Hi, my sweet golden retriever, Dillon, is very sick. He's 14 years old, completely blind in one eye, partially blind in the other. He's had two tumors removed within the past 2 years and has another, somewhere, but we don't know where, he's too old to have an x-ray because the vet would have to put him under anesthesia. He's losing his beautiful coat, losing control of his bladder, and he just wants to sleep, bless his heart. It's just killing me and I need emotional support. He is the most loving, devoted, congenial dog you've ever seen. I love him so very much; I'm losing him and it's breaking my heart, can't stop crying. Help me, please.
2007-03-23 17:52:36 · 20 answers · asked by leslie 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The vet said that he is not suffering. We give him Rimidil, an arthritic medication. It's so hard to tell, though, he's just such a happy boy, so congenial. I love him so very much and he's always so happy.
2007-03-23 18:26:22 · update #1
I love dogs...and have owned many so please understand I'm printing this poem (not mine) here while tears are running down my cheeks. The last lines are the ones you want to pay attention to.
A DOG'S PRAYER
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements, and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
2007-03-23 17:59:35 · answer #1 · answered by Packrabid 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Leslie, I feel for you very much. I know this is difficult, and although my 3 dogs are but 5, 4, & 2 y/o now, I don't want to see the day when they become sick due to age and their end coming.
I know you have a lot of love and memories with Dillon. It's difficult to even think about having him put asleep or letting him go naturally.
Just continue to show love and give him affection. Some dogs hang on because they sense and see your grief. If he is in pain, and uncomfortable, you may want to think about what is best for him no matter how difficult.
He may even want to or need you to lay next to him and let him know that it's okay to go on if you feel up to this. It's very tough indeed.
I can tell you that the love and loyalty you both reciprocated and mutually shard will live on forever. He will always be alive within your Heart and Mind and will alwasy be a thought away. Love endures, and I'm a true believer that Dogs go to a next higher plane and will always be near you in spirit.
Seek support from family and friends. There are also sites that deal with grieving Pet owners in the same situation or have lost their beloved pet/dog. Do a search and find one that suits you.
Just continue to love Dillon as if he was 5 y/o. Be prepared for the end, and I know it's going to be tough. But, both your Love will sustain you, and that's one positive to hold on too.
My Heart goes out to you!
2007-03-23 18:05:11 · answer #2 · answered by The Sylvan Wizard 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honestly this does not sound like some thing you'll be able to do at residence... Try calling round to exclusive vets on your field. See if any can not determine a cost plan for you. ALSO, do NOT move to an emergency vet hospital, the ones are ALWAYS terrific steeply-priced... Good success. I individually realize how tough it may be while unexpected puppy emergencies crop up and the money is not that abundant. Maybe you'll be able to borrow from persons you understand? A couple of bucks right here and a couple of there?
2016-09-05 14:00:05 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please don’t listen to candy. Some people like to see others in pain, but ironically, they are the ones in the most pain. I don’t know what kind of monster would say “dogs don’t have souls” to someone who is about to lose theirs, but if dogs aren’t allowed into heaven, then I don’t want to go there.
So many of us know what you are going through and sympathize with you, but that probably doesn’t make you feel any better. There is honestly no easy way to get through this, and no way to erase the pain of losing something so important to you. However, you CAN minimize HIS pain. It will be both the hardest and easiest decision you will ever make. By ending his pain, you remove him from your life. Of course, you don’t need to think twice about ending his pain being the right thing to do, but it is very hard to let them go. If he no longer enjoys life, or he is in pain, then you will know it is time. Smile and comfort him when the time comes. He doesn’t want to go knowing you are sad. When he’s gone, take the time you need to mourn, and someday, a month from now or a decade from now, when you feel you are ready to love again, let a new friend into your life.
I’m so sorry. I wish you both the best of luck.
I cry every time I read this, but it is a beautiful poem: http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm
2007-03-23 18:15:27 · answer #4 · answered by Mandy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry about your dog. I lost a golden to cancer a few years ago and it was so hard to let him go. If Dillon'slived to 14, you were a good owner to him and you should know that he loves you very much. He's had a good life - unfortunately their lives are so short.
The only thing I can tell you is you will remember him foreever. I've never forgotten how wonderful my Bud was. I now have 2 goldens again and all 3 of them have their own special places in my heart. Amazing how love works.
2007-03-23 18:04:18 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm really sorry to hear about your dog. But the thing is sweety, is he's getting old. He's lived a long life. There's not much you can do except love him until he passes. I know it's sad, I lost two dogs in one year that were bought for me when I was little and we were raised together.
I know it hurts, believe me, but the best thing you can do is let him know you love him. If all he wants to do is sleep, why not let him? It's not right to make him suffer. It'll be okay, he'll always be with you in your heart.
2007-03-23 18:01:31 · answer #6 · answered by silver_rain112 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Leslie,
Please read the Dogs Prayer above. The most merciful thing you can do for him is to let him go when the time comes. Be there with him and give him a hug and then when he is gone go somewhere and cry for awhile like you're making us do right now.
Also, I guess you know that in dog years he is over 98. I haven't set a very good example. I couldn't bear to be there when the dog I grew up with was put to sleep. My mom said it was the hardest thing she had ever done.
One more thing. Since you're the kind of person who would be loving and kind, please go and get another one. Not, of course, to replace him, but to continue with another wonderful pets' companionship.
2007-03-23 18:06:10 · answer #7 · answered by elden w 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Leslie, it sounds like you have enjopyed the company of your dog for a great while. I am sure he has enjoyed being your companion as well. Sadly though there comes a time when things just can't be fixed in a humane way. I know how you feel, I had a boy of mine put down for stomach torsion. He was only with us for 2 years of his 3, and it literally killed me inside. But he was in so much pain and they could not save him. I had to say goodbye, believe me with eyes overflowing with tears and a knot in my stomach that threatened to stop my breath.
I can't tell you what to do, you will know in your heart. I wish you the best of luck in dealing with this. and sending you a hug....
2007-03-23 18:05:24 · answer #8 · answered by rottymom02 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I understand your pain. Just remember all the good times you have had with him, an that he loves you with all of his heart. If he's in as bad of shape as you are saying he is, let him go (just tell him it's OK) an you will be fine. Cause if your crying an telling him not to go (He will hang on as long as he can). Ive always been told that animals go to heaven an there with the love ones that have gone before us. He'll be there when you get there. I'm sorry for your loss.
2007-03-23 18:03:29 · answer #9 · answered by witcheywoman 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like he's suffering from old age. U've gotten too attached to him, but a time will come when u have to let him go.
Take a deep breath. End his suffering. He has to go sooner or later. It hurts even more when u see him suffer, don't u?
All pet owners will go thru this phase. But we have to face it. They enter our lives, given us best days it. They will leave and this gives the best memories. Remember them in our hearts.
I know he cannot be replaced, but most pet owners just got another puppy to continue with another wonder in the house.
2007-03-23 18:04:10 · answer #10 · answered by AL75 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋