While we were on holiday, the dog boarding place phoned us to tell us that my 14 year old Beagle was having seizures. It got worse and she was taken to the vet.
We came home, arrived late at night. In the morning phoned the vet who told us that they think she had brain cancer and was having seizures non-stop, the only way to stop them was to keep her asleep. They told us there was nothing they could do (I'm not sure how true that is?) and that the best thing was to get her euthanised.
When we came to say goodbye, she was of course sedated (asleep) otherwise she would be having seizures. The vet said that maybe she could hear us but I don't know if she was just humouring us?
As I was patting her and started talking to her, she started twitching more and breathing faster. I don't know if it was coincidence or not. Do you think she could hear me or is it unlikely she could hear while asleep like that? Please be honest. :(
I just regret not being there for her in her last days.
2007-09-23 18:35:32 · 14 answers · asked by chocoboryo 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes, your dog can hear you.
To tell you the awfull truth, they can understand you better than you can understand them.
Humans think that dogs can't talk, while dogs think that humans can't hear.
Don't feel sorry for not being there at her last days. I'm sure she understood and forgave you. She loves you more than you can ever understand, you know.
And yes it's true that all dogs are going to Heaven, she's in a better place now.
2007-09-23 18:54:08 · answer #1 · answered by Legolas 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Don't be too hard on yourself. Who could have known this was going to happen. We don't have control over these kind of things.
I do believe she could hear you. I had a cat that had to be put to sleep because all of a sudden one day he was looking confused and swaying and urinating where he stood. It turned out he had diabetes and was having some kind of episode. Anyway, the vet gave him a sedative to relax him until we were able to get there. When I went in he was so sleepy he almost looked like he was gone already. I told the vet I wanted a chance to say some things to him, but I figured now was too late that he wouldn't hear me. She had the stethoscope on him and she smiled at me and said. " its not too late. His heartbeat is reacting to the sound of your voice!" She said it would beat faster when I talked to him.
I truly believe she was not trying to fake me out. I believe they know you are there and hear you. Remember the 14 years you gave her fun, happiness, and love, and don't beat yourself up for the poor timing that you had no way of controlling. Give it some time, it will get easier. I'm sorry.
2007-09-23 23:48:17 · answer #2 · answered by Lucy's Mama 1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi,I know that your dog heard you.That's why she started breathing faster and twitching.But because she was sedated she probably could not do much more to let you know that she knew you were there.
She must have had a great life with you.How lucky.
God Bless You.
PS- I take my small mixed dog to the vet tomorrow.He is gonna be 15 in February.He has been loosing weight and drinking lots of water and vomiting yellow foamy stuff up .
Again God Bless
2007-09-23 18:52:44 · answer #3 · answered by fireflies 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I am very sorry for your loss. Honestly, I don't know if she could hear you or not. It is just like with humans. I lost my Grandmother a couple years ago after she had surgery to remove an anurism in her brain. She never woke up and was "asleep" for a month. I went by to see her a couple times, and I don't know if she ever knew I was there or not. What is important though is to know that in your heart that you did what was best for her and that you got to say good bye to her. Many doctors and vets always tell us that yeah they can hear you, or that no they can't hear you, but no one really knows. You have to ask yourself, did she hear me, did she know I was there? And just stick to that and believe that she did. It is easier on us to believe that they knew what was going on and that they were also saying good bye as she was with her twitches and heavier breathing. I hope this helps to ease your pain.
2007-09-23 18:45:17 · answer #4 · answered by boleen03 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If she could not hear you, at the very least she could sense you were near her.
I had a rats before, when each one died, all they wanted was to be cuddled, one of them we had to have put down, as she was paralysed, and declining. I held her til she was gone. I am glad I was with her. The second one, she just started looking sick one day, then I noticed later that she wasn't really moving much and she was getting cold, so I cuddled her. She passed away not long after. It was very sad. But I'm glad at least they weren't alone.
And they were 'just' rats! Dogs are much more personable, and (presumeably) intelligent. She definately knew you were there, and she was probably happy to smell you, and to feel your touch.
Our last two rats died while we were away. I wish we could've said goodbye to them. :( But at least we gave them a good life while they were here, and they were good ratties, so i'm sure they are in the upstairs place for ratties :)
(no, i'm not a serial rat killer, this is all over the course of 3 years. Rats normally live for about 2 yrs or so. our oldest was nearly 3.)
2007-09-23 18:54:08 · answer #5 · answered by A derka der 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I fully believe your dog could hear you, and feel your touch. She knew you were there, and she knew you were doing the ultimate act of kindness for her.
Guardian Angel Tia and the rest of the Guardians at the Rainbow Bridge have welcomed her. She's there waiting for you, and she wants you to know that she is Ok, she doesn't have anymore pain, and she feels young again.
She was in the Bone Garden earlier with Tia, and they had a blast, after that they went to the digging field. She'll check in on you now and then, and cuddle up for a nap in your heart.
She knows you loved her very much, and as hard as it, she doesn't want you to feel any regret.
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...
http://www.rainbowbridge.com
2007-09-23 19:05:34 · answer #6 · answered by Bindi *dogtrainingbyjess.com* 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So sorry to hear about your doggy. I know you feel awful at the moment but please don't blame yourself for having been on holidays whilst this happened as it would have happened anyway so don't torture yourself. I'm sure she could hear you and even if it was very remote for her, she surely could hear the voice of the person she loved most. i'm a trained vet and we also get trained to detach ourselves from that sort of situation otherwise you couldn't frankly do that job. I just want to tell you that no matter what happened, animals do not fear death or the idea of death like we do as they don't know about it and putting her to sleep was definitely the best thing to do.
2007-09-23 18:53:58 · answer #7 · answered by Laurence B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Awwww, I'm so sorry for you. Sometimes, when the vet sedates an animal, it isn't asleep, but stoned ( sorry can't think of a better word). I had to have my cat put to sleep 2 years ago, and he was sedated. I don't know how, but I was sure he heard me. I know your dog heard you too from the reaction you decribed. Don't beat yourself up, if you had known what was going to happen, I'm sure you would not have left his side.
2007-09-23 18:48:37 · answer #8 · answered by blue chaos soɐɥɔ ǝnlq 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please accept my condolences for you and your family. It is very difficult to lose a pet. In my honest opinion, I do believe that she could hear you. The world works in mysterious ways like that. :) 14 years old is quite a long life for a dog (unfortunately too short). Did you get a copy of the Rainbow Bridge poem from your vet? They sometimes send you a copy. It makes you feel a little better and you should read it. (Just type it in the search.) You did the right thing and please do not feel guilty for what you did. My prayers and sympathies are with you and your family.
2007-09-23 18:44:20 · answer #9 · answered by Kristen 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think she could hear u. i'm very sorry for ur loss...i know its hard.
I might be very curious as to what lead up to the seizures....and ask lots of questions....but it does sound like she had a good life and caring owners. it's not ur fault...and u where there when she needed. you....
tikitiki i love ur pic!
2007-09-23 18:52:43 · answer #10 · answered by dragonwolf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋