Help me get over my selfishness.or is this selfishness?

Question

I have a 6 month old pup that needs to be put down (distemper),even with his vaccine he caught it.Problem is that I did my damnedest to get him well,and now that I got him thru it,I now have a pup that is crippled,has seziures,and has to be feed with a syringe.I feel all I did was make his & my life worse.My head wants to let him go,but the heart don't.I am now at a crossroad and don't know where to turn.I can't help but ask myself,what if this was one of your human kids?would you put them down?My question to you is,Do I follow my head?or follow my heart?

Answer 1

This poem I think says it all


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 PUT ME TO REST

Answer 2

I have a dog who had distemper. At the beginning when she was not getting any better, I internally made the decision that if the effects of this disease got worse, to the point where it was more painful for her to be alive then I would ave to put her down.

I understand you love your dog and it seems like the world would end if she/he died ( I lost a pet, was run over by a car) but if you really believe and can confirm with a vet that she is in dire pain then it might be time to let her go.

If everything you are doing is actually soothing her, as selfish as this sounds keep trying.
You did everything you could and more than anyone else would if they were in your situation

I got very lucky an still have my fingers crossed that my dog survived it. What helped too and I personally belive helped her survive was getting another dog. Distemper caused her to loose her teeth and to have shaky legs and it was really bad but it all simmered down when I got this other dog, something about having a companion helped her. Her legs are less shaky, she is almost a normal.

Talk to your vet, you can also see an animal neurologist. I did, it cost about $100 but it was worth the advice he gave me. The doctors will tell you if he is in a lot of pain and will advice you.

Answer 3

I agree with the fact that if the vet told you that the dog is suffering, you should put him down. He doesn't diserve to suffer. This is not a good life for you or him... if he is not suffering and it means you have to take more care of him, then keep him. I read about the sickness as I didn't know it, and think that there are no ways that the dog can get better. Some of the symptoms are awful and you should really decide for your dog. It is never easy to take the decision for an old or a young dog. We had to put down once our cat that was 12 year old, as he got aids.. this was horrible, the same with our dog.. this is like losing a member of your family. But when someone is suffering and if you have a way to release him from the sufferance, with no hope to cure, then let him die. Good luck to go through it

Answer 4

Firstly- is your pup in pain? What does the vet recommend? Go get a second opinion and see. If the vets say he is in too much pain then I think it might be best to let him go to a place where he will no longer be in pain. It depends on how bad the pain is, if he is still able to enjoy a meaningful and fulfilled life despite the seizures etc then let him live.

Oh the countless times I asked myself that question- the heart or the brain, though in another context. In the end, my conclusion was that to truly make a difficult decision, both my heart and brain have to agree.

All the best to you and your strong little man!

Answer 5

It's not a kid, so the puppy has a lower chance of knowing about life than a human child. The question is, do you want to do a mercy killing, or keep him alive on the small chance that he (and definitly you, though only for a little while) will have a better life. I would put him down before he has to go through much more....sorry.....good luck. I just hope you don't have kids that are attached to him. Sorry, but it's really your choice.

Answer 6

Distemper often causes seizures, tremors, and ongoing neurological issues even after the dog's immune system fights off the virus. I haven't heard of them getting the disease if they have been vaccinated though.
Was he over 16wks when he had the last booster? And are you in the states? He shouldn't have caught it if the vaccine was a good one given late enough in his life. I have heard that there is an outbreak in the Philippines.

Answer 7

This is a tough one because I never thought it was okay to kill
any animal :(
but oviously he is suffering and like a human being they would ask to be put out if they where suffering too
and in ocassions its been seen to.
If only doggy could speak :(
Well you will know what to do.
You are the only one on yahoo answers who would know since he/she lives with you. We couldn't tell you what.
But I know what ever you decide to do will be for the best.
And don't be so hard on yourself you were only trying to help
you have a good heart.
:)
Best Wishes to you!

Answer 8

You tried your very best to save your puppy. Sadly, it didn't go well. I know I wouldn't want to survive (notice I didn't say "LIVE"??) in such a condition. It is one kindness that we allow our pets that we don't even allow for our own kind. You have to do what you can live with, but if he were mine, I'd let him go. You can comfort yourself with the knowledge that you tried all that you could. If you don't want to do it, what sort of prognosis does your vet give for improvement? Can the seizures be controlled with medication? Does he have a decent chance to be able to at least feed himself in the future? As far as being crippled, how immobile is he? If he's just a bit lamed up, and can still get around, he could learn to compensate if that's the biggest problem. Still, if your vet gives you little hope for improvement of his current condition, again, if he were mine, I'd let him go. Good luck to you.

Answer 9

I'm sorry to hear about your pup.he is suffering and should not have to go through anymore pain and suffering.. i have seizures and they are devastating to me and i take meds.. please do the humane thing and let him go .it is no life for him. the longer it goes on the worse it will be for both of you. i just had to put 2 dogs down 1 that was 16 and had cancer and 1 that got sick from the food recall.. it is very hard but if you truely love your baby you know and will do what needs to be done. sorry i know how it feels.

Answer 10

what does the vet say
then do what the vet says
get a 2nd and 3rd opinion from other vets
if need be,you can then settle your mind
that you gave it your best shot and tried hard
you need to focus on the animal completely
and take a back seat as far as your own emotions are concerned painfull as it is
you must do that,ive had my animals put to sleep
and its intensly heartbreaking but its the kindest thing you can do ~im sorry that is probably not want you want to hear but its for the best