Might have to put fiance's family's dog down

[Lex_Luthor]

Anyone know how much it costs?

Maxine is a shepherd/chow mix and is a very grumpy dog. She growls and scowls and bites almost everyone. The past couple days, she's been unable to even get up from laying down. This poor dog must be in so much pain, that even as a grouch, she's getting meaner and meaner. My fiance's mom is someone that this dog would NEVER bite. She was rubbing Maxine's back feet and Maxine bit her. She's only 11, but if it's this poor dog's time to go, I have the feeling that my fiance's parents and brothers will make her do it (take Maxine on a one-way trip to the vet). I told her I would go with her. Does anyone have any insight on euthanization costs, or what we can expect as charges from the vet? Also, does anyone know of a low-cost clinic that might do it on the cheap?

[ghettodub]

Try calling Maxfund Wellness Center; they should be able to help, and it would be more affordable

http://www.maxfundclinic.org/

[rondog]

Man, that's sad, I love dogs. My two Beagles are such sweethearts it's hard for me to grasp the concept of a mean one. You don't say what Maxine's ailment is, but if she's that unhealthy it might be best to put her down before she really hurts somebody, or causes a huge lawsuit.

My brother has a yellow lab that was a sweetheart of a puppy, but it grew up into an adult that'll bite the shit out of anybody. Broke poor Dave's heart, he loves that dog and wanted nothing more than for it be a big loveable goofball that was happy to see everyone. Instead, it's a lawsuit waiting to happen and he has to keep a tight rein on it.

[Lex_Luthor]

I'm not sure what her ailment is, maybe arthritis or something. She's been slowing down a little the past few months, sometimes not wanting to go on her walks, but I didn't think much of it. She's always been very healthy otherwise. From what I understand, she's rarely been sick or had any kind of injury or sickness or anything her whole life.

Apparently she used to be a sweet puppy too, but even when she was young, she grew into a mean dog. I think it's from my fiance's brother tormenting her and mistreating her. They have a new puppy, and he's not the kindest to her either, and a couple times I've busted him and corrected his disciplinary means and treatment of the new puppy. Mostly, he allows her (the new puppy) to bite because he thinks it's funny or cute. I have had to tell him to not allow that behavior at all, from day One. I've had to coach many of the members of the family on how to handle and treat the puppy to curb any misbehavior that will get ugly when she gets older. I'll have to keep working with them on it.

[Clint45]

Try calling Maxfund Wellness Center; they should be able to help, and it would be more affordable

http://www.maxfundclinic.org/


MaxFund is a great program for folks who cannot afford veterinary care, but you don't want to use them in this case as they are opposed to euthanasia. Go to any other vet in the Denver area and most will do this for you at a reasonable rate. It should not cost much more than $100 for the injection and disposal combined. Some vets will try to talk you into authorizing thousands of dollars worth of "tests" and "treatments" first, and you should let us know if anyone tries pulling a sleazy scam like that. For an additional hundred bucks you can get delivery of cremains which may or may not be those of the dog in question, depending on the unregulated service they're using.

[Clint45]

Apparently she used to be a sweet puppy too, but even when she was young, she grew into a mean dog. I think it's from my fiance's brother tormenting her and mistreating her. They have a new puppy, and he's not the kindest to her either, and a couple times I've busted him and corrected his disciplinary means and treatment of the new puppy.

There is a Taser and 4 cartridges for sale in the Trading Post right now. Next time you see that freak "tormenting and mistreating" a puppy you need to upgrade the level of "correction" you've been using. Apparently you haven't been firm enough. Freaks like that shouldn't be anywhere around dogs. Is he the unemployed lives-with-mom type who wets the bed and likes to play with fire?

[Lex_Luthor]

Thanks, I had that thought about MaxFund too, but wasn't sure if they took a stance on the issue one way or the other. Luckily, my fiance is a certified vet tech, and is very familiar with vets' clever ways to rake in money, playing off of peoples' love for their furry family members. That's ultimately what drove her away from that field, that and having to euthanize animal after animal, and disposing of loving animals just because of breed legislation, etc. She loves all animals so much, and being the vehicle of their demise was too hard on her.

I wonder if shelters offer the service too, and what they might charge.

[Lex_Luthor]

There is a Taser and 4 cartridges for sale in the Trading Post right now. Next time you see that freak "tormenting and mistreating" a puppy you need to upgrade the level of "correction" you've been using. Apparently you haven't been firm enough. Freaks like that shouldn't be anywhere around dogs. Is he the unemployed lives-with-mom type who wets the bed and likes to play with fire?

No, he's a good kid, and he treats the animals fairly well. He's 19. He mostly just allows unwanted behavior, or just "yells" to correct the dog, but isn't familiar with a way to introduce good behavior in place of said unwanted behavior. By "tormenting", I mean arousing her while sleeping, playing with, or cuddling the dog, which just serves to annoy her. Or just teasing the dog. He's never physically mistreated or abused any of their animals that I'm aware of. But I show him an example for how my dog acts, versus how Maxine acts and I explain to him and show him proper ways to facilitate good behavior from the dogs.

Even with my dog, I've had to be a bit heavy-handed at times to get his attention, and to respond to the direction I'm giving him, rather than be fixated on whatever unwanted behavior he was doing at the time. He's come a long way, and I've learned a lot in the process, so I do my best to pass on what I've learned.

[rondog]

There is a Taser and 4 cartridges for sale in the Trading Post right now. Next time you see that freak "tormenting and mistreating" a puppy you need to upgrade the level of "correction" you've been using. Apparently you haven't been firm enough. Freaks like that shouldn't be anywhere around dogs. Is he the unemployed lives-with-mom type who wets the bed and likes to play with fire?

Oooooo, I like the way you think!!!! Light him up. BZZZZT!

[TrapperJohn]

Thanks, I had that thought about MaxFund too, but wasn't sure if they took a stance on the issue one way or the other. Luckily, my fiance is a certified vet tech, and is very familiar with vets' clever ways to rake in money, playing off of peoples' love for their furry family members. That's ultimately what drove her away from that field, that and having to euthanize animal after animal, and disposing of loving animals just because of breed legislation, etc. She loves all animals so much, and being the vehicle of their demise was too hard on her.

I wonder if shelters offer the service too, and what they might charge.

A good friend of mine just put his dog down. It cost him around $250. He said they were very respectful and the vet's had a room to spend time with your pet until you are ready. When you are ready they come in and give the injection.

He thought the whole process was done with respect but the cost was way to high.

[Monky]

Depending on how loved the pet is there are vets who will come to your house and do it..

If money is the only concern then I would suggest your local vet, or contacting a shelter..

However, if it is a loved family member there are options.

http://www.caringpathways.com/

http://www.besidestillwater.net/

I've never used either, but my X used the besidestillwater lady.. when she had to put down a pet she had for 15yrs or something. It seemed to help her w/ the decision and what not.

I want to say that it wasn't all that expensive, considering.

[chunga]

Harrison Memorial Hospital could be another place to check out.
If you're in Adams County--Adams County Animal Control could do it to.
Don't let a vet gouge you on this--sodium pentabarbitol (euthanasia solution) only costs $60 for a 250CC bottle and dosage is 1CC per 10 lbs. Be aware that the vet does have to pay for carcass disposal

[Clint45]

No, he's a good kid, and he treats the animals fairly well. He's 19. He mostly just allows unwanted behavior, or just "yells" to correct the dog, but isn't familiar with a way to introduce good behavior in place of said unwanted behavior. By "tormenting", I mean arousing her while sleeping, playing with, or cuddling the dog, which just serves to annoy her. Or just teasing the dog. He's never physically mistreated or abused any of their animals that I'm aware of.

Okay. From the wording of your prior post I was under the impression that the puppy was being abused. Thanks for clarifying that.

[ghettodub]

MaxFund is a great program for folks who cannot afford veterinary care, but you don't want to use them in this case as they are opposed to euthanasia. Go to any other vet in the Denver area and most will do this for you at a reasonable rate. It should not cost much more than $100 for the injection and disposal combined. Some vets will try to talk you into authorizing thousands of dollars worth of "tests" and "treatments" first, and you should let us know if anyone tries pulling a sleazy scam like that. For an additional hundred bucks you can get delivery of cremains which may or may not be those of the dog in question, depending on the unregulated service they're using.

If it's related to medical reasons, they're not a "no-kill" shelter per-se, and I'm pretty sure they would do it. I've volunteered at the shelter for years, so I'm not 100% sure on the wellness center rules. Could be wrong though...

They just don't put animals down due to crowding issues like most other shelters

[Ah Pook]

Last time I had to go through it, the non-return cremation was $120. I think the return was $150.

Good luck. It never gets easier.

[obisean68]

We had to put our dog down 2 years ago. Our vet bill was $150. They had a room and we spent as much time as was needed. 2nd hardest thing I've ever had to do but they were great.

[Glock Shooter]

Depending on how loved the pet is there are vets who will come to your house and do it..

If money is the only concern then I would suggest your local vet, or contacting a shelter..

However, if it is a loved family member there are options.

http://www.caringpathways.com/

http://www.besidestillwater.net/

I've never used either, but my X used the besidestillwater lady.. when she had to put down a pet she had for 15yrs or something. It seemed to help her w/ the decision and what not.

I want to say that it wasn't all that expensive, considering.

+1 Beside Still Water was recommended to us when our agged Pit/Lab passed in January

Beside Still Water
Dr Ann Shroeder.
303-237-0817

[Lex_Luthor]

Thanks for the replies guys. It's good to know that this is such a good network of people. For now, Maxine seems alright, except a bit tired, old, and stiff. My fiance's dad got home last night, and she got up and went to see him like nothing was wrong all day and the night before. Today, her cousin is going to get us some medicine from the vet she works for, and we're going to try that and see how things go. After seeing her response to the medicine, we're going to have to make the decision of what to do next.