should I have my dog "put to sleep"

[OctMtnWoods]

Is he in pain with the dislocated leg? Have you taken him to the vet?

I find these questions are best answered by a vet. Describing your dog online is one thing, seeing the animal in person is something else. Sometimes they are doing better than they sound when you list everything.

My decisions always includes if the animal has given up the will to live. If they are in constant pain that can't be helped. If they no longer wish to eat or just pee/poop where they are. You can see it in their eyes. They don't have a spirit left.

People on a message board can't help you with that. You need to talk to your vet. Only they & you will know the true answer. Good luck.

 

[lemondog]

Once my dog started going to the bathroom right where she was laying, we knew it was time. I am so sorry. Just remember that putting your baby out of his suffering is the most unselfish and loving thing you can do as a pet owner. It's so hard, though, I know.

 

[LindaG4458]

We had to euthanize a 15 year old cocker. The final decision was that she wasn't enjoying life any more - living was a chore for her. She'd been such a good girl for so long. I cried buckets, but it was the right thing for her.

 

[surfergirl602]

I think you should be a responsible pet owner and take the dog to the vet and see what they have to say about it, and follow their advice on the situation. There may be some underlying problem that could prolong his life. Good luck. Losing pets is like losing a family member and I don't wish it on anyone. You'll make the right decision when you look at all your options. {hugs}

 

[a1tinkfans]

I had a standard poodle that I had to euthanize last year. From reading your post, it seems like your dog's quality of life has deteriorated to the point where it would be a kindness to let him go. It will be difficult and heartbreaking, but later when you've had a chance to grieve you will ask yourself why you waited so long and made him suffer longer than he needed to-I did, I wish I had not made her feel so bad for as long as I did (she really struggled for about 3 weeks before we brought her in to the vet's).

PLEASE see/ask a Vet and don't let that poor baby suffer!!

 

[disykat]

Sending hugs as you say farewell to your friend.

 

[pezheadmeg]

Yeah, I know it sucks. But in your heart you know what's best.

 

[kacaju]

if he is laying in his pee and poop you need to watch out he does not get maggots. Please believe me, I used to work for a Vet and when these old guys get down like that the flys will lay eggs on them and before you know it your dog will have maggots eating them.

I am sorry to be so blunt and gross, but unless you are there to clean the dog up as soon as he goes it is a really risk.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Thanks everyone for posting and sharing your stories to help me make my decision. It's really touching. to everyone who is missing a pet. I will make the appointment first thing in the morning. I know it's the best thing to do; I just needed reassurance that I wasn't jumping to conclusions based on the grumpy neighbor. It's ironic that his leg gave out just days after the man complained. I can't imagine a world without my Lil Bit o' Dog.

He will always love you.

 

[Catzeyes]

If he has no quality of life then yes I would let him go. Hugs, I know this is such a hard choice to make.

 

[rgf207]

we had to make this decision last year to our 15 year old yellow lab. It still hurts. It's never an easy decision. just remember this. Your dog has provided you with love for 16 years. You need to do this for your dog.

It sounds like your dog has no quality of life.

Remember this:

"Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog." – Sydney Jeanne Seward

 

[Darsa]

I really think it is the right time to let him go; I do know how hard it is, but it's better than letting them suffer. My thoughts are with you at this time, I'll see if I can't get my KittyGirl Chowda (I had to have her put down last year due to brain tumors, the black furbaby in my sig) to meet your pup at the Rainbow Bridge for a bit of orientation!



(ack, I'm all teared up at work!)

 

[shortbun]

I've been in your position. As hard as it is, we must be able to determine that our pets are miserable and in a non-mangeable situation. Be grateful that you have the choice and can be kind to your beloved friend.

 

[WIDisneyFan]

Making the decision to put our dog to sleep just over a year ago was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life. It was hard because selfishly I did not want to give up my friend, but I knew that it was the right thing to do. I don't think anyone can tell you what the right thing to do is - but I am sure YOU already know.

Our pets, and dogs in particular for me, give us such complete and unconditional love that we owe them the love and care in return to do what is best for them, even when it is not easy.

 

[quentina]

16 years is a good/long life. My personal thought is yes, it is time.

I know it is hard, I just lost my 12.5 year old that was "my" dog.

We got a new golden ret puppy and it is amazing the traits that are so similiar. Sometimes, I feel the Ozone is here with us.

Although hard, it was the right thing to do.

 

[Partridge4ever]

Well, I did it and I'm miserable. The doctor is also the parent of one of my Girl Scouts, so he's a friend as well. He told me that there comes a point when you have to consider quality of life rather than quantity. And that although he'd never advocate euthanasia for humans, he wished when his time came it could be so peaceful and painless.

Could the leg have been fixed? Maybe. And he really only pottied 3 times total. With the leg fixed, he might have lasted awhile longer, I guess, but he was never going to be his old self.

I managed not to cry in front of Lil Bit. All the way to the vet I talked to him like I always do. Then he let me snuggle him while the vet prepared. That's rare because even as a puppy he never liked to be held. Then they put him on a table and the nurse and I stroked him. I put my head right by his and looked into his eyes and whispered to him til the end. I made it to the parking lot before I lost control.

I wish I'd known when he was younger that you should brush dogs' teeth. I wish we had the money back then to have his lame leg fixed right away. But the truth is, I wouldn't have had him if not for the lame leg. Our former neighbor raised hunting dogs and gave him to me because I liked him because he was the runt. His litter mates all died years ago; one from a snake bite, one never came back from hunting, two got into a bee hive.

This is the third time I've mourned him...when he was 4 he got out of the yard and was missing for almost 2 weeks. And last year he was gone for 4 nights. In a way it's better this time because when he was missing I thought of all kinds of terrible things that might have happened to him. But of course it's worse because there's no hope that he'll be back.

I'm heartbroken, but I know I'll get through it. Thanks again to everyone who posted.

 

[JessicaR]

I'm so so sorry.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm sorry.

From petloss.com

Your Pets In Heaven
by Ken D. Conover

To have loved and then said farewell, is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you have stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly.
For all of these things I am grateful and thankful.

I ask that you not grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each others lives. My life was fuller because you were there, not as a master/owner, but as my FRIEND.

Today I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the Sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.
I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging.

We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever.
You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such as you are so rare and unique.
Don't hold the love that you have within yourself. Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.

Your Pets In Heaven

 

[OctMtnWoods]

 

[surfergirl602]

All the hugs in the world to you. Think happy thoughts. I'm so sorry for your loss. There are special places in heaven for all of our furry family members.