A-Train, So sorry. About six weeks ago went through the same thing. Had to put our 15 y/o dog to sleep because of painful debilitating arthritis. I held Beau during the procedure so that he wouldn't be frightened, and that being loved would be his last memory My wife and I wept unabashedly. Hoping to get a new pup soon - but I still miss him terribly. Dallas Rocket
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I have experienced the loss of a dog I grew up with as well. Ironically, this dog's name was "Pup". Somehow, that title stuck with her and even though she was genericly named...she was unique to me. I picked the dog out from the pound and still remember like yesterday how excited the dog was on the way home from the pound(so excited it pooped). I have some great memories playing soccer and fetch with that dog. Unfortunately, the dog got a bad case of mange, went deaf, and was blind in one eye. It was a senior citizen when these problems came up. Even so...the dog was still kicking it but it was an indoor dog and, with the mange, it could smell and look something awful. So, I went away to college and my mother had had enough. She took it to have it put down. I've never heard my mother cry so much and so hard. And, of course, I was pissed at her because I found out after the fact and never got to say good bye . I kind of mourned from afar which isn't really the same. But, your dog was so young and that is just terrible that it never really had a chance. In-breeding is a horrible thing in itself. My parents currently have a yellow lab that was in-bred and it developed a degenerative hip disorder. It started in one leg. My parents coughed up $3500 to put the dog through surgery to fix up the hip. The aftermath of that was not pretty. The dog was in a leg cast and required constant supervision for a while thereafter. But, the surgery worked and the dog could move decently again. Now, we believe it's happening in the other hip and the dog has arthritis translating into trouble walking. This used to be the most active dog walking twice a day and running at the park. Now, it can barely make it a few houses down before it has to turn around. It really is sad. Anyway...not to depress you more with my story...but I think it's important to share our stories when we lose pets like this. I hope for the same support whenever it's time for one or both of my current Ridgebacks to be put down cause that is going to tear me apart. I agree that a new puppy would go far to raise your spirits and help alleviate the pain...if your ready for that responsibility all over again. And, there are no guarantees...obviously. All you can do is be careful and check out your dog well beforehand(breeder, lineage, etc.). Even that sometimes isn't enough to catch problems. It's really sad that the disease set in so early. Hope you feel better. Surf
I went through that with a 14 year old cat with heart problems. I can't think of many worse feelings than watching a pets life drifting away after taking the shot. At first I didn't want to be there to see it but realized I should be the last person my cat remembered. The bottom line is you did a great thing by putting your pet out of it's misery. It's tough but the right thing to do. I didn't think I'd be ready for another pet but ended up getting another cat a week later. The way I looked at it was I saved it's life by picking it out at the pound. One life lost, another saved.
oh man A-Train, I can truly feel your pain. I had to put down a pet about a year ago. We had a rescue cocker spaniel that ended up with a cancerous growth that was too far gone. I had no idea it was going to be as hard as it was. This dog was probably about 6+ years old, we had no real idea since he was from a rescue shelter, but he was a pretty good dog. We gave him a new home with lots of love only to have this happen. It was horrible and I know what it's like to have to put down a pet. I am dreading the day that my Rottweilers pass on, as they are two of the most awesome dogs I have ever owned. Hang in there buddy. Here's something that may help...
Thanks for the kind words, everybody. Normally, I don't read the depressing death/prayer needed threads, but this has been a good way to release some of my grief. I buried her yesterday at my mother-in-law's house. I could barely pick up the shovel as I was putting the last few clumps of dirt on the grave. ...speaking of which, If I ever get a big dog, I'm definitely renting a backhoe if I ever have to bury it...or have it cremated, like my sister did. Digging a hole for a 13 pound dog was hard enough...
A-Train, I just wanted to express my condolences. Losing a pet can be very difficult, and even worse than losing a person in many cases. And at such a young age! I feel for you -- I can't imagine having to make a decision like that, even though you know what the right decision is, it's just so hard to do. I believe that God takes care of all living things after death. Mazzy is up in heaven with all of our deceased friends. +
I'm so sorry to hear about that man. I would be absolutely heartbroken if I had to do something like that. A while back, my golden retriever/greyhound mix Zeke broke his leg, and it was going to be $2600 to fix the leg, and the first thing my dad asked was, "How much to put him down?" Thank God my mom stepped in, or I wouldn't have that incredible dog around. I can't imagine actually doing it. Hopefully you can find joy in a new pup. +
A-Train, I found this on the Chron web page in the Dear Abby article. Also, check out The Dog's Prayer at the end. Pretty timely. Cat's death shows girl comfort can come from grief DEAR ABBY Universal Press Syndicate Dear Abby: I am a 12-year-old girl. My grandfather passed away. Then my rabbit died. On top of that, my cat, "Rocky," was diagnosed with cancer. It spread to all parts of his body. After hearing Rocky cry out in pain at 3 a.m., my family and I made the heart-wrenching decision to have him put to sleep. We took him to the vet, where I stroked his fur and spoke softly to him as he peacefully departed. My parents stayed behind to speak to the vet, but I couldn't stand seeing Rocky lying on the table, so I walked out to the waiting room, still sobbing. The only other person there was an elderly man with a black Lab. With a foreign accent he asked what was wrong, and I tearfully told him my cat had just been put to sleep. He handed me a tissue and said, "You made the right choice, dear. You were very unselfish. Just think how your pet would have suffered had you not done this for him. "Although it is sad, I think of it as one last act of love." I thought about his words because I had never thought of it like that. "Here," the man said, gesturing to his dog, "sometimes animals can comfort best." I knelt beside his dog, still crying, and the friendly Lab made me smile in spite of my sadness. I never found out the man's name, but I'd like to thank him for that act of kindness. I'll never forget how he helped me when I was hurting. -- Missing Rocky in Illinois Dear Missing Rocky: Our guardian angels seem to show up just when we need them most. The following may bring more comfort to you. A Dog's Prayer by Beth Norman Harris Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than mine. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear. When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though you had no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger. And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest -- and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
I'm sorry to hear this. I'm dreading the day when one of my Dachshunds dies. If something should happen and I need to put one of them to sleep, I only hope I can do what's best for them rather than what's selfish. I'd hate to see them go, but I don't want them living in pain either.
A-Train, sorry I haven't posted yet, but I must say that I really feel sorry for you. When I was 12 years old I recieved a pekingese for my birthday, and I loved that dog like no other. The two things I remmember most about my dog is this. It snored louder than I did, and most of the time it's tounge would have made Gen Simmons smile at my dogs antics. So here's what happen. I came home from school one day only to find out that my dog ate one of my mom's plants, and found my pride and joy was dead , and had drowned in his own throw up. When I first saw it I couldn't even believe something like that could have happen. I was in shell shock over this miss hap. Let's just say that the next to days at school I wore sunglasses to desguise my true feelings towards this dog. And believe it was one of the worst weeks of my life. I truly am sorry.
