My dog is 13 years of age...?

Question

Is about to be put to sleep tomorrow... i am going with my mom, grandmom. and my dad. But the thing is , i think i may regret it.. it was my choice.. to choose if we should put her to sleep. My question is If your dog had authritis, a cancerous tumor,,, that is cancer now., obviously not enjoying getting up from naps.. colapsing during walks... even when they are short walks... ok.. would you put the dog asleep?


Thank you for your answers

sorry if i am using the wrong words... i am crying...

Answer 1

Dogs have a way of telling you when it is time. Honestly, if you have made that decision, it probably is the best thing. We have a wonderful gift to give our dogs in the way that we can end their suffering. Dogs don't fear death and a lot of times they hang on longer until we are ready.
I think you know the right answer and I'm sure you will do the right thing. I do suggest being there, so I am glad you are doing that. There is something very special about being there and being able to say goodbye. Good luck, hon. I'm sorry about your dog, but she was a lucky girl to have you.

Answer 2

This is a big decision, a HUGE decision, and you're allowed to cry and question your decision. You're going to hear both sides of the coin, but ultimately it's up to you and your family as to what's best for your dog. Let me tell you my experiences with older dogs, maybe it will help you.

Fred was 13, the same age as yours. He couldn't walk, and had to be lifted up to get to his feet. His arthritis was getting worse, and after a trip to the vet, it was determined that there really wasn't a treatment that would help him (he had a bad stomach so couldn't take meds. We decided to put him to sleep. I held his head while he passed away, and told him what an incredible, wonderful friend he'd been for all those years. He died knowing how loved he was, and I knew I did the right thing. Then I spent the next couple of days crying like a baby, because although it was the right thing to do for him, it was hard letting him go.

Ginger, his companion, was 15 when her kidneys shut down. She'd suffered from arthritis as well, and I'd spent about $100 a month for medication for her, that actually worked pretty well, but it's hard on the liver, called MetaCam. Her last two years of her life I attribute to that medication. But when she went downhill, it was fast. She was obviously suffering, and my son (who was 14 at the time, it was his dog), and I made the decision to have her put to sleep. He went with me, and we both sat on the floor and held her while she died. Then we both cried.

If you're unsure as to whether or not you're making the right decision, talk to your family, and go tomorrow and talk to the vet. Ask him/her for brutal honesty as to whether or not your pet's going to be suffering from the arthritis with treatment, and from the cancer. [And I'm not kidding about arthritis meds being expensive, please, please DON'T judge your parents (I'm assuming you're under 18) if they determine it's not the way to go, I'm an adult with a great job or I wouldn't have been able to afford it]. If the cancer's spreading, then you will be doing your friend a favor, because he/she will suffer. Once you have all the information, and you and your family agree, then make your decision.

Let me know here what you decide to do, I know whatever it is, you'll make the right decision.

Answer 3

Unfortunately I can't tell you anything that will make this decision easier. It sounds as if your dog is suffering, and you're looking for someone to help you justify having it euthanized. That's not a decision for strangers to make. Only you and the other people who have shared 13 wonderful years with this dog are qualified to make this decision. Depending on the breed, 13 years is a good, long life. From the sound of things, your family has given you the responsibility of making this decision. That doesn't mean that you can't ask them for their input, though. I would work on making this a family decision, and pull in the people closest to you to help you with the process. Ultimately, you dog will let you know when it is time for them to go. Maybe your dog has done this already, and helped you come to this decision point.

You will feel guilt and have second thoughts no matter how much justification that you have for putting your dog down. We as humans hang on because of our emotional attachment to a pet. This is just part of our nature. It seems as if you've recognized that your dog is terminally ill and in pain. As I said, I can't make the decision for you, but just remember that sometimes the most loving thing that we can do for our aged and suffering pets is to let them go.

Dogs are so special to us. They love us unconditionally, and generally want nothing more than to make us happy. In the grand scheme of things, we only have a very brief moment in time with each pet that we bring into our homes. It sucks, and it hurts, but assure yourself that you have provided your dog with a great life and vice versa.

When the time comes and you've made the decision, spend some time with your dog. Accompany it to the vet, and just let it know that you loved it right up until the end. Provide as much contact and comfort as you can throughout the whole process. Being there for your dog in the end is one of the last great gifts that you can give it.

Grieve your loss for a while, go to the shelter, and adopt another pet. Don't expect the new pet to be a replacement for the deceased. Just provide a loving home. This can be your deceased pet's gift to you and another animal.

Answer 4

I'm so sorry your friend is ill and at the end of her years. Yes, I would put her to sleep...I had to make that choice for my dog a couple of years ago. He was 16, had cancer, and got to where he couldn't control his bowels nor get up and stand without being supported.

I know it's a hard decision and it hurts, but you are doing her a favor. Consider her quality of life and not just how much you'll miss her. She probably hurts all the time, isn't too hungry or thirsty, and doesn't understand why she feels so bad. To set her free from that is a true sign of your love for her. Sit with her tonight for a while, and tomorrow before you take her to the vet...talk to her and tell her you love her, and you'll miss her, and thank her for coming into your life.

May you find peace with your decision and always cherish the years you had with your dear friend. You're making the right choice...don't regret it.

This always makes me cry, but I love it just the same:

"Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown..."

Answer 5

You're doing the right thing and are very brave. Don't regret it. I'm sure she had a wonderful life. I bet you'll realize soon that you are being very compassionate and helping to put a stop to her suffering. I know it seems so very sad but allowing her to suffer would be even sadder. It's never an easy decision but it is the best when they aren't able to enjoy life. I'm sorry that you're having to go through this.

Answer 6

Aww that is a tough one, and an even bigger tough choice. As an owner of an elderly dog as well I can empathize. My vet told me, you know when it is time. If you have done all you can for your beloved pet, and there is nothing more to be done then you know your choice is the right one. You want your pet to have a quality life, and if it cant get around, doesnt eat and sleep as usual (or sleeps to much), and seems in pain, then I'd say you are making the right decision. God bless u and your family at this time.

Answer 7

This is a very hard decision. I can understand how you're feeling. You need to look at it in this way.....what is your dogs "quality" of life right now? Is your dog happy? Is he miserable? Does he appear to be in pain? Uncomfortable? You need to look at all these things....then, make your decision based on how you feel. Make sure you feel like this is the only humane thing you can do for your dog. If there are things you could do to make him more comfortable and happy....do those things before you decide to go forward with putting him to sleep....otherwise, if you feel you have done those things already and you feel it's time....it's time. Try not to feel guilty...I can tell you only want to do the best for your dog. God bless you.

Answer 8

I really hate to say this, but from the way you describe it, I think you are doing the right thing. Pets have a way to tell us when it's time for them to go, just like people. Look into her eyes. If you made the decision, I'm sure it was right if you went with your first instinct. I know it's sad, but if it's better for her, than it's the right thing to do. I'm sooo sorry this has to happen. I think as much as I love and cherish my dog, I'd have to put her to sleep to put her out of her misery. I don't want her to suffer and it sounds like you don't either. My thoughts are with you!

Answer 9

I would and I have! Our 15.5 year old dog developed a nasty tumour on one of her nipples. She had degenerative heart disease, cataracts and was starting to suffer anxiety attacks from the loss of sight and hearing. We had her put down in December and brought her home and buried her in the garden. I'm sorry for what you are going through at the moment but try to think about what is best for the dog not how it makes you feel.

I know of too many people who have let their dogs really suffer because they couldn't bear the thought of having them put down. Some people just don't know when it is the right time for the dog - they are too worried about themselves.

It is hard but for the best.

Answer 10

This really makes me think how lucky I am, becuase my oun dog, the first one I've ever had is actually 14 years, going on 15. She still acts like a Puppy!
But It really scares me that one day I will show up and she will just be gone...
I can't imagine the pain you are going through, but I really think that yes, you are doing the right thing. Your dog will move on to a better place now... All dogs go to Heaven!!

~R.I.P.~