....ever have to put your best friend down (the dog, dammit) and find yourself having a hard time....
2007-04-23 07:21:11 · 8 answers · asked by Mikey ~ The Defender of Myrth 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He's old and in pain....put still playful, but just can't move around anymore...
2007-04-23 07:22:12 · update #1
I could have put my husband down easier than I could my 12 yr old Pit Bull. She was my best friend. There was nooooo consoling me. But she had lung cancer, she still played and loved going in the truck with me, she just had a hard time breathing. When I took her to the vet and they told me it was cancer, I knew then that she would never in a million years sat by and watched me suffer, so I couldn't do that to her.....HARDEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE...I held her till she took her last breath.
2007-04-23 08:13:02 · answer #1 · answered by be happier own a pitbull 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People do have to put their animals down for the same reasons as you. It is VERY hard on most people and that should be expected as they really are a part of your family. I'm not really sure if you mean you have already done this or are thinking about it so I am going to ask you something...Have you weighed all of your options to see whether or not her pain can be treated by a prescription medication? Talking to your vet and finding out the source of pain, they could possibly give you a medication that helps with arthritis and sometimes there are even just regular over the counter medications they can recommend to get at Walmart. Hope this helps and don't feel bad, everyone has a hard time putting their animals down.
2007-04-23 14:44:23 · answer #2 · answered by Paul and Kelle A 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Making the decision to put down my American Bulldog who was 11 years old was by far the hardest decision I ever had to make in my life. Once I got over feeling like I was betraying him and stopped being selfish by wanting him to stay with me, I knew when the time was right and I did it. You'll know when the time is right. It won't be easy, but know that if he's in pain or the quality of his life is suffering, it's in his best interest to do this one last act of love to complete the years of love you've given him.
Please, make sure you have a good relationship with your vet and you are completely comfortable with him/her. In a lifetime, I'll never forget what the vet did for me. He gently explained everything he was going to do and what would happen step by step before he even started. He gave me time alone with my dog beforehand, then as he started, he again, talked me through everything that was going on. I stayed there the entire time and although I cried my eyes out, I wouldn't trade those few minutes for anything in this world. Afterwards, he gave me time alone with my dog again and never tried to rush me.
About 2 weeks after it was done, I got a handwritten card in the mail from the vet, offering his sypathies. I still have that card after all these years and it sits next to the treasure chest box that has my dog's ashes in it.
I'm crying as I type this. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
2007-04-23 14:56:39 · answer #3 · answered by icy_tempest 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had to put down several dogs and cats and you have my sympathies. It is a really difficult decision and one that as a pet owner is solely yours. I really feel for you and don't think you will find the answer here. Each pet I have had to put down I have questioned when the right time is and as unhelpful as this is, you will know when enough is enough. If your dog is still playful and you are still unsure then maybe now isn't the time. Your vet is really the best resource for any questions and concerns. Again I am so sorry.
2007-04-23 14:30:37 · answer #4 · answered by mmscotslass 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes, and it is the hardest thing to do. I still get a bit down over it, but i just keep in mind she is better off than when she was hurting. I also tried to make her last day her best. We played and i fed her her favourite bad food: hershey kisses. She had one in her mouth when she was put down. She had to go happy and comfortably, so i even held her and sang to her as she passed. The vet let me sit with her for as long as i needed to, it was hard to walk out of that room... they had to take her away first, it was easier on me.
2007-04-23 14:27:32 · answer #5 · answered by willodrgn 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's always the hardest decision to make. It's hard not to be selfish and to keep the dog's best interests in mind. One method I've seen to help you decide when it is time is to rate your dog's three most favorite things. His favorite food, favorite toy, favorite activity, whatever...just so long as they are the three best things to your dog. If he can no longer enjoy and/or looses interest in two of his three favorite things, then it is likely that his quality of life is suffering.
2007-04-23 14:48:08 · answer #6 · answered by ainawgsd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Saying good bye to a pet is never easy.
This website may help http://www.rainbowbridge.com
Its the hardest decision pet owners make. When our pets are old and in pain, and there is nothing more we can do, its our final act of love.
I'm sorry you are facing this.
Best wishes
2007-04-23 14:56:40 · answer #7 · answered by Bindi *dogtrainingbyjess.com* 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are totally going to make me cry. I have a 10yo English bulldog. I don't know how i will make it... Hopefully we will have a few more good years.. I wish you well
2007-04-23 14:33:14 · answer #8 · answered by bolt1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋