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?
lmao
Been there; done that...Sounds like you were the one who fed, walked and cared for the dog...So I’d say it’s your call...
Rarely does anyone ask others about “putting down” a healthy dog (unless they’re psychotic or a democrat; I know, redundant) Generally, if you have to ask in good conscience if it’s time, then it’s probably time...That’s when a consult with your veterinarian will help with any lingering doubts...Your vet will tell you true...
15 years is a good long life for a dog; you’re doing the right thing out of love for your pet...
My threshold has always been when they can’t or won’t get up.
Who suggested a pet nursing home? That would be inhumane IMHO. I’ve never even heard of one.
If they get to that point; it’s time.
When they no longer wag their tail, they no longer eat, no longer move around, cannot eliminate, and the look in the eye means they are in constant pain, make the decision. There is no exact time or one reason, one seems to just know and is at peace with the decision. As one who has euthanized literally thousands of animals, this is what it distills into.
Now.
Time to talk to the vet. They can help with these decisions. They love animals too and can help you decide what’s best
I’m sure our Cairn Terrier will greet each of us, some 45 years on. We would get glimpses of her around the house for years afterward.
Thank you for that.
If the dog was in the wild it would have been euthanized a long time ago by nature. We humans are their caretakers until we can’t do it anymore.
Never seen cat diapers.....you, on the otherhand.....
*ouch* Once upon a time my pancreas exploded.
It's a LOT more painful than it sounds.
One of the hardest and saddest things we have to do. I’ve said goodbye to far too many pets.
Just because someone has lived decades beyond puberty doesn’t make them an adult.
I’m there, too.
15 years. German Shepherd. She was the first of our 3 dogs and we thought the Dobermans would outlive her; we were wrong (both of cancer). Despite the incontinence, she still tries very hard to go outside. She’s part lame in one rear leg, but that’s been the case for much of the past 2 years. We stopped going for walks a few months ago because she sometimes falls over because of her leg and the pavement is unforgiving, but she’s in no pain. She eats like a horse (unchanged) and we love her dearly.
I feel ya: I’m not into prolonging her pain for my own emotional needs. She’s declined the past couple of days. A change has permitted me to be home with her since the beginning of December and I’m moving toward a decision to say goodbye in the next week or so. My wife, has been rather indifferent for reasons I’m not getting into here.
The timing of your post could not be more ironic: Today is the first day she’s not gotten up before me and I feel guilty for actually having gotten to sleep in for the first time in months. I’m worried that I may have waited too long as I type this wondering when she’s going to get up for her breakfast...the highlight of her day other than when I come home...
I’ve tried and kept pets alive longer than I should have. I’m hoping to not make that mistake anymore. Looking back I think easing them on their way sooner would have been a mercy. It’s heartbreaking but better than having them hide when they see you coming to give the meds.
You know in your heart what your motives are, and if you're comfortable with them, then you're free to act on them.
Are you happy with the way he is?
Is he happy with the way he is?
Both of those questions need to be a yes, or there is needless suffering.
They place 100% of their trust in us to care for their every need.
We owe them the dignity of passing with minimal discomfort when being alive is no longer pleasant and pain free.
It is never a good thing to do it too soon, however, it is always a bad thing to do it too late.
Ah! Someone who has never owned a pet chimes in.
Just like a childless authority on child rearing...
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