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My dog, Angie, just turned 14. She's a lab/springer mix. She has been "old" for a few years, but I think she's taken a turn for the worse. She has had D for 3 days and has had accidents, which she had never done before. Her breathing is somewhat labored. It's hot here, I've turned on the AC, but she is still having a little trouble breathing. She is deaf, almost blind, senile, has a growth on her side, and has lost most of the hair on her back and tail. She's about the saddest looking dog you'll ever see.
I have been putting this off, waiting for the sign that it's time. I've decided to make an appointment for Thursday. Call me chicken, but I need a little time to get used to the idea and to see if she improves. She has been a great dog. I so don't want to do this.
Jean...I am so sorry to hear your beloved furr baby is bad...When I worked at the humane society it was hard for me when we would get an old animal that someone gave up..but if quality of life is not good...sometimes it's kinder to releive them of their pain. My little chihuaha was diagnosed last week with Diabetes...and the vet said as long as her quality of life is good meaning she;s eating drinking acting normal and free of pain let her be, but when they are suffering, then it's time to do something. I can feel your pain in your post...and I will pray for your dog. I wish I could help more. Love Oma
Jean----I know how U feel----and how hard it is to make that decision--
We had 3 that we had to let go-----After all they are family and we luve them as so--
During our stay in AZ, this past winter, our son had to make the same decision and it was the right one----
Junior was suffering and it just wasnt fair to let that continue--
At least we know that they all had the best of a good home-life---Right?
I've been there and it's not a fun thing to have to do, but you decide with love when they need to go to rest. It gets to a point where life isn't good for them anymore and not good when they are suffering. My heart goes out to you.
I've been there, too, with Marmalade. One of the hardest things a human has to do is let a beloved friend go. But I think that is one of the unspoken promises that we make to our animal friends when they come to live with us. They simply don't live as long as we do and there comes a time......
I am so sorry, Jean. Your heart must be breaking. I will with you.
Oh, Jean I am so sorry... I know what it is to make such a decission...
Someone told me once that it is too sad to experience the death of a lovely pet and therefore he recommended not to get another any pet at all... But I don´t agree.
All the years you have enjoyed loving and being loved too, (as they give a lot of love) are worth. You have cared, helped, etc. During many years. Try to remember Angie as the best moment in all the years you have been together...
And the moment you are prepared too (or even before) try to get another pet... It will be good for you and for the new lovely animal you bring into your home to care and give the love it will be impossible for it to have somewhere else or at the Dog Pound...
I am sure you can remember many lovely moments spent together: try to block them in your mind for ever... I know it is hard now, but it is important, not only for you, but for Angie. Do not forget she can feel your feelings and will be very sad if you are feeling that way.
And if you need someone to express how you are feeling after the X day... Just write some posts, we will be pleased to support you sending our love to you.
Please, take care,
Love,
Tessa.
DX Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency= Panhypopituitarism,POTS & MC. Anaphylactic reaction to foods & some drugs.
Gluten & Dairy free diet+hydrocortisone, Florinef, Sea Salt, Vit B Complex, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium...
I thought I had posted but didn't see it, so forgive me if this is being redundant on my part. Your Angie is part of your family and will always be.
I am going to say a prayer to the patron saint of all animals St. Francis of Assisi. Be comforted by this thought and you are not alone in knowing our pets are only with us for a short time. Even so, they bring us great joy without predudice, hate- just pure unadulterated love and companionship.
I was holding off writing because I have always had such difficulty with the big decision too. The worst times in my life have been when I have had to help my beloved pets in this way. I have always grieved just as much, or more, for my pets than I have for people. To me there is no difference.
It may help to read the story of the Rainbow Bridge again. Also, if it's any consolation, I do think that we will meet up with our pets again - in the next life or realm or dimension or heaven....or whatever you believe happens to us when we die. I have read many accounts of people who have died and been brought back to life again and who then describe what they experienced while they were clincally dead.......... leaving their bodies, being pulled through a tunnel toward the white light, and being greeted by loved ones. In some cases they described their long-gone pets being there to greet them. Isn't that wonderful?
Sometimes when I am on the trail by myself, I mentally picture all of my former pets walking along beside me.
I am thinking of you as you go through this terrible time.
Love and
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
I'm so sorry. But, you do know when its the best for the animal. If only people could be treated the same way (with no intent of getting political here).
I just lost my 10 year old cat (she dissapeared) and I suspect she knew her time had come...she just hadn't been quite herself lately (which ironically meant she had less attitude and was less of a b**** to other animals/people). On her heals though, a stray took up residence in the garage, and I have taken her in. In a lot of ways she reminds me of Cocoa...a little skittish, and she has big, dark eyes. Jessie has settled in nicely and is now playing with our very playful kitten that we got in April...they are just about the same age.
I, too, am very sorry to hear this news. And I agree wholeheartidly - there is no difference between family and pets - pets ARE family. Try to feel some sense of wellbeing knowing you are doing the right thing...because you are.
Oh, dear Jean, I can relate with this hard decision myself. It still feels just like yesterday that we had to say good-bye to the other half of my pair of shih tzu's. I still have Pebbles, and thank goodness for her, or I don't know how I would have made it through losing Bamm Bamm. But I knew that I was keeping him around more for me then for his quality of life, but, none the less, I wouldn't have been able to on my own. Both my girls came over after I had I made the appt. with a vet, and we carried Bammy to the park with us, and let him have one last day with us laying in the grass and people watching, giving him lots of hugs and just loving him up. When it was time we all went in and we stayed with him so he was with his family till the last moment. It was a sad, sad day, but he could no longer enjoy life and every day was a struggle for him. I have his little urn with his ashes in my bookcase. I have tonnes and tonnes of pictures, and everyone of them brings back all the wondeful times we had together and reminds me of what a good buddy he was. My teddy bear. We just get so close to our pets, they are our dear friends through thick and thin, ready to give and give and give. It can't get much better then that? Be assured that you are doing the right thing, but also the hardest thing that you will every have to do. My Pebbles is turning 14 this coming December, and every little thing that happens with her I fret that its something serious. I wish I go could go with you to support you, but if you have someone that can go with you it might be a good idea to get some support at your home base.
I wish you the to have the strength you will need, and give Angie a hug from me.
Jean----I know how U feel----and how hard it is to make that decision--
for Jean
Shirley
