Posted on 02/15/2018 4:48:29 PM PST by Freedom56v2
We have 2 dogs. Our oldest, nearly 15 is having more bad days than good. He has been gone in many respects for the past week or so. He will be sorely missed. Our other dog is 7, so we will not be "dogless."
I read that it is better to be a week or two early than a day late as far as putting down a pet. I don't know how much suffering he is going thru, but he is just sort of existing now.
No question that it is time to say goodbye, I just don't know if I should/could wait until kids can do so.
I am trying to balance the grieving process of my kids with my pet's pain and suffering.
Personally, I have never been one for long goodbyes--or goodbyes of any type. I just get so sentimental, choked up, etc. I prefer to remember people and pets in best of times. We will all grieve regardless of the goodbyes as he was a good dog.
Input on this would be greatly appreciated.
I had to put down my 14yo border collie, had her since she was a 4mo pup. The last thing she did on the table before the vet gave her the needle she licked my hand once. I cried for a week over that and still once in a while do; this was two years ago, three this Nov. I can feel your pain.
Just my opinion, but I’d put the dog first. You’re all he’s got, and he can’t speak for himself. Any human with a heart will understand why you did what you did.
I can empathize with you, as one of our dogs, at age 16, is becoming more feeble by the day, and I think her time will come soon as well. I’m considering having the vet come to our house to help her to her eternal rest, so that she can be in familiar surroundings, on her favorite bed, as she passes on.
Well, I would say let them tell you they are done.
If they love you they want to stay with you, but at some point they know its time. Generally when they refuse food and water anymore. If they can still enjoy food and water they can enjoy you and pets from you.
Thank you....I cried reading that—been crying all day...
I will be with our dog though he really is not here—today was worst day, but he has been leaving us for a week or two.
I just don’t know if he can wait longer for more family goodbyes or if daughter will be able to handle watching him go...sons for that matter.
My opinion only,from experience,do it now.
Saddest thing to have to do but it’s better then him suffering.
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Thank you.
Yes, today, no desire for walk, or food tho I did get him to drink some water and eat a bit of liverwurst off my fingers.
He used to bark anytime anyone came to door, now just sleeping. It is time...I am now thinking don’t postpone it for kids’ benefit...
Just my opinion, but I’d put the dog first. You’re all he’s got, and he can’t speak for himself. Any human with a heart will understand why you did what you did.
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Thank you.
I’m sorry for your sadness. Don’t let your dog suffer too much longer. The kids will understand.
My opinion only,from experience,do it now.
Saddest thing to have to do but it’s better then him suffering.
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Thank you—It is hard...I just keep thinking a few more days please, but I am realizing not in his best interest.
Do it now and always remember him at his best.
You gave him an amazing life and trust me he knows it.
I feel for you, we take it hard when we lose our little guys too.
Had to have the vet put down our 16 year old Maine Coon cat two Christmases ago...I was holding her and she was looking me in the eyes when she went to sleep...
Even now when we go to bed, my wife and I both say goodnight to K.C. (Krazy Cat)
Question, do I try to postpone his passing so other family can say goodbye or just let them have happy memories of the family dog in his younger days?
Why don’t you ask everyone who can make that decision, IMHO Everyone over the age of 5.
I had my girl cremated and when I can I take the box with me. Some people say that’s sick. Those that say that never bonded with anything in their life.
I had to make this decision with my cat last month. It was difficult because she was still “herself” but had suffered a rapid decline over a week because of cancer. I could have waited and kept my best friend with me longer, but that would have postponed my pain and prolonged hers.
It might be kinder to leave the last memory your kids have of their dog as a happier one.
You have my heartfelt sympathy now (and in the weeks to come).
I just had my 15 year old cat put down on Christmas Eve. She had bladder cancer, and would likely have suffered a lot if we had waited.
Earlier last year, we had another cat with cancer. Her condition was bad, but seemed fairly stable—at least, stable enough that we were still having tests run on her. She had an appointment for Tuesday, and we fully expected that we would put her down then. But on Sunday morning, I came downstairs and found her doing agonal breathing (death rattle). We took her to the emergency clinic, but she was gone by the time we arrived. I think she actually passed rather peacefully.
With a severely ill pet, you have to consider the quality of life. Is he stable enough that it won’t make much difference if you put him down today or tomorrow, or is his condition such that it might suddenly deteriorate rapidly? It is hard to know what to do. I prefer not to put animals down, but if there is a risk they will suffer greatly, it is probably a better choice.
I know this does not offer any help with your decision, but maybe my experiences can give some perspective. I’m so sorry you are facing this.
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