We took in a stray dog 11 years ago. A neighbor had found him and spent days finding the owner and couldn't. We were looking for a dog for our family and decided to help her out also. The dog had obviously been abused, he crouched when anyone tried to pet him. We named him Kramer. We found out soon afterwards Kramer is epileptic. We decided to keep him anyway, though the two medicines he needs runs about $40/month and we must visit his neurologist once a year. A few years ago we were told he has a thyroid condition, so now he takes 3 medicines a day.
The problem is: he is so much work. Because of his seizures, we have to keep an eye on him 24/7. When he seizures, he can't control his tongue so he tries to eat our carpets. We put him outside, so he pulls at the grass until the seizure stops. A few times he got to our carpets before we could stop him, so they needed repair. The medicine keeps his seizures to around 3 a month, without the meds it would be 3 a week.
2007-10-30 07:52:30 · 7 answers · asked by Maureen S 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
After he seizes he often throws up because his stomach is upset. I get the job of picking it up, that is if he has not eaten it. He eats his own vomit and his own feces. It is so disgusting. He does not like to be touched, even after all these years you can tell he tenses when we pet him. Whenever, you try to play with him, he just runs to the cabinet with his treats. We just feel like all we do is work with no joy. Kramer is well fed, we interact with him often, walk him. From his point of view, he has a good life. But, we feel like we have had enough. We contemplate from time to time taking him to the shelter and having him put to sleep. We know no one is going to adopt a 12 year old dog that is epileptic with a thyroid condition. Are we terrible people for putting him to sleep? What would you do?
2007-10-30 07:52:39 · update #1
Well, I think you need to ask yourself what you'd do if this was a family member, such as a parent or child? It doesn't sound like he's going to live much longer in the condition he's in, and with what you've put up with already, then a few more months or another year shouldn't matter. Take it day by day and give him all the love you possibly can. When he dies, you will be left with no guilt feelings as you know in your heart that you tried everything you could to make his life as comfortable for him as possible. God bless you and God bless Kramer!!!
2007-10-30 09:44:26 · answer #1 · answered by Virginia B (John 16:33) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have survived this long with him and now you are having second thoughts about it. The decision will be yours and yours only to make because you both are the ones who have to live with the choice. Take him to a shelter and seek more advice from a vet. Sit down and weigh all the positive against the negatives, which has more will be the answer. I hope this helps.
2007-10-30 15:06:05 · answer #2 · answered by Kaya M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be merciful to put Kramer to rest.
At 12 years old, hes well into being a senior canine.
His quality of life is poor now....whether due to the illnesses or due to the medications.
You've given him a good life.
2007-11-01 23:46:58 · answer #3 · answered by saltydawg02 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sounds like he is having a rough time... i would run an ad in the paper explaining his condition and that he needs constant care and see where that goes. you could contact your local human society and they may post his story and picture in their lobby in hopes of a new home. i know you must be struggling with what is right and what is wrong morally, and i tell ya... after i read it myself, i was sad... because who wants to say this dog should be put down if there is a chance someone somewhere out there might be willing to take him in.... good luck!!
2007-10-30 15:03:02 · answer #4 · answered by Jeanette 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't sound like he is having a very enjoyable life. I don't think you would be a terrible person to put him to sleep, he is old and it is affecting you and your family's lives.
2007-10-30 15:01:50 · answer #5 · answered by Stuck in the middle of nowhere 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call the vet and the shelter and ask their opinions on subject-possibly it would be better for the dog to put him to sleep too-think suffering
2007-10-30 15:02:00 · answer #6 · answered by suan b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no i don't think you're bad.
2007-10-30 15:01:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋