My 14 or 15 yo rottie Samantha (rescue dog) has become basically immobile and the vet says it is irreversible. I know the right thing to do is to let her go with dignity but part of me wants to just keep her home and wait for the end. I feel like a traitor.
2007-02-15 02:27:26 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Just got back, boy that is a tough thing to do, your responses have greatly helped, Hey bulletwit I hope someone mourns for you
2007-02-15 03:33:18 · update #1
My wife and I went thru that with her poodle.
Here's how I helped her cope...
She was there for his first breath of life and now she can be there for his last. Also, it's best that you be there and choose the time so that he wouldn't pass away alone. It would be sad for him to pass all alone one day while we are at work.
2007-02-15 02:39:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I understand 100% how you feel. I've needed to make "that last trip" to the vet more times than I want to remember. But I can tell you from experience that waiting for the end to come at home, it won't come quick enough for an animal in pain and suffering.
Last November I was going through the same thing with my cat. I knew he had cancer and knew that I would have to make that last trip....again. But I kept putting if off hoping that one morning I would just wake up and find him at peace in his favorite chair. I didn't. I waited and waited and now I feel guilty because I feel that I waited too long. I ended up bringing him to the emergency room and that was the last trip.
I know I should have been much stronger and I should have done the right thing by him and had taken him earlier, but I didn't. That guilt was much worse for me because I wasn't thinking about him, I was thinking about my own grief, which was inevidable anyway.
You are not a traitor for taking her to the vet. You can be with her and her transition from this world to the next will be calm and painless. And she will be in the loving arms of the person who she probably loved most of all. You will be far from being a traitor, you will be her loving protector and caretaker, right to the end.
I am sorry for your sorrow, prayers go out to you and your beloved Samantha.
2007-02-15 10:42:23 · answer #2 · answered by BVC_asst 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Awww that's so sad! But you know, Samantha has lived a long life with you. Don't feel guilty. You rescued her and you've done your best, now old age has taken over. This is the humane thing to do. It's normal to grieve, but don't blame yourself. Just be happy with the time you got to spend together. And maybe soon, you can rescue another animal that needs a loving owner.
Best wishes.
2007-02-15 11:08:19 · answer #3 · answered by jframeisu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't feel like a traitor! if she is immobile and in pain, then she is no longer enjoying life. you are doing the only thing you can to help her. she knows you love her, and you have obviously given her a great life! this is the toughest decision to make, but you will know when the time is right. sorry you have to go through it. hang in there!
2007-02-15 10:36:34 · answer #4 · answered by the_most_happy17 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't feel like a traitor. Do the right thing for her....not you. It's very tough, I had to put down one of my American BUlldogs this past November and he was only 3 years old. He was the 3rd dog I've had to put down.....it only gets harder not easier. Remember you are doing this for her to ease the suffering . God Bless
2007-02-15 10:45:06 · answer #5 · answered by Ramsrock07 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got really uset when we had to put our chihuahua Pebbles down. She was always tired, couldn't hold her bladder and kept having fits(seizures). The vet said if we didn't put her down she would die in pain. I kept feeling like it wasn't right you don't put humans to sleep when they become immobile but my friends helped me through it. She was in pain and it was the right thing to do. Now we have a small rockpond under the porch which is like a memorable of her. I was 15 at the timeand my sis 10, and me and my sis helped mum out alot though those times.
It's ok to get upset my mum burst into tears when pebbles got put down. Your family and friends will help pull you through.
2007-02-15 10:39:29 · answer #6 · answered by Suki&Heva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take comfort in the fact most Rotties don't live that long. You have done a wonderful job keeping her healthy and happy.
Death isn't necessarily a bad thing when they are in pain. If she is no longer herself, you know it is time to let her go. No guilt!
Big hug!
2007-02-15 10:32:05 · answer #7 · answered by Bev 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
11-07-06 i had and appointment to have my boxer put to sleep.. I kept telling my dog i didnt want to take her to the vet. so she answered my question and past away in my arms about an hour before her appointment.. it was so sad but my dog truely loved me and showed me every bit of it at her last moments..
I loving memory of maxine smiley manist 11-07-2006
2007-02-15 11:51:34 · answer #8 · answered by megan m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know exactly what you're saying. I had to put my doberman down a couple of years ago. It's not an easy thing. You've cared for your pet for so many years and it is traumatic when you have to put one down. You know it's best and it's the last good thing you can do for them.
2007-02-15 10:39:13 · answer #9 · answered by Tara 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think of the 14 years you spent with her.. Sometimes its time to let them go so that she isnt in pain. I know its hard but think of her not yourself... If she's in pain dont let her suffer just so you can keep her home for your own wellbeing.. You were there for her in the past and I know she's thankful for that!!
2007-02-15 10:32:19 · answer #10 · answered by csmutz2001 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋