, 17:52
That was a life lesson... I think for me just as much as the kids. We were all had our time to say goodbye. The oldest and I stayed for the whole thing. I was looking Tucker in the eyes, rubbing his ears... telling him how good he is... until he took his last breath.
Nothing better than a border collie mix, nothing worse than what you went though. Did the same thing with a big galoot BC mix 10 years ago, he just wore out. He was a fantastic companion, it tore me up but I am glad I was able to be there with him holding his paw and rubbing his head. Tough stuff to deal with.
So after salvaging a few more months and pretty good ones at that. I think I've finally hit the time. While stuck getting boned with work staying late followed by a ultra short turn around to a 4am shift. GF reported him being lethargic/non playful/not eating and straining to go constantly. Wasn't able to see him until home this evening.
Pretty ripped up more than usual and what to me appears to be prolapse of some sort. Thankfully not screaming but very defensive of me even trying to look. Under normal circumstances woulda been funny but not in this case, but found something sticking out, gave it a yank to find a bit of the skin from a Kong tennis ball squeeky toy gf insists on getting him. (Goes absolutely apeshit over them and spends hours just squeeking/chewing.)
So I'm updating this thread for some final advice. I dont think gf wants to do the in home put down, though I guess I'm semi concerned about transporting him in this state. I was talked out of doing it myself more violently but still somewhat wondering about humane CO2 like is done w/ feeder critters. Otherwise I'd like to avoid Emergency visit fees on top of the put down. Any suggestions on someone on middle to north end of state that can do a reasonable cost scheduled for tomorrow visit? Probably just me there and last snacks if he'll take them and probably his favorite squeeky ball. He's still in I would say decent spirits and happy to see me when I was home, but I think definately looking in pain if at least not the screaming howls.
Great-Kazoo
09-29-2014, 17:32
So after salvaging a few more months and pretty good ones at that. I think I've finally hit the time. While stuck getting boned with work staying late followed by a ultra short turn around to a 4am shift. GF reported him being lethargic/non playful/not eating and straining to go constantly. Wasn't able to see him until home this evening.
Pretty ripped up more than usual and what to me appears to be prolapse of some sort. Thankfully not screaming but very defensive of me even trying to look. Under normal circumstances woulda been funny but not in this case, but found something sticking out, gave it a yank to find a bit of the skin from a Kong tennis ball squeeky toy gf insists on getting him. (Goes absolutely apeshit over them and spends hours just squeeking/chewing.)
So I'm updating this thread for some final advice. I dont think gf wants to do the in home put down, though I guess I'm semi concerned about transporting him in this state. I was talked out of doing it myself more violently but still somewhat wondering about humane CO2 like is done w/ feeder critters. Otherwise I'd like to avoid Emergency visit fees on top of the put down. Any suggestions on someone on middle to north end of state that can do a reasonable cost scheduled for tomorrow visit? Probably just me there and last snacks if he'll take them and probably his favorite squeeky ball. He's still in I would say decent spirits and happy to see me when I was home, but I think definately looking in pain if at least not the screaming howls.
Use Home to heaven. FWIW: It's time your GF / SO learns to deal with reality and what boundaries are. Stop trying to please her and you'll loose 1/3 that stress .
JohnnyDrama
09-29-2014, 21:30
My heart goes out for you.
When I come home, my dogs are excited to see me and they enjoy doing what they do. When that is no longer the case, it is time to let them go. If an owner's decision is based on not wanting to let their friend go, then it has probably gone too far. Prolonging a dogs suffering might help the family cope with it, but all it does is prolong an animal's suffering. If you look into their eyes and put your emotions aside, you know.
We've got an eleven year old Border Collie German Shepard mix who has pretty bad arthritis and hip dysplasia. She's been on medication for a couple of years now and really started to slow down. She's the best dog ever but I know she wont be around forever. She wags her tail and still jumps when I come home. She's happy. I've told myself when she is no longer happy, when she's in pain, when she can't wag her tail, it's time.
Great-Kazoo
09-29-2014, 22:04
RIP
50187
Condolences. Fill that void with an adoption from any reputable rescue foundation.
I am sorry for your loss. He suffers no longer but the love will always remain.
buffalobo
09-30-2014, 05:42
Sorry to hear the news. Condolences to your family.
bobbyfairbanks
09-30-2014, 07:19
If your thinking about it you all ready know
edit. You did the right thing. Good looking pooch. You will find another dog to keep your feet warm at night.
sandman76
09-30-2014, 08:53
Beautiful dog, fitz. Sorry for your loss.
newracer
09-30-2014, 10:16
I knew I shouldn't re-open this thread. I am sorry for your loss.
Hate to keep this downer of a thread going but here's another plug for Home to Heaven in-home euthanasia.
I'll be honest, HtH hurt financially, but in the end it was worth it and I don't regret it one bit. Had I gone any other direction I'd feel like a real sh*t.
I held on to my dog too long, I kept hoping things would turn around, I just wasn't ready. Being the cheap-ass I am, I called around trying to find an affordable vet to put him down but when it was time I just couldn't subject him to a car ride and a stressful vet visit. For all that he'd given us, I owed him that. The Home to Heaven gal (forget her name) was wonderful, as professional, calm and relaxed as anyone could be, so calm that our dog had absolutely no anxiety at all. She sat on the floor, he went to her and laid down. It's like he knew and was ready.
Ford. He was smart, really tried to please, and he was a damn good dog.
Fentonite
01-15-2015, 16:32
So sorry for your loss. Ford was a beautiful boy.
I am sorry for your loss. Ford was loved and is now running and has no pain. He will be waiting for you.
killianak9
01-15-2015, 17:44
Really sorry for your loss, God Speed Ford
FWIW, I was very suprised at Community Pet Hospital at 120th and Washington. Regular vet for her animals in the past. Was for us. The Vet that wasn't even involved in putting him down but had seen him in the past sent cards in addition to the attending. Private room where we had as long as you wanted before/after. While she was with him Tech was low key and easy dealing with me on the side with all the details of after etc.
So for those on a stricter budget it seems a good option on the N. Metro side.
GilpinGuy
01-15-2015, 23:42
Well, timely revival of this thread for me. My guy (17+yo Lab mix!) is starting to show signs that it's time. Frankly, I can't believe that he's made it this long.
A few years ago he got some severe ear infection that resulted in almost total hearing loss and some loss of balance, but he still trotted around the property and seemed happy. Recently he has been "doing his business" closer and closer to the house, and now just goes on the deck - very occasionally in the house too. In the last week he puked in the house twice. I feel like he's really on his last days now. He's arthritic, of course, and walking on the hardwood floors causes problems.
But then I'll see him trotting around in the snow again, and I just can't bring myself to think it's his time. Man, this a hard thing to make a decision on. When I KNOW it's time I'd like to get one of these Home to Heaven folks to my home. I have to see if there's anyhthing like that up here in the hills.
SamuraiCO
01-16-2015, 13:58
One of the toughest decisions we have to make for our loved ones. If you don't choke up you're not human inside. It effects even the strongest of men but does not diminish our stature.
Ugh, I am so sorry for loss. Hurts just reading this thread, stupid allergies.
Been there twice, this year. Three weeks apart. Sucks but both dogs made the decision for me. # three is on the edge at 15yro.
My philosophy is quality vs quantity but that still sucks at making the "decision".
I look at it at as they had the best damn life a dog could have...
#6 shot with a borrowed shotgun and have a friend drive you home with a fifth of good drinking whisky.
Trust me on this.
#6 shot with a borrowed shotgun and have a friend drive you home with a fifth of good drinking whisky.
Trust me on this.
Sorry but I finish my own.
colorider
01-17-2015, 16:04
Our 11 yr old beagle suddenly started having problems w his front legs. They would just give out unexpectedly. Let it go for 3 days to see if it would improve. Nope. Made the decision to say goodby. He was miserable. I will miss that silly dork.
jerrymrc
01-17-2015, 17:51
Had to put our Balinese cat down Friday. He was about 16.
Always tough, each one has a personality and all have an undying connection to YOU AND YOURS! Take more pic's of your pups! I wish I had, great memories either way with a dog in your life.
I remember a Catholic Nun telling us grade schoolers you can not 'love' a dog, cat, horse or any animal. Nuns were a different kind of teacher in the 60's and full of BS. I'm convinced God is a dog lover.
Well, timely revival of this thread for me. My guy (17+yo Lab mix!) is starting to show signs that it's time. Frankly, I can't believe that he's made it this long.
A few years ago he got some severe ear infection that resulted in almost total hearing loss and some loss of balance, but he still trotted around the property and seemed happy. Recently he has been "doing his business" closer and closer to the house, and now just goes on the deck - very occasionally in the house too. In the last week he puked in the house twice. I feel like he's really on his last days now. He's arthritic, of course, and walking on the hardwood floors causes problems.
But then I'll see him trotting around in the snow again, and I just can't bring myself to think it's his time. Man, this a hard thing to make a decision on. When I KNOW it's time I'd like to get one of these Home to Heaven folks to my home. I have to see if there's anyhthing like that up here in the hills.
My childhood dog may have saved my life in her last days. She could barely walk but she came racing down our 100ft driveway as fast as she ever ran and chased off two Doberman's who were circling me, and then limped her way back up to the front patio where she always stayed and watched over everything. It wasn't long after that my parents put her down. They can do some pretty amazing stuff even at the end. I wish you the best on this; I know it is hard.
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