I've owned my dog for about 14 years and she was purchased as an adult dog, so I'm not sure of her exact age. The past couple of years she's really aged. The vet said she had bone spurs on her vertabrae, so we put her on medication and she was doing well. But May of this year she was doing really bad. I came home from out of town and she was walking weird. She was walking with her hip curled to the right. The next day she could barely walk. She kept falling down. The vet said we should probably put her down, but he said we could also put her on medication. We did so and ever since she's had good days and bad. However, she consistently falls down throughout the day and it is evident that her hips are weak. Some days her eyes are emotionless and she never wags her tail. Others, she wags her tail occassionally, but not like she used to. She also has trouble getting in and out of the doggie door and I know she can't hear or see well. She also paces around the house.
2007-10-28 17:35:04 · 7 answers · asked by alexie. 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I am hysterical as I am typing this, but I do not know when I should put her down. I travel a lot and I know that she regresses when I'm not home. She looks so old when I return home and my dad says that she rarely comes out of my room when I'm not home. It's hard for me to accept that now is probably the time, as I read my description thus far, but I don't want to cut her life short. I wish that God would just take her so that I don't have to make this decision.
2007-10-28 17:37:49 · update #1
You need to think about what is best for the dog and her health. I know it's hard not to get emotional and goodbyes are often difficult - so much so that many people watch their dogs suffer in pain and discomfort becuase they can't bring themselves to do it, please don't be one of those people.
If your dog is constantly in pain and has a poor quality of life because of it then you have a responsibility to her to end the suffering.
This is a very difficult descion and I wish you all the best.
2007-10-28 17:43:19 · answer #1 · answered by Stacey 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is a very hard decision but I think you already know the answer. It sounds like she had a good life and she really loves you. Here is something I found helpful.
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, someone who was 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 begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, 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 those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...
Author Unknown
2007-10-29 01:31:55 · answer #2 · answered by wherewhenwhatwhywho 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had a 17 year old Dachshund, Lady. She developed arthritis and had pain. We treated it for years. Altho she slowed down, she didn't seem miserable for several years. I started to notice she seemed to hurt in spite of her medication. Her tail only wagged when I worked hard to bolster her spirits. Then she started falling down. Her hind legs seemed weak. I've seen this in very old dogs before. When I saw that she could no longer walk around proudly and was in pain, I had her put down because I wanted her life to end with the dignity in which she had lived it. I pray that I do not have to end my own life with unrelieved pain and lost dignity.
Just how it was for me and my dog.
I didn't go to work for two days because I couldn't seem to stop crying. Each person has to decide for himself what is best for their situation. The great thing about being a dog is you don't have to go thru all end end of life misery that some humans suffer thru.
2007-10-29 01:35:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oh sweetie -
you have indeed answered your own question. It is time. It would be nice for God to take her, but he isn't. He is letting you be there for that last moment with her. She is your dog and therefore he is letting you decide when the moment is right. You know in your heart that it's time.
See, I am crying now as I write this because it's something we as pet owners, all experience. It will be hard, but you can find the strength to do this one act of love for your best friend. Good luck sweetie - and let us all know afterwards - we'll be here for you then.
2007-10-29 01:21:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think this poem will help you make a decission. From what you have said I believe you already know but just having a problem doing what your gut is telling you.
Please do what is best for your dog, I know it is hard I have had to make that decission twice.
PUT ME TO REST
Time to let me go my friend,
Because my life no-one can mend,
Its better to let me go this way,
Than watch me suffer night and day.
I'm happy to go, my time has come,
My quality of life is no longer fun,
Ive been so ill, so its not a bad thing,
To let me go forever resting.
Stay with me till I drift away,
Fast asleep forever I pray,
To relieve me from suffering and pain,
What more can I ask from my best friend.
Don't be sad, I'll be free from pain,
Never to be ill ever again,
I know you'll miss me being there,
But all the memories you have to share.
Thankyou for being my best friend,
And all my needs that you did tend,
Try not to be sad, try not to cry,
Now's the time to say GOODBYE
2007-10-29 06:39:43 · answer #5 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yeah i agree with everyone else putting her on medication is just making her feel so bland and more sick just do the right thing if you really love her.. spend a couple more days with her to say good bye.. all the best!
2007-10-29 04:40:37 · answer #6 · answered by Christine L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to think of her, if she is suffering and she is feeling bad more often than not.. you owe it to her to put her out of her misery.
2007-10-29 00:48:17 · answer #7 · answered by DP 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋