She’s a 14 year old Labrador, has bad arthritis and is pretty much at the end of her time. I’ve had her from a pup and she’s been my constant companion all those years. I know I have to do this, I owe it to her to ease her out of her pain but by god it sucks.
I’m consoling myself with the thought that she’s probably had as good a life as a dog can have. With me every day at the office, 2 or 3 walks a day, loads of play, good food and the best veterinary treatment available.
My condolences. Such a decision surely does suck and I have had to do it a number of times in the recent past.
You might want to see if you can find a vet that will come to your house to do it. We have been lucky enough to have that done. It costs more obviously but if money isnt a critical issue I think its well worth it. Obviously a home visit is much better for cats than dogs but still. Though you may have to call around a bit and thats certainly a tear jerking task for sure
In anycase, you are doing the right thing though it certainly won’t feel like it
Let me know if you try the home thing and I can give you a few unpleasnat but important pointers…
Yup. I wish we treated people at the end of life with the love we treat our pets.
As I told my daughter, a better way to look at it is that there have been many animals over the lifetime of the earth. This pet was more loved by others and had a better life than the vast, vast, vast majority of them. What more can you ask?
I used the same argument when she said she didn’t want another kitty because it would just die in the future.
You’re doing the right thing, believe me, I know. My parents had a small poodle mix and he was blind and arthritic. He was 10 and so sick the vet wanted to put him down/kill/euthanize (pick one) him, but my Mom and Dad wouldn’t allow it. He was their baby, even though he was in so much pain he whimpered as he dragged his hindquarters across the floor. He finally died on his own.
Don’t know what your beliefs are Codgerone but look up “The Rainbow Bridge”.
Be kinder to yourself. You are not killing your dog. From what you’ve written she is at the end of what’s been a really good run. It’s never going to be easy but beating yourself up over it might make it even harder.
You have my sympathy, Codgerone. I’m so very sorry to hear this. I know it’s a very difficult task, but you know in your heart that it’s the best thing to do. You have my most sincere condolences.
It always hurts doesn’t it? We had to put down my partner’s terrier George last Friday, He was 15, pretty much deaf and blind and the winter’s were getting hard for him, so I know it was the right thing to do, but it didn’t make it any easier. I’ve only just stopped looking around for him when I get home from work.
It sucks indeed. Although it’s heartbreaking, you are performing a last act of kindness. There is no way you could just stand by and watch her suffer. This is a very good thing that you’re doing. She would thank you if she could.
You are giving your friend the gift I wish I could have given my mother. I know it’s painful for you. You can call it “killing” - and that is true - but more true is that you are “letting her go”.
I am so very sorry. This is the kindest gift you can give her, altho it is the hardest thing for you. I just went thru it on the 5th of this month with my old Papillon girl. I still listen for her.
I am so very sorry you have to go through this. I dread being where you are with my companion down the road. Hopefully you being there and caring will be a comfort when he is eased out of his pain. Be strong for both of you.
