I am torn about putting my dog to sleep..?

Question

He is a 17 yr old Boston Terrier, He is incontinent of bowel and bladder, he has cancer in his bladder, and has tumors on his right hip/ sternum, he limps when he walks, has been falling, can't do steps, limps when he walks, some blood in the stool, seems to be hurting more, getting up every hour on the hour at night. We are not sleeping because he is always needing to go out at night. I need reassurance that I am doing the right thing. He has been such an important and special member of our family for the last 8 yrs, before that I got him from one of my hospice patient's when she died.

Answer 1

Looks like we're in the same boat. I have a 12y/o mastiff with a few of the same problems and very bad back legs. He's been my dearest friend since he was 3 month old. I've been asking myself the same question, for two years. He's been like a brother/son to me. But some time this month I will have to say good bye my friend. So by all means WE will be doing the RIGHT thing for them.... Best Regards

Answer 2

I had a dog since she was a small puppy and I loved that dog like she was a human family member. I also had to put her asleep because she was 15 and had gotten cancer also. It was about the saddest moment in my life, but I knew that I was doing the right thing because she was really suffering and I thought that was the humane thing to do. I cried and cried a long time after, and still think of her once in a while, even though it's been 6 yrs ago. Just think of it that way and always remember the great moments you had with your dog. I know it hurts your heart but time will heal it and you'll know that you did the right thing.
Good Luck!!!!

Answer 3

Oh, how wonderful! Seventeen years is a very ripe, old age for a Boston Terrier! It sounds like he has had a long, happy life with you... I wish they could all live that long. Mine have never gotten much past 13, though I've had them all put to sleep before medical problems became too terribly overwhelming for them. You are very, very lucky.

Looking at all of the problems he has, and in *my own opinion*, I believe that you are doing the right thing for him. There comes a time when life just isn't worth the pain and discomfort anymore...
The important thing is that you feel right by him. Make sure that you will never regret what you are doing. Do what you think he would want you to do. Is he still enjoying life, or is he in pain and discomfort more than he is laughing and smiling? It is always a very personal decision, and you always have to find out for yourself where you should draw that line... It's different for everyone.

They give us so much in their short lives, and it's up to us, for those of us who choose to do it, to do what we can to make passing painless and easy for them. I would never be able to forgive myself if I let my best friend suffer when I could do something to stop it. I don't handle guilt well at all. All of my Bossies that have passed on have quietly gone in my arms, and in my heart and mind, that's the way it should be, because that's the way I think they would want it.

It never gets easier, and I am very sorry for what you are going through. Best wishes to you.

Answer 4

I know it is a tough decision. A friend of ours just had to put their English Bulldog to sleep.
Here is a poem that might help you.

Kristin

If it should be....
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for we know this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
but don't let grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
what is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer? So,
when the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
only stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

It is a kindness that you do to me,
although my tail it's last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve, it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author unknown

Answer 5

I've been a vet tech for 4 yrs, Do the right thing & let him rest in peace. It really sounds like the poor little guy is suffering. I know that it will be one of the hardest most gut wrenching desicions you'll ever make, but I have watched so many owner's keep their pets alive for them, not for their pets sake. I find that to be gut wrenching to watch. My little dog went into kidney failure & Dr. said he could get her through & she'd have a couple more months, but may not feel very well. I chose to end her suffering. Then it hurt, I still get sad thinking about her and it's been 6yrs since that day, but I know I made the right decision. She was a rescue dog, & the 6 yrs that she had with us were awesome so I know she ended her life happy. I know your little guy will too. God Bless- My heart goes out to you.

Answer 6

It sounds like you love your dog very much and that he has been a part of your family for a very long time. Letting go is a very difficult and personal decision that only you, the owner, can make.
When animals are experiencing unrelenting pain and there is no cure available we have the ability to put them to sleep in a humane manner. This decision is gut and heart wrenching for the family involved, it is hard to let go of a spirit that is loved so much. Relieving your dog of perpetual pain and providing him a peaceful death surrounded by people that love him is the ultimate act of love.
Because of the ability to make this decision, the grieving process begins before the animal has gone so you have time to say your goodbyes, give as many cuddles or pieces of chocolate cake you want to give. I am sure your dog knows he is loved, and his memories will live on in your heart. It is a very hard decision but when situations like this arise it is often the best option for the animal.
The experience itself is of minimal stress, your veterinarian will place an IV catheter and give your dog an overdose of anesthetic, your dog will quite literally go to sleep, you can stay with your dog through this process and comfort him. Many vets will do house calls if you would prefer to have this done in your home to decrease stress to your much loved friend.
You and your dog are in my thoughts.

Answer 7

There is a difference between veterinary and human medicine -- the choice of euthanisia. I know you love him very much and that he has been a very special member of your family but you must think of his quality of life. I work at a veterinary hospital and we always ask owners this question when they are torn about this same problem. Are they: eating, drinking, pooping, peeing, getting up and happy to see you?

He has trouble pooping and peeing. You didn't mention about his appetite. But he has trouble getting up and with all his problems I am sure he is not as happy as he once was when he was healthy.

Like I said.. in the veterinary field we have a choice. Unlike humans they don't have to suffer. We can help them along and let them die with dignity. If you love your friend and think he is suffering then you can do the right thing and help him.

Answer 8

Yes this is a sad moment. Dogs become an important member of the Family. I hate when they have to leave us. We have a Pekingese he is 18 years old. Been a good Dog and he still going. But, we know that soon he may go. Not much I can say. It just something we all have to deal with.
It best for him as he probably in a lot of pain. So, you can feel good that you doing what is important for your Dog and Friend.

Answer 9

Sounds like you would be doing your old friend a favor and taking him out of pain.

May I go now
Don't you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be,
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first.
I fought with all my might!
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go! I really do!
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day .
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and are afraid
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I loved you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time,
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

Answer 10

It is only you who can decide, look into his eyes and he'll tell you that he is ready to go. It sounds like he is in pain and that it might be better.
Don't worry, you'll see him again and you will both cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
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...