Today, my dad called me and told me that Mousse (my dog) was dying. I had a feeling she was, because she has had problems sleeping and has been throwing up a lot lately. The doctor says she has liver cancer, and that there is barely a chance of hope that she will recover. How can a dog recover from liver cancer, because there hasn't been a liver transplant yet? I don't know what I can do, and the doctor says she has 2 weeks to 6 months to live. Isn't that a little too broad? This will be her last Christmas with us, and I want it to be the best ever. But the doctor says that she shouldn't recieve much food or excitement, because it might trigger some bad reaction. What can I do to make my dog feel the best during these last weeks/months of her life? I know that she is really old, about 80 in human years...but is there something that I can do to have her have the best Christmas ever? Please respond asap. Thank you, and have a merry merry christmas. :(
2006-12-22 10:18:31 · 23 answers · asked by Scratch 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Honey, if she's throwing up a lot and not sleeping, she's not feeling well at all...xmas won't mean anything to her, just to you. The best gift you could give your beloved friend is release...don't keep her here to suffer because you don't want her to go...love her enough to let her go with as little pain/suffering as possible and thank her for the years of joy she brought to you...
"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..."
2006-12-22 10:23:22 · answer #1 · answered by . 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
the hardest thing I have ever had to do is let my beloved Lucy go. I have lost so many pets, that's what happens when you live a long life. Give all your love and attention to your baby and after Christmas, you should take the advice of all the people here. We all feel for you and have been there. The love you and Mousse share will never die. The Rainbow Bridge is wonderful and check out the links from it, they are great also. God Bless you and know you will do what is right for Mousse.
2006-12-22 10:59:09 · answer #2 · answered by lucysmom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I am so so sorry !!!! I know what you are going through since one of my babies had bone cancer. I tried everything I could possibly, but I knew in my heart that day would come for me to say goodbye. This dog probably lived eight months after the horrible diagnosis. One night when we were going to bed my baby was breathing very heavily ( the cancer probably spread to his lungs) I told myself in the morning I had to take him to the vet to prevent any more suffering. On my way there the dog passed away in the back of my SUV. Another dog,I had to experience the entire process of euthanizing him. I stayed at his side the entire time, until he took his last breath. That was the hardest thing I've ever did in my life....It hurt my heart oh so bad, but I knew it was what was best for the dog. If I were you (since Christmas is so close) I would shower this dog with a whole lotta love, keep him comfortable and get ready to say your goodbyes Tuesday. Call your vet Tuesday morning and set a time.This will be the hardest thing you will ever do, but it will be the best thing you've ever done for her.Check this poem out on the web www.rainbowbridge.com
2006-12-23 02:55:25 · answer #3 · answered by ® 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry to here about your dog, and I too have had a dog die during my life. I would just like to tell you since you are almost positive that this is going to be your last christmas with your dog, play with him and buy him a stuffed toy, and pray for the best to happen. There are probably no solutions speaking of your dog could die very soon, but just give Mousse as much attention as you possibly can. Have a great Christmas and I am praying for you and your dog!
2006-12-22 10:29:28 · answer #4 · answered by maddie j 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It hurts and hurts bad. I just lost my beloved soon to be 3 year old in October. I can tell you honestly this much from owning dogs for over 35 years. Love them enough to not make them suffer. It all boils down to the fact that we as people become selfish for our loss and not wanting to part with our best friend. Talk to the vet as honestly as you can and ask how much pain and discomfort the dog is in. If the vet is recommending not having the dog eat much, that tells me it's bad already. Don't put Mousse through all this for your own benefit. It's difficult I know. Cry all you want, feel as bad as you need to, but love Mousse enough to let go.
I held my dog in my arms, speaking softly, telling him how much I loved him and how good a dog he was while he got that final shot. It is the hardest thing I've ever lived through. I had him cremated and he will be buried with me. Love him enough to let him go. If you take anything at all away from this awful experience, let it be that next time, you won't waste a single moment of time. You'll love the next every single second you have him/her. It helps.
I'm so very sad and sorry for you. I'm already crying both for you, Mousse and the dog I recently lost. It gets better. Honest.
2006-12-22 10:27:27 · answer #5 · answered by J Somethingorother 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Very sorry to hear about your dog but glad she has you. Ask your Vet if it is okay to feed her a little (like a tablespoonful) plain yogurt. It is often good for a dog that is sick a lot and she might like the taste and it would be like a treat to her.
Most dogs love yogurt. . I had to have my German Shepherd dog put to sleep for another type of cancer. She too was throwing up and had bad diarrhea and the medications weren't working any more. You all will know when it is time to let go. I know it is hard, but you might want to look into something for memorializing her. Ask your Vet about burial and cremation options. Your Vet was preparing you for what is inevitable. As much as it hurt when mine died, I now have warm memories of her.
I had her cremated and her ashes placed in an urn.
2006-12-22 10:50:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best Christmas gift to give her is to give her all the love you can give to her and make her feel like she's the best dog in the world. I'm sorry, I know how it feels to lose a pet, mat Mousse rest in peace when she does pass... have a Merry Christmas!
2006-12-22 10:35:58 · answer #7 · answered by fire.kisser 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi i feel very sorry for both you and your dog after reading your post :( i know how you must be feeling just now cos we had to have our little Jack Russell put to sleep two years ago, she was 17years old in our years (not sure bout dog years) it was a heart breaking dission, but if u love ur dog "which im sure u do" then u have to do what’s best for ur dog, and you will always have ur "happy memory’s to look back on :)
So much better than remembering your dog in pain or suffering "which would over ride" all ur happy memory’s.
Good luck n Be strong ;)
2006-12-22 10:44:09 · answer #8 · answered by ami_boverd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sad as it may be the best Christmas gift you can give her is to let her go. She does not have any quality of life. You are keeping her alive more to avoid the loss in your own life. She has given you a lot of good years now do the humane and compassionate thing and take her to the vet and say good-bye.
2006-12-22 10:30:06 · answer #9 · answered by ESPERANZA 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Spend as much time with your dog as possible. Handle her and touch her in a loving way. Tell her how much she means to you and all the good things you feel for her, she'll understand your tone.
Dogs are very in-the-moment-right-now, and the best things in the world to them are treats and attention. Treats are out per the vet, so give her as much positive and loving attention as you possibly can. It sounds like she's had a good and long life. Don't feel badly, she doesn't know she's dying, just make the time left be as love filled as you can.
Best wishes and happy holidays.
2006-12-22 10:27:16 · answer #10 · answered by heart o' gold 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋