Unfortunately, a trip to a specialist Tuesday at the University of Missouri Small Animal Clinic confirmed our worst fears - Spanky had a large cancerous mass near his stomach, and there was cancer present in his stomach, pancreas and lungs. It was inoperable and chemo was not a viable option. The biggest and nastiest surprise was the diagnosis that he had maybe two weeks to live, and that those two weeks would likely be very unpleasant for him, as the fluid in his lungs would gradually get to the point where he would choke to death on it.
So we got him home that night, listened to him cough and wheeze as he tried to sleep, with the same difficulties taking place throughout the day Wednesday. My wife and I decided enough was enough. We had him put down yesterday.
People who have had less luck in life than me may not understand, but this was by far the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do. My wife is a mess, as well. And our other dog, a four year old German Shepard/Shar Pei mix, seems very nervous about her “big brother” not being around. For me, this is the first dog who was ever “mine,” and the responsibility of deciding when was the right time to put him down was terrible.
Thanks again to everyone who offered helpful suggestions and support in my other thread. It meant a lot.
Sorry to hear about Spanky. It’s an awful decision to make, but you made the right one. Give some extra attention to your other dog - play with her a lot, sit with her, whatever. Take her mind off of missing her brother, because she will indeed miss him.
I’m in a similar situation - my oldest dog Grizzly is almost 15, and I don’t know how much longer he’ll have. His little buddy Duke is 3, and I know he’ll miss Grizzly when he’s gone.
Sorry that things didn’t turn out well and you lost your dog. It’s always a hard decision. We had a dog operated on once to try to save him, he ended up dying anyway. I debate with myself if we didn’t just prolong his agony. I know that now I would have one of my pets put down before I subjected them to that. Take care.
Aw, I’m so sorry! I still miss my Roman, who left us in December of 1998, and Rob Roy, who passed in November of 2000. It was a crushing experience to have to make the decision to let them go, but when they are suffering with no hope of getting better, there’s just nothing else to be done. Small comfort, I know, but at least you can know you did the best thing you could.
You have my deepest sympathies. It’s been 2-1/2 years since I made that same saddening trip with Muffy our 16+ year old Cockapoo. She’d had several illnesses over the previous 6 months and had finally given up. I held her while our vet administered her final shot, and cried when I felt her last breath pass over my hand. I certainly understand why you feel this is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do.
Muffy had been and “only” dog. We have four others now, but I still miss her. I actually dreamed about her just last night and woke up sniffling.
It might help you to visit some of the “Rainbow Bridge” websites. These are sites where people post memorials to lost pets, a good way to share the grief.
We just found out our baby, Tess, who’s only three months old, has to be put down because of peritonitis-an intestinal disease which causes fluids to swell up and eventually suffocate her-no, no cure-there’s a big thread over in the Pit about it.
Aw, crap, I am so sorry. I enjoyed the picture zette had posted for you.
What a bummer. I know pancreatic cancer is pretty much untreatable, so it’s not as if there is anything you could do at any stage. I’m sorry you had to say goodbye to Spanky. It’s so hard, isn’t it?
I am so sorry, Survey!
I have been wondering about Spanky for the past couple
of days. I was really hoping that he would pull through.
I’m glad that you were able to get him diagnosed,
though, and had a chance for a proper, if all too soon,
goodbye.
I was afraid that my suggestions seemed a little
melodramatic, compared to the other posts, but I have been
in a similar situation, and tried everything to keep my
puppy alive, but it just wasn’t meant to be.
I wish I knew what to say- I really do feel for you.
Your other doggie is also probably picking up on your
grief-she doesnt want her parents to be sad either!
She’ll be OK in time, and I hope that you will be too.
My blessings and condolences,
Sally
I am so sorry!!! Pets sneak into our hearts, don’t they? I am glad you were able to do the right thing–and at the right time, so please don’t worry about that–for Spanky to ease his suffering.
I had to put my “first” dog to sleep when he was six months old. My family had owned other pets, but Cazz (a beautiful border collie) was the first one that was mine. His hips just didn’t form right and due to the severity of the deformity surgery wasn’t an option. I will always remember him coming toward me, whole back end wagging for a last goodbye. I cried for three days and am getting teary eyed typing this.
I am so sorry.
It was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I fear the day that my 11-year-old tomcat/fuzzy baby has to be put down. I don’t know what I’ll do.
I am so sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Sorry to hear it, Survey. My 16 year old mutt died a couple weeks ago. I’m thankful she died quietly in her sleep and spared me the decision to put her down. I was dreading making that decision and I’m sorry you had to, but I’m sure you did the right thing.
I love dogs, and I am sorry for everyone who suffered the loss of their best friends. Saying good-bye to my buddy was incredibly difficult, and I grieved for a long time. I still miss him and have not been able to replace him. Some day…
