[BudinOK]

I know that it is better to put a dog down than to let it suffer, but how does one deal with that. My dog, Michelle, is getting alittle old. When she was younger, she "blew out" both of her back knees at separate times. Now, that she is getting older, she is beginning to favor her right back leg. She has been limping for alittle while, you know, when she gets up and moves around.

I know I may be silly and all, but a few years ago, while vacationing in Colorado, we had a chance to do the train in Durango, but we couldn't take the dog on the train with us. We went to put her in a kennel and she was upset and I totally broke down, bawled like a baby. I felt like I was a parent, doing something awful to a child. To make a long story short, we ended up going back after her and not doing the train after spending $110.00 on tickets we didn't use. I do have that story on Google Groups if you are interested in that story. Search for "A Man and His Love For His Dog".

But anyway, how does one prepare to put your pet down? A pet that you love as one of your kids? I fear that I must make that decision in the future and I just do not know if I can do it. I know those brown eyes will be looking at me when it will be done. I fear this moment. I hope it doesn't come. How did you guys deal with it, the ones that had to put their pet down?

[suebgone]

you do it before the suffering starts & you hold her for her last breath. it is a difficult decision for anyone. I never wanted any of mine to get sick enough to die on their own. I would have felt terribly guilty about that.

take a look at Yahoo groups for one to join & google pet loss. some have links to how to make that decision & they also have forums

in the mean time I would suggest you start her on the combo from WM or any drugstore

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM information and product

[lil mutt]

its really hard to put down your pet especially when they have been part of your life for a very long time...

[suebgone]

of course it's hard to make that decision but far too many people let their pet drag on & on for themselves - & are very unrealistic about the true condition of the pet. that is just plain selfish & the pet suffers.

[Thundaar]

You sound very masculine...

Anyway, you're going to have to deal with it dying someday. You knew that end of the bargain whenever it is that you first got it. All these people talking about a dog suffering, could know what they're talking about, but I don't think so. A dog would suffer more if its owner abandoned it then if it had to endure physical pain. They were in a wildlife habitat before they were domesticated after all, physical pain is second nature. If you really are set on this then you can put it down, otherwise embrace it until its last day. Whatever you have to do, it shouldn't happen with any tears of sorrow. Instead you should be happy that you got to spend so much time and raise such a thing. This is coming from someone who lost a dog at a younger age when it was hit by a car. People are different, ultimately you're seeking for advice, opinions, and options while you already know what you have to do.

Over and out.

[lil mutt]

its really sad when that time comes... but you should be strong and be with her till her last breath... It's painful to see that your dog will be forever gone but be thankful for the wonderful memories that you two shared together...