Posted on 12/23/2018 6:35:14 AM PST by Chickensoup
When do we put Rover down?
I have always thought that when an animal becomes sick, old, diseased, and is in pain, senile or unable to manage that the kind thing to do would be to euthanize it.
However, it seems that I am in the minority with that opinion.
Our good dog of 15 years is now senile, is anxious and barks, has poor vision and little hearing. He barks almost constantly, cannot remember where he is or where we are. He is a sad old mess.
I have been advocating putting him to sleep.
Others in the family see me as advocating family murder.
I thought that was odd, until I discovered that acquaintances have approached the family members with NURSING HOME options for the pets that one can no longer care for. At a price.
that none of them can afford.
As the primary care taker of this animal I see that continuing his life is causing him undue suffering. I am also frustrated at the limitations on my life. I suppose I am selfish.
I now know people who have animals with joint replacements, insulin, cardiac meds and other complicated measures. I find it surprising. Perhaps I am just too old?
There was a time where the decision to put down a beloved animal was considered an act of courage. I thought it was a part of the process of maturation and acceptance of life's limitations.
Now I am faced with people telling me that the dog deserves to live out all of his natural life in whatever condition it presents.
Am I so out of touch? Is animal euthanasia no longer a decision?
Maybe I'll take a hiking trip through Morocco.
Selfish people keep their pets alive after they are obviously suffering greatly. One question: Are you keeping it alive for him? Or for you?
Mother Theresa had a humility list...15 characteristics to practice. #15: Always do the most difficult thing.
My guess is you are not nearly as pretty as those girls! (Just kidding you.)
Glad I’m not your dog.
” Animals are being put on the same plane as people.”
—
Exactly,companion animals.
.
I like dogs enough to never have one. Funny, I have my sons two labs over at the moment and they’re just the sweetest dogs. I really like them, but don’t get them confused with people.
Yes they let you know.
Until then I take care of them.
For me its when they dont want their food or water anymore.
Because at the end they fluctuate and have some good days and rally, and some worse days, a few peaks and valleys before they finally say no more.
I would never do pet nursing homes.
You’ve just abandoned your family pet. It just cannot work.
Thats why I wait for them to let me know.You watch them and are around them all the time, you know when they are telling you they need it to be over. Until I get that from them, I help them.
I am intellectually opposed to making animals into “family members.” Humanizing animals cheapens human life. That said, it’s a tough choice to make. I wish you and your family well. Maybe wait until the holidays are well over for the family’s sake?
No, you are not a monster. But it’s your sons responsibility to decide. You tell him that he was the beneficiary of the dogs love and loyalty and making that decision is the price that is paid. You can help him out, but it’s his responsibility to take care of this.
You need to rent the movie A Dogs Purpose. Tell your son being busy is no excuse. If the dog is going to be put down, it’s your sons arms that need to be around him. Not yours
I had the vet come over to our house and put our dog to sleep while we held her and petted her.
She could no longer go up and down even a few steps, she would just spontaneously flop on the ground from a standing position, and she’d lost control of her bodily functions, which distressed her nearly as much as it did us. She was 14, and we’d already nursed her through one tumor removal.
You’re not alone.
I am pro life for humans.
Beef
Chicken
Lamb
Pork
Pets
Not so much
Your not putting the dog to sleep, your killing it.
You can hire the hit out to a vet who will put the target into a drugged stupor before administrating a chemical heart attack.
Or do it yourself face to face with a club, knife or gun.
Or you can choose to let nature take it course and allow the dog to live out its allotted time. Regardless of the inconvenience to you. After all if it was a good dog it showed you loyalty and protection and deserves comfort and kindness in its final days.
_________________
I would be having the dog killed to stop its misery and yes for my convenience too.
So what, it is a dog.
Thank you
That is what i was thinking, and my son made a bit of noise in that direction this afternoon.
It was hard for him to have the dog for six hours.
The infirmities were difficult for him to cope with. He said it kept on reminding him that the dogs time is very short.
Also there is a difference between a cheerful and playful dog and a doddering anxious old dog.
He wants to be there, but he is having a problem doing it.
I think he is afraid that he will want them to stop.
and maybe not be able to go through with it.
I feel sorry for your pets and family.
thank you,
It is a tough time for all of us and Rover has been suffering for quite a while.
If it's your pet, then tell them you have to make the decision and you would appreciate their support.
I know it won't be easy. Just tell them that THEY know what has to be done as well, even though they don't want to face it. Best of Luck and MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your family.
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