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?

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...

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.

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...

My Riley is 8 1/2 lab he is such a great friend and pet. It all started back in Sept. when for a few days in would get sick at the same time every morning around the same time. We took him to the vet in which they did x-rays and commented on his arthritis on his spine and was given meds. The next day he vomited what appeared to be a piece of a corn cobb. More x-rays nothing. Then few weeks later back to the vet nothing. The same weekend Riley began panting and shaking but only when he went to bed and then would wake again around 3 am. Sunday he just layed around finally got him in which he would not lay down . He ended having exploritory surgery due to a mass in his intestines which they thought was scare tissue at first .They removed 2cm for the mass and 3cm on each side total of 8cm.I was later called with the worst news that he has cancer called a adenocacinoma .We had to take Riley for his post op which included the trip to the onocolgist. They tested him said he was clean but, could have micro cancer and did one chemo treatment he did well but ,they want to do more treatments. He seemed to well with the first treatment . They tell me dogs take chemo differently than people and it doesn't make them as sick ? I decided not to give any more treatments. I'm so confused all I do is cry.They say cancer he has will come back 4-10 months with a vengance without chemo and with chemo he could have 12-14 months or more before the cancer returns. Has anyone dealt with this kind of cancer. I just want him to enjoy life before his time except part of me feels like I'm killing him by not giving him treatment and at the same time I feel the same with treatment.Currently his spirit and appitite is great, he even looks better. Before his surgery he had 75% blockage.

Originally Posted by lil mutt

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

i agree with you, it's difficult to lose someone you loved but it is more difficult if you see you pet or love ones was dying in front of you

[wishbone]

It is really emotional and hard but when you feel it's time, have some memorable moments with your dog. You can see how thankful she is for having you, and she will smiling up there waiting for your.

Its never easy to let a loved one go, no matter how many legs they have. All you can do is to do the best you can and make sure he is as comfortable as possiable. You'll know when the time comes to let him go. Animals have a way of letting us know, sometimes they just need to know that its ok though. I know words can never help in these situations, but like Wishbone said, make some memoriable moments and just remember that when his time comes, your letting him go out with dignity. Something most humans dont get to do.

[lil mutt]

Originally Posted by jv17

i agree with you, it's difficult to lose someone you loved but it is more difficult if you see you pet or love ones was dying in front of you

Sometimes standing beside your pet or even someone you love for the last moments of their life makes it easier for them to accept whatever coming... even death...

ohh..this makes me sad but follow what your heart says.

It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
Our old boy was 16 when we had to put him to sleep. He was having real difficulty getting up. We were in a total mess as to what to do but one morniing we got up and he really didn't look happy. It was as if he was telling us it was time. We took him straight away before we could change our minds.
It is a very peaceful process for the dog. He just slowly went to sleep.
Oh god i'm starting to cry typing this.
Anyway. If you feel it is time just do it. We felt better knowing we weren't letting him suffer and knowing he went peacefully. Just remember all the great times you had together.
It is awful but it is better than letting an animal suffer.

I hope this helps a bit.

I couldnt do it ! Put her on some meds to relieve pain and inflamation . I know its not good for them but it will make them feel much better & you can enjoy your baby , maybe , for a few more years ! The only reason I've ever put an animal down is because it was poisoned and dying a horrible death . We were told years ago to put one of our dogs down but put him on meds and sooooo glad we did !

I had to do this on Monday, I had no choice, my Sunny girl made that choice for herself, she fractured her hip while coming down the stairs, she was old for a greyhound, there was no choice but to do the right thing, as my vet said Sunny made that choice for me. My vet was wonderful took lots of time sat with us on the floor till I was ready, Sunny was so calm all the while, she was ready and waiting for me to be, while tragic the end was easy for Sunny girl....I held her head in my lap and told her how wonderful and devoted she has been, how much I loved her etc., while she fell into a natural long ending sleep...it took but a few seconds...I stayed awhile just holding her, loving her till I was able to tell her bye....the vet made it much easier...now my healing has started....I will hold all the wonderful memories forever in my heart....
Mendinhearts

]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?[/QUOTE]

Originally Posted by jv17

i agree with you, it's difficult to lose someone you loved but it is more difficult if you see you pet or love ones was dying in front of you

I also agree jv17.thanks

Hi All;
I have made this painful decision a few times, and it is a gift we can give
our loving dogs when they are in pain. They tend to tell you in some way
that they are ready to go "home" to God. They might not eat or they may
be in pain. Just having a leg that the dog doesn't use doesn't mean they
have to be put to sleep necessarily, My old Buster lost the use of one back
leg and then two, and I carried him everywhere, slung a towel under his
belly so he could still walk, but after a month or so of this the day came,
when his front legs hurt and he was tired. Just know it is painful, but it
is a gift you can give your friend, the ability to leave this world to go to
the next, when eventually you will hear that joyful bark greeting you
to your heavenly home. Take Care, Love Doggiebreath

Originally Posted by 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?

I had some time to prepare myself as my dog Ralph had a terminal illness, liver failure. I watched him grow weaker and thinner. I did everything in my power to keep him comfortable. Even though I say I had time to prepare, you are never ready for the overwhelming sadness you will feel when your furbaby is gone. Enjoy every minute with Michelle now while you can, try not to think about the inevitable. Michelle will let you know when she is ready. Good luck.

Oh i couldn't ever let go of one of our dogs, but if they were really ill and unhappy, then thats the only solution. As much as you love them, you just have just got to let them go and be happy in heaven.

Id much rather a dog not suffer. x

I really don't know how i'd deal with it because buying another dog is just to soon and I wouldnt want to be replacing my old one. I think I would just say to myself, well, aslong as I now know he/she's now happy in heaven and we will meet again one day. I will say to myself also that he/she will be here at home with me, even if i cannot see him/her because I treated it well, loved it, and adored it with all my heart. Everyone and everything has to go one day.

x