Should I put our dog to sleep?

Question

My mother's dog is blind, deaf, and weak. We don't believe that she is in any pain but she does have extremely bad labor breathing caused from kennel cough. I have been away for the past 3 year and have seen the dog every x-mas, only to see that this year it is really bad. I feel we should put her to sleep, but my mom doesn't want to. Its the only thing she has to take care of since both her kids moved away. This dog is like a daughter/son to her and we have had it for 15 years, but I feel she has done all she could want to do and has lived a VERY fulfilling life. It seems like my mother is keeping the dog alive for herself rather than for the good of the dog itself. Please help me on this decision.

Answer 1

it is sometimes hard to tell when a dog is in pain , anamals hide pain sometimes very well, if not it is obvious . plus when you have had a animal for a long time it makes it harder to let go and realize that it is their time and they just may be suffering, just like my former dog coco how was also blind and deaf. I Think it would be the right thing to talk to your mom about what is best for the dog .

Answer 2

Hi,

you have to consider the quality of life that the dog has. Have a look at this poem I found on the net. It says it all.

IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Answer 3

First of all like you said you have been away for the past three years, and your mom and her dog have been ok. Instead of trying to have her put her dog down, buy her a puppy for Christmas. That will help ease the pain of losing her companion. This is not your decision it is hers. If the dog os on no pain and her breathing is labored, it will not be long.

Answer 4

No the dog just needs more training and probably a lot more exercise. JRT are very very high energy dogs and should be exercised for several hours a day in addition to long long walks. they have more energy then you can imagine. I think you will find if you give him more exercise he will calm down a lot. maybe start doing some agility training with him. find a jack russel group in your area and take the dog to interact with other dogs of his breed to work off that energy. putting him to sleep because he isn't trained or exercised is not the answser. if you want to get rid of the dog, then just take him to a breed specific rescue so they can find a new home for him where he will get the proper exercise he needs.

Answer 5

Let your mother decide because the bond betweem her dog and her is for sure extremelly strong.

If the dog is NOT suffering, then there is NO reason to euthanize the poor dog, especially if its only kennel cough...you guys really should bring the dog to the vet....then he can prescribe something...and if he really believes the dog is in bad shape...he will surely say something...

The dog still can have few more years of happy life to live...

please do not euthanize the dog without your mother's consent and without a vet appointment...

Answer 6

If u feel it is time to let your dog or your mothers dog go then u should! It might be heart breaking, but if your dog is in that bad of a condition then u should. I think that when u let the dog go to a better place u can comfort your mother by getting another pet of some sort! It doesn't have to be a dog. 15 years is pretty old for a dog. My dog Susie is only 13 years old, but its still very old!It will probably be very hard for your mother to let go.....I can understand that she is alone and thats why she doesn't want the dog to go! I wish u good luck. TOODLES!
Cya, A.J.

Answer 7

I am totally against putting dogs to sleep but if the dog is in pain n has major problems i say you put the dog to sleep for the dogs best and you should buy your mom another dog like a puppy so she can raise that dog n love it just as much.

Answer 8

You can't put the dog to sleep without you're mom's permission, it would crush her. Try to explain the situation, maybe take your mom and the dog to the vet and have the vet help discuss the options. The dog can't live forever, but this is really hard on your mom. It is probably in the dog's best interest to put it to sleep if the vet agrees.

Answer 9

As long as your mother is in control of herself and capable of conscious thinking, why wouldn't you leave that up to her? You said you don't think the dog is in pain. I'm sure your mother and the dog have a very close relationship and will do what's best for the dog. They probably do need each other and you should probably just leave things up to them.

Answer 10

hey leasn what mite help is to get her a puppy or puppies for christmas and let her get attached to them so then you and your mother can talk it out about this dog com up with the pros andcons about the having the dog stay alive being put down and also talk about the puppy or thepuppies and also thenk of the pros and cons and about having them around. that's about all i can give you the dog will pass sooner or later and i think from my own experince as losing pet as a teenager it really helped me to have a sholder and furry body to cry on and to help me get over my pain and get another one.

i say this not to offend you or nothing but once pet pass it becomes and was and still is one of gods creatchers and now ican reast in pease or god send it back as an angle i now so i seen it happen.