# I have to make The Call on my pooches today. Yes, both of them. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 17, 2008, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128 "2008-11-17T15:48:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![jali](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecae2f/32.png) [@jali](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jali)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2008, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/21 "2008-11-17T21:16:12Z")
Best wishes to you. You did the best thing for your friends. Hugs. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2008, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/22 "2008-11-17T21:34:30Z")
I had dinner with my ex a week ago, and we talked about all the pets we had in our 15 years of marriage, and you know, we were able to remember all their names (there were 18) and their personalities and funny things they would do. I know this is a tough time for you, but if Malish and Worf could talk, they’d thank you for all the years they had with you and the love y’all shared, and you _will_ remember them with that same love, I know that for sure. My thoughts are with you and your friends tonight. I am very sorry. Bill ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2008, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/23 "2008-11-18T01:56:52Z")
it is a tough decision. having the vet come to the house is good. i had to make apts. with the vet twice this year. one visit at home, and one visit at the vets. the one at home was easier on me and nod the naughty. the one at the vets was tough. but easier on the vet, malenka, and me. i could tell the time had come… she was a good girl at the vets. ---
**Author:** ![Kolga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e56c9b/32.png) [@Kolga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolga)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2008, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/24 "2008-11-18T02:05:35Z")
My thoughts are with you. This is never an easy thing to have to face, even when the decisions are made with deep love. ---
**Author:** ![MizTina](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MizTina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MizTina)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2008, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/25 "2008-11-18T02:16:49Z")
Bless your heart, just know when you make the call that you did the right thing for your dear friends. My deepest condolences. ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2008, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/26 "2008-11-18T02:19:51Z")
**Rhythmdvl** , my heart goes out to you. Malish and Worf are lucky to have been so deeply loved. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2008, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/27 "2008-11-18T12:44:08Z")
I am sorry to hear your news. Losing a beloved pet is a deep sadness. Losing two must be even worse. Sending supporting thoughts your way. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2008, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/28 "2008-11-18T18:49:24Z")
Well, this is an interesting house. Made the appointment today, easier thanks to an understanding voice on the phone (note to self: don’t just hug your vet, go hug your vet’s receptionists). The 29[sup]th[/sup], which is a nice, long, ten days away. Plusses and minuses to that – since there doesn’t seem to be much direct pain, ten extra days is deliciously welcome. Our eyes are sharp for that (we can tell when Worf has had other issues, now he’s just a bit lethargic and smaller), and will be helping everyone up and down the stairs whenever necessary. But of course that does put an odd tinge on the mood of the house for a while. We’re not quite covering all the mirrors and refusing to turn on the lights, but it’s still weird. Doggy snacks are being given away like, well, doggy snacks. It’s weird to tell Malish “no,” because really, who cares if his begging at the table increases (he’s always been quite the scavenger). Heck, who cares about feeding him at the table? it’s not like he’s going to learn bad habits. But no no no no no no no … we don’t want these ten days to go by any faster than they have to. I think I’ll invite some annoying people over (paging Yossarian (well, maybe not Yossarian, but I forget the character’s name). _sigh_ Thanks for the kind words. ---
**Author:** ![cowgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@cowgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cowgirl)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2008, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/29 "2008-11-18T19:07:33Z")
How awful. I am so sorry. They are lucky to have you looking out for them. All of you please accept these virtual hugs from me, and affectionate butt-sniffs from my dog. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2008, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/30 "2008-11-29T12:24:06Z")
It’s Saturday. Wow. Couldn’t get to sleep last night until three or four… have been lying in bed since about six, just looking out the window and watching the world turn. It’s too early to get Mrs. Dvl up, and the pooches have long stopped being early risers. Now _we’re_ waiting for The Call. The vet is supposed to call us some time in the morning to let us know what time he’ll be here. We hope he won’t be making it until late afternoon. Thank Og for caller ID, since we certainly don’t want to talk to anyone else. Not that we want to talk to him… It’s amazing how the past ten days went from denial to Friday in the blink of an eye. Guys have been stuffed with so many snacks; all their favorites. We ordered Malish a whole order of spareribs from the Chinese restaurant — we always gave him the bones, but this time he got the whole thing. This morning we’re going to make a pot of coffee, pour an extra cup, and then leave the parlor to “talk” in the kitchen. That’s for Worf — we’ve never been able to leave a cup of coffee unattended. He takes it with cream and sugar. We took them both for long walks in the wood to find deer-snacks. No, not venison — delicious snackies the deer were kind enough to leave for them. I’m thinking of leaving the door to the cat boxes open this morning, cause, well, if they want those cookies too… And of course there’s been cans of wet food. The vet put them on dry a few years ago — and not just dry, dry _senior_ food. Worf… the evil little monster that was. He’s lost even more weight and is just dreadful to look at. He crumbled over the past month from an energetic little tank to a lethargic, pitiful creature. He just stops and pees himself all the time… no escaping the room, not even a glance if Mom and Dad are watching. No lifting the leg. He just stops in his tracks and lets it go. That’s not Worf. Malish is much more difficult. Hard to believe that he was the initial thought behind The Call, before Worf fell apart. He’s definitely got Old Dog Syndrome, but nothing specific like Worf. He lopes around on our walks. Acts oblivious to everything going on around him. He’s had a good few days, no falls (except two), no real sign of pain (except when he gets up or sits down), no real insanity (except when he wouldn’t climb the three non-scary steps from the garage), no more crapping in the house (he’s been peeing regularly for a year or two, so those don’t count, and it’s been at least three days since he made full use of his diaper). See, he’s been fine! It just dawned on me that the vet could call at nine and be here by nine-thirty. I’m going to wake everyone up. I hope it’s going to be a very long day. Rhythm ---
**Author:** ![FarmerChick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a9a28c/32.png) [@FarmerChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FarmerChick)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2008, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/31 "2008-11-29T12:42:46Z")
I wish you strength, and know that you have made the right decision for your dogs. I will be thinking of you today, as I’m sure many many other dopers will be too. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2008, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/32 "2008-11-29T12:47:29Z")
[This](http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/31/brown_eyes_of_wisdom/) may help. I do the same Monday. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2008, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/33 "2008-11-29T13:25:27Z")
I don’t know why the screen is suddenly all blurry. May their end be peaceful. You’re doing the right thing, even if you feel like hell. I’ve had this done and know how much it hurts, although in my case I felt like a heel for taking them on that “last ride” to the vet. We are here to listen if you need us. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2008, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/34 "2008-11-29T13:37:14Z")
> [@Cicero](#): > > [This](http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/31/brown_eyes_of_wisdom/) may help. > > I do the same Monday. That was wonderful, thanks. I’m usually not one for rainbow bridges and the like, but that hit it right. Thanks. Good luck to you on Monday… enjoy how far away it is. ---
**Author:** ![Lavender\_Falcon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b782af/32.png) [@Lavender\_Falcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lavender_Falcon)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2008, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/35 "2008-11-29T13:37:55Z")
I’m so sorry to hear this. It’s the hardest decision anyone ever makes about a pet. Two on the same day would feel devastating. I remember how crushed I was a couple of years ago when my budgie died within months of my dog. I was left with no animals, and it was such a shock. You’ve given them good lives, and seen them well into old age and infirmity. Keeping them alive to suffer simply to avoid your own grief would not be kind–you are doing the right thing, even though it’s hard. Sending lots of good thoughts for you and your family. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2008, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/36 "2008-11-29T13:57:13Z")
> [@Lavender\_Falcon](#): > > Keeping them alive to suffer simply to avoid your own grief would not be kind–you are doing the right thing, even though it’s hard. . You have nailed it. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2008, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/37 "2008-11-29T14:08:42Z")
i hope you have a long day spoiling your furfaces and a peaceful, quiet end of the day. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2008, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/38 "2008-12-01T03:03:27Z")
(((((((( **RhythmDvl** )))))))). I think everyone’s already said what I am thinking: you loved them unconditionally, they loved **you** unconditionally, and they will live forever in your hearts. You are in my thoughts. Bill ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2008, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/39 "2008-12-01T05:44:33Z")
> [@Cicero](#): > > [This](http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/31/brown_eyes_of_wisdom/) may help. > > I do the same Monday. [This](http://www.readprint.com/work-970/Rudyard-Kipling) is my submission- a little older, but just as poignant. Here’s wishing you the best of luck. ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2008, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-make-the-call-on-my-pooches-today-yes-both-of-them/473128/40 "2008-12-01T12:48:05Z")
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