I have to make the horrible decision about my dog

[Minimus]

Sonic's illness has progressed and without further tests the Vet doesn't know what is going on. He is 13 and I hate to put him through anything else invasive so today I was told to start thinking about putting him down.

When he is throwing up and feeling bad in the middle of the night, I tell myself that I can do it. But in the morning he perks up and eats some and seems like his old self and the decision becomes hard.

I always told myself I would never let him suffer, that I would not be selfish and keep him around just because I couldn't bear to let him go. I always thought that I would know when the time came. I know I will second guess myself - Did I do it too soon? Did I wait too long and he suffered?

Sonic has been my constant companion since he was 8 weeks old. I love him dearly.




I hope I get the strength and wisdom to do the right thing. Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulder DU.

[kaitykaity]

1. What a pretty puppy.

He'll tell you when it's time. When he stops eating, stops
greeting and loving on you, stops wagging his tail, you'll know.

My mom's pup, an obnoxious little papillon mix inappropriately
named "Sugar" just wandered off one day. She was about 15 (we
think). She just went out one night and never came home.
We're guessing that was her way.

Good luck to you.

[Lizzie Borden]

2. You will just know

when the time is right. When it seems that the struggle for your dog to go on has just become overwhelming, then you'll know. Dogs are amazing critters and all animals I think (except mankind) have the ability to accept what life is throwing them with dignity. Have some faith in your ability to act on your friend's behalf when it is necessary.

[underseasurveyor]

3. You'll know

When you spend an entire life with your pet you get to know them pretty intimately. You know all their little quirks inside and out and you can tell their mood and what their feeling just by looking at them.

No need to push it but don't prolong it either.

Sonic will let you know when the time is right and when he's ready to go. He may have his up-times as well as his down, but when it 'is time' despite all the inner doubt and denial in the world, inside you'll start to feel that he's had enough even though he many seem "happy" or "ok" sometimes. You'll know inside and feel from him that he really isn't ok. That's when you'll know the time has come. No second guesses and no regrets because you knew it was the right time to love him and honor his precious life the most. If you are able to, it's tough I know, but if you can be with him at the end, be there with him and hold him and it's ok to sob as you're telling him you love him over and over as he drifts off to sleep.

My heart goes out to you in the biggest possible way. I can't think of anything that wrenches my heart out more than when I have to put to rest one of my fur babies or hearing about someone facing the same thing. I'm always with my babies until the very end. They know they can trust me and I let them go knowing they have always been safest in the arms of the one who loves them the most.

:cry: :hug: :cry:
I'm so sorry Minimus. Give Sonic a gentle hug and kiss him between his eyes for me, ok? :pals: