Putting dog to sleep...*UPDATE* - The DIS Discussion Forums

disneystacy · 08-24-2010, 10:04 AM

Our dog Cookie is 13 or 14 (adopted from pound). Over the past year he has been hacking and coughing (the start of conjestive heart failure). This past Thurs it has been really bad, to the point where he can't sleep or get comfortable. He is still eating and drinking and getting around, but we have to confine him to the kitchen as he will urinate wherever he pleases. He also can't see or hear very well.
The vet is coming to my house at 1:00 to put him to sleep. I just don't want him to suffer.

Has anyone been in this situation? I just don't want him to get to the point where he is really suffering.

*Well the mobile vet left a few minutes ago, its all over.

He listen to his lungs and said they were full of fluid. He gave him a traquilizer shot to make him relax and then the drug to put him to sleep. It was very peaceful. We are all upset but I know it was for the best. Thanks everyone for your kind words.

Pea-n-Me · 08-24-2010, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disneystacy

Our dog Cookie is 13 or 14 (adopted from pound). Over the past year he has been hacking and coughing (the start of conjestive heart failure). This past Thurs it has been really bad, to the point where he can't sleep or get comfortable. He is still eating and drinking and getting around, but we have to confine him to the kitchen as he will urinate wherever he pleases. He also can't see or hear very well.
The vet is coming to my house at 1:00 to put him to sleep. I just don't want him to suffer.

Has anyone been in this situation? I just don't want him to get to the point where he is really suffering.

It sounds like he is suffering. The reason he can't sleep or get comfortable is because of fluid in his lungs. He can't breathe. (It's the same in people.)

I know it's difficult to second guess yourself, especially as the vet's on the way to the house (BTDT, too). But you are doing the right thing.

BTW, if he's on diuretics to help get rid of some of that fluid, it is very difficult to hold urine in, even in people.

Sugardimples · 08-24-2010, 10:18 AM

I am so sorry. I also have an adopted rescue dog and dread the day when I will be in this position.

Pea-n-Me · 08-24-2010, 10:21 AM

This helped me a lot the last time I had hours left with my dog. I hope it brings you some peace, too.

From petloss.com

Quote:

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.

In Memory of Asta, Feb. 1997
(c) Karen Clouston

Art 1 · 08-24-2010, 10:24 AM

We put ours to sleep last Thurs, she had the same things and went down hill very very fast.

MickeyMom2Boys · 08-24-2010, 10:25 AM

We have had to make this decision so many times, though not for the same reason. It is one of the hardest decisions to make. But you are doing the right thing. You are putting his comfort ahead of your feelings. You can't make him continue to suffer because you want him to stay around a little longer. He has no quality of life now and you are ending his suffering so that he may rest peacefully. Find comfort in knowing that you gave him a long, happy, healthy life. He knows how much he is loved and I'm sure he is ready to go. My prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. I have a 9 year old Boxer and a 7 year old Bulldog right now. I know I will have to make this decision for them and I dread that day, but I hope that I can keep their best interest at heart when the time comes, as you are doing today.

disneystacy · 08-24-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art 1

We put ours to sleep last Thurs, she had the same things and went down hill very very fast.

That is exactly why we are trying to spare him suffering.
We also have 3 kids and don't want to come home to him dead or dying.
We are also going to Disney in Sept and I will be a wreck with worry while we are gone. My girlfriend normally watches our dogs (we have another old dog) and I just would feel terrible if she had to be the one to find him.

goofy4tink · 08-24-2010, 10:37 AM

I'm so sorry. It's the hardest thing in the world to decide the right time to let our pets 'go'. It is such a hard decision to make...and I have seen many people who dearly love their dogs, let the dog go on for much longer than they should have. It becomes a quality of life issue. It's tough being responsible pet owners.
Know that you are doing the right thing for your dog. When congestive heart failure is taking hold, it's better for you to make the choice, vs nature making the choice.

lucas · 08-24-2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pea-n-Me

This helped me a lot the last time I had hours left with my dog. I hope it brings you some peace, too.

From petloss.com

Thanks for posting this.

kirbydog48 · 08-24-2010, 10:45 AM

It sounds like you're doing the right thing. As difficult as it is, it's the most loving thing you can do for your pet. If the vet didn't think it was right, he/she would say so. Give your baby extra hugs, and know that lots of us have been through it and are thinking of you.

lovesmurfs · 08-24-2010, 11:06 AM

I've posted this elsewhere, but a friend of mine said it's the right time when your dog looks at you and says, "I'm not having fun anymore."

It really helped me make the final decision for our cocker a few years ago.

npmommie · 08-24-2010, 11:06 AM

OP, please know you are doing the right thing.

We had to make that decision with one of our dogs too, and I completely understand the feelings you are having, I remember a lengthy discussion about it with my vet ( bless him for being a good ear for me at the time).....talk to your vet when they arrive, it will help you to know you are making the right decision.

FergieTCat · 08-24-2010, 11:08 AM

You are doing the right thing. Your dog knows how much you love her.

bettymae1121 · 08-24-2010, 11:08 AM

Based on what you posted, you're doing the right thing. You saved him from the pound and gave him many good years in your home. Now it's time to let him go.

disneystacy · 08-24-2010, 01:55 PM

Thank you for the kind words.

08-24-2010, 10:04 AM	#1
disneystacy DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 836	Putting dog to sleep...UPDATE Our dog Cookie is 13 or 14 (adopted from pound). Over the past year he has been hacking and coughing (the start of conjestive heart failure). This past Thurs it has been really bad, to the point where he can't sleep or get comfortable. He is still eating and drinking and getting around, but we have to confine him to the kitchen as he will urinate wherever he pleases. He also can't see or hear very well. The vet is coming to my house at 1:00 to put him to sleep. I just don't want him to suffer. Has anyone been in this situation? I just don't want him to get to the point where he is really suffering. Well the mobile vet left a few minutes ago, its all over. He listen to his lungs and said they were full of fluid. He gave him a traquilizer shot to make him relax and then the drug to put him to sleep. It was very peaceful. We are all upset but I know it was for the best. Thanks everyone for your kind words. __________________ Me(39) DH(41) DD(12) DD(9) DS(4) Polynesian Sept 2011 Last edited by disneystacy; 08-24-2010 at 01:30 PM. Reason: add info*

08-24-2010, 10:25 AM	#6
MickeyMom2Boys DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 529	We have had to make this decision so many times, though not for the same reason. It is one of the hardest decisions to make. But you are doing the right thing. You are putting his comfort ahead of your feelings. You can't make him continue to suffer because you want him to stay around a little longer. He has no quality of life now and you are ending his suffering so that he may rest peacefully. Find comfort in knowing that you gave him a long, happy, healthy life. He knows how much he is loved and I'm sure he is ready to go. My prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. I have a 9 year old Boxer and a 7 year old Bulldog right now. I know I will have to make this decision for them and I dread that day, but I hope that I can keep their best interest at heart when the time comes, as you are doing today. __________________ Me DH & our 3 little Pirates! DS9 DS6 DS2

08-24-2010, 10:37 AM	#8
goofy4tink Likes little devils I know I'm getting old...I get it, I really do Prisoner of Toy Story Mania Join Date: May 2002 Location: Central Ma Posts: 44,634	I'm so sorry. It's the hardest thing in the world to decide the right time to let our pets 'go'. It is such a hard decision to make...and I have seen many people who dearly love their dogs, let the dog go on for much longer than they should have. It becomes a quality of life issue. It's tough being responsible pet owners. Know that you are doing the right thing for your dog. When congestive heart failure is taking hold, it's better for you to make the choice, vs nature making the choice. __________________

08-24-2010, 11:06 AM	#11
lovesmurfs I need to start thinking of pithy things to say It costs him money every time I watch! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Physically or mentally? Posts: 5,090	I've posted this elsewhere, but a friend of mine said it's the right time when your dog looks at you and says, "I'm not having fun anymore." It really helped me make the final decision for our cocker a few years ago. __________________ "Life is not like a box of chocolates. It's like a jar of jalapeno peppers. What you do today can burn your butt tomorrow." "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society." Mark Twain "Some people are like Slinkies. They serve no useful purpose, but they sure are fun to push down the stairs."

08-24-2010, 11:08 AM	#13
FergieTCat No, I'm serious. And don't call me Shirley Doug Wilson is a babe, but he can never take the place of my lust for George Clooney! Has been known to escort squirrels across the street Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Forest Hills, New York Posts: 6,516	You are doing the right thing. Your dog knows how much you love her. __________________ Donna *Proud recipient of the FV Crazy Cat Lady Blue Ribbon*

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08-24-2010, 10:18 AM	#3
Sugardimples DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: York, PA Posts: 1,670	I am so sorry. I also have an adopted rescue dog and dread the day when I will be in this position.

08-24-2010, 10:24 AM	#5
Art 1 DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Winter Park, Fla. Posts: 4,923	We put ours to sleep last Thurs, she had the same things and went down hill very very fast.

08-24-2010, 10:45 AM	#10
kirbydog48 DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: MA Posts: 952	It sounds like you're doing the right thing. As difficult as it is, it's the most loving thing you can do for your pet. If the vet didn't think it was right, he/she would say so. Give your baby extra hugs, and know that lots of us have been through it and are thinking of you.

08-24-2010, 11:06 AM	#12
npmommie Channels George Michael in her car... Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 7,289	OP, please know you are doing the right thing. We had to make that decision with one of our dogs too, and I completely understand the feelings you are having, I remember a lengthy discussion about it with my vet ( bless him for being a good ear for me at the time).....talk to your vet when they arrive, it will help you to know you are making the right decision.

08-24-2010, 11:08 AM	#14
bettymae1121 sure. fine. whatever. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Chicago area Posts: 2,341	Based on what you posted, you're doing the right thing. You saved him from the pound and gave him many good years in your home. Now it's time to let him go. __________________ bettymae1121

08-24-2010, 01:55 PM	#15
disneystacy DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 836	Thank you for the kind words. __________________ Me(39) DH(41) DD(12) DD(9) DS(4) Polynesian Sept 2011

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