Your Dog

Plays so many roles- being given the choice by the vet to put her down or let her struggle on- doesnt get much harder than that- what a hole in our life- great dog r.i.p

Had to do it with our Staffy about 5 yrs ago now, still upsetting to think of it now, but i know it was for the best as i what was wrong for him to suffer.
Took me nearly 3 year before we got our Frenchy (in my pic). Time is a healer mate and so pleased we got him.
 


Sorry to hear that mate.
Don't dread having a dog for fear of the future demise of it, just enjoy your dog whilst it's attentive and active and never be selfish in wanting more time from it than the dog is capable of giving, healthy wise.
When that time comes, make sure your dog goes to sleep, peacefully. Not only is it kind to the dog, it's also kind to yourself because you will know you did the right thing at the right time.

I had a dog and she was 19. She had a great life until the last 6 months where she suffered a little pain and it gradually got worse. I should've had her put to sleep in that time but I tried all kinds to ensure she lived because I loved her so much.

I was not being kind to her in prolonging her life, I was being selfish.
I nearly lost my mind when she went to sleep and I promised myself from that day, if ever I got another dog I'd enjoy the dog and when the time was right to put the dog to sleep, I'd make sure it was done.
I did just that with my border collie cross, german shepherd. He managed to reach close to 15 but had a few problems that were only going to make his life a misery before the obvious.
I consulted the vet and the vet said I was spot on to make the decision because it's being kinder to put him to sleep now before the issues kicked in fully, which were doing so.
The vet said to me " you know,,,,it's a blessing that we can put animals to sleep as quickly as this."

I agreed.
However it nearly sent me over the edge. I felt vulnerable and all kinds of stuff. It took me a good while to get myself together but I take great comfort from making sure he didn't suffer badly and also I have his ashes in a box on the shelf.

I constantly toy with getting another dog but I have my daughters dog a lot and may just wait till she decides it needs a litter of pups.
If she does then I'll take one or two or whatever.

Anyway enjoy your dogs in your and their health and think nothing else other than that.
The inevitable comes to them and to us, so deal with that as and when necessary, just don't fret over it before time, otherwise the whole point of having one and the overall enjoyment of it, is tainted to hell.

Beautiful post and so so true.
Don’t be put off getting another dog, we did and have never regretted it
 
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My heart goes out to you.
Not posted on here but my Labrador went lame a week Sunday whilst in and out of the river.
Xrays, specialist vet and thought the worse. Thankfully pet insurance a lifesaver.
Avoided an operation and had to be sedated yesterday for steroid injections and 4 weeks of limited walks.
Unbelievable recovery today and walking normal. Seeing him after work gets me through most things.
The fact that the Mrs (no) took him out for a short walk and he marched out into the middle of a field with a sit down protest confirmed that my Ted is back.

Any dog lover will understand this painful decision and in time and more than likely we all will have to make that awful decision.
Everyone posting on this thread will feel your pain, I am typing this.
Dogs are unbelievable.
 
My heart goes out to you.
Not posted on here but my Labrador went lame a week Sunday whilst in and out of the river.
Xrays, specialist vet and thought the worse. Thankfully pet insurance a lifesaver.
Avoided an operation and had to be sedated yesterday for steroid injections and 4 weeks of limited walks.
Unbelievable recovery today and walking normal. Seeing him after work gets me through most things.
The fact that the Mrs (no) took him out for a short walk and he marched out into the middle of a field with a sit down protest confirmed that my Ted is back.

Any dog lover will understand this painful decision and in time and more than likely we all will have to make that awful decision.
Everyone posting on this thread will feel your pain, I am typing this.
Dogs are unbelievable.

This dog was a mad little critter - but the medication took her away from us- was insanely hungry and thristy' - literally never at ease- she sat next to my head in bed last night- boring her eyes into me - she had enough - cheers
I know this sounds ridiculous, but having had to put an animal to sleep before, it’s actually stopped me from getting another. It’s a horrible experience and by far one of the hardest decisions I have had to make.

Going home to tell the kids was awful.

RIP

The hardest - christ since the day of the takeover announcement I lost somebody close, now this, hopeful a new dawn soon - regarding new dogs the 10 years plus of joy are worth the end
 
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When you lose a dog your simply have to grieve. No rules as to the time, emotions, guilt or anything. You simply have to grieve and most put that dog on a pedestal and rightly so.
After the grieving process then there is always another dog, one you will love just the same albeit yet another wonderful personality. The golden point here is that there is a wonderful dog in need of a wonderful owner just like you.
This is often overlooked.
 
Lost my Honey week last Sunday. Worst decision I've ever had to make but it was the right one.

Had moment tonight when I got home from work. When I sat down to take boots off she would always get on her hind legs and put both paws on my shoulders. Happy memory as she was always pleased to see me, but hit me like a ton of bricks again.

As for not getting another dog. Don't do this mate, give it a while but there are thousands of dogs around country who need a good home. If you can give one that, then do it. 10-15 years of happiness is worth the sadness at the end.
 
Lost my Honey week last Sunday. Worst decision I've ever had to make but it was the right one.

Had moment tonight when I got home from work. When I sat down to take boots off she would always get on her hind legs and put both paws on my shoulders. Happy memory as she was always pleased to see me, but hit me like a ton of bricks again.

As for not getting another dog. Don't do this mate, give it a while but there are thousands of dogs around country who need a good home. If you can give one that, then do it. 10-15 years of happiness is worth the sadness at the end.


god it's hard getting up and she is not by the bed. Wife is in bits asking if the dog is angry at us that we put her down etc. Answering with logic to her that of course not she was in pain - while feeling as much pain as her. I can't go for my morning walk round backhouse park now - so many little things...
It’s crap mate, we lost our beagle to cancer at 15 around about this time last year, he had good days and bad days. We made our minds up one day and changed them the next.

Still think about him every day and felt such guilt around the time, did I make the right decision ? Was I too hasty. But in hindsight he was slowly losing all the little things he liked to do and that was walking and eating.

Tearing up a bit even writing this but ya not alone in this.

Loved this meme at the time and I’ll bet it’s right for your dog as well


opened the flood gates that one - suppose it helps.
 
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Lost a nine month old bedlington terrier about a month ago. Had to get him put down as he had an accident when he was out for a walk and broke both his front legs. Coulda possibly been fixed but his right leg was fucked and was unlikely he would have been the same so had to do what was best.

Proper shame and it's still sad but it’s getting easier. We’ve got another dog which helped lessen the blow.
 
Sorry to hear it.

My missus bugged me for ages to get a dog, she finally broke me and we got him 2 months ago.

So now we have a four month old apricot cockerpoo/ginger mongrel* and he's already my best mate. The smelly little git.



*Depending on your viewpoint.
 
Had to do it with our Staffy about 5 yrs ago now, still upsetting to think of it now, but i know it was for the best as i what was wrong for him to suffer.
Took me nearly 3 year before we got our Frenchy (in my pic). Time is a healer mate and so pleased we got him.


can posters start uploading pics of their dogs, it is comforting and good to see.
Love my pooch more than anything, dread the day but time will heal mate, I've been there with my old dog


Its a quite a long read, but to all who need to put their beast down one day, read this - it helps -

1) When should you consider euthanasia? When your pet is ill, this may be the last question you want to think about. Yet it is the most important question you may need to answer.
Start by asking your veterinarian what types of symptoms to expect as your pet's illness progresses. What stages will the disease take? How long before kidney disease produces incontinence or renal failure? How long before tumor cells invade the lungs or other organs? How long before symptoms become medically unmanageable, before pain becomes severe and untreatable? At what point will your pet become unable to function normally; at what point will its suffering become extreme?
This information can help you form your plan. For example, you may decide to seriously consider euthanasia when your pet can no longer breathe easily, or eat or drink, or find a comfortable position in which to sleep, or when it seems to find your touch painful. By defining a "decision point" in advance, you place boundaries on the suffering your pet is likely to endure.
2) Will you be there? Many people feel it is important to be present during euthanasia. Many others feel unable to handle this traumatic event. And make no mistake: Witnessing the euthanasia of your beloved companion IS traumatic (though it can also help allay fears that your companion suffered). This is not a decision to be made lightly, or based on someone else's choices.
Most feel that the pet's well-being is the most important consideration. If you believe your pet will feel more comfortable or secure in your presence, you'll probably want to stay, no matter how difficult it will be. On the other hand, if you're concerned that your own reaction and grief may disturb the pet more than the process itself, you may prefer to stay away.
If you choose not to be present, don't simply leave your pet with the veterinarian. Some clinics hold "to-be-euthanized" pets until after clinic hours, which simply adds to an animal's trauma. Make sure that your pet is going to be euthanized immediately, while you wait in the waiting room or car.
3) What will you do next? The worst time to decide what to do with your pet's remains is at the last minute. It's far better to begin discussing options weeks in advance. Indeed, even the owner of a perfectly healthy pet can begin considering the answer to this question at any time, particularly if you want to make special funeral or private cremation arrangements, or want a particular type of funerary product (such as a special urn or casket).
For many, this decision involves both physical and spiritual issues. How do you (and your family) distinguish between body and soul? Do you feel that your pet will be "closer" to you spiritually if its remains are close to you physically (e.g., in a cremation urn)? Do you feel that your pet's spirit will be happier if it is interred in a familiar, beloved location? Or do you feel that your pet's soul and personality are not associated with its physical remains, which you're quite happy to leave with the veterinarian? There's nothing foolish about such considerations. For many, the certainty that they have provided for their cat's spiritual needs can go a long way toward healing the spiritual wounds of the owner.

Myths About Euthanasia
Many people have mixed feelings about euthanasia, for good reason. No matter how well-intentioned we may be, this act feels like murder to many of us, and guilt may often haunt us long after the act.
Even when we know intellectually that euthanasia may be the "best" or "most merciful" choice, that means little when we face the decision itself. Many pet owners cling to misperceptions that provide apparent justification for postponing this decision -- often at the expense of the pet itself. Three common misperceptions include:
1) Euthanasia isn't nature's way. Some pet owners reject euthanasia as "unnatural." Nature, some say, has a timetable for every life, and by artificially ending a life, we're disrupting nature's plan. While charming, this belief overlooks the fact that by providing treatment, surgery, medication, or any other form of care for a sick (or injured) pet, we are already extending that pet's life far beyond what would occur if matters were left in the not-so-tender hands of "nature." Euthanasia is often not so much a question of "artificially ending" a life, but of determining when to cease artificially extending that life.

2) Euthanasia is selfish. One of the commonest sources of guilt is the belief that one has euthanized a pet "too soon" or for "selfish" reasons. "I should have tried harder," many tell themselves. "I should have been willing to do more, spend more, get a second opinion, stay up all night to take care of her." Yet the person who worries most about not having "done enough" is often a person who has already gone to superhuman efforts to care for that pet. A far more dangerous form of selfishness is to prolong a pet's suffering simply to postpone one's own.

3) My pet will tell me when it's "time." Many of us have heard of pets who allegedly offered some indication of acceptance of death, of being "ready to move on." And who among us would not welcome that sense of being granted "permission" to end a pet's life? Such a "signal" would remove the dreadful burden of having to make that decision on our own. Unfortunately, for many that signal never comes. By convincing ourselves that our pets will "tell us" when it is time to die, we risk two hazards: Prolonging a pet's suffering by waiting for a sign that never comes, or torturing ourselves with guilt for acting "too soon."

The painful truth is that if your pet is terminally ill, and especially if it is suffering and unable to function, it will die; the decision you must make is not whether its life will end, but how, and how much discomfort you are willing to allow it to endure. Stefanie Schwartz, DVM, sums up the issue in one vital question in her book, Canine and Feline Behavior Problems: "Which choice will bring you the least cause for regret after the pet is gone?" Unfortunately, "no regret" is often not an option.
 
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