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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 4:10:19 PM | | I have been a veterinary nurse for 15 + years. Although you develope a thick skin, it never completely covers a warm heart. Euthanasia is a humane gift that you can give your pet when he/she can't help themselves. Animals live there lives totally without predjudice andthey love completely. Remember the good things you shared together. Remember how much she loved you and how much happiness you gave to each other. Allow her to go comfortably and in your arms where she is happiest. And remember that you will she her again one day when she will be healthy and happy again. Your a good person for loveing an animal, just remember that. | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 4:28:44 PM | OP, I am really sorry for your loss. It is never, ever easy to say goodbye to a loyal and unconditional furry friend. They enrich our lives so much and ask for so little in return ... other than the occasional treat or two ;)
That said, probably the greatest gift you can provide is to let go when their quality of life has deteriorated and they are suffering. It is their condition one must think about; not our own desire or need to hold on. The pain of letting go comes with the lifetime of wonderful memories you will always have and treasure.
You have many people here who have walked in your shoes. I'm sure we all share in your sorrow and offer the strength to do the right thing. | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 4:35:45 PM | Sunrisen,
It will be one of the hardest things you have to do, if you are like most of us pet lovers you will know when the right time is she will tell you. I have been through it 4 times, 2 had passed while I was at work, went with a friend who's dog had cancer and the love of my Dad's life who was unable to walk any longer. I unfortunately will be going thru what you are shortly and I am dreading it. I have 8 dogs (4 of which are over 10) and 2 bunnies who are young, but that is how things go when we choose to love our furry children.
Please make sure you take someone with you when you go, if you have other pets let them say goodbye and be prepared to grieve but know that you ultimately did the right thing for her. Good Luck. | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 4:48:10 PM | I said goodnight to my Black Lab last June...I cried for days, she was almost 16, and all but her first 9 months were with me..mostly within just a few feet, she went everywhere with me...I am sooooo lonely without her now.
I feel privileged to have had her so close to me for so many years...literally...all vacations, to the store, just sitting out back...
Any one of us should feel honored or proud to have been able to have had such a good friend for their whole life....
I finally got the strength to try again (my ex- wife kept telling me that I was too good of a dog-person...I got a new lab puppy, (2 months old)but she already had parvo and did not make it a week..I was crushed..had her almost housetrained in 4 days! so much of a future...lost!
take your time and pay your respects to your lost friend, let some time go by, they deserve the honor of rememberence....time will go by, and if you have the desire, be a friend again..... | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 5:04:08 PM | Hi a bit of a late posting, However, I just felt the need to reply.
I had to put down my Most gorgeous Golden Retriever last year (2007), and yes, he had to be euthanised. This was the most gut wrenching thing i've had to do. Zac had been my freind for 15 years, we had travelled some superb journies togetherm, but I loved him too too much to let him suffer. He was getting more frail by the day and i guess I was selfishly wanting to hold on to him just that little bit more.
In the end, my love for him told me that what I was about to do was better than "holding on" for the sake of holding On. My 11yo son and I took Zac to the vet, i burst into tear (I'm crying, and the tears are still streaming now as I retell this still)...But i burst into tears, and asked my son if he would hold Zac's paw for me, and then I rushed out of the vet and just cried and cried. My son was so brilliant, and he feels privilaged to have been there for Zac his friend and Me his Dad.
On a different note, I felt it was superb that my son was able to see that Men can cry and experience emotions and that was a cool thing for my son to see, as well as his wanting to Hold Zac's paw..
So, Do what you know is really really true in your heart for your Dog, maybe grab a few last private moments with your Dog, but I'm sure when you look into your Dogs gorgeous eye;s you will know.... what you need and your dog needs.
On a cool little tip, If this is not too late.
My son and I made plaster Cast's of Zacs Paws.....so we now have a superb physical memory as well as the photo's and memories. we Had Zac cremated and his ashes put away, one day we will both go down to Zac;s fav beach...and sprinkle them there.
Hope this posting is not too late....
My thoughts are with you..
Pete.. | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 5:06:09 PM | Hi,
Just read your note and I wanted to say how I know how you feel. I dont know if you have had your pet put to sleep yet or not, but I had my cat put to sleep just over a week ago and it felt awful. She was very ill and I know it was the kindest thing to do but it just really hurts. Try to remember that if your dog could talk he would probabably ask to put out of its misery and would thank you for doing it. Remember, humans dont have the privelidge of being able to end their pain when they want to and many would want to be put to sleep like our pets are. You have done the right thing. Take care. | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 5:14:35 PM | | Sometimes the most difficult things we do, are the most important things that we do, we will appreciate those moments years later... | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 5:32:48 PM | I have had to put down 2 dogs in the past 6 years. It was by far the hardest thing I ever had to do. I held on for a long time with the first one but learned that it isn't right to make them suffer. Sometimes the best love you can give them is to get them out of their misery. When the quality of life is gone you have to let go. It hurts really bad. I put down a 10 year old lab in October. It broke my heart but I knew it was the best thing I could do for him. It was heartbreaking but also a relief to know he is in heaven with his sister and other brother and not hurting anymore. That is the only thing that helped me with that decision. I wanted to be selfish and keep him with me longer but I knew it wasn't fair to him. Hope this helps. My prayers are with you whether you have done this or not by now.
You are not killing her! You are doing a very selfless thing by letting her go and a very humane thing. Please know that. | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 5:36:00 PM | I found out today that my dog has cancer. It's a very aggressive type and as soon as it starts to affect his appetite or weight and lessens his quality of life I will have to make the decision. He will be 9 in April. He's my baby . When I had to have my cat put down a few years ago (she was 15) it wasn't as difficult as I thought because she was in pain and it was the right thing to do - it's only humans we make suffer.... you will know when the time is right. God Bless | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 5:37:11 PM | | BY ALL MEANS PUT HER DOWN BEFORE SHE HAS TO SUFFER TO LONG . PUT IT OFF AS LONG AS SHE IS NOT IN A LOT OF PAIN . You will be doing her a favor if there is nothing else you can do. I had to put my yellow lab down about 4 months ago and it was realy hard to do but it would have been harder to watch her suffer. She had about 6 large tumors . She didn't seem to be in much pain but it got to the point she quit eating and she started passing blood. I loved her to much to watch her die a very slow death... I took her to A A county ANIMAL CONTROL too have it done. They treated me and my dog with the greatest respect . You can be with her to the end if you like and if you don't want to be there that's ok too. The cost was only $5.00 compared to $80 I had to pay a vet the last time I had to put one down and then when I went to pick her up to take her home they had stuck her in a garbage bag (the vet).Yes I was upset to say the least. Animal control raped her in a quilt and helped me load her into the car to take her home. They will take care of the body too if you want. Just don't let her suffer.... rich kepler | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 6:04:13 PM | My heart goes out to you completely.
The day is fast approaching my dog as well, he's going downhill fast, but I won't let him suffer a minute when he can't get up anymore..
It indeed makes you wonder if it's worth having them, but we all know that in the end, the answer to that is unequivocally...YES.
Garth Brooks said it best;
"I could've missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss...the dance..."
Dogs make my heart smile, and my soul...dance. :) | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 6:04:44 PM | I think when your dog "stops eating" is a very important sign.
My two dogs were both very ill but neither stopped eating,,,I think that is the key.
The first,,at 16,,,was ill for three weeks, kept eating, her last night, she made a little cry,,we jumped out of bed,,,petted,,,spoke to her and then she passed away in her bed.
The second was 15,,, had been diabetic for two years, blind for one and cancer,,,,she was withering away to nothing,,,BUT SHE KEPT EATING LIKE A HORSE,,,she wasn't ready to go,,,,I took her swimming in the ocean,,,twice,,,she loved swimming,,,the day before she left us,,she could no longer stand,,,I still put her in the back of the truck on her blanket with four other dogs on a beautiful final ride with her buddiess.
,,,My Zorastrian friend was right,,,he told me not to put her down,,,she would go on her own.
bless all pet owners | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 6:05:00 PM | | Yes, I had to have my beautiful Abbigail put down when she was 16 years old. It tore me up inside to have to euthenize her but I knew it was for the best. She was so old and gaunt looking. Her front legs didn't know in what direction her back legs were going anymore. That was the most awful decision I ever had to make but even worse was getting her to the vet. The only consellation I had was knowing that she was now at peace. I tried to visualize her brother and her old buddies waiting for her to go play ball with (my belief) once more. I cried my heart out and it took me almost a year to get over it but I did. So, Sunrisen, take a deep breath and get ready for lots of pain and heard times but, also keep in mind, it is so much better and more humane than to keep them alive for pure selfish reasons...Take care and try not to feel guilty about doing what's best for your beloved pooch...Abbie101 | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 6:15:15 PM | There's not a whole lot I can tell you other than when it's her time, you'll know it. I had to put my 14 year old Dalmatian to sleep a little over a week ago, and while it's still difficult, it gets a little easier every day. His ashes came back to me yesterday, and I was pretty much a wreck.
I posted about the experience here: http://forums.plentyoffish.com/9318309datingPostpage3.aspx
There just came a time when I knew he wasn't happy anymore. That the aches and discomfort weren't worth what little pleasure he was getting out of life. I spent the last 3 days of his life with him almost 24/7 and fed him every treat I could remember he'd stolen over his lifetime. I gave everyone who loved him a chance to say goodbye.
I don't know if there's ever a right way or time to decide to say goodbye. I do know that I made the right decision regardless of how difficult and so will you. | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 6:19:57 PM | | I had to write to let you know I understand completely what you are feeling. I had to put down 2 dogs within 3 months and it is so hard but in my case there was no other options. I still cry somtimes. When I lost Scarlet, my miniture pinsher in October, Jolly, my shephard was there to help me. When I had to let Jolly go in Janurary I felt the full loss of both of them. I do have cats and thought they would be helpful. I can't say they haven't been but it's just not the same. Lots of people say the best way to get over it is to get another dog. But I am not sure I even want to. I quess I want you to know if your pet is suffering they it is best to let her go. Both of mine were in crisis when I had to let them go. I don't know if I would do anything any different. Any way, I hope it helps. PEACE | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 6:36:23 PM | Have the vet give her a PAIN shot first then do the euthanization thing.
Lots of hugs to you | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/27/2008 6:57:28 PM | | If it is terminal I would say it is best to euthanize the dog. My dog died last year around Christmas time with an anal tumor. I kept him around as long as possible. After a while he would not eat and was practically skin and bones. The same thing with humans...the body shuts down and does not require nurishment. A friend of mine also had his dog die ...and there were so many similarities. He said towards the end the dog just layed there and howled. My dog did the same. My dog was so weak it just could no longer get up. I really do think it is more humane to take the dog to the vet where they can give him/her a shot...and so called put it to sleep. It is a very sad thing to watch...however, death is a part of life. I am truly sorry...I know how difficult it can be. | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/29/2008 10:09:52 AM | | I lost my dog at 15. She was my best buddy. She had cancer and was in a lot of pain. My mum explained to me that it was for the best and that she wouldn't be suffering anymore. Still didn't ease the pain of losing her. x | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/29/2008 10:26:48 AM | Sunrisen,
I am so sorry that you are facing this decision. The innocence and unconditional love that we receive from our pets is such a blessing and to lose them in any way is devastating. You are doing the right thing and this is one of the responsibilities of pet ownership. Pain is something we need to protect them from ....at ANY time. Allow yourself to grieve and make sure that you memorialize her with tons of photos and even make a memory book to keep. Time will heal....
Alottakarma | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 2/29/2008 3:53:12 PM | In a few years my dog and I will take a walk,I'll dig a hole and shoot him:my last act of kindness for him.
And that day I'll have a pup to deal with. Hard to obcess if I'm takin' a pup out every few hours so he never pees indoors.
Friends will understand:make it easier.
"Ain't nothin' easy"Matlock
And I knew this would happen when I got him years ago.
Tell your pals:grieve when dog goes.No self-pity-about dogs,not us. | |
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cat36
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Joined: 2/25/2008
Msg: 196 | |
| My dog is dying
Posted: 3/1/2008 5:49:55 AM | | ive lost 4 dogs over the yrs. two of which i had to have put to sleep. i know how painful it is,my heart was breaking wen the time came. but sumtimes,if thers nothing the vet can do to help,its often kinder to stop ther pain,especially if they are very ill. i had a black/white collie dog,who used to be a working dog,then after she retired at age 10 yrs,i gave her a loving home.i got 5 wonderful yrs with her,till she got cancer,the vet could do nothing,so i had to have her put to sleep,as in the end she was in pain. the other dog i had was a collie cross dog.i had him frm a puppy,and wen he was 10 yrs old,he injured his back,which severed his spinal cord,and he was so sad and unhappy,he almost told me he wanted to go.u can often see it in ther eyes,if your bond is strong. so,if your dog is in pain,sad and vet can do nothing more to help,its often kinder to let them rest,u will always have the good memories to help you come to terms with the loss,thats wot helps me. i still miss them all,but at least i had there love and always will. take care. cat xxx | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 3/1/2008 7:17:24 AM | firstly i am sorry your facing such a tough decision
i had a beloved dog die suddenly its very difficult to come to terms with a pets death
i always used to say i had 4 children my 3 children and my dog , in many ways she was like a child , my whole family were heart broken when she died , we have the capability to end our beloved pets suffering if the need arises i know its difficult but if your dog is suffering you will be relieving her suffering and doing whats right for her our pets are totally dependant on us for all aspects of there care ,
i had my dog cremated privatley there was a facility to visit our dog in the chapel of rest and attend her cremation i chose not to do this has it would have been far to distressing from my experience im so glad i had my dog cremated i had her ashes returned to me in a beautiful casket with a gold plaque on it
when we had our cat put to sleep we collected him from the vet and we were able to take him to our local pet cemetery where he was put in a cat bed in a private room where we were able to spend as much time with him and say our goodbyes before he was cremated this really helped my children to understand and help them come to terms with his death
be guided by your vet ask his advice if he says your pet is suffering then the time has come to let him go peacefully
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 3/1/2008 1:59:53 PM | I am so sorry to read about your dog. Last April 15th I put my boy Jessee down. I found him when he was only 2 hours old and he lived to be 15 years old. It was the hardest thing I ever did in my life. Jessee was awesome!! I actually had him put down in a park....it was so beautiful. When we entered the park the song "Spirit in the sky" came on. We walked a little bit and I tried so hard not to cry. When the vet arrived we layed out a blanket and it was as if Jessee knew. He came up to me and put his forehead on mine and we just sat there for a few minutes. Then my vet asked if I was ready. It was hard, but I said yes. He got the first shot and then layed down. I layed down right next to him and held him. I told him how much I loved him and talked about all the memories we had together. Then he got his second shot. I didn't let him go until he was gone and even then I couldn't. That's when I cried. Then suddenly all these bells started ringing. It was amazing. Jessee had an aggressive tumor growing in his lungs and it was pressing on his heart. So I knew it was the right thing to do for him. My vet gave me this poem that I would love to share with you:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there
I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamonds glints on snow
I am the sunlight on the ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn's rain
When you awaken in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do Not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there
I did not die
They give us all the love they have to give, and then one day they leave us with a rainbow of happy memories. I still miss Jessee, however his love and memories are still with me. Take care. Sandy | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 3/1/2008 3:06:53 PM | | I grew up with pets, and my Mom's yard was a pet cemetery... we had two dogs and to many cats to count... so I guess I've had to deal with losing a pet many times over... I have come to the conclusion that you do everything in your power to help them and when it's obviously their time and they are hurting I would rather send them peacefully into that slumber then to have them live a retched existance to have them near me longer.... I personally cannot do that to them.... I too took a cat to the wayside waifs spent some time with the old boy, calmed him as he no longer could go up and down stairs, or use a litter box, and wasn't hungry fur was matted..... they say the meds they use today just sends them to sleep... nothing painful.... I know you have a reprieve for your dog, but the day may come that you are facing this again, and you musn't feel guilty... | |
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| My dog is dying
Posted: 3/1/2008 3:21:53 PM | | Many people no matter how big or small lose things that they love. It doesn't matter if it is a pet, a friend, spouse, or relative,, they key word is LOVE,, it hurts when you lose it. I have had to put down my best friend before but it was the best for him since he was in a lot of pain. Delaying the inevitable would have only been selfish. It is an EXTREMELY hard thing to do. I understand the pain and feelings you are having and wish you all the strength in the world getting throught this hard time. | |
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