For Those Who Have Put Pets To Sleep Help!

[prettypuppypink]

It's never easy to do and I always wait to long. I feel guilty but it's a hard call to make especially when we treat our dogs like they are human.
I always hold them but cry forever. In fact I am crying now for all of us who have had to make this decision and those that will. All of the posts were very touching to read.
Jessica

[Wylie's Mom]

I am SO sorry for your situation. I know what you're going through - I had to put my 20 year old cat to sleep and it was SO SO SO difficult, even now over a year later - I can't really think about it.

It sounds like your baby is in a lot of mental and physical pain, poor thing. If it were me, I'd ask the vet for a sedative THAT YOU CAN PICK UP AHEAD OF TIME and then give to him on the day of the appointment - so that he's sedated and calm before you even leave.

If you can bear it, go there with him and be there for him. IF you can. I will tell you it's painless for the animal - but excruciating for the human.

My heart goes out to you (I'm tearing up writing this),
Ann

[AngelWorks]

I am so sorry.

I had to do this with my first horse when I was 16. I had wanted a horse since I was 7 and we made it happen when I was 14.

I can not even put into words how much he meant to me and how close we became. My mother swore we spoke the same language.

The people around me were heatrbroken watching me go through it.

I was heartbroken too of course, but I was so happy he would no longer hurt.

That was 30 years ago and he still lives in my heart and I still remember what he smelled like and how he felt beneath me when I rode him bareback during the summer.

My heart hugs yours.

[dalnna]

I'm so sorry. I had to put two dogs down within a year of each other but I was very lucky. I found a vet who was the kindest man. He actually drove to my house at the end of his day so that my girls could have the comfort of being in their own home, on their own bed as they died. I still have a heavy heart when I think about those sweet girls, but maybe it will help you if I pass on what this vet said to me. He said that humans are the only animals that fear death. He said a dog only knows that you are holding him as he goes to sleep. He doesn't know he's going to his death and he feels no fear. He's not scared, only concerned for you, because he senses your sadness. So be sure that it's his time, and it sounds like you've already come to grips with that decision, and then be with him if you can manage it. Tell him what a good baby he is and how much you love him. Let him comfort you as he will surely do as he falls asleep. Then you can cry. My heart is breaking for you.

[YorkieGuru]

As I sit here crying my eyes out, I just want to say, I have never had to put a pet down, as I crich on the day when I have to.
But, after reading all the replies, the support you all have given has been wonderful.
YorkieTalk surely is the best place to be to talk to friends who understand what we as petowners are going through.

[Papi]

Amber Iv,

May I please say how very sorry I am for the difficult situation you find yourself in, the turmoil, the stress, and anxiety can be unbearable, it's is a heart wrenching place to be, I can sincerely empathize with you as I just faced this decison last week, Friday the 30th of March, 3:10 P.M. - I had to let my 7 year/3 month, 4# dear and precious Yorkie go, and I felt such guilt, as if I had killed her, it was awful, the most horrible thing I have ever done in my life or for that matter ever had to do, I never killed a thing in my whole life, much less have to do this to my Kassie Kisses who I loved so dearly, so very much, and held so close to my heart, she was a part of me, an extension of me if you will, I'm a retired widower and as such we went, did everything togeather, we were in fact as one.

Amber Iv, her downfall was an irreversable kidney disease diagnosed back in July, 2007 and the medication precribed for her seemed to help, held back the onslaught, ravages of this disease temporarily, then in February it this year came in on her with full force, again did everything I could to help her, prolong her life, had her kidney's flushed, similiar to dialasis, and vet prescribed another 6 medications, this all worked for a few day's but it was really to late to be of much help at this point, she stopped eating, layed curled up in a ball 24/7, incontinbent set in, she could hardly stand, staggered when attempting to walk, it was unbearable to continue watching her suffer this way, I was hoping upon hope I would wake in the mornings, and see she has passed on her own, it didn't work out that way sadly, I know she was aware that she was dying, how did I discern that, they say dogs don't talk, though they in fact do in their own way, and she did by wanting to be constantly curled in my lap, or held in my arms, her nose buried in the crook, she simply had no spirit, life left in her, and when she would just stare into my eyes, yes her eyes told the story,I knew at this point, she was saying to me, Grandpa, please if you truly love me, please, please let me go, don't ever think you are killing me, Papi you are in fact showing me how much you do, and have loved me, my life, our lives have been fulfilling, happy and we sure did have a lot of fun togeather, now be courageous like a Yorkie, do the right thing by me, for us, LET ME GO.

On Friday, March 30, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. I reluctantly, sadly, and tearfully showed kassie how much I loved her more than myself, I did as she wished, let her go, I LOVED HER

I can only add the caring, loving Vet's I have used for years have a special sitting,memorial room for these matters, decorated warmly, a few candles here and there with inside water fountains, and table with comforter to lay your pet in it's final moments, not that it is any easier, Kassie layed there comfortably, I petted her, cuddled her, spoke of our many happy day's togeather as I tearfully cried over her, we looked lovingly, appreciatively, intently into one anothers eyes, and she peacefully left me, I her.

Yes, it was the most difficult thing I ever did, but couldn't bear to watch Kassie suffer any longer on my account.

I DID NOT KILL HER
I LOVED HER

Amber the decision is difficult, and one only you can make of course, my thoughts, prayers are with you, if it helps any, you are not killing your precious one, you are showing your love.

Papi

[peanut]

Oh Amber I am so sorry, I am setting here crying with you...this is one of the hardest decision you will have to make...It still bothers me, I had to put My 4.5 year old yorkie Tucker down do to liver shunt, I cried for months afterwards when I thought of him, I still do and its been 3 years, but I know how much pain he was in, and his quality of life was gone, I couldn't stand by and allowing him to suffer anymore...I read the poem and was crying like a baby by the end of it...This is a hard road to travel, but do what is best for the baby....sometimes when they are so old and have so many health problems, you have to take you heart out of it for a minute and look at what is best for the little one...I am praying for you Amber that God will help you with your decision and ease the pain for your family....

[SophieRose]

Stay with him and hold him until his little heart stops beating. I had to put my beloved Sophie down on January 23 , and it was very difficult to make the decision. However, as I held her, the vet gave her an injection which made her relax completely. Then placed the iv in her wee leg and she was gone within a few seconds. I told her that I loved her and it was okay to leave.

Honestly, it was so very peaceful and she looked like a little saint and just beautiful. Her ashes are in a small urn that sits on my beside table which brings so much comfort.

When the pups get old, they hurt and don't mean to bite. They are just frightened and bless you for giving this sweet senior a graceful farewell to the Rainbow Bridge.

[SophieRose]

Lovely message and thank you for sharing your feelings because this is a "heart breaker".

[NIKITA & LILO]

Oh Amber !!!
I'm so sorry to hear about it. I can't imagine what are you going thru.
I just hope that it was much easier to do. You're in my thoughts!!!

[Yorkieluv]

I'm just bawling my eyes out reading this thread...The month before my wedding, my 3yr old dog (a pekignese/poodle mix - 16lbs), went to jump and kind of tripped...That evening he started dragging his back legs...He was in a lot of pain and would not let me touch him but wanted me to stay with him. We took him to the vet and they did a bunch of tests and found that he had lost feeling in his back legs. They sent him to the university's vet hospital for more tests the next morning because they had no idea what had happened...They found that he had a genetic disease that contributed to a ruptured disc and that it was one of the most painful experiences. They said he was suffering with every second he was alive at this point and that it was literally deadening his spine...This happened in a matter of 2 days...They said there was absolutely nothing we could do and that even if they did surgery, he would still be paralyzed. We had to make the decision, and it tore my heart out. Here I was in the middle of planning my wedding which is stressful enough, and this happened to my furbaby. I cried for the longest time, and it still gets to me 3yrs later. He looked up at me with those eyes...And it just broke my heart, but I know he would have been completely miserable. Just make sure he knows how much he is loved...

[chachi]

I am sorry you ae going through this. I have never had to pts an animal. I know I will be beside myself if I have to do that to Chachi or Jewels. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time

[IluvLucy]

AmberLV, I'm so sorry you're facing this. I was with my son in Feb when he had to have his cat PTS and with my sister last month when she had to have her pom PTS. It's gut wrenching, but in both cases it was the most humane thing to do because they were both suffering desperately.

I know how badly you're hurting and I wish there was an easy way to make it all better, but you must weigh this baby's quality of life against having him PTS. What a sad decision......my heart breaks for you.

[sashajade]

im so sorry your going through this
ive had to have 3 dogs pts nearly 4, first was my mums dog who i took in after my mum died, trouble was her name but not her nature, she was a gsd was 12 or 13 years old and had cancer in her breast that bursted through the skin.
i called the vet to the house and he put her out of her suffering as i held her head on my lap and i swear she looked up at me as to say thankyou.
not only did i lose her but it felt like i had also lost another part of my mum too.
then my scampi my yorkie of 15 years became ill and couldnt breath, i just knew i was gonna lose him so i got him on video the dat b4 i rang the vets to make THAT appointment, i laid in bed holding him and talking to him all night telling him he could leave mummy and go and see nanny in heaven and i would be fine so to just let go and go to nanny, i had tears in my eyes as i told him.
the next day i was so upset not just cos i knew i was gonna lose him but cos he so hated the vets i just knew he would be scared.
he eat his food looked up at me still having problems breathing and i dont know why but i just had a feeling to go up stairs so i did and told my dad to sit with him, my dad then called to say scampi had fallen on his side and he had gone, i ran down stairs and he was still breathing but had his eyes closed and trying to hold on, he was such a fighter, i know i was sent up stairs cos he wouldnt of gave in if i had been with him cos it would of upset me so much to see him fall.
he held on so i could say goodbye, i held him and asked if he could see nanny and then told him to run to her, just as i said that he was gone.
i was glad i didnt have to take him to the vets.
then there was my yorkie sasha my baby girl, she wasnt like any other dog i had ever met b4 her or after her, she wasnt like a dog at all.
she was my girl, i had her 12 years and then her heart went in to failure, she had a heart attack and died but i gave her mouth to mouth and got her back, and i swear she was different after, she seemed to know something if that makes sence, she looked at me different, i could just say so her ok these are your pills you gotta take them for mummy and she just lent her head forward and took them from my hand and swallowed them, she would never do that in all the years i had her, she seemed like she had been somewhere and wasnt scared.
when she had her heart attack i could feel someone behind me and im sure it was my mum and sasha looked to her side and im sure she saw scampi.
she had another heart attack 2 weeks later and as the vets said there was no more pills she could have i had to take her to the vets to be pts, i held her as she went, she looked up at me with such love in her eyes saying thankyou for letting her go and a im gonna be back look.
then there was my yorkie annie who was just 6 and who i only had for 9 months but she stole my heart, she was the only dog ever who shared the little traits that sasha had and im sure sasha sent her to me to look after as she was ill and annie also gave me a little bit of sasha back.
annie was very ill for a few months and we were told she had a stroke then told she had a brain tumour, we took her home for one last night and that night a lump on the side of her face burst and the pus filled her lungs and went to her brain so we had to take her to be pts, i held her head and paw as she slipped away.
the vet then told us that he thought that she had had an ear infection that had gone to her brain.
annie hadnt seen this vet b4 but had seen 5 others who all said it wasnt an infection, when we got annie she had ear mites very bad and they had been left by her last owner, the vet said they had prob eaten in to her inner ear then the infection had hit her brain but when the vets looked in her ear the hole had closed over so they couldnt see the infection.
its such a hard thing to do having a dog pts but i just knew when the right time was cos they had let me know and im guessing your little one will too.
its not a horrible thing for them, the vet numbs the leg then puts the needle in and within seconds there pain is over.
maybe if your worried that if you have them pts you will think of things you might of tryed or could of done you should try them now, your vet can give pain meds without doing tests, try them see if they work so at least that way you can be sure you did everything.
if they dont work and they are in pain then you dont need to make the diesion cos your little one has made it for you, there suffering and only you can stop that and they will thankyou for it.

[Amber_lv]

Originally Posted by Papi

Amber Iv,

May I please say how very sorry I am for the difficult situation you find yourself in, the turmoil, the stress, and anxiety can be unbearable, it's is a heart wrenching place to be, I can sincerely empathize with you as I just faced this decison last week, Friday the 30th of March, 3:10 P.M. - I had to let my 7 year/3 month, 4# dear and precious Yorkie go, and I felt such guilt, as if I had killed her, it was awful, the most horrible thing I have ever done in my life or for that matter ever had to do, I never killed a thing in my whole life, much less have to do this to my Kassie Kisses who I loved so dearly, so very much, and held so close to my heart, she was a part of me, an extension of me if you will, I'm a retired widower and as such we went, did everything togeather, we were in fact as one.

Amber Iv, her downfall was an irreversable kidney disease diagnosed back in July, 2007 and the medication precribed for her seemed to help, held back the onslaught, ravages of this disease temporarily, then in February it this year came in on her with full force, again did everything I could to help her, prolong her life, had her kidney's flushed, similiar to dialasis, and vet prescribed another 6 medications, this all worked for a few day's but it was really to late to be of much help at this point, she stopped eating, layed curled up in a ball 24/7, incontinbent set in, she could hardly stand, staggered when attempting to walk, it was unbearable to continue watching her suffer this way, I was hoping upon hope I would wake in the mornings, and see she has passed on her own, it didn't work out that way sadly, I know she was aware that she was dying, how did I discern that, they say dogs don't talk, though they in fact do in their own way, and she did by wanting to be constantly curled in my lap, or held in my arms, her nose buried in the crook, she simply had no spirit, life left in her, and when she would just stare into my eyes, yes her eyes told the story,I knew at this point, she was saying to me, Grandpa, please if you truly love me, please, please let me go, don't ever think you are killing me, Papi you are in fact showing me how much you do, and have loved me, my life, our lives have been fulfilling, happy and we sure did have a lot of fun togeather, now be courageous like a Yorkie, do the right thing by me, for us, LET ME GO.

On Friday, March 30, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. I reluctantly, sadly, and tearfully showed kassie how much I loved her more than myself, I did as she wished, let her go, I LOVED HER

I can only add the caring, loving Vet's I have used for years have a special sitting,memorial room for these matters, decorated warmly, a few candles here and there with inside water fountains, and table with comforter to lay your pet in it's final moments, not that it is any easier, Kassie layed there comfortably, I petted her, cuddled her, spoke of our many happy day's togeather as I tearfully cried over her, we looked lovingly, appreciatively, intently into one anothers eyes, and she peacefully left me, I her.

Yes, it was the most difficult thing I ever did, but couldn't bear to watch Kassie suffer any longer on my account.

I DID NOT KILL HER
I LOVED HER

Amber the decision is difficult, and one only you can make of course, my thoughts, prayers are with you, if it helps any, you are not killing your precious one, you are showing your love.

Papi

Thank you for posting your story it was very helpful to ease that feeling that i am killing him. I truely appreciate it! I'm so sorry for your loss and thank you for helping me through mine.