25 replies to this topic

[88 Bronco]

My 13 year old dog has been in declining health for the last couple years. He has arthritis in his hind hips and spine and has reached the point where he is a shell of the dog he once was. Last night he walked into the bedroom and laid down and didn't move. He peed on the floor and didn't move from the spot. I went to pick him up and he whined. I took him to the vet this morning and the outlook is bleak.

He has a cyst on his spleen and low blood platelet count. He would need a transfusion just to do the exploratory surgery to decided if the spleen can be removed. Since there is no guarantee that the surgery would save him and the fact that he doesn't seem to enjoy life anymore. I have decided to let his suffering come to an end despite my selfish desire to clinch on to him.

[jasonluckydog]

Sorry to hear that man I will be joining your pain soon my 12 year old weim is declining in health and the doc said surgery would be too hard on him....I'm going to go cry, thanks.

[88 Bronco]

Sorry to hear that man I will be joining your pain soon my 12 year old weim is declining in health and the doc said surgery would be too hard on him....I'm going to go cry, thanks.

Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately I have to wait until the vet tech gets back from lunch to move forward.

[mr beauxjangles]

Our thoughts are with you and your long-time buddy. You've made the right decision. I know it's hard. I've been there three times before. In my humble opinion, the best way to honor a long-time pet that brought you lots of joy and vice versa is to adopt another and bring that same joy to another dog's life. Pass along the joy he brought you to another pet in need of a loving companion. I know this isn't what you want to think about now but in time hopefully you'll be able to create new memories and make another dog realize how lucky they are, and again, vice versa.

[Darth Biscuit]

Good call 88. I had to make the same decision 4 years ago with our dachsund that we'd had for over 13 years. She was my baby and it was tough, but I didn't want her to suffer.

[Matt Foley]

Let the vet tell you what he thinks. If he thinks the surgery is a long shot, and the dog is suffering now, you know what is right. It'll hurt like hell, I ain't gonna lie to you, but in time knowing you did the right thing will make you proud of yourself. Been there, done that. But I will say this...as much as it hurts, ask to be with the dog if/when he has to be put down. I watched a redneck couple dump their dog at the Humane Society yesterday to be put down. The wife was sobbing uncontrollably when they took it away.

[thefuzz]

This thread makes me sad.


<-------This one is 8.5 now, and I know that in the next couple of years we are going to have to go through this.

Good luck to you.

[tarheelblue89]

Right call. Just spend the time you have left by his side and let him know that he will always be loved.

I have never had put one of my doggies down, but have had to do it for every one of my cats. No matter the animal, still the toughest things I ever have to do.

[Matt Foley]

I bawled like a little girl the first time I did it. Couldn't even make it out of the room with him before I started. Second time was easier because you know it's the right thing. Just let the vet tell you what is best.

[Hawk]

dogs are such a wonderous thing...sometimes I just want to take mine for a long one way ride....but I'd do anything and everything for them...I'd hate to see one have to go.

sorry for your pooch!

[88 Bronco]

Thanks. The vet hinted that this was the best course of action. I just finished burying him and planted a dogwood to mark his final resting place. I figure in a few weeks I'll smile at the concept of a dogwood planted on a dog. He was a damn fine dog and one of the greatest friends any man could want.

[Hawk]

nicely done...and just remember, no more pain and I hear there's millions of hydrants in doggy heaven!

[Humble Dew]

I hate threads like this. I had to put my cat down in '96. But she was like a dog, treated her like one and that's how she acted....for the most part.

[88 Bronco]

nicely done...and just remember, no more pain and I hear there's millions of hydrants in doggy heaven!

He is probably more concerned with the food dishes

[Hawk]

unlimited kibbles and bits...it just sort of rains down at the most oppurtune time!