We too, are Golden "parents".
Brady is 9 and has been the most loving, loyal dog we have ever had the pleasure to have as a family member.
He has helped us raise 4 kids. Gentle is not a good enough word to describe his disposition. I will be a basket case when this dog goes.
HOWEVER:
When the time comes I will be the one that makes the decision and takes him to the vet for the last goodbye.
Why? Because I used to be a veterinary technician and have assisted in the euthanasia of hundreds of dogs and cats, a few birds, bunnies, ferretts, 1 eguana, 1 owl, 1 hawk, a deer and a turtle.
What a gift it is to animals that are suffering, to put our compassion and love for them ahead of our anticipation of grief.
May I suggest that you call your vet and talk to him or her. Some vets are willing to come to your house to put an animal down.
Since you did not say what happened with your cat I can only speculate.
The drug used for euthanasia at the animal hospital where I worked was actually a mixture of drugs. An anesthesia cocktail you might say. It affects the central nervous system in a very calculated way and the dosage is based on the animals weight. If an animal is very anxious or in extreme pain the dosage may need to be increased.
The way anesthesia affects the body is predicatable and the animal passes through a brief "excitement phase" on its' way to "sleep".
A very small percentage of animals linger in this phase which usually only takes a second or so and may exhibit behavior that is frightening to an unsuspecting, already distraught pet owner. Dogs and cats "stuck in this phase" may only show signs of it for say 2-10 seconds as opposed to 1. During that time they may bark, yelp, whimper, or meow or howl, and may even struggle as if to get up and run. This is terrifying to people that do not expect it although it is really perfectly normal. Pet owners witnessing this anesthesia reaction think they have done the wrong thing, that the animals suffering is even worse, that they are in pain. But that is not the case.
I worked with a very compassionate vet who never failed to explain to the pet owners that there was a possibility that it *may* occur. It has been explained to me that it is an effect like a very vivid dream. Not a scary dream. An EXCITING dream.
The most effective way to perform a calm and peaceful euthanasia takes a bit more time and may cost you a few extra dollars but is well worth it. The technician or vet to place a catheter in the leg of the forearm of your pet. (otherwise known as an "I.V.")
With this technique, *IF* it looks as though the animal is going to struggle a bit more of the serum can quickly be delivered through the line to rush them through that excitement phase.
With a good patent line in place the vet performing the euthanasia is relieved of the added burden of holding the dog (or other animal) securely and still while simultaneously: holding the vein in place- which can roll or kink, or the needle can become displaced, trying not to get accidentally bitten or scratched, injecting the serum, comforting the pet and reassuring the pet owner. These are a lot of things for one person to do all at once especially at a sad and stressful time.
And let me say here that it IS a SAD and STRESSFUL time! Even the vet, tech. and ancillary staff FEEL your loss and often the group will talk about what a "good boy" your pet was, long after you have left the building.
I will recap here that it is really only a small number of animals that experience this effect. The vast majority simply sigh and lay down their heads.
I urge you to rethink this situation and NOT try a do-it-yourselfer at home. An overdose of narcotics will very often result in disorientation, abdominal pain and vomiting/diarrhea.
It would be a far more merciful ending to your pets life to have the vet "send him on his way". Take a lock of his hair and press it in a photo frame with a picture of Boomer to remeber him by.
All the best to you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
No easy way. Good wishes come your way.
