My 15 yo. cocker has lost all bladder control!!!!! Help! Final update :(

[goofy's friends]

Our boys were 3 and 7 at the time, and we told them that Thunder was getting sicker and he would probably die soon. We did not tell them that we were putting him to sleep because I did not think they would truly understand. We had a few days to love on him and I took pictures with each of my boys with Thunder. It was a hard time for them as well because my grandpa (their great-grandfather had just passed away completely unexpectedly). We took him to the vet while they were gone, and then told them that Thunder died at the vet. They were, of course, heartbroken as was our whole family. We just made sure they knew that Thunder was no longer having any problems and was all better up in Heaven with Grandpa.

I am so sorry for you and what you are going through.

Wow. Sounds like our experience exactly. Hard to lose a grandpa as an adult, isn't it? My kids were very close with mine--he was 91 and so strong. Such a sweet and gentle grandpa.


Thanks everyone for the hugs, condolences and tears. Who would think you could find such support on-line? You guys have really helped and I think we know what we have to do. I am calling to make the appointment. We are taking lots of pics--great idea! I told my kids last night that she was really sick, so I think I'll just let them lead and see what feels right over the next couple of days. Thanks so much again........ you guys really are special.

 

[grimley1968]

First of all, I'm so sorry for your upcoming loss. Losing a loved pet really is nearly the same as losing a family member. But try to remember the 15 good years your dog has had and the good times your family has had as a result.

We had to put our 18 YO cat down last September. She was my wife's cat originally and pre-dated our meeting, and obviously pre-dated even our oldest DD by more than a decade. I volunteered to take the cat to the vet, so my wife wouldn't have to witness the end. I have to admit that I couldn't hang around while they injected her with the medicine. I hung out with her until they were absolutely ready for the injection, hugged her, then left.

The night before we did this, we took some pretty lengthy video of our two DD's playing with the cat (her name was Mai Tai - the girls called her Biz for some reason). We didn't tell them what was coming the next day, but told them to play with Biz while I took some video. Hopefully that video will be soothing someday. For now it makes the oldest one, now 6, cry. So we'll not watch it for a while. We just tell the 6 YO that Biz is in heaven, along with a friend of her's from pre-school who was killed in a car crash about 3 months before. She says that her friend (Miriam) is keeping Biz in heaven, and dealing with the litter box . I suppose there are worse ways to take such a horrific tragedy (her 5 YO friend being killed) and terrible heartache (her beloved Biz) occuring in such close proximity to each other in her life.

 

[debden]

First of all I just wanted to send you some hugs and to tell you that after reading this entire thread I am now crying. The best advice came from Mickeyfan1.

Best of luck to your family during this difficult time.

What the above poster said......

 

[mckryan]

It's the toughest decision ever, and 5 years later I sometimes wonder if I did the right thing, but then I realize I'm being selfish. My cocker was 14 and had a stroke the night we put him to sleep. He was in heart failure for a few weeks before, and I knew it was time. I still can vividly remember everything that happened. I know I absolutely did the right thing, and be thankful we can help our dogs pass easily and without pain and suffering.

You will be sad, and the house will be quiet, but I promise it gets a little bit easier each day. I still cry when I think about my "first born," but he brought us many years of happiness!

 

[Ness2289]

Just wanted to say, I feel your pain. Tomorrow will be just two weeks since I put my cocker down. She was 12 and a half and had many of the problems already mentioned. It was definitely one of the toughest things I've ever had to do. And because it is so fresh, I am still finding her hair around the house along with the other many reminders of her. At two weeks, I can say I've stopped crying at the drop of a hat and can talk about it some, but it hurts nonetheless. My prayers go out to you!

 

[lizdotcom99]

Lots of hugs being sent your way~ I can only imagine your pain. Our 13 y/o westie has become incontinent as of late and it was driving me crazy with all of the accidents that were happening on the carpet...and we were in the midst of selling our home. For what this is worth, we went and got a doggie diaper (from Pet Smart) and some Depend type underwear liners for little guy (Walgreens). I think we are all a lot happier with the diaper...he doesn't get "locked" in the kitchen and can continue to have full run of the house...and I no longer worry about the carpet getting trashed. It is definately a win win for everybody here. The diapers of course are not a cure all, but may help you tolerate what time you do have left with your furbaby without a lot of frustration. Again, hugs to you and your family.

 

[goofy's friends]

Well, she's gone. Thanks for all the good wishes. Kids are having a hard time, but I know it will get beter soon. She really is better off now and we all know that.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

You have my sympathy.

 

[missy28]

Hugs hugs and more hugs to you and your family... My best friend in the world is my 4 year old St. Bernard, and I have been where you are with my beloved pets that have passed. Your children are very lucky to have you, a parent who passes onto them a love of animals. They will carry that with them for their whole lives. Remember the great times, and think of your puppy running in heaven with grandpa. Love and kisses to you and yours.

 

[horsegirl]

Aw, gosh. I am so so sorry. I have been following your story. We have 3 cockers, 2 are seniors. I know how difficult it is. Dogs are just the most wonderful friends. There are two great books for children.

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
I'll Always Love You

Take care...

 

[damo]

All good things must come to an end. It sounds like you all had a wonderful life together and have many, many great memories. It is always so sad to lose a pet but it is always so sweet to remember.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Years ago when the kids were young and we had to have our dog put down, the vet gave us the book The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst. It is about a cat but still was very appropriate.

 

[3princesses4us]

K-
So sorry to read of your loss. They are wonderful dogs and at least you can rest in the knowledge that she's not hurting anymore. to the kids and you two.
Leigh Anne

 

[EeyoreFan1]

Omg! I'm SOo sorry! My two kittens and there mother where taken away from me recently, but honestly, I cry everynight, yes I know it's stupid, I cry, over my baby, midnigh,t whom I miss!

 

[javamom]

Sorry for your loss. I used to breed AKC cockers years ago. We lost our Tucker, my original cocker, a few years ago to hemolytic anemia. He was about 13 yrs old. The vet assured me that he wasn't in any pain, so we took him home and he died with us. I was pregnant at the time, it was so hard to see him go.

 

[petrymom]

You have my sympathies!!!!!! Remember all the good times that your dog has given you. Dogs are wonderful creatures.

 

[TIGGER'SFRIEND]

Hugs to you & your family,

 

[arminnie]

So very, very sorry for the pain that you are all experiencing right now.

I didn't realize we had so many cocker owners here. My boy is 13 1/2 and slows down a little more each day. He can't jump up anymore as his hips don't work too well and seems to sleep more and more, but doesn't have a diagnosed illness yet. He's deaf, but that doesn't bother him at all.

I'll think of you all as I give my Cody an extra hug tonight. It's nice to know that people here care so much.

Tricia

 

[minnie56]

Many hugs coming your way

How blessed that you shared part of this journey called 'life' together...your baby is always with you.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

I am so very sorry for your loss