I know exactly how you feel. I put a little dog to sleep last October. It broke my heart.
Maybe this will help you. When I put my dog to sleep, the vet cried also, and said to me, "You are a very brave person." Well, I felt like the least brave person in the world right then. I was crying also and couldn't even talk. But she went on to say through her own tears as she put my little dog to sleep, "You know, we are kinder to our little animals than we are to people" meaning, of course, that putting Dutchess to sleep was the kindest thing to do. But - it is such a hard thing to do.
I have the feeling that your little poodle isn't going to live much longer regardless of what you choose to do. If her days are no longer comfortable, I would put her to sleep. I know it will break your heart, but it is the kindest thing to do for her. And -- you know that she had a good and long life. I am sure that she has lived a longer and better life than 99% of the dogs in the world. Take comfort in this.
Albert Payson Terhune (an author who bred collies and wrote dog stories) said that it is ". . . the worst shame in the world that our best chums don't live as long as we do." This is so true. I still remember and love the dogs I lost when I was a little girl over 50 years ago.
Your little poodle has lived a natural and even longer length of life than most dogs. Instead of feeling guiltly about putting her to sleep or her dying - please realize that she lived as long as she did because of you and the love and care you have given her over the years.
Whichever choice you make - it's because you love her. I think your choice should be based on her comfort and quality of life at this time. She has had such a good long life. I know how sad it is to reach the point you are at now. So many of us have shared your heartbreak and the difficulty you're having making a decision right now.
Sometimes it's helpful to try and be a little more objective. Think of another person and your little dog being theirs -- what would you advise them to do?
Maybe this will help you make make your decision.
None of us can tell you what to do. But, I am sure we all know how much you love your little dog and the wonderful long life you have given her. And, we would all certainly understand your putting her to sleep and would feel that you are doing a kind thing for her.
We all all very sorry because so many of us have experienced what you're going through. Whichever decision you make - be resolved - and followthrough with it. It is much harder for you to be torn back and forth.
So sorry.....
Carol Jean |