He is scheduled for euthanasia tomorrow morning that was recommended by my vet. I am feeling so sick about this. How do I know if I am doing the right thing? He is a Chesapeake Bay Retreiver and his name is Max. He is 10 years old and has never had any health problems. I just feel so awful.
2007-03-07 12:32:51 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I thank everyone for their kind words. I really didn't expect this many people to answer! I appreciate all, but I cannot choose a best answer because all of them are great. I'll let the voters decide!!
2007-03-08 18:11:25 · update #1
I'm so sorry you're having to go through this.
If your dog seems to feel good, I would keep him at home just loving him and keeping him comfortable until he is not feeling well any more.
If he is already not feeling well, if he is in pain or can't get comfortable, then you are giving him a huge gift to relief him of his suffering. The hardest gifts we give are the ones that will help those we love even though it hurts us as we do it. I believe euthanasia for terminally ill animals who are in pain is a huge, generous and courageous gift from their loving owners.
Stay there with your friend so that the last thing he sees is you. It is a quick process and they simply go to sleep. Your vet will tell you what to expect, and will probably give you a few moments alone with your dog.
I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this. I know it won't be easy, but know that you are giving your friend a gift that will take away his suffering.
2007-03-07 12:44:32 · answer #1 · answered by Behaviorist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh NO, I am so sorry to hear about this. Your pet has been a huge part of your life for a long time and this is not an easy thing for you to do, to say the least. I've been through the same thing with my cat - he was with us for 14 years and died slowly of liver and kidney failure. It was horrendous. We had no choice but to put him to sleep. We couldn't bear his suffering.
You could always ask for a second opinion. Many pets suffer with chronic diseases, such as cancer, that can often be managed in such a way that life is prolonged, although the quality of life is greatly diminished. It all depends on how much poor Max is suffering and how far gone he is.
Horrible as it is, I think you're doing the right thing, if he is in so much pain. Sometimes this is the kindest thing we can do in the final stage of a pet's life.
I wish I could say something more useful. I hope this helps, my friend.
2007-03-08 19:52:38 · answer #2 · answered by Wildamberhoney 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry about this. This is the one thing all of us pet owners dread having to face. Wether it's cancer, or any other ilness. I trust that you know that it's time. Only YOU know that through your dog. If your vet recommends it, then you are going to put an end to the suffering.
10 years is a good long life for your dog. He's ready to say goodbye. Be strong for him. Be there for him if you can. Hold his head and cry, and at the same time smile and be so happy that he isn't going to hurt any more. He loves you.. More than you know!!!!! Kiss his face and tell him how much you love him... Then let him go.
There's a special place for both of you at Rainbow bridge.com.
It's the most beautiful site I've ever seen for our lost pets. Please visit it.
Bless you for giving you your pet a wonderful life.
I'll say a prayer for you and Max tonight before bed.
Love you both.
2007-03-07 21:05:50 · answer #3 · answered by dog whisperer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry about your dog. I am a really big animal lover and the the thought of going thru that is awful. I also had to put down two cats within a month of each other and it was terrible. You have to do what you feel is right. I know it is hard. Good luck to you and hang in there. But it does sound like he has had a good life with you.
2007-03-08 18:40:31 · answer #4 · answered by zilchalways4ever 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is extremely hard to have to go through that. I had to with my last dog (she was only seven years old). I work at a vet clinic, and although I hate seeing so many animals being put down because of cancer, it is the best thing for them. I have seen some who have had owner treat the cancer, but dogs also have hair loss and nausea, but unlike humans, they don't understand why they are feeling so sick. It is a lot easier on the dog to be put down, and being ten, he has had a full life.
2007-03-07 20:42:38 · answer #5 · answered by watercurves 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am so sorry for this painful decision you are having to make, but just know that it is what is best for your dog. i work at a vet clinic and we see this quite often, i cry along with the owners. i can't imagine when the day comes that i will have to make this decision!!! i will keep you in my prayers and always remember the great times you shared with your dog. and when the time is right go to the animal shelter and find another dog, and you could save a poor pup from the death chamber. keep your head up. sorry again
2007-03-07 21:01:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Iam so sorry to hear about Max. Its is a difficult thing. I lost my dog Biff to kidney failure 4 years ago and I still miss him so much. I to had to have biff put to sleep, but it was the right thing to do, had I tried to keep him alive with constant medication and visits to the vet I believe that would have been selfish of me and I would only be keeping him around for myself and what mattered was him.. He was a true loyal friend to me for 12 years and I feel privileged to have had him in my life. Enjoy today with max remember all the wonderful times you have shared with him. One day you will be together again. xx
2007-03-08 06:15:35 · answer #7 · answered by pinkkitten 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does he have any symptoms? Is he in pain? If not, hold off. When my cocker was diagnosed w/oral melanoma (cancer), my vet was out of town and the sub vet wanted to put him down right away. He was not in pain or anything. We researched, he got chemo treatments and lived another 3 quality years. He didn't even know he was sick!
Give your dog a chance.
2007-03-08 17:39:47 · answer #8 · answered by Sax Player 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry about your dog! It's hard to let them go when we've had them for so long. I think what you are doing is for the best is he is sick with cancer. Which would make you feel worse watching him suffer or simply going to sleep and having no pain? It's hard my friend but Max will love you for it! God Bless you!
2007-03-07 22:14:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's never an easy decision.
We had a 10 yr old doberman that had lymphoma. Luckily we caught it as soon as it appeared, and we opted for the treatment, (yes chemo) and she had 8 quality months. Couldn't even tell she was ill. After 8 months, she started having trouble with her kidneys, and retaining fluid. As much as it sucked, it was time. She knew it and so did we. I didn't want her in any pain, and further chemo would only progress her kidney problem.
She is now at the Rainbow Bridge with dignity and pain free.
2007-03-07 20:45:05 · answer #10 · answered by Pam 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋