My parent's dog is dying..

[solinvictus]

she's a rat terrier they rescued back in 1989. They used to operate what amounted to a general store at a large flea market and they found a little rat terrier pup that someone had abandoned. The puppy, later named Tootsie, fit inside the palm of your hand. She was white with black cow spots and apparently, she had either parvo or kennel cough. My mom and stepdad stayed up with her after they got home and forced her to take fluids with a small bit of aspirin dissolved in the water.

Miraculously enough, the little girl made it. She was a fighter and soon became my stepdad's constant companion. He'd carry her around in a shirt pocket and when they made the monthly trip to the flea market, they'd take her. She loved the trips and when she grew up, she'd run around the property and dig holes looking for chipmunks. At the time, I had a room in the basement and she'd curl up and sleep with me at night. Tootsie also was a hunter. She'd tree squirrels and my stepdad would tag them with a .22 for her. Immediately, she'd attack the squirrels.

Oddly enough, her best friend for about ten years was a Chow/who knows what mix named Bruno. When Bruno was a puppy, she asserted herself over him and he accepted it. I think he saw her as a friend/mother figure. Being a fearless dog, she'd often pick fights with others in the neighborhood. It was funny, she'd stand under Bruno between his two front legs while he'd growl at any dogs foolish enough to come into the yard. They were a team in hunting chipmunks as well, he'd often help her dig holes well over three feet deep. Bruno disappeared about five years ago and she grieved for ages.

A few years back, my parents were given a choice with Tootsie. She'd had a couple of growths removed and some were found to likely be malignant. They could give her chemo and radiation, which would have a good chance of killing her, or let her live with the cancer and monitor it regularly. Oddly enough, she had a couple of fatty tumors, but none of it spread, until two weeks ago. Tootsie, in her old age, started having mobility issues. She broke her hip after a short fall and, once it was cast and set, Tootsie started having trouble eating. Within a week, she was unable to walk or eat by herself. It appears that the trauma of the hip injury was the chink in her immune system the cancer needed to really spread. Right now, she's in her dog bed (or on my mom's lap) barely conscious and having trouble breathing. They've considered having her put to sleep, but she's still aware of her surroundings, so the trip would be an emotional and physical trauma for her.

Tootsie's a remarkable little dog. Back in 1992, my parent's house caught on fire in the basement and she woke them and then led them through a night and smoke darkened house to the front door. About two years ago, a home invader came into the house and despite being feeble, Tootsie placed herself between the burglar and my mom. My parents are really hurting now, it's like losing a family member.

[okasha]

1. It is losing a member of the family.

Would your vet make a home visit?

[oregonjen]

2. There are vets who come to your home to put them to sleep

If they feel she needs help passing to the next life, there is help. I'm sorry. These little critters just get in our hearts and it is painful to see them leave. :hug:

[alittlelark]

Your parents must be heartbroken... I am reading the story.

At least she led a long and feisty life. Your parents should try to find a vet that will come to their home - it's the best thing.

;( :hug:

[MidwestMomma]

3. I'm so sorry for you and your family

Thanks for sharing Tootsie's story. She sounds more than remarkable.

Hugs to you and yours in the coming days. It will be terribly tough but just try to remember all the good times. That's what Tootsie would want you to do.

[Benhurst]

4. ...

:grouphug:

[Lauri16]

5. {{{Hugs}}}

Tootsie sounds like she had a great life with your parents. Thanks for her story.

I am sorry for you and your parents. :hug:

[BrklynLiberal]

6. Tootsie IS a member of your family. There are vets that come to the house

and that way the passage could be a lot more peaceful and gentle.
Tootsie has given her all for you and your family.
I am feeling very teary eyed just writing this note.

Please send condolences to your family, and I wish Tootsie a safe, peaceful and easy journey over the Rainbow Bridge.

Remember, sweet souls like Tootsie never really leave us.

She will be buried where all good dogs are buried, deep in the recesses of our hearts.

She will be young, and healthy, and running around and digging in a wonderful place over the Rainbow Bridge.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[Pithlet]

7. My mom just had to put her dog down.

I was still a teenager living at home when we got her. 15 years is a good long life for a little dog, but I wish they lived longer. It is losing a family member. :hug:

[friesianrider]

8. It is SO hard to lose a pet...

All my fur babies are like my children, and I just lost my pup the day before Christmas 2004. It is so hard I know. Please try and stay strong for them, and tell them to stay strong too. It is a difficult decision to make, but remember it is always better to let her go in peace (if you must "help" her to the Rainbow Bridge). She undoubtedly knows how dearly loved she is, and she undoubtedly loves you too for all you've done for her when she needed you most.

PLEASE try and see if the vet will come to your home to put her to sleep if you choose to. Many vets will do it for you - it's definitely best not to let her suffer, but I agree a trip to the vets would be traumatic. You'll know what's best for her. I'll be praying for you and Tootsie and thinking of you all - please stay strong and do what's best for your sweet little girl :)

:hug:

[solinvictus]

9. It's my parent's choice.

They asked my opinion today, and I told them it'd be better to have her put to sleep with a shot than to suffer. I just don't think that they can let go.

[friesianrider]

10. I know...

It is so hard, but you might want to gently remind them that if she is in pain, it is truly the loving thing to do - but you're very right it is their choice and I know they will choose the right thing.

If tthey do decide to help their sweet girl over the Rainbow Bridge, please let them know there are many vets who will come to the house.

This is so hard...my sincere thoughts and prayers are with you guys *hugs*