Putting Our Dog down Saturday

A., I know how heartbreaking this is for you. You have been faced with putting one of your family members down. Who wants to have to deal with that? But, you already know that your dog has had a declining quality of life despite your best efforts. You are doing the right thing for her, hard as it may be. You have my condolences.

A.,
The story about your dog is very sad, but while I was reading it I was thinking that you were going to say the dog had done something terrible to your child. When I found out that wasn't the case I was relieved. I think that, even though it is very difficult to have a pet who can be like a member of the family put down, better that you do it before she harms you or your child. She wouldn't be doing it on purpose because she couldn't help it, but that wouldn't make it any less tragic. I think you would then regret not putting her down sooner if she did something to harm a member of your family. You are doing what's best for her, and your whole family.
L.

A.,
I am so sorry for what you are going through. I know it is such a hard decision. A little over a year ago, We had to make that decision TWICE! We had a 13 year old lab that we had adopted right after we got married and my husband was on a leave from work because he was going through chemo for Leukemia. He was our first baby as we didn't have our own baby until 22 months ago. We also paid to keep his ashes and were going to scatter them on our 10 acres where he loved to roam. I just can't part with them! Exactly 1 month later, we had our 16 year old lab put to sleep too. He just gave up after we put his "brother" down. We rescued him from a neighbor that was mistreating him, so they had played together most of their lives. It was heart breaking and I know exactly how you feel! Time will ease your pain, but I still get choked up when I see a dog like them. Your family will be in my prayers tonight and if you haven't heard the poem "The Rainbow Bridge" google it. It tells you that you won't be apart forever!

I am so sorry to hear about your dog. Pets are big part of our life. I have a 12 year old Shepherd that I had before children and she had cancer tumors removed 3 years ago and they are back again. I am facing the same decision here. Her arthritis is so bad and the expense of another surgeory and meds isn't a problem, the chance of her quality and quantity of life is playing a major factor. I am leaning toward having the Doc come out in the spring and put her down here. She is by far the best dog I have ever or will ever own and I will miss her dearly. But one thing that is keeping my choice less agonizing is that she will always be with me and it will put an end to her suffering. We are the ones that hurt and walk around in a daze with the lump in our throats, while our beloved pet is in peace. I hope that thought makes you feel better about your loss and the hard decision you had to make.

I'm so sorry to hear of your situation. Putting her to peace sounds like the only solution. Pets are definitely like family members and this must just be devestating to you. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

So sorry about what you're dealing with. We had to put our dog down after 16 years. She had a stroke and some of the confusion and fright you mentioned was what led us to that same decision. Had she been any younger, her brain would've adjusted quicker to her limitations. My kids were all grown up (late teenagers) but still to this day remember the day we took her. I admit, it was as hard to do that as it was to bury my father. I think to some it sounds silly but it was my reality. As long as you keep the quality of life issue in front of your decision, you'll never regret it. We found it helpful to go get a new baby after a few months. Our cat, who was the dog's best friend, grieved as hard as we did. We went for a playmate for him and returned with a kitten. Didn't matter, dog or cat, it was something new to nurture and love.

Dear A.
My heart goes out to you. I have been in that position before and nothing makes it any easier. You have gone above and beyond and your furkid has been very fortunate. Someone else would have given up on her long ago. While you will cry for a long time it helps to remember the "warm and fuzzy" moments in your heart. I also found it helpful to write down in a journal everything that my furkids did. Now when I go back after the years I smile when I read a memory that I have forgotten. God bless you for your fight for your furkid. Look up the Rainbow Bridge and know that someday you and your furkid will be reunited.
C.

A.,
I'm so sorry for this pain. Dogs are wonderful creatures and gifts from above.
My last dog (before the two now) 14 years ago had a tumor. He was my Christmas puppy a beautiful black lab I named Gunner. When he was only 7 the tumor appeared and in two months he was gone.
It has to be one of the worst things a person has to do. But it is for the best, she may only be 2 years but she gave you the best she had for 2 years. Honor her by giving her a grateful farewell.
It took so long for me to get another dog because of my Gunner, and now I have Lilly the Bean and Diogi. My father said Gunner was one of the best hunting dogs he ever had, and he was buried in his favorite bandana and given a gun salute and sip of blackberry brandy (a duck hunting tradition) by the hunters present. It was a big deal.
Try to be strong for her as she would for you. Don't forget to tell her thank you.
God Bless love
W.

Sometimes, well a lot of times we have to do things we don't want to do... But put yourself in her shoes, would you want to live like that ? I believe pets do go to heaven and you'll be together. It will take time too heal,but she will be at peace. Which is really the most important thing here. Good Luck !

I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family. One of the hardest things to do is to put your pet down. We have had to put two dogs down. The first one was the hardest she was my baby and my boys were 3 and 1. The second dog was because he bit my youngest in the face. Still hard but not as hard as the first one. Just know that you are doing the right thing. You arent helping the dog any by keeping it alive. It is only making you feel better.
Hang in there it will get better and take your time getting another one. DOnt get one to replace the one you lost.

I know it is hard to put a dog to sleep, but if your truly love them you will do what is best for them. I still think about my dog Scooter who I put to sleep 3 years ago. He also had cancer and there was nothing that we could do for him. He was in pain and he was also having seizures. Putting him to sleep was our final act of love for him. I will always remember him and it hurt to see him go, but putting him out of his misery was kindest thing we could do for him.

My Dear A.,

I related so well to your story about your beloved pet. My family had a beautiful collie/mix breed dog that had come to our door as a stray young puppy - we adopted her and Sadie became like one of our children. She was lovely, gentle, loyal ... everything you'd want a best friend to be. Never once did she growl or snap at anyone or anything. She grew up with our children. Then one day we noticed a very red spot in her mouth which developed into a cancerous tumor. The vet removed it once but it returned and we watched her daily become weaker. We'd carry her outside to go potty and she'd often dirty in the house, then lay down with a sad look in her eyes that said, "I'm sorry" - it broke our hearts. Many times we'd decide it was time to put her to sleep, but then would change our minds, unable to do it. Finally, she was in so much pain, we simply couldn't let her suffer anymore. The ride to the vet was heart breaking - I sat in the back of the car, holding our beautiful Sadie in my lap. We sat on the floor in the vet's office while he did the injection - then sobbed all the way home. It was a horrible experience and I must admit, I've never been to a funeral that was more painful. So I do understand how you feel. My heart goes out to you, A., and believe that you're one of the lucky ones to have loved your pet as you do. I will pray for you to have comfort in the love your dog returned to you. D.
PS: I do believe that God takes our lovely animals to Heaven where they are loved as we cared for them.

Dear A.,

I said a prayer that God will help you know that you are doing the right thing by putting your dog to sleep. Perhaps you can hold her in your lap when the vet gives the shot to stop her heart so she will die knowing she is loved. Doing this kindness has to be hard, but I know you don't want her to suffer any more. It's a miracle she did not die from eating the flashlight, etc.
I had to get a little teddybear hamster put to sleep because she was bleeding internally and I cried so hard when I called the vet they could hardly understand me, and I did not even play with her much like my grandkids did. The vet told me to put her in a plastic bag in the freezer and I just could not do that. It seemed too cruel. Knowing it is the only thing you can do for your dog will help and after grieving her loss, you will feel better about it.
We are very attached to our two dogs so it is like one of your kids when something is wrong with your critter.

Let yourself grieve. It is one of the hardest things I've done with my many pets. I usually choose to be with them and cry like a baby. You are really doing her a great favor to euthanize her. We had one that had cushings disease that was imposibble to control. We put her down before she was really too miserable. Don't feel guilty for the relief you will feel when you don't have to watch her suffer. The hardest one I had to go throughwas when my son was 26 and we had to put his dog down - I don't know who I was crying hardest for - my son , the dog or me. Next time you have to put a dog down do it the day you make the decision. I once waited 4 days after the decision and that was the hardest.

A.,

It is one of the hardest things to do. We have been through it with our dog and cat. Your dog does not have a quality of life and is suffering. In my opinion that is the most loving thing you can do for the dog. It is not painful for the dog. They give it a shot and it is like they go to sleep. You don't have to be there when they do it or you can be.

Hang in there.
D. O

I'm sorry for your loss. Hold on to the wonderful memories you have of her before her illness. Time will help the pain.

Hi A.. I'm so sorry to hear about your dog! I can relate, growing up my mom was a big animal activist and donated a ton a time at the local humane society. So us kids pretty much grew up there and have seen alot of the good and bad side to the animal world. At one point we had 5 dogs, 10 cats, a rabbit, and 2 horses. One thing that always helped me get though the passing of an animal is something I seen on the animal planet. I was watching a program about animal behavior and they said when it is time for a dog to pass on they are just fine with that. They don't get sad like us humans do. They just say, o.k. its my time and some dogs that live out in the country and are not leshed will often go off on there own in the wood to die. I hope this helps. I know its tuff to see your best friend go thru this. The best you could probably to is be there for her if she is confused, it would help comfort her.

A.:

I'm so very sorry to hear about your dog. It's never easy to let go of a loved one, regardless of whether they are human or not -- and it's especially hard when you are the one faced with making the decision to let go.

My husband and I made the same decision just last fall, because our 6-year old basset/shepherd mix was having serious joing problems. He was having trouble just doing regular things and his personality became downright aggressive to where he snapped at both of us and also our young son. We're fortunate that nobody got injured -- but we knew it wouldn't get better. The vet agreed and we spent some time trying to place our dog with no-kill shelters, but nobody could take him because of his temperament.

It sounds like your dog is having a lot of problems as well and, as their human care givers, the decision to euthanize is one we must take responsibility for. They can't stop the suffering themselves, and when there are conditions that meds won't really assist, it is the most humane thing we can do to help them stop hurting. It hurts like hell for us, but it a decision that we make because we know it is the compassionate thing to do. I believe that is part of what we agree to when we have pets in our homes and our lives.

Once we made the decision to let our Brutus go, the week seemed to fly by and I dreaded the day that we had scheduled taking him to the vet. But I made sure we had lots of fun during the week he was still with us, I took a ton of pictures and gave him as many treats as he wanted.

I also wrote an "obituary" for him and e-mailed it to our friends and family the day before we took him to the vet. I originally thought I wrote it for him, but I really wrote it for me and it helped me with the grieving process. The responses we got from friends and family was so helpful, and we knew people were praying for him and us, and thinking about us when we were letting him go.

I hope your vet allows you to choose if you want to be present or not. We had a private room and were able to be with him after they gave him some sedation and we hugged him and petted him until it was time to let go. We didn't want to see that final portion of things, so they took him from us at that point and we had some time to just sit and cry about it. It was sad but, at the same time, so beautiful.

One of my friends sent me a link to a cool website about The Rainbow Bridge and, though I still cry when I read the poem and watch the slide show, it was very helpful to think of Brutus in a place where he could run and play the way he wanted to. Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html.

There are also some great books that I found at Amazon.com that helped me through the process. There are quite a few about The Rainbow Bridge, but the one I actually liked was called "When Only The Love Remains: The Pain of Pet Loss" by Emily Margaret Stuparyk. Here's the link to that one: http://www.amazon.com/When-Only-Love-Remains-Pain/dp/0968...

I will tell you that time does help the pain of letting go lessen. I keep a screen saver of Brutus on our computer so I remember what he looked like and on occasion I'll even say "good morning" to him or something like that. ;-)

We've since adopted another dog and that has helped with the pain as well. The quiet dinner times and the walks without a leash were just jarringly unusual to us, so we opened our hearts to the possiblity of a new animal who needed a good home. If you're not ready, don't do it -- but know that it's okay if you want another pet. It doesn't mean you didn't love the first one.

Thane, our new dog (chocolate lab) reminds us somewhat of Brutus in some of his habits -- and brings his own quirks and personality traits with him. I still miss Brutus and think about him when I'm trying to get Thane to do a trick (Brutus did some really cool stuff; Thane is a bit thick-headed, lol) and I cherish those memories.

Make your last days with your dog special, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you are human. It's humane to help and it's human to hurt.

Peace and blessings to you . . .

J.

I am so very sorry. My husband and I got our dog as a wedding gift to each other 5 years ago, and even as we add children to our family, she will always be our first "baby" so I can only imagine how painful this is for you. My thoughts are with you, and maybe just try to take comfort that she won't be suffering anymore.

I am sorry to hear about your dog A.. I am sure she is a huge part of your family and you will miss her terribly, but this is the best thing you can do for her. To save her from the pain she is going thru right now.

HUGS,
M.

A. -
I am so sorry you are experiencing this. I had to put my dog down on Friday (2/15). She was over 14 and had a cancerous tumor in her mouth, which we had removed on 12/31, but came back....it was bad (infected, bleeding), we tried antibiotics and on Friday took her in again and the vet said it was time. :( I was happy to not have to really 'make' a decision (I had hoped & prayed that when/if it came to that, that our vet would just say it...). In any event, I know it was best for her to end her suffering - however, it was really awful for me. The better part of the weekend was spent crying, second guessing myself (maybe I should've brought her home for one more weekend, etc), and just mourning & missing her. I totally know and understand what a difficult time this is, especially with *just* going through it. It will get better as time goes on, but it's definitely noticeable the first few days. Think about it, your pet is dependant on you for everything - food, water, medication, going outside - they greet you when you get home, one of the first things you see in the morning...and part of your routine! I think that it what makes it even more difficult. It's been almost a week for me, and I still cry every day - but less than I was over the first 3 days. I knew it was coming, so I didn't expect to take it this hard. My vet gave her a shot to calm/relax her, which we were in the room for. Then he took her in back to actually put her down. I am glad I stayed with her for the shot, although, seeing her just laying there without muscle control was heartbreaking, and sort of a picture I had in my mind of her for a couple days. Now I am starting to think of her how she was. It's a good thing to think of your dog and her comfort and put that ahead of your feelings, one that your dog will certainly appreciate. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, as you go through this difficult time. Hugs...

I know it's a very hard decision to make but you're doing the right thing. You have to think of your dogs quality of life. I too put my best friend down and he is now living with me and my husband in his urn. Remember to take time to mourn -- it's part of the healing process.

Hugs,
A.

I am so sorry that you have to put your dog down.

Animals become such an important part of your family.

It sounds like putting her down is the best thing for her. She sounds like she is scared and confused.

We put our cat down not too long ago. The Vet was great. She made a paw print of our cat in a clay casting and they also cut some fur for us. I am making a little memory box with the items. Maybe your vet can do the same.

Try to think about it this way. Would you want to live like that. Not knowing if you were going to be able to walk that day or if you could potentially hurt someone because your brain isn't working. It is so sad but I am pretty sure you wouldn't. Your dog is a part of your family and I can feel the caring in your words. To let her go in a peaceful sleep is a kindness we do not do for our loved ones in the same circumstance. Take care.

I'm so sorry...it is so hard to lose a pet, especially a pet so young! I'm glad you're crying it out, better that than keeping it all bottled up inside..Will keep you in my prayers, maybe someday another puppy can bring joy into your life once again.

My heart so goes out to you! I had to put my dog of 10 years down the day after my birthday, two years ago. I know what your heart is going through.

She was much older than your poor baby, but was also suffering due to severe arthritis and hip dysplacia (uncommon for her breed). She could not get around as she used to, always had to be near us, lost her potty training skills because she just could not take the effort of going outdoors anymore.

Honestly, when you take her in, stay with her if the vet will let you. You can almost see the relief on their face just as they drift off. She will be a much happier baby once she crosses the rainbow bridge.

It is hard, but she will be better off. Their suffering makes us suffer, too.

My hubby made a very nice box for her and we buried her in my parents backyard. We could not afford to have her cremated, and now she will always be with us.

My thoughts (and tears) are with you.

N. D.

My thoughts are with you. It is never an easy thing to do. She is as traumatized as you are. Knowing that she can never be what she has been is the only way to tell yourself that seeing her avoid the worst of this disease by putting her down is the right thing to do for you both. In time you will heal and be ready for another pooch to love you and love back, but you will always have her wonderful memories in your heart. I am from Michigan and foster rescued dogs for ESRA, English Springer Rescue America a nationwide volunteer organization. I highly recommend you look at this website about THE RAINBOW BRIDGE, a place where dogs go when they pass. It is a touching and loving poem and pet grief support is mentioned at the bottom of the page. www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm
Today we have huge amounts of dogs in need that are abandoned due to the economy and home foreclosures. I have found great joy in fostering these dogs that we prepare to be rehomed to people like you. My last beautiful "dream dog" foster went to a home that had lost their dear family member dog. At some point you might check out our website. Wishing you all the best! I can tell you are a very loving and caring dog owner. Bless you! S. www.springerrescue.org

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE (grab a kleen X)

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that
pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can
run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm
and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and
vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each
miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly
stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager
body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the
green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally
meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the
beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet,
so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

B.
xoxo

I have been there and it was really hard, I was in college at the time and I was at home that week. To my horror the day after, I even had to have an in home interview and back ground check for my internship in law enforcement. I am not going to lie, it is hard but at the same time everything your dog is doing has to be putting her in even more pain internally. So you have to realize that this will be the best thing for her. Also talk to a librarian, they will help you find a book that will help you and your family especially your son get through this time. We lost my Dad a year ago and since I knew it was coming, I was able to find a great book to help prepare my then 3 year old for it. Well it turned out that it really helped me deal with it too, especially the after times when they remember little things, and you are not expecting them too. I am going to check with my library today to find out which book it was and then respond again later (it had a section on animals). Good Luck and take care.

Sorry about your dog. It is hard to do but please do what is best for her. You will always have your memories of her and pictures. I have cats, but grew up with both cats and dogs. We had to do this also and it is hard. Praying for you.

I know that it is hard to put a pet down I to have found my self faced with that decision, but you need to put yourself in her shoes she must be suffering. so even though it is one of the hardest things you will have to do know that you are making the right decision not only will you be taking her pain away but she will be in a betyter place and the procedure is completly painless at least for her. besides if it is affecting her brain and the way she thinks she might get mean. so you will also be protecting your family. im really sorry that you have to go through this but please know you are doing the right thing.

I'm near tears right now. My heart goes to you! I am a new "mom" to a kitty we just got from the Michigan Humane Society. and am quickly falling in love with her. She's only a year and a half. I can hardly imagine what you're going through. My Aunt died today and I'm quite emotional as well. You're blessed to have spent the time you have with your dog friend. Aren't you happy for all the wonderful fun times! I am glad you are able to love with an open heart, even if it hurts sometimes.

A.--I know exactly where you are. I've put down 2 Schnauzers. One of them was only 6 and had epilepsy. The seizures got worse when our second child was born. It was too stressful for him. It was a hard decision but in thinking about it, it wasn't fair to him and the seizures had made his personality change. Meds made him different too. He wasn't the same dog we got as a puppy. I didn't trust him with my kids. Our second Schnauzer we lost last March to kidney failure and other health issues at age 13. Again, as sad as it was, it was the right thing to do because even though the vet said they could try flushing his system via IV, etc. (basically "heroic measures") it wasn't fair to Alex to keep him alive. He was a wonderful dog and part of our family. I took him to the vet by myself and held him until he was gone. Now he is in a velvet bag in our sideboard awaiting his next purpose. I didn't get our first Schnauzer's ashes and now I wish I did. I didn't even say goodbye. I couldn't. I was too hormonal/emotional/sleep deprived having a week old baby at home. It is VERY sad and I do know how you are feeling. But remember keeping her alive in a condition that is not perfect is not fair to her. She deserves better than that and unfortunately, you can not give that to her. It is better to let her go.

A.,

I can understand your anguish. It has been 8 years since we had to put our rotty down. I still cry. I loved her dearly and have pictures of her everywhere. It is not easy but you do not want your dog to suffer. Do what is right for your dog and realize you did this for your love of your dog.

E.

I'm so sorry, but you're doing the best thing. You're going to mourn for her because a pet is just like a family member. I cry when my puppy doesn't feel good and would just lose it if anything every happened to him. He's my heart, don't let her suffer anymore. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

D. S., Detroit

I am so sorry. I know how difficult it is. I have had to do it with 2 cats and a dog. It is not a good situation but know that you have their best interest at heart. They are suffering and confused. They look to us to make things better and sometimes we just can't. The most loving thing we can do is to end their suffering. I'm not sure if you have already done it but it was best for me if I was there. I held them all until they took their last breath and it felt good to be able to hold them until the end. Take care and you will be in my thoughts.

C.