My dog is dying

[spotbird]

It's a strange situation since he isn't suffering. If he was a person, we'd rush him to the hospital, but he doesn't understand mortality. If we prolong his life, it will cause him to suffer. All efforts to save his life are for so he can keep us happy, that just seems wrong. He's sleeps most of the time. I'll miss him.

[lonestarnot]

1. I am so sorry spotbird.

:hug:

[ZombieHorde]

2. I miss my dog sometimes. I am glad your dog is not in pain. nt

[Ichingcarpenter]

3. Sad......

I love my dog dearly too and know your pain.

:( :hug: :cry:

[Elwood P Dowd]

4. I recently lost mine along with one of my cats.

She had been my best friend for 10 years. It was tough holding her while the vet put her down.

[Mr Rabble]

5. I am so sorry for your loss.

You seem to have a good understanding of this experience. I can only wish you luck.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

6. Sorry, my new puppy is dying also, she doesn't know she's sick though.

She's still pretty active we may have a month, she won't make it to 1 year old.

David

[bluedawg12]

34. ((((F_M_D)))) I am truly sorry. I adore my two babies.

We all go through this,eventually. :cry:

It's heartbreaking, these little guys become such a part of the family and every day life.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

53. We go through it a lot.

My wife and I run a dog rescue and we always foster the terminally ill dogs. This little girl is a Golden Retriever that was dropped off at the shelter out of a litter when the breeder found out she had a heart murmur, she was about 10 weeks old. We picked her up for the rescue. The vet found several serious problems major esophagus, aortic stenosis and a grade 4 heart murmur. We decided to foster her till she is ready to go. She's about 6 months old now. The heart murmur is now a grade 5 and she has a large hole in one of her heart valves from the stenosis. We found out on Wednesday that she is going into liver failure. She's still playing like crazy and having lots of fun with our 5, one of whom is another terminally ill Golden. They gave him less than a year almost three years ago, maybe this little girl will hang on like he has. Thanks for the good thoughts.

David

[cobalt1999]

7. Good attitude.

You're thinking about your dog's comfort instead of what you feel.

I've been there too and will be there again soon, too soon.

[Maru Kitteh]

8. I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm glad he doesn't hurt. Give him a couple extra kisses and

cherish what you have left.

Our kindest thoughts go out to you and him. :hug:

[demodonkey]

9. I'm so sorry.

Remember, dogs live in the moment and as you say they don't understand mortality. At least as far as we know...

You are doing the right thing, IMHO, to keep him at home, with his human family. I hope his passing is easy, and when it is time, I hope you will find another dog -- not to replace this guy because nothing can do that -- but just to love and build new memories with.

[babylonsister]

10. I don't have a dog and wish I did.

Think about the joy you shared, and you are a good friend for your compassion.

[ThoughtCriminal]

11. When we went through this

For our dog, the hardest time was between when we made the decision and when we took him to the vet for the last time. It was two very long days for us. At best, we could have prolonged it for a few very uncomfortable months.

Very, very sorry that you are losing a friend.

[applegrove]

12. Sorry.

[sunnybrook]

13. So sorry

That is such a hard thing to go through, especially not really being able to do anything. Have you had him for alot of years?

[spotbird]

45. Nine years, we got him from the SPCA

He has personality issues, but he is very protective of me. He is awake this morning, which was not predictable last night, but he can hardly walk and won't eat.

Thanks to everyone for the kind thoughts.

[aquart]

14. He isn't hungry, afraid, cold, or alone.

He is absolutely sure of your love and his place in the world.

When he is gone, you will exercise the last privilege of love and grieve for him. Because you earned your grief with your love and you are entitled to it. And he deserves it.

[dweller]

15. let him sleep

in his dreams he will make the leap back into the sun, and shine back upon you.

peace
dp

[aikoaiko]

52. You made my eyes well up with this one.

let him sleep.

[tularetom]

16. What a godawful situation. I can empathize

Had to do an Old Yeller on my dog about ten years ago when he woke me up at 2 AM howling in pain from arthritis. He had a good life and was 17 years old.

But I've felt guilty ever since that I failed to see the signs before the pain got unbearable for him. Maybe I was just refusing to face reality.

Don't let your guy get to that stage.

[No.23]

17. My sympathies are with you.

I'm sure that, if he could speak, he would express his gratitude for the love and care that you gave him.

As you feel your gratitude for his love as well.

Peace to you and yours and him.

[a la izquierda]

18. Let him go.

If you know your vet well (like my husband and I do, on a very personal level)...he/she will help you decide.

I'm really sorry. One of my dogs is 12. He's blind and declining. It breaks my heart...solace= his "brother" dog, who pretty much lets Knuckles (the old timer) crawl all over him and snuggle him at will.

[foxfeet]

19. I'm so sorry for your loss.

We lost our old kitty a while back under similar circumstances. We made a conscious decision to allow her to die at home as long as she wasn't in pain or otherwise suffering. (She was terrified of the vet to begin with and we didn't want her to die in that setting.) She ate/drank right up until the night she died. I fed the cats and noticed that her back legs weren't working; she kept falling over. I called my partner to come say goodbye and we wrapped her in a towel and brought her into the living room by the fire. All three of the dogs and two of the other cats joined us in the living room-- the dogs actually touched noses with her as we held her. All the animals formed a rough semicircle and just watched very quietly. She went peacefully and surrounded by everyone familiar to her, in her own home. I am absolutely certain we made the right decision and I think you are, too.

[Joe Fields]

20. I'm truly sorry. It's so tough to let go of a beloved canine companion.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

21. I am sorry. I love my dogs more than anything and I have thought about what it

might be like when they pass. It's hard for me to imagine. I hope his passing is easy, and that he knows how much you care about him.

[EFerrari]

22. Love to you all, spotbird.

((((((((((((spotbird family)))))))))))))

[Sheltiemama]

23. I'm so sorry.

I've been through this, and as hard as it is, once he starts suffering, set him free. It'll still be hard, but they've brought us too much love and joy for us to let them hurt. They look to us to make it better, and sometimes, there's only one way to do that.

[Bluebear]

24. Heartbreaking. I'm so terribly sorry.

Been through it so many times and it's never easier. You are doing the right thing for your friend.

[Warpy]

25. I've had three cats die in my lap

and I know what you mean. All had very long lives and it was simply their time. Trying to put them through heroics would have been counterproductive. One of them had pain which I'd gotten him medicine for. However, leaving him in intensive care wasn't the answer since I knew it wouldn't be much longer. Keeping him comfortable in familiar surroundings was the best I could do for him. He just snoozed his way out.

One thing our companion animals always seem to lack is the capacity to feel sorry for themselves. I think that's what makes their passing a little easier, at least from their point of view.

Saying goodbye to them is incredibly hard, though.

[lonestarnot]

26. Dogs are such wonderful creatures. I have my Mom's here with me tonight along with my three.

They sense something is wrong.

[Ex Lurker]

27. I'm very sorry

I know it's hard.

[RamboLiberal]

28. I'm so sorry to hear that - as an owner of a 12 year old - Ninja

I can emphathize. I'm going to give Ninja an extra hug tonight.

My thoughts are with you and your furry friend tonight. My best to you both.

[DeschutesRiver]

29. It is just about a year since my best ever dog passed away

in our case, there was nothing that would bring back her youth, or make her illness not just chew her up and spit her out - I could prolong her life with some meds that would drastically diminish the quality of this particular dog's life (a happy, energetic, rambunctious even in old age sort of spirit). I promised that when the time came, I would help her make her exit even if it broke my heart to be the one to make the decision for her. She let me off the hook during her last bad week of illness by passing away here at home, about an hour after I checked on her one last time.

I had experience decades ago with the folly of prolonging several of my pets lives - it was stinking selfish of me, and not in the animal's best interests. I have no children, and my furkids are my kids, so it is esp. hard. But you are right that that prolonging his life when you know it is his time to pass is what you do for your breaking heart, and will probably cause him to suffer for it at some point.

There is a tiny part of me that regrets, for my sake only, that I didn't try every last stupid thing that might have prolonged her life by a day, a week, a month - what if? what if?. That said, what I did do was the right thing because it was right for her. I just miss her.

I am glad your dog brought happiness to your life, and that you love him enough that you will take care of this one last thing for him. This is not the easy part of sharing your life with a great dog.

[McCamy Taylor]

30. I am so sad for you. As someone who has let pets die naturally at home, you will feel better

if you let him go surrounded by the people he loves. I regret the few times we let the vet put animals to sleep. But those were after cars had hit the cats and they were suffering.

[DeschutesRiver]

49. That is another option to think about,

My last dog passed away on her own at home. I also regret the times our animals had to pass at the vets, but like your situations, sometimes it is unavoidable.

What we did years ago with a beloved dog who had cancer and was about to go to the stage where it was not going to end well, was to have our vet come to our home and euthanize him there; the same later for his old buddy cat. He was on his favorite dog bed, in his favorite room, with us there and if you have to help them pass, doing so in your own home was far better than at the vet's office. Our vet at the time was very compassionate and caring - I don't know if all vets do home visits for this purpose, but for dogs that aren't in immediate distress that would require it be done at the vet's, it is something to consider.

[ShortnFiery]

31. I'm so sorry. My beloved puppy is 15 years old ...

with a number of health issues to include a heart murmur, kidney and liver disease. However, she's not in pain and still enjoys her daily short walks. She also sleeps most of the time ... when she demonstrates any signs of being in distress, I will ask my vet to help me "put her to sleep."

I know that I will meet her again - as well, you will again be united with your pup ...

"We'll meet at The Rainbow Bridge." :grouphug:

[pasto76]

32. dogs rely on us to them right

they dont understand that the pain means they will die. We have responsibilities to not let them suffer. Putting down the dog I grew up with was the hardest thing IVe ever done. I love my dogs. ITs not wrong to kill them so that they dont suffer. This is why its so important to treat them well when they are alive. Im sorry

sgt pasto

[bluedawg12]

33. My heart breaks for you. I held my big boy Maxie in our arms as he passed.

I am so sorry. :cry:

[devilgrrl]

35. I so know how you feel, it's hard to let go.

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

[Skip Intro]

36. I'm sorry. Sometimes with pets you just have to let go.

I had to do it a few months ago with my cat. God, I loved that cat. I still love that cat. Brought me more joy than most people I've known, except family, of course. He had stopped eating and drinking water. He had lost a lot of weight. But he was still altert, even though he had begun to spend his time hiding under the bed. Took him to a vet who said take him to an animal hospital. IV's, 24 hour care. He rebounded, but it only lasted a week or two. And I had to rehydrate him with an IV at home. I hated sticking that cat with a needle , but for awhile, it worked. I have tears in my eyes right now. When it became evident the IV's weren't working anymore, I took him back to the vet who showed me how my cat's skin had yellowed beneath the fur. His liver had quit. And the vet told me I could take him home for another day or two to have some final moments, but I couldn't do that. If he was suffering, I had to let him go, could not prolong his situation for my own selfish needs. And I told the doc, ok. The whole time my cat was on the examination table, he tried to get away like a kitten, but without the strength of a kitten. But he was alert. He was still there. And the doc left and I got him comfortable in a chair, and he was so looking around, anxious, but purring as I held him. God it was a hard thing to do. And when they injected him, through a catheter they'd put in a few minutes earlier, it was instant. And I was so glad it was instant. He left me as I held him. And as much as it hurt, and as much as I didn't want it to be, it was the right thing to do.

If you know, and they will let you know, I knew, not from the vet, but from that wonderful cat, that it was time. You know. And if it is, then do right by him. If it is time, let him go.

Sorry, didn't mean to write a novel.

[Are_grits_groceries]

37. So very sorry.........

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way."
Irving Townsend

[MotorCityMan]

46. My heart goes out to you, Spotbird

I'm at work, tears running down my face reading this thread. My Candace is going to be 9 this year and has had health problems in the past. I don't think I am going to handle losing her well. My late partner and I bred and raised cocker spaniels, and Candace was always special, a favored child. I have never known a sweeter, more loving dog. I was there when she was born and have promised her I will be there when she leaves me.

BTW, that's a beautiful quote, Are_grits_groceries.

"Be the person your dog thinks you are"

[NNN0LHI]

38. Just about had to have my older Keeshond male put down a month ago

He was urinating blood due to passing stones.

I told the vet to try and remove them but I realized he was old and may not make it through the anesthesia.

But I figured I would rather have him die on the operating table that live in pain so we went for it.

We got very lucky. He survived the hour and a half the surgery took and he seems to be doing good now. I am so relieved. I think I might get another year or two out of him now. Fingers crossed.

I know how you must feel and my heart goes out to you and your best friend.

I sure hope your old boy makes it.

Don

[Vinca]

39. I'm so sorry for him and so sorry you're hurting. nt

[jules1962]

40. My sympathies to you

Just remember how blessed you are to have had him,and how blessed he has been to have a loving,compassionate parent. My heart goes out to you and your dog. :hug:

[beac]

41. We lost our little guy last summer, but it still feels like yesterday.

The simple love and joy they give us while they are with us makes the pain of losing them even sharper. I am glad your boy's ending will be peaceful. (((hug))))

[old mark]

42. It is very hard to lose a dear friend, but you are doing right by not

allowing him to linger.

I remember all the dogs I have been lucky enough to know, and I love them all still.


mark

[RT Atlanta]

43. Hug him a lot...

You'll be glad you did when you look back on this time. My dog died last June and my family and I miss him so much and still talk about him just about every day.

[Avalux]

44. I'm sorry. Spend as much time with him as you can; comfort him.

Let him know what he means to you and how much you love him. My heart goes out to you. :hug:

[leftynyc]

47. {{{Spotbird}}}

I've been where you are and it's heartbreaking. But you must do what's right for your pet - it's your responsibility. You and your dog will be in my prayers.

[northernlights]

48. I am so sorry, Spotbird, yet grateful...

that you are able to keep his comfort and needs first. They give us such total, unconditional and unselfish love. They deserve no less in return.

Godspeed to your doggie...:hug::hug::hug:

[Oak2004]

50. You have my deep condolences

I've just lost my parrot, who meant so very much to me, a couple of days ago. It hurts, a lot. But this hurt is part of love. We'd never feel it if we never loved, but a world without love is far worse than a world that includes grief.

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

51. : (

I went through that 13 months ago. I was at the shelter Wednesday just to play with the dogs. I miss my guy a lot.

My deepest condolences. :hug:

[stuntcat]

54. he has Love

That is ALL that matters. We can love the animals and keep them comfortable, for however long they're with us :hug: (I am sorry though)

[DainBramaged]

55. Happened to my Beloved Buddha December 27th, 2007

He slept for 23+ hours a day, stopped eating the week before I finally went with him to the vet for the last time. And I believe to this day, he knew, because he laid down on the floor of the vets examination room when we got there and looked up at me with those beautiful eyes.

I miss him so so much every day.

Do the right thing.

[tangent90]

56. One of mine is too. He has cancer, lost 90% of his tongue and half his weight

but the thing is, still has a good appetite, never cries and seems to not be in pain and still growls at the other 2 if he thinks they're going to get some of his supper after they finish (takes him a long time to eat.) I have a gun for when or if he gets to be in terrible pain but he still loves to lay his chin on my leg, get some head pats and that seems to make him happy.
:cry:

[Raine]

57. I'm so sorry

that you are losing this member of your family, dogs are wonderful. :hug:

[wryter2000]

58. I'm so sorry.

I'm glad he isn't suffering. That's a blessing.

[michaz]

59. I am so sorry. I know how much it hurts. We lost our dear friend of 9 years

2 months ago and we still miss her so much. She had Mast Cell cancer. It is horrible to watch. You will have many good memories. Take care.

[Mike 03]

60. My heart goes out to you like you can't even imagine

I've been there twice, and also a few other times because I used to volunteer at an animal shelter.

My first dog died of angiosarcoma, and my second died of lymphoma.

It hurts like nothing I had ever felt before. It is still hard to look at pictures of those dogs, or their things, although I kept their food dishes and favorite toys.

I'm so sorry you are going through this.

There is a fantastic website. I wish I could remember the name. I think it might be "Rainbow Bridge." You can chat there or read stories of how others coped with this. There are also some amazing books about losing a beloved animal companion.

I'm SO SORRY. It is not your imagination that it is torture. I wish I could tell you more, especially about my second dog.

You are in my thoughts,
Mike

[Fire1]

61. My God, I hate hearing that. I know how you feel. My heart goes

out to you.

[TwilightGardener]

62. So sorry about your dog. I watched mine die recently from a horrible sudden illness--

his suffering was undeserved and awful, and I am haunted by it yet. I hope yours continues to be pain-free, and that his passing is peaceful--all dogs should be so lucky. God bless.

[SalviaBlue]

63. My heart goes out to you spotbird. My dog is 15.

He is barely hanging in there. We know that each day could be his last. He is a lab/aussie mix named Jackson.

We almost had him euthanized a couple of months ago because he was doing so poorly. My husband arranged for it and was going to take him in but I had to work and could not bear to have it done without me being there. The next day Jackson seemed so much better so we have been playing it day to day. He sleeps most of the time too and although he is very arthritic and it is difficult for him to get around, I don't think he is in alot of pain... he seems pretty happy. I hope he just doesn't wake up from one of his naps so we don't have to do anything.

My sister had his brother and two weeks ago she had him euthanized.

I have had always had a dog and I know they are only with us for a short time, but its so hard to lose them.

Thanks for posting. We love our dogs, don't we. I hope your dog passes peacefully.

[Greyhound]

64. I feel for you. Mine is too.

12 year old greyhound, congestive heart failure.

They let you know when it's time.
:hug:

[Kajsa]

65. I'm so sorry, spotbird!

It's VERY hard to lose a member of your family,
and that includes our animal buddies.

:hug: