The 3 Musketeers Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 Where do i start,This is breaking my heart and my kids,We have a family pet dog,who has been going down hill for a few months now,And the vets have told us that we need to make a time in the next few weeks to put our little girl to sleep. We got her over 5yrs ago from deathrow,when she was 18months old as she was going to be put to sleep,as her first owners had bashed her and tortured her,she had also had a few litters,broken hip bone,damage spinal nerves,plus she would try and hide if anyone came near her. We had healed her back to health,and had been going fine up until a few months. She has now started to have fits(sometimes 4 a week) the vets said she isnt in any pain when she is having them,however her back legs are now giving her the problems as well.She has her good days and bad days. We have had her on anti-inflam, but it works for just a short period of time.We have another small dog same breed silkyX chui,and we are also worried what will happen when the two becomes one. They sleep together,play together,and do everything togther. I know that if i take one for a walk,the other dog will start to wimper and run around the house looking for the other one. I have heard of stories when one pet dies,the other one cant cope,and dies of a brokenheart,due to being apart,Im so scared,i dont want to loose both of them,Im finding it hard to know when the time is right to get her put to sleep. The vets said to weigh out how many good days she has and how many bads days,and if she is having more bad days,then thats the right time. But she is still playing,eating,snoring,and walking up stairs etc,and most people wouldnt even know she is sick. As the vet has said,she isnt in any pain right now,and im scared i wont know when the time is right,and i know i wont be able to cope or my kids cope when the day comes,and also how will our other dog cope as well. Please Please i really need some help in this matter. I know i have to do what is best for her,if she does get pain or her happy life is no longer happy,but its breaking our hearts,and im not a stronge person mentally either. I dont know how long keeping her on anti-inflam is the best thing for her either. Will my other dog survive losing her best friend,and how do i make it easyer for her to cope,what do i do,are their things i should do,and what if they dont work would love to hear from anyone to has been through this sad sad time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becky in Oz Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 It sounds like you have to make the hard decision and it has to be what is best for the dog. Yes it will break your heart and the kids, but that is because you love her and she you. You gave her life, love and hope when she had none. Thank you for that. I wish I could say and do more. Big hugs to you, your family and your special girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kissindra Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 (edited) I wish I could give you all the answers you need but the only thing I feel confident to reply on is that yes it is important you start getting you dogs used to time apart. Walking individually, maybe individual outings, one inside and one outside with a bone or other fun activity/treat. Big big hugs to your family though, it's a distressing situation to be in and all of us dread losing our beloved pets when the time comes. Maybe sit down with the kids and talk about it - try and work out a goodbye ritual for when the time comes, and plan a way to mourn her passing as well as remember all the good times. Grief is a hard thing for adults but especially kids. Edited September 16, 2008 by Kissindra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baifra Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 This is just devastating for you and your family. When the time comes I think you will know. They lose a sparkle in their eye (thats what happened with my old Sammy when it was time) And yes it will break your heart into tiny pieces BUT know that you have given this little darling the most wonderful and loving home. You have shown her a life free from pain and fear. It is the ultimate selfless act you can possibly give her. Sending her to Rainbow bridge is probably one of the hardest things you will ever do but she will love you for setting her free. Dogs have an amazing ability to adjust and given time I'm sure that your other little one will cope. Give them time and they will be ok. My heart breaks for you and I wish you all the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 When this time comes its important as owners not to be selfish.We should never prolong a dogs suffering to make it easier for us. The sad reality is this is part of owning pets & there comes a time where you must return that devoted loyalty & unconditional love a dog has given for it to have its wings & no longer suffer. A dog will always struggle to the end to satisfy us & one must remember that. How will you cope,you will,you have to for your children,the other dog & the fact that your lost buddy wouldnt want you to shut down but instead remember all the great times you had & continue your life as a dog owners who gave this one a chance it may never have had. The most important thing for your other dog is not to change anything when the time comes,You can certainly make it far worse by over doing it than simply allowing the daily routine to be normal & take things as they come. My advice would be to decide now what you want done with your little one. Cremetian,buried?? Ask your vet who they suggest or ask people on DOL.Right the message you want & place it into an envelope so when the time comes it is done. There is no answer except be loyal to your dog & let it go when it has too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAX Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 You gave her the life that she deserved and you will know when the time is right to give her wings. Your other dog will cope better than you will, dogs are strong and brave. Maybe you can rescue another canine angel for your dog to have a new best mate. It is a hard thing to do but you will make the right decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbob Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 We went through this last year. 2 dogs together all their lives, one 14 the other 13 years old both of which we had before children who knew of nothing else but our 2 beautiful cavs always in their lives. She was my wedding gift to my wife-to-be at the time so it was extremely sad for us also. A choice had to be made... for her. Peggy wasn't in pain either but it got to the point that her standard of living was not what she deserved. I think that is when you will know the time is nigh. Our second dog, who is 14 years now, pined for her for about a week or 2... he didn't eat much, kept waiting and watching for her to come home but eventually came good. Our children cried and cried and still talk about Peggy all the time. We used this experience as a lesson about life and death and unfortunate with our old fella today we fear pretty soon we will have to experience the same sadness again soon, so we are making sure we enjoy the time we have left with Dudley. It will be very sad, your family will miss her, your children will cry and I know you will too but it sounds like you gave her a life so much more than the one she would have had if you didn't give her a second chance. I hope this helps you a little. All else I can say is - You will know, you will base your decision on love, the same way you did with the very first decision you made about her life when you first brought her home. Hugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockafella Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 I'm so very, very sorry that the end is coming for your beloved pet and hope you and your family can remember the good times and the joy she brought to your family for many many years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 (edited) deleted Edited June 14, 2010 by Deleted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tassie Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 So sorry for you and your family having to go through this - it's the price we pay for having our beloved pets. The others have given excellent advice - I do like the 'weighing the good days against the bad days' - and also remember what a vet posted on a forum once - she'd had many owners regretting that they've waited a little too long to release their pet, but not had people say they acted too soon. We always want to hang on that bit longer - in hopes of a miracle, I guess. You've already provided the miracle for this dog, by giving her a loving home over these years. I do echo the advice about considering what you want to do after she goes - I fouind it very helpful to have made this decision in advance - for me it was cremation for my dogs (though I bury my cats.) It will help your kids too, to know what is going to happen. Yes the dog left nehind can grieve - and that will add to your stress - but it will also help you to have that dog to care for. If it helps, know that many DOLers have been through this - it hurts - but as I said, it's part of the price we pay for the wonderful things our dogs give us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suezija Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 I really feel for you and understand your worry about knowing when the time is right. You will be able to tell. Are you in a position to have another furkid to be with these two now? If you are it is possible that this will help all of you to cope a little better. I know that nobody can take the place of you lost one but will help bridge the gap. I've always brought my dogs home with me and their earthly bodies are in the garden, their spirit is always with me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandgrubber Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 Where do i start,This is breaking my heart and my kids,We have a family pet dog,who has been going down hill for a few months now,And the vets have told us that we need to make a time in the next few weeks to put our little girl to sleep. Did the vet say what was causing the seizures? If they are epileptic, you may be able to keep her going for years on meds. I realise you were asking about the second dog, and you may already have decided against going for a second opinion and I don't mean to push this . . . but vets do make mistakes, and some supposedly hopeless cases are treatable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InspectorRex Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 My heart goes out to you.All of us here on DOL have been there I do agree with Sandgrubber though- Vet's do make mistakes( in our case the mistake cost the life of my Champion bitch) so it may be worth taking your furkid for a second opinion. You need a diagnosis too. Send Charles Kuntz a PM- he is a wonderful Specialist Vet who is a member on this forum. I am sure he will help point you in the right direction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 3 Musketeers Posted September 16, 2008 Author Share Posted September 16, 2008 Hi All, I would like to say a Big Thankyou to all the caring people who have replyed to my question Im sorry i cant reply to each and everyone, as i would be sitting here all day and night,and not looking after my family and my dogs So this is for all,A Thankyou from our hearts. I will keep you all posted if things change over the next few weeks,whether is happy or sad. So once again thankyou for all your support,information and just for caring Good night and take care April Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamuzz Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 And be sure to take plenty of photos of your pets. My dog lives on anti-inflammatories and he is only 3. The vets tell me they are much safer than they used to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZEPING Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 WOW im sooo sorry to hear that that must be dead set horrible know that she loved you like no other you are her world Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loraine Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 April, you and your family gave the girl a wonderful life, and she loves you all for it. The second dog will get used to the loss reasonably quickly. Talk to the kids now, plan for the day you take your girl to the vet, plan what you want to do with her body (burial in the garden, cremation and an urn, etc.) and ask the kids to each write a few words about the dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puggy_puggy Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 The vets said to weigh out how many good days she has and how many bads days,and if she is having more bad days,then thats the right time.But she is still playing,eating,snoring,and walking up stairs etc,and most people wouldnt even know she is sick. As the vet has said,she isnt in any pain right now,and im scared i wont know when the time is right,and i know i wont be able to cope or my kids cope when the day comes,and also how will our other dog cope as well. Will my other dog survive losing her best friend,and how do i make it easyer for her to cope,what do i do,are their things i should do,and what if they dont work You will know when the time is right and she will as well. Don't hang on to long just for the sake of having her physically there with you. I recently had to put to sleep a puggy boy that was holidaying with me. He had stomach cancer and his owners knew that he was living on borrowed time. Although he was very skinny and didn't like eating he was happy for the three weeks that he was with me. He would trot around the garden, boss his sister about, run upstairs to hop on my bed, come and cuddle and wag his tail when you told him he was a beautiful boy. I put him to sleep on a Saturday and it was only the Friday that he was no longer happy and really only either lay on my bed or on his own bed and threw up the food I was syringe feeding him. I took him to the vets on the Friday, because of an eye ulcer, and they gave him a shot of steroids which they said may perk him up. When I got home with him I decided that I would no longer syringe feed him and would send him to heaven the next day. I was able to hold him in my arms as he went to sleep forever and it was actually a really lovely experience because he knew his time had come and I was so honoured to be able to help him in that little way. So yes you will know and whilst you will be devistated you should feel honoured that you gave your girl a wonderful life and that you were able to help her again for the last time. As for your other dog. It will grieve like you will. Be there for it like it will be there for you. And sooner rather then later think about adopting a new friend for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lea Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 i have just been through this, my advice for your other dog, is dont change a thig, i made the mistake of spoiling my remaining dog and letting him do things he usualy wasnt allowed to do. i think it increased the suffering for him and he is now confused and full of anxiety. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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