Should I put my 2 german shepherds down?

Question

I just wanted to thank everyone for their advice. All your answers are appreciated.

This is a very difficult time for me.Rock and Kayla have been my 2 best friends for 10 years.Rock has saved my live on 2 occasions (one time was a house fire that I all but slept through) and Kayla, well she holds my heart.One time I was outside doing yard work and I went into a diabetic comma and she remained by my side until help came. Since then whenever I am outside she will not leave my side.I feel we have been through a lot together.Rock has undergone many hard times.He was not supposed to live past 6 months of age.Rock was originally bought by a RCMP officer but wouldn't take him because of health.He was to have been put to sleep at 8 weeks of age. I couldn't allow that.That's how I ended up with him when I only bought his sister.They have been my friends and protectors.I keep hearing this voice saying, so this is how it ends... and I am torn.Again thank you for your advice. it means alot.

Both Rock and Kayla have hip dysplacia.Rock has had it for about 5 years and Kayla just the past few month.Rock has a recent habit of laying in a corner of the diningroom, he snaps, barks, lunges at who or whatever is passing by. mostely shadows.Kayla has the area around her eyes rubbed raw to the point they are bleeding constantly.We have treated the problem and had it almost cured and she starts it over again.she also pees the floor unknowingly while sleeping, sometimes she realizes and gets up but continues to pee from point a to the backdoor.I am told this is a result of being spayed.sometimes hormone levels drop.She is also epileptic and has siezures lasting 25 minutes+.In january I had to go into a wheelchair.my mobilityis severly limited.I have a 3 yr old grandchild living with me and her welfare has become a concern.I have tried finding homes,but they were born together, they are brother and sister.Most people want younger,more stable,healthy dogs.

These dogs have had veterinary treatment.The eye was a result of a fight with her brother that became infected.it has had antibiotics.we know both dogs have hip dysplacia.I was told by a vet that the bladder problem was a hormone difficentcy as a result of being spayed.this is very common.medication so far has not helped.the bill to date for both dogs in the past 3 months is $4,322.89.that's for examinations,x-rays,shots,medication.I guess I am a little concerned that people are thinking I have done nothing.To the contrary, I have done everything.

Answer 1

They have taken care of you in your hours of need and it is time for you to give them peace! The HARSH reality is ..you have to keep your Grandaughter safe and your dogs are in oblivious discomfort. You have given them a good life! I am a religious person and I believe that they will be at the Pearly gates waiting to jump up and greet you !

Answer 2

I'd consult your vet but if it isn't anything life threatening I'd keep them and if you're concerned about the child's safety you can call the SPCA and they'll come and take the dogs and try to find a home for them and they only put the animals down as a last resort. If they're dangerous they'll put them down and sometimes the employees will keep the dogs. But you can probably get the number of an SPCA near you from the vet or the cops. They have shows on the discovery channel about the SPCA and it follows them around in Houstona dn Detroit, but most people don't call them for their animals, but if you don't feel you can keep the dogs anymore they'd appreciate you calling them and having them come and take teh dogs.

Answer 3

Okay, I read your earlier post which told of the health problems the dogs have. You havent mentioned taking the dogs to the vet explaining what the eye problem is that is 6 months old causing her to dig at it till it bleeds. These dogs SERIOUSLY need vet attention. It really sounds like you love these dogs, and maybe something has happened that you may not have been able to get them vet attention recently. The other dog, who may be having some mental health issues in addition to the pain that he is obviously in, could even be a threat to the child in your home. I beg of you, if you can't afford vet treatment yourself, call around to different vets. Vets are animal lovers...explain what is going on, tell them you cannot afford to care for these animals anymore, that they need treatment, and if they CAN be saved, need to be found a good, loving home. The hip, if not too bad, could respond to rehab, exercise. The eye could range from a mild infection that needs antibiotics/steroids, to something serious. But they need treatment, and quickly. Your love for them demands that you do something FOR their health first, before you have them put down. Give them a chance at another 5 or 6 years or more of another home that can afford to take care of them the way that they have taken care of you. Its their turn to be taken care of, now....They have done their job for you. Most vets will respond to you, as I said, they are animal lovers, and try to help you if you are willing to let him/her help you find them a good home...

Answer 4

I am sorry, but you didn't mention what was wrong with them. If it is the hip dysplasia, then there is nothing you can do but make them as comfortable as possible. My first Shepard lived until he was 15 . I had to put him down when I saw that he was in too much pain to act like a normal dog.

Ok. I see that you have updated us. If the quality of their life isn't there, it's time. Quality outweighs quantity. They are not the same pups that you remember and you don't want them to suffer anymore. Best of luck to you, and again, I am very sorry to hear of your friends.

Answer 5

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Symptoms of type 1 diabetes:

Increased thirst
Increased urination
Weight loss in spite of increased appetite
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting

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Increased thirst
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If you think you have diabetes i think you should have a checkup and speak with your doctor just in case.

Answer 6

My heart goes out to you!!! Sounds to me like you've done ALL that you can do. You love both of those dogs and you don't want them to suffer(even though you're giving medicine-you still feel like they are suffering). I think they have lived their life and have given you plenty of love back. To me they would appreciate it. I'm not saying it won't be hard but I think you love them that much. I will keep you three in my prayers.What has the vet suggested?

Answer 7

only if there are very serious health issues that have no absolute cure, I think that animals are put down too easily nowadays.
I hope there are some serious health issues for you to be thinking about this. If not, would you have liked to be put down when you had the diabetic coma? Please do all that is possible to save them. I am pretty sure you will because it seems that you love them very much.

Answer 8

There are veterinary opthamologists for the eye problem and veterinary orthopedic surgeons for the hip problem. To find them, you could check the yellow pages, the internet, or ask your vet to refer you to these specialists. Is there a college of veterinary medicine in your area?

Answer 9

i understand how much they mean to you..i have 4 dogs and if anything ever happened to one it would be like loosing a child! one of the four saved MY life and my kids also! a serial rapist was trying to break into my house. my dog...bit a finger off and ripped open his leg.
anyways..but without knowing what the problem is i can't give any advise.

Answer 10

It's so sad but it's probably for the best. He will be at peace. It's good to know that he will be waiting for you on the other side when your time comes. You will see them both again!