About to lose a member of my family...

GearHeadBassMan · #1 09-18-2009, 11:17 PM

I came home from school to surprise my parents with a visit and found out that they are setting up plans to put down my 11 year Australian Shepard, Izzo. Over the past few months his back legs have been near crippled by arthritis, he is suffering from chronic pain and he's becoming more and more deaf and blind due mostly to the narcotics we give him so he can move without pain. My family decided that the best thing for him was to put him down if he gets any worse.

It's been a really emotional episode for me because this dog means more to me than almost anything. I picked him from the breeder, I named him, and he was there for me to cry on and snuggle with when I was battling depression during my teenage years and I cant look at him or even think about him without tears coming to my eyes.

My older brother has already started digging a grave in our backyard, just in case he makes it to the first frost.

I just cant believe he's going to be gone. I've been watching him try to seem like he's not in pain and I know that I'd rather give him a painless way out than keep him alive with drugs but honestly I don't even think I'd be here if he wasn't there for me.

My family doesn't seem to understand, they're sad but I don't think they have the same reason to care as much as I do. He's been such a good friend and a good dog.

I've honestly spent the last hour trying to not think about it and sleep but I can't not think about coming home again and him not meeting me at the door.

southernrocker · #2 09-18-2009, 11:31 PM

I'm sorry man. Losing a dog sucks. I feel your pain.

MusicBokonon · #3 09-18-2009, 11:38 PM

I'm sorry to hear that. We put down my 16 year old dog last July. It's a difficult loss to deal with, but just know that it's better that they're out of their pain.

jdieh1 · #4 09-18-2009, 11:45 PM

I'm sorry to hear this.

My dog is also getting on in years. He will be 12 this Christmas and he has also been struggling with his back legs (For a reason that I don't know) but when the time comes I think I'd rather him be put to sleep than for him to live a agonizing life.

I feel the same about myself too, I'd rather die before I'm at the stage where it physically hurts to live.

Trust me man, it's the best thing that can happen for your dog's well being. Be happy that your dog won't have to suffer anymore.

Sorry if I cam across as kinda heartless. I'm not so good with being sensitive.

NJL · #5 09-19-2009, 11:06 AM

sorry to hear about your dog

TallLankyBastyd · #6 09-19-2009, 11:15 AM

Maybe you can be there for him and hold/comfort him on his journey from this life? I know it sounds hard/harsh and I'm not trying to be crass... but I've always felt better about being there at the end w/ those animal (buddies) I've had to put down.

Yeah... it'll probably hurt more but it will comfort your dog and help bring closure sooner for you.

Sorry...

Armbruster · #7 09-19-2009, 11:42 AM

I know how it feels, had to put my 11-year-old Retriever down. He was bloating, his heart was on his last few beats, and in an attempt to drain the fluid from his chest cavity, he went into shock at the vet. I was having classes at the time, and when I came home, I wasn't greeted. What really put me over the edge was seeing his half-eaten food dish.

I wasn't very happy with my folks either for not telling me until I got home, too. This was about a year ago, and it's still really emotional for me. He was there when I was little, and I basically grew up with him.

But hey! Life goes on bro. Think of it as a good thing; he's finally out of pain.

Lady Kayri · #8 09-19-2009, 12:17 PM

Sorry to hear about your dog. I second the idea that it helps, in the long run, to be there when the vet slides in the final needle. I've done that for two of my four cats (the others died before we could get them to the vet) and I'd much rather have been there for them than be away and let them go without any friends in the room. My vet lets you actually hold and pet your animal as it slips away. Hard during the process, but - that way they don't go out with only strangers around them.

seansbrew · #9 09-19-2009, 12:53 PM

Sorry to hear about your dog. I know what that experience is like. Those creatures really have a way of getting into your heart. It sounds like your dog has had allot of love and caring, and in that regard he has had a most excellent life.
We all have to die someday. Celebrate your dogs life when he is gone. Perhaps a nice garden over him.
My sweet Aussie/lab mix is now on my mantle in a nice box. When I see the box, I see those loving eyes that she had, a very sweet soul she was.
Hang in there.

Oh and yeah, hold your dog for the shot. What a way to go. I wish people could only be treated with such dignity!