For Those Who Have Put Pets To Sleep Help!
 

I need help and support from my YT family. My mom has a shnouzer(sp) he is almost 14 yrs old she got him when i was 13 he is so senial and blind and going def. We can't even take him to the groomer anymore because he is becoming so hostle. I have always been the one to take him when he needs to be grommed or anything because i have a bond with him. He will let me do anything i need to like cutting his bangs picking him up, loosening his coller and he growls or snips at anyone else. He is now doing this to me he is growling at me and he has arthritus so he can barley walk. But it is so hard to think about putting him to sleep. I am crying as i'm typing this i'm so upset. I will have to be the one to take him to get this done. I have called a few vets an one will give him a seditive to calm him before they do it because he is becoming so mean and the other one wants to muzzle him and have me just drop him off. How can people be so heartless?:( :( I guess i feel bad because i don't want him to die and i'm being selfish. But how can i kill a member of our family? What do i do?? I can't stop crying:( :( :( Please i need help from others that have had to put an old dog down. Do you regret it? How did you cope?

I also want to add he is now going after the kids. He cornered my boys in a room growling at them. I have never seen him this way before. My keyboard is flooding from me trying to type this as i cry. I just don't know what to do.:( :( :(

Have you tried to get him some herbs to help ease his arthritis? Maybe he just growls cause he is hurting. I know how hard loosing him will be, so maybe you can exhaust other options first. I'm so sorry your upset heres a big hug :hug: :ghug: :bighug:

Thank you. No the vet told my mom a few months ago that he is very old and they are not sure without doing very expensive tesing if it would help him or not. she doesn't want to put him through the pain of testing him. Even if they found something they could fix he couldn't have anesthesia because it would kill him. He can't see he is totally blind and his hearing is almost gone

I understand not testing him, but it might help ease your pain knowing that if he is hurting so much putting him down so he isnt suffering would be best.

I'm so sorry. :( :( I can't even begin to imagine how painful this must be for you. I never had to put a dog to sleep before; so I don't know what it's like to be in that painful situation but here's how I'd try to look at it. If the dog virtually has no good quality of life left, then I'd ask myself am I keeping this dog alive for HIS sake or for my own?

It's never an easy decision to make but it's one that we, as dog owners and lovers, have to make. This poem is very touching and it helps us look at things from the dog's viewpoint. I wish you and your family all the best during this difficult time. Please keep us updated. :(

If It Should Be

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
You'd not want me to suffer so,
The time has come, please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me until the end,
I know in time that you will see,
The kindness that you did for me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve, it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Yeah i guess it's the what if there is something ya know. it's just killing me i feel like i'm killing him. i need to quit over analysing it but it's so hard!

I have put pets to sleep. It is not easy and I still cry when I think about it. But it is the kindest thing you can do. Death is not horrible to them and they trust you to make the pain go away.

It's not easy, but it can't be easy to watch him suffer either, and eventually he is going to pass anyway.

My heart goes out to you. May the Lord give you strength and comfort you to make this difficult decision.

A year ago I was going thru what you are now with an 18 yr old sheltie. He was blind, deaf and had become incontinent for the last 2 years of his life. He was sleeping more then he was active and I noticed his health starting to worsen. I made an appointment to have him put down in like 3 weeks so I could make sure I was doing the right thing. Well just before the 3 weeks were drawing closer he stopped eating completely, it was his way of telling me it was time. Sometimes the best thing you can do is see what quality of life he has and if its best for him to go to doggie heaven then give him the biggest hug you can and tell him its okay to rest in heaven where you dont hurt anymore.

Thank you that was beautiful! Now i am crying even more omg that really was emotional thank you for posting that

I guess it makes it harder because some days he is better and some days he is awful. he is pooping in the kennal a lot at night and i think it's due to old age as well. I know what should be done i just don't know if i can do it.:(

(((((((((Amber_lv))))))))))

:( I am so sorry that you have been left with the descision to do this. I myself, do not know what I would do and just want to say I hope you go with your mind and not your heart...think of the consequenses, either way and the right descision will come to you...

You are in our thoughts!!!! :(

Aww Sweetie, I am so sorry to hear all of this:( That poem someone sent made me bawl, it was so touching! Hey, if you need someone to go with you call me and I'll be right there. It does sound like the most loving thing to do is let him go peacefully:) xoxox - Hoku & Kalani

I didnt think I could do it either, but somehow you find the strength to do what needs to be done. It isnt easy to put a family member like this down, but in time I can tell you it hurts alittle less each day. May you find the strength and comfort you need!!!

this is the poem we got from the vet when we had to put our cat to sleep. and i honestly belive she would thank us for putting her out of her pain. you need to think of it from their point of view. dont keep them alive for your own satisfaction if they are hurting and are in pain... if it was you and you were constantly in pain, not who you were, and there was nothing else you could do, what would you want....this is how i look at it, and i know i would want to be set free, and not in pain anymore.. i know its tough and all you think of is what u will lose, but think of what your beloved pet would want... ;) i think you will find the right answer xxx sending my thoughts

Thank you! The one vet just wants me to drop him off but i can't do that. I just really worry about what i can actually handle. I am such an emotional person and depressed as it is i just hope i can handle this. I want to be the one there for him when he goes i want to comfort him but i don't want him to feel that i am upset. OMG i can't even see the keyboard i need to stop crying!:(

I know i am probably being selfish and it's time to put him down. I guess i am just uneasy with death. I really am afraid of death and to me it just seems so final. I know that sounds stupid. I just love him so much we have a bond that he doesn't have with anyone else. I want to end his pain i just hope i am making the right desicion.

dont worry i feel exactly the same... and its hard to think you wont see them again, but it sound to me as if your babies personality has changed, they are not the same dog anymore.... it is tough, but as a responsable owner you NEED to do whats right. no matter how tough. your baby will be so proud of you for doing the right thing xxx

Hun think about all the great times he has given you and your family!!! Its time for you do give him the same kind of love, unconditional love. If putting him down is whats best for him then do it with all the love you have.

Thank you everyone. I'm sorry i'm such a boob lol. I really appreciate you all helping me here. i know he has to be put down. I'm sure i will be here crying the day it's done

Oh I'm so sorry.. you have to go through this.:(
I had to put my 16 year old cat to sleep 3 years ago..it still makes me cry..it was the hardest thing I had to do..in my life, but it is the right and unselfish thing to do.. it is our responsibility to let them go when they tell us it's time and I believe YOU know when it's time. :(

I will say..that being with them when they passed..( as sad as it was) was very special for me.. that I was there when she went.. as I held her and talked to her.. she knew.. I was letting her go..
:(

Again I'm sorry

ps.. loved that poem.

thank you that makes me feel better about being there as he goes!

im sorry, i cant even say anything, i could only imagine your pain.
im just sorry and sad for all of you... that poem just got me too

i couldnt imagine not being with them when they passed.... just to hold them and let them know its all alright... its very special indeed

I had to put our 15 year old poodle down a couple years ago. The most heartwrenching thing I've ever had to do. The vet kept telling me I would know when the time came and after a couple days of not feeling well, he had a stroke and couldn't stand up. We had to do it then. There is no way though that I could have just dropped him off and left. I held him the whole time and carried him home bawling like a baby. It sounds like the most humane thing to do for your dog right now. That doesn't make it easier but know that everyone here understands and feels for you.

We went thru the same thing a little over a year ago with our 18 yr. old
poodle. He was growling at everyone, completely miserable, could barely walk. We didn't put him down, but let nature takes it's course and if we had it to do over, I would have put him to sleep::( As he suffered so much in those last few days, he never got better. So as hard as decision as it is, it will only get worse, not better.
So sorry you are going thru this, our thoughts are with you.
Martha

I know where you are coming from....I had a Shihtzu a few years ago that was going blind, deaf, etc.....so horrible. I know that the sweetest of animals will lash out from unknowing and being scared...not because they are being mean....it is just because they either don't know, can't see, are confused, are hurt, etc. Putting a beloved pet to sleep, is VERY hard (I will not lie to you). I still cry over our little guy and that has been YEARS ago. I don't cry because I had to put him to sleep (the procedure)....I cry because he isn't here anymore. It can be tough. The good thing about it (that somewhat makes me feel better) is knowing that we did the RIGHT thing.....he is no longer in pain, no longer suffering, no longer confused and scared. If you have a good vet, they will talk to you about everything and even let you be there, holding him while they put him to sleep....that is what ours did anyway. You can even take him home to bury him or (like my vet), they can give you a number (if anywhere near you) for a place that will cremate him and give you the ashes back. You might want to ask the vet or check around to see if there is a place like that around you (if that is an option for you). A good vet will help you in anyway they can at this time of need. I've been there several times and it never gets easier. But please, just find a good vet for you and the dog and find comfort in knowing that this would probably be the best for the poor little guy! You and your family are in our thoughts!

Sometimes I think we are kinder to our pets than we are to humans.I can
only say this as I have worked on an Oncology unit for 20 years and often
watched lives being extended beyond reason only to prolong suffering.I had
a family dog when I was growing up.I still have his collar.His scent is still there.
He was a german shepherd and the most gentle soul.He was diagnosed at 15 yrs
with cancer of the testicles and was in the most excruciating pain.I still remember watching my older brother having to hold his head to his bowl just
so he could eat as he became so weak.It must have taken a lot of courage
for my father to make the decision to have him put down.I still remember the
day as clear as if it was yesterday.We all went to the vet together and each
said our goodbyes to Rex outside.Only my brother went in with Rex,as he was the
closest to him.The vet allowed my brother to stay until he had passed on.
I am quite certain Rex knew where we were taking him as he was a very sensitive dog.It was the right decision to let him go and celebrate his life,
instead of trying to hold onto him.:animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa

I know that this decision is probably one of the hardest that we as pet owners have to make. I had to make the decision when my little yorkie girl was 17 years old. She was my whole heart from the time I took her home at 6 weeks old. (I know now, that was too early!) I had to make the decision that was best for her -- regardless of how selfish I wanted to be. Her quality of life was not good at that point, and I didn't want to see her suffer. Sneaker had been blind for two or three years, but had been quite happy and had no problem getting around. Then she started not being able to make it outside -- which was probably harder on her then me. She'd look at me like she was so very sorry that she had made a mess. As her health got worse, I knew that it was time and made the call.

When I called my vet to make the appointment, they asked if I wanted to be there when they did it. There was no way that I could let her go all alone, so of course I said I would be there. When I remember that day with immense sadness, I was able to be with her when she very peacefully closed her eyes and went to sleep. She was a very gracious lady til the end.

I still shed tears when I reflect on that day, but I told myself that I would celebrate the wonderful life that she had, and that I was so very lucky to have had her in mine. My precious memories of Sneaker bring a smile to my heart now -- and I like to think that she's waiting at Rainbow Bridge for me to join her.

I now have Toby, who's almost 6, and Lola who's almost a year old now. I don't love them any less then Sneaker, and although there is an empty place in my heart that will never ever be filled, my happy memories have eased the hurt.

When you make the decision -- prepare to mourn the loss -- but don't forget to celebrate the happy times and memories you have had as well.

Positive thoughts and care to you in dealing with this painful decision.

My Mom brought home a poodle when I was 14. Lilly was about 5 when we got her. She didn't like anyone but my mom & me. Later she loved my child also. All others she would snip at or bite. When she got to be about 14years, Lilly was blind & could hardly walk. No one could bring her in to be put to sleep. We let her out one night to go potty & she took off across the street in front of a car. There she laid & as I picked her up she looked at me & took her last breath. Her eyes were telling me it was all right.
It's almost like she knew, she was saving us from having to take her in.
It is never easy making choices like this, & sometimes nature doesn't make us have to.
I feel for you, I would be dying to have to make that discission.