My black lab Sasha, is getting euthanized tomorrow. She is 17 years old, and her hips are rubbing bone on bone so bad she can no longer walk well. She has been my dog since I was a little girl, and I love her so much. I can't bear to have my beautiful girl hurt anymore.
My question is, what will she feel? Will she know what's happening? Will she panic? What will it feel like for her?
I'm really not trying to be morbid. I just can't bear to think, she will realize, I brought her on her beloved last car ride to kill her.
Should I have her sedated first? or tranquilized?
What if I can't bear to give the vet the go ahead?
Sorry to ramble, but right now I am crying my eyes out, snuggling my Sasha for the last night.
God, this is just horrible!!!
Any help will be wonderful.
2007-09-13 20:56:51 · 25 answers · asked by ♥ Leo ♥ 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Please don't make this even worse with the,"don't do it's." I have to, she can no longer walk, and has to wear diapers, or sleep on a puppy pad. Her hip bone is so brittle it could break wit one small wrong movement. Arthritis has fully claimed her body. She is in constant excruciating pain that medicine no longer controls.
My husband is coming with me to the vet in the morning, so maybe his strength will help some. I love having animals, but I really hate this part.
2007-09-13 21:16:27 · update #1
Thanks so much everyone. My husband called the vet this morning, because I stayed up all night crying and snuggling my baby. My vet offered to come to the house to make me and Sasha more comfortable.
I had my husband go to Burger King to get her a whopper meal, but she was in too much pain to eat. At that moment I realized I am giving my friend, I've known since I was 5, the peace she deserves.
Well Dr. Hurst came at 11am, and gave her a strong sedative. I didn't cry until she was deeply asleep. Then it was only softly because the lump in my throat, was so large, it prevented me from making any noise louder than a sob.
I kissed and held my beloved friend. I told her how loved she was, and to be sure and find my parents on the other side. I said she wouldn't be lonely because she already had many people there who knew and loved her.
10 minutes later I finally gave the vet the go ahead. I felt her body sink into my arms even more.
I miss my friend dearly, but I know she now has peace.
2007-09-14 13:48:39 · update #2
I'm so sorry for you loss and feel for you. Take courage and love Sasha forever. Tell her what she means to you.
I think that Sasha will know that you are helping her because you love her so much. She may whimper or give you a "look" one last time, not because she doesn't want you to do it, but because she will miss you until you meet again in heaven and will want to communicate that to you.
I am told that being put to sleep is a lot like how you feel at the dentist's office when they give you the laughing gas. You feel relaxed and kinda heavy and you just literally "go to sleep" and then wake up again a little groggy maybe. I imagine that when Sasha wakes up she will be in heaven with God and other dogs to greet her and she will feel joy and no pain.
The advice to stay with your dog as long as you want is good advice. I did that when my daughter died. I realized that nothing could actually take her away from me. Even though their spirit is not in their body they still live and are not ever far away. We have Jesus Christ to thank for that.
2007-09-13 22:35:07 · answer #1 · answered by Amber 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
It is an intensely personal decision to euthanize ("put to sleep") a beloved pet due to injury, old age and disease. People often wonder if they will know when it is "time", and many ask their veterinarian "what would you do if it were your pet?".
I am often asked this question, but can not make this final decision for any pet owner. Instead, I focus on the medical issues and facts, so the owner will have the knowledge to help make an informed decision. This may include discussing the possible outcomes of terminal disease or conditions so the owners knows what to expect and watch out for. Even so, the answer is not always obvious, so I offer this thought: it is probably "time" when the bad days begin to outnumber the good ones.
pet owners usually have an idea of what is 'good' and 'bad' in the life of their pet. Chart time over a week or month.
Here are some things to consider when evaluating your pet's quality of life:
Does your pet soil him/her self during the day? This can really be a stressor for some pets who prefer to be clean, and it can also pose health risks - i.e. skin rashes and infections from sitting in urine and/or feces.
Does your pet still enjoy "basic activities" such as eating? Is the appetite normal?
Does your pet enjoy human interaction? Is s/he still cognizant of who you are?
Can your pet move around without difficulty or pain?
Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the process of euthanasia and what to expect before hand may help lessen the stress and anxiety of the actual event. Do not be afraid to ask your veterinarian beforehand about the procedure or any other questions that you may have. This is an emotionally charged time, and living with unanswered questions or guilt can hinder the healing process.
2007-09-13 23:00:45 · answer #2 · answered by DitaDee 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry about your dog.I know how you feel,as one of my dogs,Maura, is suffering from kidney failure and arthritis and I know she won't be here much longer.She is the only dog left from a litter of 6 pups;I rescued their mom 14 years ago, when she was pregnant and kept them.Her mother,brothers and sisters have all passed,and now it's just her.I have had to have many animals put down,and it's never easy.Let me tell you what happens.The vet will give the dog an intravenous injection of anesthesia ( some vets sedate the dog before,but mine doesn't )The dog will rapidly ( less than 30 seconds) fall asleep,and then the heart and respiration will stop.Sometimes there are a few "agonal gasps." These are involuntary breaths,and they don't happen with every dog.You might think she is still alive,but she won't be.I stay with my animals.I hold them and talk to them,even after they stop breathing,because hearing is the last sense to go.This way,my voice is the last sound they hear,and my scent is the last thing they smell.You are doing your dog a great favor by letting her go.Take her for a burger and ice cream before,and tell her what a good dog she is.She will just drift away,and she won't be in pain anymore.You will be giving her one last gift,so don't feel guilty,she wouldn't want you to.
2007-09-13 21:56:35 · answer #3 · answered by Dances With Woofs! 7 · 8⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry to hear you are so sad. I just had to put my greyhound to sleep as well, so I know how you are feeling. Know that even though this hurts you are doing the most humane thing you can!
She wont feel anything. Most vets will give a light sedation prior to giving the euthanasia solution. If not, then when the solution is given, all her pain will stop prior to her heart and breathing stopping.
She will be OK, and waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
2007-09-14 02:26:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you must try to remain calm when you bring her in. I know how difficult that will be, but she'll pick up on your energy and respond accordingly. If you're panicking, she'll panic. I had to put down my 16 year old dog a little over a
year ago. I think he knew something strange was going on but I held him, he was quiet and just fell asleep. It was very painful for me but ending his pain was more important.
She'll know that you are with her, she'll feel your loving arms around her, and she'll trust that you're doing the best thing you can for her, just as you always have.
So sorry you're going through this.
A DOG'S PRAYER
By Beth Norman Harris
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 footsteps 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, 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.
2007-09-14 01:53:11 · answer #5 · answered by Linda D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm very sorry to hear about what you are going through and also know how terrible you are feeling tonight. You are absolutely doing the right thing, as Sasha's guardian you have to make this decision for her. She won't feel any pain, it is like drifting off to sleep. Personally I think they do know, but I think they appreciate that you are helping them on their last journey. I know it doesn't feel like it right now but being able to sit with her and hold her is your last great privilege as her life's companion. I lost my 10 year old JRT this year while on our honeymoon overseas - he had been in perfect health but died of a stroke in the boarding kennels. More than anything in the world I wish I could have been there to hold him while he died, and tell him I loved him. You have that opportunity, and while tomorrow will be an extremely sad day and one you will never think of without feeling sad, don't forget that you have had 17 wonderful years with her. I am thinking of you.
2007-09-14 01:03:55 · answer #6 · answered by 2 shelties and a brown dog 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel for you. Six weeks ago I put my 10yo golden retriver to sleep. She had a very agressive cancer, there was nothing that could be done.
I sat on the floor with her. I told her the vet had to give her a needle, and I cuddled and pet her until she was gone. There was no panic, she was calm and she went while I stayed with her. I tried to stay as calm and non-chelont as I could. I didn't want her picking up on my stress. After she was gone I broke down.
You are absolutley doing the right thing. It is peaceful and painfree. My thoughts are with you and Sasha. My Abbey will be waiting for her on the other side. They can chase rabbits together for all time now. Happy and pain free.
2007-09-14 00:23:10 · answer #7 · answered by daffodil 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
God Bless you! I know just what you are going through. This is the ULTIMATE deed of love for your dog. Suffering never took place before dogs were domesticated. Your dog wont feel any pain. She will just go to sleep peacefully. If she isn't afraid to be at the vets she wont be afraid either. She may get upset because she may scents your anxiety but, that's it. Its no different to her than going in for a shot. You are the one suffering here and my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry you must go through this. Just remember you love her enough to let her go where there is no more pain. She had a good life and knew true love. My prayers are with you both.
2007-09-14 00:22:13 · answer #8 · answered by dogperson 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
oh I am so sorry. I had to have my cat put down a couple years ago. She wont feel a thing. She will get a shot and then feel sleepy and go to sleep. She probably wont know what is happening. She probably wont panic. She is dealing with constant pain right now so it will be a relief for her. You just gotta remember this is the best thing for her. If you have any more questions you can ask the vet while your there. I will be praying for ya.
2007-09-13 21:07:00 · answer #9 · answered by Transformed 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry...my dog had cancer a couple months ago and we had to do it. He was in too much pain, and the vet couldn't save him. They don't feel a thing, and are given painkillers and sedated and everything beforehand. They don't know what's happening, but they go quickly and peacefully. It doesn't hurt them a bit. Again, I'm sorry that you have to do this. Is there any way you could bring another person along with you?
2007-09-13 21:04:08 · answer #10 · answered by mathaowny 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋