Putting my dog down this week

[knucklehead G]

How are you supposed to handle this? I picked out Shadow at this crummy little pet store inside a mall when I was nine years old. She's a keeshond, one of the smarter dogs I've met. She loves knocking over beer cans and licking up the spill, and I've never cooked a meal without her standing awkwardly between my legs waiting for me to drop something.



That photo was ten years ago. She's fourteen now, all gray, ten pounds underweight and has hip dysplasia and had a stroke a year ago. Ever since then she can't stand up if she lays down so she paces in circles all day, shaking the whole time from the pain in her hips. She's on medicine for the pain, plus glucosamine chondroitin for her joints, which makes it so she can walk short distances... she can hardly hear or see at this point and keeps walking into walls and falling down stairs. But there's that pep, sometimes, when she'll pounce on a bit of boiled chicken breast I toss at her (it doesn't upset her stomach) and she seems like a puppy again for a few minutes.

When I was younger I used to sit around sharing a peanut butter sandwich with her and talk to her about whatever was going on in my life because she'd cock her head sideways and do this nodding thing occasionally like she understood. When I was broke and living on ramen noodles she only had the best food and I occasionally found a way to buy her a Greenie or something..

I'm not sure if there is a point to this, but I've been thinking about it for a while and I made the decision tonight that she has to be put to sleep. She hates vets so I'm going to try and get one to come do it at the house. I thought twenty-three meant I was old enough to be able to handle this stuff.. Sorry for the wall of text, but I don't have anyone else around to talk to besides the dog and I don't want her knowing what is going on.

[kingpin2512]

I am truely sorry for you and Shadow We're here for you to talk to.

[Selta]

There comes a point sometimes where you end up keeping your best friend alive for your sake more than theirs. It is totally understandable. I feel bad that you are in the situation you are in, but I also want to say that you should keep her in your thoughts and think of what is truly best for her. It sounds like you already made the tough choice. Now, you need to spend the last days with her. Not a fun thing to do, especially since she's been part of your life for so long.

[RosieB]

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. It's such a tough decision to make - at any age. We had to put my doggy-daughter Rosie down 5 years ago almost exactly. (She's my user name.) It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. My whole family cried, husband, 16 yr old son, 2 younger kids & myself. Actually, I still tear up when I think about it. And I still miss her. I know it was best and she was very ready, but it's just not easy.

You'll get through it because you love Shadow and don't want her to suffer any more. It sounds like she's one of your best friends. Don't feel bad about crying over her or missing her. Its ok.

[Waterpilot]

Had to put mine down a year ago February. I still miss him. Still can't even really talk about it. It's never easy and I'm sorry it's that time. Spend your time with her and if it's best for her then it's what's best.

[knucklehead G]

I'm trying to come up with something special to do for her.. I used to take her out on my family's boat and she'd ride in the foot rails on the wave runner but I don't think she can handle that any more. Maybe I'll just get her the biggest Greenie at the pet store..

Those who have gone through this, I've been reading that sometimes people sedate their pets before having them put down, any thoughts on that? To make them more relaxed I guess, but I'm not sure how I feel about it. I want to do what is best for her though.. Anyone? Maybe the vet can give me some of the sedatives so I don't freak when he comes near my dog..

[MakiSupaStar]

Man that's tough. My dog died a couple of years ago. I still think I hear Niño wagging his tail against the dryer when I come home. It's tough. Hang in there brother.

[cassanova]

I'm sorry to hear you have to do this. It's never and easy decision, but you'll always have the fond memories to look back on and bring smiles to your face.

[Waterpilot]

I can't help with the sedatives. He ended up being sedated (started having seizures the last two months of his life) but that was when they were trying to figure out what was happening with him and in case he was in pain.

The procedure is a shot that's puts them to sleep and doesn't hurt so I'm not sure it's needed unless she really doesn't like vets.

[xray]

I had to do it twice this past year and it's one of the toughest things I've ever had to do. Peace be with you.

[CDweller]

I'm sorry to hear that your dog is suffering and you're in this situation. I just put my beloved cat Fritz to sleep two weeks ago, and I can tell you that it hurts from the inside out.

It was not fair to my cat and not fair to me to keep him alive. I hate to say that, and the decision was not easy. I had him since he was a couple of weeks old, and for the past 19 years he was a steady, gentle and loving presence in my life. I had a vet come to my apartment to put him asleep, and I got to hold him in my arms and say goodbye as he left. It hurts to remember this right now. It's hard to remember the trust he had as he let me hold him, and to recall that he was purring in my arms when the Dr. put the sedative's needle in him. The sedative gently made him go unconscious, and then the second needle was inserted that stopped his heart. I wanted to tell the Dr. to stop, but I knew it was for the best.

I cried in front of the Dr. I didn't care.

Nothing else to say, really. It hurts to lose a friend.

[knucklehead G]

I talked it over with my wife and we figured out what to do with her. We're having her cremated, and putting her ashes in the lake she spent her best years splashing around in. I thought she'd drown so many times because she'd get a full run going, right off the end of the dock, and just splash around a bit then paddle on over to the shore and get herself on out and go back for more.

Thank y'all for your support on this. I've got to call and make the appointment tomorrow. Wish me luck.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

I just needed to read the thread title to get sad...

I can't even think of how it must feel.

I wish you and your doggie the best.

[bmc]

Knuckle...my eyes are filling as I read your post. The four of us were all around our 14 year old lab last August, when he left us.

Which ever way you proceed, it's saying good bye to such a good close family member.

I feel your pain.

[gttim]

One of toughest things for a pet owner to do, but one of the most responsible. I had to put my little dog Hilda down when she had something growing on her liver. She could no longer eat and was losing weight. In the morning she would be so listless and I would have to carry her outside. I would come home almost in tears knowing we were going to take that last ride, and she would run to the door to great me, tail wagging. Finally I knew she was in too much pain and took her in. When the Vet hit the plunger, I wanted to cry out "no!" That was over 3 years ago and I still miss her, as does my big dog. I have her ashes. When the big one passes away, I will spread their ashes together. I used to wonder if the two dogs really liked each other, but Bennie would howl when I left for work after Hilda was gone. Used to break my heart. He no longer does.

Do it because it is one last gift you can give her. Then remember her. Good luck.

[DRafalske]

Good Luck! You're making the right decision.
I had to put my buddy Jake down last year. He was a solid white Alaskan Malamute and lived to be 15 years old. He went through a lot in his life but always bounced back. I knew it was time when the ONLY reason he'd get up was to eat.
So I made the appointment for a Saturday afternoon. Got up early and gave him a bath, brushed his fur, trimmed his nails. I treated him to lunch at McDonalds, and to the vet we went.
I did have him sedated. It was very peaceful. He never even flinched and was gone in seconds. I also had him cremated; he currently resides in a cedar box on my hutch.
After the initial grief, the realization that you did the right thing will set in and you'll be surprised by a feeling of relief.
D

[DrayMiles]

I wish you the best.. I also lost my best friend recently. You never stop thinking of them..
Even the fun memories.. That'll keep you going.

Good luck, You're doing the right thing. It may not feel like it sometimes, but you are.

[mike phillips]

im sorry you have to go through this. its a hard thing to do. our thoughts are with you and shadow.

[masturbasser]

I cried like a woman when I had to put my basset hound down.

[MJ5150]

Thanks for sharing some of your good memories of Shadow with us. It's tough, but hang in there buddy.

-Mike