My dog most likely will be put to sleep...?

Question

My dog went to the vet today, and I was told that she has cancer, and a golf-ball size tumor.

They said it is too late to perform any surgery, and will either bleed to death, or will need to be put to sleep.

Of course, I don't want her to suffer, so I chose to put her down. She will probably be put down, by the latest, Friday.

I need some words of encourgement.. got any stories or something? I've never lost a animal before.. and I'm going through a really hard time.

thanks.

Answer 1

LESSON FROM THE DOG
>>
>>
>>
>>> This explains why we have so many dogs . . . . .
>>> >
>>> > *Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old
>>> > Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa,
>>> > an d their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker,
>>> > and they were hoping for a miracle.
>>> >
>>> > I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the
>>> > family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform
>>> > the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
>>> >
>>> > As we made arrangements, Ron and Lis a told me they thought it would
>>> > be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt
>>> > Shane might learn something from the experience.
>>> >
>>> > The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's
>>> > family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for
>>> > the last time, that I wondered if he und erstood what was going on.
>>> > Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
>>> >
>>> > The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any
>>> > difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's
>>> > death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are
>>> > shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly,
>>> > piped up, 'I know why.'
>>> >
>>> > Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next
>>> > stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
>>> >
>>> > He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good
>>> > life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The
>>> > six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so
>>> > they don't have to stay as long.'
>>> >
>>> > Live simply.
>>> > Love generously.
>>> > Care deeply.
>>> > Speak kindly.
>>> >
>>> > Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
>>> >
>>> > When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
>>> >
>>> > Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
>>> >
>>> > Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
>>> > ecstasy.
>>> >
>> > > Take naps.
>>> >
>>> > Stretch before rising.
>>> >
>>> > Run, romp, and play daily.
>>> >
>>> > Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
>>> >
>>> > Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
>>> >
>>> > On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
>>> >
>>> > On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
>>> >
>>> > When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
>>> >
>>> > Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
>>> >
>>> > Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you h ave had enough.
>>> >
>>> > Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
>>> >
>>> > If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
>>> >
>>> > When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle
>>> > them gently.
>>> >
>>> > Being always grateful for each new day and for the blessing of you.
>>> >
>>> > ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY

Answer 2

So very sorry for you and your dog. I hope they're able to manage any pain she may have. Does she seem to be comfortable? That's the most important thing right now.

I have to agree; a second opinion does sound like a good idea.

But if this is still to happen on Friday, I do have some advice that may make a very sad situation a bit more bearable for all involved.

If I may suggest - and if you are able - consider having a Vet or Vet Tech come to your home to perform the euthanasia. It will be much less stressful for you and for her if it can happen in familiar surroundings, in her most comfortable spot, instead of a strange and cold room (and imagine how difficult the drive to (and from) the Vet would be.)

If that scenario can't happen and if it ends up taking place at the Vet's office, I hope you'll consider sitting with her and helping her through to "the other side", as it were.
And if there are any other members of your family that can sit with you both, then that's an even bigger blessing.

It's so tough, but I'm thinking that if she went through it alone, with strangers, it would be much tougher (in my opinion, anyway.) Look away or close your eyes, just be there for her if you can.

Check with your Vet to see if they offer this service or if they can direct you to a mobile Vet.

Bless both your hearts.

Answer 3

I went through the same thing. It was hard for me, but it was in his best interest for him not to suffer. Surgery was offered but the survival rate was very low, so I made the choice to have him put out of his misery (something I didn't think I'd ever have the guts to do, but cancer often is unbeatable). After the diagnosis I took him home, we all slept on the floor with him. In the morning made him a special breakfast he even chased the ball a bit. We took him in that afternoon and all were in the room hugging him and telling him what a great gift he was to us, how much we loved him that we didn't want him to suffer for us. We told him it would be OK that it was time to go night, night. The vet clinic was very understanding, I was crying like a baby. That was just over a year ago, gosh how I miss him. I wrote a poem in his memory, I had him cremated and plan on our ashes being together someday. About a month later I found a puppy at the shelter that needed a home and she has eased the pain. When my first dog passed I cried for months it took another pup to get back with my life.

Here's the poem, his name was Dillinger a German Shepherd

Devoted Friend
In Our Hearts
Loved, Loved, Loved
Lollipop Thief
Intelligent
Nonstop Protector
Guardian of Our Family
Energetic Ball Chaser
R Handsome Boy

Answer 4

I lost a dog that was only six because all options for treatment were exhausted. It was very hard to do, but I knew it was the most humane thing. I'd want to be euthanized myself if I was in her state and in her amount of pain with no prognosis of anything but getting worse.
I just cried after her heart stopped as I was holding her. Nothing can prepare you for the loss except to know that NOTHING can take away the love your pet showed you and the good memories. You might try hooking up with a site where people can support each other while facing this or having just lost a pet:
http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm
I am so sorry for your having to go through this. I can tell you that with time that hole in your soul will fill up with warm memories but that won't help too much for now. After my dog passed, I talked to others, wrote a letter to her (which helped me) I had her cremated and I have her photo with photos of the dogs I still own that are with me now that she is gone.
First I cried a lot between bouts of numbness. Then I heard my other dog bark (she was a pup and her "voice" changed the next day after my GSD was gone- it was high pitched and then she barked a deep bark) I thought it was my GSD! I went to look even. So there was some denial that she was actually gone.
There was a lot of self questioning thinking maybe I failed to do something I could have and reviewing the facts that I couldn't. Anger that I couldn't.
Some profound sadness.
The writing and support helped me come to terms with her passing and finally I accepted that she had moved on.
In deepest sympathy, just use these last few days to cuddle her and love her. You can't avoid grief, but you can pass through it.

Answer 5

I am so sorry for your loss, yes I have had to make the same choice before also. I hope you have family or some one close to share this experience with. I had my son and daughter and they were a great comfort as well as needing to be comforted. We cried alone and together and off and on for years. Depending on our mood at any time we are together reminiscing we sometimes still cry but the real sharp pain is gone. It is much like watching a tear jerk er on TV the tears just come and then we feel better. My daughter dealt with it by poring her heart into a poem and printing the poem and using it as a head stone of sorts. We were fortunate enough to have a place to bury her and can go back and visit the same as we do our people family we have lost. I have the poem in my computer and find myself reading the poem once in a while. I find I sometimes even laugh at some of the things in the poem that I didn't even see the first few times I read it.
Everyone deals with pain and loss differently, I hope you don't let anyone try and stop you from grieving. You really need to go thru all the stages in some order. Yahoo "Elizabeth Kubler-Ross", she is the most commen sense person I have ever read on the subject of death and dying, she writes 'for people' but grief is grief and the stages are the same for any one who is in pain because of a loss.
For me the loss of a pet has been harder than the loss of some people. My heart goes out to you, you will be on my mind for a while........

Answer 6

My rabbit died in February. I have had alot of rescued pets in my life but I think he was the only one that ever actually enjoyed being around me, all the other had been through to much to be close to people. He would run free through my house and follow me begging to have that spot between his ears scratched. Losing him was rough, I knew he was sick, really sick, but the vet said he would probably be fine, just an obstruction. He said he would keep him for the day and he should be fine by the evening. But he wasn't, they couldn't get the obstruction out any other way but surgery. And he died in surgery. It was so sudden, I was in a daze all day. Just thinking, if I would have known, I would have spent more time with him before I left him at the vet. But I just kept remembering the night before I took him, I knew he wasn't doing well but all the vets were closed. He jumped up on my bed and refused to go in his cage for the night. It was like he knew. So I stayed up with him for hours, just petting him, hoping he would be fine. It was probably the most meaningful few hours I have ever spent. So I do hurt for you, losing a friend is something you'll never get over. Spend every moment you can with her, you don't know how much it will mean to you once she's gone.

Answer 7

I am so, so sorry to hear about your dog. We had a dog put to sleep 12 years ago and it still hurts to think about it. We also had our cat put to sleep a year ago. They both had cancer. I know it will cause you deep grief, because a pet is like a family member and they give you such unconditional love, but if your dog is suffering, they'll know that you're doing what is right for them. If the vet allows you, try to stay with your dog. They just fall off to sleep. It's very peaceful. Read the poem "Rainbow Bridge". It will give you hope that your pet will always wait for you until you can cross over together and be side by side for all eternity.
There's also a website, IN MEMORY OF PETS where you can go to post a memorial to your pet, such as a poem or a story along with her picture. It's very comforting to know that others share the same grief over losing their pet that you are feeling.
You're in my prayers during this difficult time. Please take care of yourself and know that you'll see your precious angel again some day, where you can run and play together forever!

Answer 8

Yes we had a dog from the time I was 8 and am now 27 when I moved out at the age of 18 I took him with me well last year he had to be put down do to cancer and yeah it's hard but I learned that it's not the bad memory's it is all the good years with him just give him/her all you love now and be strong and show him that you do care and you will be OK I didn't think i would make it after 19 years of having my Jethro but I did and so will you GOD BLESS

Answer 9

Well, at least you understand that you are doing the right thing by not wanting her to suffer. But i would also, if i were you, take her to another vet. Just like with human doctors, not all veterinarians know every thing, so go get a second opinion. Im not trying to get your hopes up, im just saying that its always good to get a second opinion. and if the case is she still cannot have any kind of surgery, dont beat yourself up, your doing the right thing by helping your pet go peacefully. Its always hard to lose pets, but comfort yourself with the fact that everything dies, and shes just better off not doing it in pain,euthanasia is relatively painless, other than the initial needle poke, then they go very very fast. Give her her favorite meal, tell her you love her. Sorry, i know all this sucks, but ive been through it plenty unfortunetly and it will get better.

Answer 10

Yes, it is very hard. I've had to do it more than once, when dog we've had got to the point their quality of life was so poor there was no justification for making them suffer any longer. When they reach that point, the most caring thing you can do is release them from their pain.

It's OK to grieve, but also try to remeber the good things and times you had. And when you're ready, open yourself and your home to another dog that needs you.

You will never forget her, but time will ease the hurt. some people find that having their pets cremated, and keeping the ashes in an urn with a picture helps.

My sympathy to you.