Mulva
|
Joined: 12/28/2007
Msg: 51 | |
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/4/2008 12:20:22 AM | No Forums, that's so sad - my heart breaks for you 
And I hate whoever shot your poor pup | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/4/2008 9:20:49 AM | It's a hard time when your pets die--you get some sympathy from friends, but still have to go to work, right?
Just be happy in knowing they had wonderful lives in your guardianship, and they loved you as much as you loved them. | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/4/2008 1:01:09 PM | I've read a few post that I felt was beyond heartless..... I just had a cat put down in July 2007... IT HORRIFIED ME... that I did such a thing.... but my vet helped me to understand.... she had 3 renal double kidney failures in 2 yrs.
IT TRULY WAS THE HUMANE THING TO DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She may have left our home... but she will NEVER LEAVE OUR HEARTS!!!! | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/4/2008 3:48:11 PM | I believe you will know when the time is right for your dog. You will be giving your dog the final, and kindness gift of love possible when it is time to put her gently to rest. You can be there with your dog. Crying will be understood. Have a driver for the ride home, you will be happy to weep peacefully.
I had my kocker spaniel for 15 1/2 years, and although it has been 6 years since she went to her final rest, I cry for her and for you as I type these words. Her memory has never faded.
Best to you in your decision. | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/5/2008 2:47:04 AM | No Forums: So sorry to hear about that brother. God there are some a**holes in this world.
| |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/5/2008 6:08:00 AM | This has got to be one of the hardest decisions a pet owner will ever face.
I have assisted in hundreds of euths and it's never easy. For the owner or for the vet/vet tech/assistants.
Please know that when we love our animals, this is a decision we need to make. We don't want our pets to suffer, this is cruel. To keep our pets around for our own selfishness is cruel.
If you are uncertain if this is her "time", consult your vet. They can not tell you to make the decision, but they can tell you if it's something to consider or if you still have time.
Some key indicators of when it is time to humanely euthanize: loss of bodily functions (urinates or defecates without control), loss of appetite, weight loss, doesn't get excited when you come home or when offered her favorite treat or toy, diarrhea or vomiting, coughing or excessive panting, unusual vocalizing, confusion or disorientation, withdrawn. If you are questioning if it's time, then chances are, it's time or nearing time. We don't want them to suffer, whether they are in pain or not.
When it is time, you can be there during the procedure. If the vet doesn't allow it, find a new vet. This truly is a peaceful time, with no pain involved. The drug is called euthosol and is basically an overdose of a barbiturate. When injected, the pet peacefully goes to sleep and the heart stops. There is no pain involved in this procedure. Many times, the pet will lose bodily functions and rarely, very rarely, will the pet make vocalization noises. Don't let those noises scare you into thinking it is in pain, it is an involuntary response to the body relaxing. Generally, before the dose is fully administered, the pet is already asleep (passed away). I have seen on occasion where a second dose was necessary. Don't let this fool you into thinking she would be fighting it, that is not the case. This generally means that circulation is bad and therefore, it is taking longer with more drugs needed.
Twelve years is a good, long life for a pei and you should feel great as an owner that you took such great care of her and gave her such a great life. Just know that she will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge and when your time comes, you will cross over that bridge together. She has had a wonderful life full of unconditional love and she will not forget you any more than you will forget her. Unconditional love goes both ways. That's why having a pet is so wonderful.
Good luck to you.
EDIT - dog-gone-it (no pun intended)...I just saw this thread was from nearly ONE YEAR AGO!! Thanks horse lover for bringing up an OLD thread | |
|
Ls1
|
Joined: 3/26/2007
Msg: 57 | |
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/6/2008 6:43:13 PM | It's been 3 years since I put Bear down, he almost made it to 16.....very old for a big dog.
He was a Labrador, Bovier, Golden Retriever x but everyone thought he was a Newfie.
Raised him from a little pup and could'nt have asked for a better dog, he was on every one of my jobsites and was'nt an easy dog to forget........made friends from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic.
He loved riding in the back of my truck and that's where he closed his eyes for the last time. Then we went for one last ride.....just like we always did, before I buried him out back of my parents place.
So yea, I know what it's like. | |
|
Mulva
|
Joined: 12/28/2007
Msg: 58 | |
| |
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/7/2008 1:54:37 PM | A few years ago I took my first ever dog to the vets to been sent to sleep, just short of a year later my second dog had to go because she had cancer (Cassie my first one had a major stroke, I was absolutely devasted with both).
Last year within 6 or 7 weeks my parents had to take both theirs for going to sleep.
Last week we though that my parents latest addition to the canine family would have to leave us permantly having his leg broke after being run over. It may not have been ideal, but he had his leg amputated so at least he is still with us. Less than a week after the op he's draggin my dad over the green on his walks.  | |
|
Mulva
|
Joined: 12/28/2007
Msg: 60 | |
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/7/2008 2:46:25 PM | It's really something how they get along on 3 legs.
Your Dalmation is beautiful
| |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/7/2008 3:20:35 PM | Ugh ! Just came across this old thread.
In my first entry I mentioned my fear of losing my German Shepard, I could see her aging, quicker lately.
That was three months before she was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy,(also known as Canine MS) and cancer. I have a feeling she was sick then, but the trooper that she was, she hid it from me and kept doing her wonderful job of protecting our home.
It was and is still one of the hardest things I ever had to get through. You never know when you are going to have to say goodbye to those lifetime companions. That was eight months ago, that I said good-bye to my sweet Lady. It is so hard to believe because sometimes it hurts just as much now as it did then.
My sister just had to say good-bye to her dog of sixteen years. And even tho this dog lived much much longer than she should have. Much longer than a dog of her size usually lives, it still wasnt long enough, and never is.
Anybody that has to go through this understands, saying good bye to your pet, is one of the hardest things there is.
We spend a their lifetime, keeping them alive and healthy, it goes against all that is natural , for us to end the life we spent years protecting and keeping well.
We made many trips to the vet, to improve their health and extend their lifetime.
Then to actually go to the vet to end that life, we fought so hard to protect, is so unnatural. | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/7/2008 3:37:26 PM | | All the pets I have owned I brought to the vet .I worked in a vet for 7 years and gave it up one reason was having even strangers animals die in my arms was really getting to me feeling the life fade out of them.I have had 2 of my deceased grandfathers dogs die in my arms because he refused to be in the room he said his goodbye's before and that's coming from a ww2 vet who saw plenty of action.And I have had a 13 yr old keeshond put down due to cancer ,and what did say?I thanked her for the years of friendship and unconditional love.Then my brother in law and I made coffins and buried them in my grandfathers yard. | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/7/2008 9:43:37 PM | I had my first contact with my Ex in over a year this week... Our dog was hers before we were dating... but she told me that she had to put him down a few months ago. He would have been ancient, but was always in good health. I thought he was still alive, actually. I was definitely saddened to learn he was gone.
I've never met a dog that wasn't true and faithful, and worthy of tears. The same can't always be said for humans. | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/8/2008 2:00:15 PM | I've never met a dog that wasn't true and faithful, and worthy of tears. The same can't always be said for humans.
You got that right! | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/9/2008 11:38:18 PM | The first time I had to put one of my dogs down, he was 12 years old. The decision was "easy" because he was increasingly aggressive due to pain. For about 4 years fam/friends told me I should put him down. However, he still obeyed my commands and had never growled or snapped at me.- I was still in control. I could tell him to go lay down and he would go in my room- where no one was allowed, until company left. The first time he snapped at me- I started crying because although he immediately came and "apologized" I knew what had to be done. I was heart broken but carried out my RESPONSIBILITY to my dog. Because of the aggression, although it was killing me, it seemed somehow "easy" because it HAD to be done.
This past October I had my second dog put down she was 15- which is ancient for a large dog. It was the hardest thing- 100 times harder than the first time (which I thought was the hardest at the time). WHY? because she was so gentle- right to the end. (I kept hoping she would get aggressive. )It took me over a year after I knew it had to be done, to set a date to do it. She loved chasing leaves- can't do it in the fall; She loved running with her face in the snow- can't do it in the winter; she loved chasing birds- couldn't do it in spring; and she LOVED swimming and "attacking" the water from the hose- not summer either. Her "good" days weren't very good or frequent anymore. Over the winter I watched her have a harder time on the stairs and I had to lift her back end to get her up the stairs, or carry her home because she couldn't walk, and worried about her breaking a leg when she stepped on ice and didn't have the strength to keep her legs from going in different directions.; in the spring after chasing a bird, she couldn't stand up for a couple days without help; she didn't want to go in the water anymore.She had little muscle left in her hind legs and started losing bowel control. She was not able to stand up without an "accident" because it was so hard to standup- and she would look so guilty afterwards.  She just wanted to stay close and walk with me. But she still seemed "content". She was on $75/mo of pain meds and joint supplements which were helping-but not repairing. During the summer, I realized I would continue finding reasons I couldn't do it yet. But I knew she would not make it through another winter without breaking a leg- last year had been so hard. I did not want her final days to include the pain of a broken leg...so I set a date- her birthday.
On October 1st/07 I put her down.
It was the hardest and best thing I've ever done- for both of us.
It is the responsibility a pet owner assumes to do the best for their pet. This includes their final days. I could have waited- but to what outcome for her?
We had our days and I have my memories (one of her catching a live skunk for me!). Some days they are enough and others they are not. But she is no longer suffering and I am better for having had the time with her. | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 2/10/2008 12:27:03 AM | No kidding here- I had a pet rat that needed putting down, this was after a nasty urinary tract infection... I had thought- rat? easy, they live 3 yrs, die of old age... get another. It was heart rending in the end. Cared for her after the initial diagnosis, gave her medicine, glucose to help with the dehydration.. and still, one morning, she had blood in her eyes and i had to get her put down. I was such a mess!! Goodness only knows how i would cope wioth an older/larger pet. My heart goes out to all of you who lost a dog...  | |
|
jll130
|
Joined: 10/18/2007
Msg: 67 | |
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 3/16/2008 12:47:36 PM | Hi. Read your story. It is never an easy thing, nor do you ever forget. My Maggie lived to be 17. Awesome girl. I still find old pictures and a hint of her tail, or any part of her body. she was just like a child. Look deep for those pictures, they will make you smile.
Animals give us so much unconditional love, and they teach us alot about spritit, love, devotion. We humans, could benefit from them.
I have no words to say except that I have been there, and although it's been 11 years since we put her down, it still feels like yesterday.
I have since put Bowser, my other dog to sleep, and that was hard as well.
I have also been strong enough to let myself love two more dogs. They are Siberian Huskeys and the greatest joy. IT is possible to let another animal back into your heart. WE have to. I still worry when the time comes, but my life is so rich because they are apart of it. A big part of it.
So, when you are ready, you will have another animal to love and to give that love back.
Good luck with that. Much happiness to you.
Jennifer | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 6/12/2009 2:03:37 PM | | I KNOW THE PAIN YOU FELT. I HAD A ROTTIE FOR 8YRS SHE HAD ARTHRITIS, SHE WAS BORN WITH HIP DISPLSHEA. SHE WAS MY BEST FRIEND SHE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME WHEN I WAS HAPPY AND WHEN I WAS SAD SHE LICKED MY TEARS AWAY WHEN EVER I CRIED.THE LAST MONTH OF HER LIFE I DID WHAT EVER I COULD TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR HER, I WOULD CARRY HER UP THE STAIRS WHAT EVER I HAD TOO.THE DAY I TOOK HER SHE WAS IN MY ARMS AND WHEN SHE WAS GONE PART OF ME WENT TOO.I ALWAYS THINK OF HER I EVEN HAVE HER NAME TATTOOED ON ME ...I LOVE HER VERY MUCH AND MISS HER TILL THIS DAY | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 6/12/2009 2:16:24 PM | Awwww!
I had 2 pug mixes my daughters and I rescued when they were 4 weeks old. They were littermates. We don't know if their medical problems were genetic or resulting from the neglect they suffered. The conditions and symptoms didn't manifest until they were about 2 years old. Even when you know they're suffering it still is a very hard thing to do -- having them put to sleep. I certainly didn't want my daughters there and both times it was on a weekday so my family/friends were working so I went alone. I didn't nearly have a wreck or anything but I still don't recommend going alone if you can possibly avoid it. | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 6/12/2009 2:35:21 PM | OTB--you are a sick horrid person who has no compassion at all...]
go gidget- he is inhuman... but what goes around comes around.... | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 6/12/2009 6:07:40 PM | I know how you feel and my heart goes out to you. 2006 was a bad year for us;my paternal grandma died and 3 months later we had to have our precious dog put to sleep.We did everything we could do for Princess,gave her her medications,gave her lots of love,and made sure she was comfortable.She started to perk up but unfortunately she ended up going downhill.She had no use of her back legs,she couldn't control her bladder,she stopped eating and drinking-basically she couldn't function.So one day my mom and I took Princess to the vet to see if there was anything more we could do for her-we had no intention of having her put down.But after it was confirmed that Princess' kidneys were failing and that she was now aniemic and dehydrated we knew it was time to make a decision.Mom called Dad who was at work to let him know the situation and what he wanted to do.They decided to have Princess put to sleep and I was there in the room during the last moments of Princess' life.I kept kissing and petting her and told her how much I loved her.It's been 3 years since Princess' passing and I still get emotional.At first I felt guilty-I felt that I had given up on Princess-but I know now that we did the right thing.The following year my niece passed away and a week later we had to have our cat put to sleep.It had been a very trying time for us.In March our ring-neck dove passed away and now he's buried with Princess and Ginger.I know they're in peace now and I love to think that they're up in Heaven chasing each other and playing. | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 6/12/2009 6:42:31 PM | I have a Pomeranian. Her name is Mindy. She is a bit over 16 yrs old. She is deaf and has night blindness. I have to leave a nightlite on for her or she walks into walls and furniture.
She is the best dog I have ever had. It pains me to think that I will have to put her to sleep. My son will also be devastated, he is now 23. He will call me just to ask how Mindy is doing. I keep telling myself that it will be best for her when the time comes. I will be holding her as she dies, I want her last moments to be with those that love her. Damn, it's hard to type when tears are in your eyes.('')
Robert | |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 6/12/2009 9:45:03 PM | Damn! I have never read a POF thread and bawled so much!
My heart goes out to all of you who have had to say goodbye to their beloved pets.
I have an 11 yr. old Bichon-Poodle cross, Coco, who is the love of my life. I can't imagine what that day will be like but I know I will be there holding her and loving her till the end. I will try and make that decision in her best interest and not mine.
Have to go blow my nose now. God bless.
As this is an old thread, does anyone know what ever happened with the OP's dog?
| |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 6/14/2009 12:09:07 AM | June 10th i put my 15yo dog down. Without a doubt the hardest thing ever imaginable. His body is still at the Vet's and gets picked up Monday to be cremated. I drive by daily, pull over, open my passenger door, and whistle - just in case there is an afterlife beyond living in my memories. He could no longer do stairs - so i carried him up and down for a year. The last few days i had him he could no longer eat or drink - i tried all his favorites. But the years of meds had done his kidneys in. I would recommend to anyone going through this to have to vet come to your house(see above) i didn't think of that....
| |
|
| Putting an old dog down...
Posted: 6/14/2009 12:51:24 AM | It's harsh tokes, for sure. But every day you don't is a day that one of your best friends in the world suffers needlessly. Hell, it's far more humane than what we allow people to go through.
This is why in nature the weak and sick get culled. Just because we can do something - artificially extend life - doesn't mean we should. Nature doesn't. It's the natural order of things.
I feel for you, I really do. I remember my last pal I had to put down. He was a 14 year old Alsatian. Jesus christ, I went on a two-week bender after he was put down. I was a serious mess. It sucks, but you have to let go at some point and just remember the good times.
Get it done. Get drunk. Howl at the moon. Break some shit. Mourn. You'll be ok. Man, I really do feel for you. Make sure you have a few close friends on hand to go out and get sideways with you. It helps...immensely.
I know exactly how you feel.
Yr. pal
Cutter | |
|
Home
login 
