Unable to say good-bye

[AmandaH]

I have a 14 year old Shetland Sheepdog. I have had her for 13 years. She was my first "baby" before I had my real first baby. My three kids do not know life without her. After 6 years as a Vet tech, I know that the time has come to say good-bye to her. She maxed out on Rimadyl a long time ago. Other medications seem to make her sick. I can't stand to see her in pain. She can barely get up from arthritis. And she sometimes falls when she gets excited. My mind and my heart knows it needs to be done, but I just can't make myself do it! I feel so selfish, but she means so much to all of us. My husband actually loaded her in the truck but then was not able to make it out of the driveway. Any advice on how to make this any easier for the kids and myself? 8 years ago, this dog actually saved my life, how can I take hers? (even if it is to give her peace). Thanks

 

[ELubas]

I am so so sorry to hear about your girl. It is always too soon to let them go. Nothing makes this easy but here are my thoughts. I have a dog who has had a lot of health issues. He is almost seven now and the best dog anyone could ask for. I know the day will come and it will break my heart but i have always promised him, and myself, that when the things that bring him joy are not possible then it will be time. So when he can no longer enjoy a good meal (he loves to eat ) or walk out side and lie on the deck, or go for his "rides" in the car with me, then we will say goodbye. So I think you need to look into your girl's eyes and see what she is telling you. Also, for all she has given you this is really a gift you give her. She trusts you to help her over. You need to talk to our kids about all this so they can understand why is it we choose to let our dog friends go sometimes. Quality of life is so different for our precious dogs and we need to honor that. And you may want to think about asking your vet to come to the house? Mine does this and those I know who have done it found it very peaceful. In any event I wish you well in your journey and know my thoughts and prayers are with your, your famliy, and your brave, sweet girl.

 

[suzyqdogsmom]

I don't know of any way to make it any easier for anyone. The usual comments about death being a part of life aren't much comfort. But, people in general and children in particular do need to know that the death of a loved one (human or animal) can be accepted and tolerated. It will be beneficial to them in the future to be able to accept that things happen and we can't do anything about it. A very wonderful vet once told me to view having my poor old dog put to sleep as the last service I could ever perform for him. A gift to him to end what was fast becoming a very painful life and a way to pay him back for all the joy he gave me. I hope that you find peace of mind in whatever decision you make and my thoughts will be with you. I know just how hard this is for you.

 

[SweetCody]

I am so sorry that you are now faced with this difficult decision. I believe deep down that us as humans are much more humane to our beloved pets than we are to our family members. I think that letting our animals escape from the pain instead of having to endure it till the bitter end is one of the most precious gifts around. Sending loads of prayers for you and your family in this difficult time. You are her hero and she would never be disapointed in you. She will know that what you will do will be done for love and she will love you always.

 

[BigDies]

This sounds exactly how it was for us when we had to put our dalmatian down. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, and I didn't even do it, my dad did. It's so hard when they get arthritis because you know it's not terminal, but you also know that there quality of life is really suffering. Oh it's so hard! You just have to consider there say in it if they had one. I'm sure your dog doesn't like making you help him up or hurting all the time even with the meds. It's so hard. I'm very sorry you're faced with such a difficult decision, I wish there was something I could say that would make it easier.

 

[BoxerMom999]

I am so sorry for the terrible decision that you face. I am not sure that I can say anything that will make it easier - except that this is a gift that you can give - to stop the suffering and pain. Please know that our thoughts are with you.

 

[joeys mom]

I am so sorry, I think everyone has said what I would say too. As hard as it is on your heart it is a decision that will ease her pain. I think we owe that to our forever faithful fur babies. I hope you find peace in helping her to a good place. Kepping you in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[DyckDogs]

I cannot say more than what everyone else has said already.
I had to help my terrier cross to the bridge several years ago. I had her for 18 1/2 yrs as my best bud.
It was one of the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time in your lives.

 

[Dianna]

I'm so sorry that you have to face this, but the loss is inevitable when we give our hearts to one of our fur babies. The night before I had to put my sheltie down I spent lying on the floor with him, tears rolling down my face constantly, while I petted and whispered to him. That was in 1987 and I still get tears when I think of that night. He was also 14.

Helping our babies to cross the bridge is one of the most least selfish things we can do. If you know it's time, you have to help them as you have helped them and looked after them all their lives. I'm so sorry, it's so hard.

 

[kathysboxer]

I am so sorry for the decision you have to make. It is so very difficult. When I had to put Scamp down last July, I thought I'd die with him. I decided when he could no longer get up, eat, drink, more or less do anything but lay there, it was time to let him go with dignity. I always thought it so ironic when it's an animal, it's the humane thing to do. With a person, it's inhumane. I would personally ask your vet if he could come to your house. It is so hard when your heart is involved. My thoughts and prayers will be with you, your family, and your beloved baby.