If you found out your dog was going to die...?

Question

I have a dog named Cocoa and she's about 15 years old. She's deaf, blind in one eye, and has the heart of a puppy. My parents told me recently that her other eye is starting to look like my former dog's eye, Lady, who had cancer and we had to put down.

My parents said that if this is the case and she has the same thing then we will have to put her down. I really love Cocoa and have known her all my life. I'm not ready to lose her but I don't want her to suffer. Please, if there's any helpful advice you can give me I would love to hear it.

Answer 1

Mine on the bottom right in the avatar was seen by several vets and wasn't expected to live. She is still kicking. Don't worry till you know. I find I still worry about Bessie. Many morning I wonder if she will still be with me when I get home from work. But her big head is always there rooting the others out of the way.

Answer 2

Unfortunately loosing a long time pet is a very difficult thing to do. Last year we had to put down our 15 year old German shepherd. When they got so old or sick that they seem to be suffering in any way, that is the time to buck up and do the right thing. Think about you would feel if you were kept alive just for the sake of someone else. If you were blind, deaf and possibli had a cancer thout would eventually kill you at an equalivant age as your dog (15 x 7 = 105 years old) would you like to kept alive so that some one could look at you and remember when???

do the right thing and have you pet put down. It is a very hard thing to do, and believe me you will feel better for it in the long run. You will always haver her memories.

Take care.

Answer 3

There is a reason that we offer euthanasia for animals - because it is the most humane option in many cases. A 15 year old dog has had a long, fulfilling life during which she probably gave you unconditional love. It is time to repay that love. If you are not planning on taking Cocoa to a veterinary eye specialist (they do exist!), please consider euthanizing her. Your vet will be able to give you a professional opinion about Cocoa's quality of life, including any possible medications (for arthritis, controlling the eye condition, etc.) that may not only prolong her life but also make her more comfortable.

I know what a hard decision this is for you. I have been in this position and see pet parents making this decision almost every day - it never gets any easier. I hope this helps you.

Answer 4

15 years is a long time for any dog. You and your family have obviously taken very great care of her. The thought of losing a beloved family member is never an easy endeavor, however, the time is inevitable.

Spend whatever time you possibly can with her. She knows you love her and knows you have always done what was best for her. Love her while you have her and be ready to let her go when you have to. It really sucks, and I'm sorry you and your family are facing this, but to let her go with dignity is much better than trying to keep her around for your own sake having her suffer. She will forever be in your heart, and you will have so many wonderful memories of her. She will pain free at the Rainbow Bridge.

Hugs to you and your family.

Answer 5

Take Cocoa to your vet and ask them to be totally honest with you. A good vet will do so. Don't think that because Lady looked the same way when she passed that Cocoa is headed that way. I've had many many many pets in my life time and some lived to be 17, 18 and even 21...Yes 21 years of age with a GOOD quality of life. That is most important....quality of life.

Just to let you know.....all pets go to the "Rainbow Bridge" where they wait for us and are never in pain.

Make sure Cocoa is happy and not in pain....

GOD Bless

Answer 6

First they need to get her to the vet, they might be able to take care of it, or it might be something fully different. One of my dogs looked like he had the same kind of cancer that his father had when I had to put him down and it just turned out that he got a small cut that got infected.

If she really is sick then you should feel happy that she was about to live for so long in such a happy home unlike a lot of dog who hardly get cared for never make it past just a few years and don't have someone who loves them so much.

It doesn't make it any easier but you can trust in the fact that she knows how much you care. Try spending a lot of time with her right now and get her a few extra treats.

Answer 7

honey, since you love your dog so much, it's best if she is just happy. There's still the chance that it is not cancer. Would you rather have her live in pain or move on in peace? The point of putting down dogs is to relieve them of their pain. If you believe in God, then remember that she is not gone. She will just be somewhere else, waiting for you and watching you. Your dog will die someday, so you can't run away from losing her. Just do what is best for your little Cocoa. God bless you!

Answer 8

I'd take Cocoa to the vets for diagnosis. At 15 she may just have cataracts and not cancer.

Either way, at 15, she's a ripe old age - and in any case, she has fewer summers in front of her than behind her.

It's hard to say goodbye to our cherished friends. But when the quality of her life becomes something you know she wouldn't like at all, that's when you should do the right thing and have her humanely euthanized.

Grieve for your departed pet properly. Hold a memorial to honor her. Invite your loved ones who knew Cocoa and ask each one of them to write down their favorite memory of her. Put these in a small scrapbook along with her collar and such.

Cry and pray.

Then, when you and your family are ready, look at getting a new pet to love and enjoy.

Answer 9

i had to go through the same thing. i had had this dog from the time i was born (literally, upon coming from the hopsital after being born i was introduced to this dog that my parents had had for several years.) around 8 years ago (i was 8,) my dog began having seizures and at one point collapsed. we had to put her down. it was so sad but i realized that this would be what the dog wanted. if you dog does in fact have cancer then putting her down may be a good idea since you are taking it out of it's misery. cancer treatments for dogs are not as evolved and successful as with humans so putting it down is taking the dog out of its pain. i wish you the best of luck! if you dog does have cancer and you decide to put it down, do yourself and the dog a favor by spending as much time as possible with her and spoil the crap out of her! good luck to you, cocoa, and your family!

Answer 10

Bubbles,

I hope that I can at least show you that you are not alone. I had a dog when I was 9 years old, a German Shepard. I loved it to death - we were inseparable. He then caught distemper, faded quickly and had to be put down. I can still see the poor thing being carried out in my father's arms - heading for the vet's office. My heart still hurts even to this day (and I am well past 9 years old!), a searing memory that won't go away until I do. But the hurt is not quite as much now as then - it is a part of life. So I will ask you one thing - please tell your dog that when he leaves you, although reluctantly, to please stop in and see my dog "Zip" and tell him that I still think of him often. Good luck!

Answer 11

I am sorry about your dog but I think that if the dog is indeed going blind and has cancer among other problems it would be best to put the dog to sleep and take it out of it's misery. Would you rather have the dog's last days full of playing, cuddles, and love or pain and suffering? If your dog does have cancer take a few days and spend lots of time with her and then put her to sleep and let her rest and be pain free. Once again I am sorry about your dog.