Saying Goodbye To A Beloved Pet

[StrawberryFields]

I have two friends who I love like children. We have had our Shitzu's for 17 and 15 years. We have seen them both change dramatically in the past two years. The older one is a male who is all but blind and he can no longer hear much. I feel that with some other things that are happening he is now suffering. We have hoped that he would go in his sleep but I am not sure it is kind to wait any longer.

Has anyone had experience with this?

Any suggestions on how to handle this with my own children who are 19 and 16and still live at home?

What about the female left behind...she now walks around with her tail down most of the time as well.

It's a very sad time for all of us.

[mom_of_jcchlsm]

I've only ever had to put one pet down. My sweet Gretel. I got her when I was 3 and we ended her misery (and ours) when I was 15. 12 years is OLD for a cat. She was family! My Mom held her while the vet gave her the injection. It was a very hard time for all of us.

I would make sure that your kids agree that it's time. If the whole family is in agreement, you won't be acused of murder and vilified.

My guess is that if the male is put down, the female won't live long, either. Animals (and often people) often lose their will to live when someone so close to them is no longer there. She will grieve.

You might want to dedicate a whole day to being with and loving your pet before he's gone. Set aside everything else and have the whole family do things together with him that he enjoys (without pushing his physical limits). You can also use that day to scrapbook your memories of your pet throughout the years and to take a few last pictures of you together.

Do NOT try to go out and get a new dog to replace him. You can't replace a pet. And it will likely be a while before your heart is ready for a new pet. I would certainly not bring a puppy into the home while the female is stll alive - it will stress her out.

[Maureen]

SF - I know how it feels to have to say good-bye to a beloved pet. We've had 5 cats and 3 are in kitty-heaven, all 3 were put to sleep. If you think your dog is suffering, the kindest thing you could do is put him to sleep. Your female dog will adjust and so will your kids. You will all grieve and remember fondly your lovely pet - and you'll realize he is no longer suffering but in peace.

M.

[shanstress70]

Ahhh, that's so sad. I have never had to put an animal down, SF, but I certainly think it is the humane thing to do when animals are suffering. I agree that the entire family should make that decision. I think your children are old enough to understand. You guys will probably be sad about this for a long time, unfortunately.

I am also an animal lover and feel that they are a part of the family. I had a retired racing greyhound who I totally adored. He had a HORRIBLE existence before I got him, so was completely spoiled rotten when he came to live with us. He was my 'only child' for 5 years.

Then along came my son. Stan was so used to being 'top dog', that he must have felt his place was threatened and bit my one year old son in the face. It didn't break the skin, but I knew it would happen again. So I found another home for him, which turned out great.

However, I still mourn for this dog. We now have a small dog and have had a cat for 7 years, but there was just something about Stan - he was so soulful. I still miss him so much. I get emails from his new owner, and he is now getting up in years and not doing so well. Luckily, he went to live with a wealthy family who takes him to a chiropractor each week (I wouldn't have been able to do that)! I will be incredibly sad when I hear he is gone.

But, I believe that we will all be reunited with our animals in Heaven. My husband teases me that Stan's new owner and myself will be arguing in Heaven over who gets to share eternity with him. Sometimes he makes jokes about who Stan should be 'sealed' to! He is a lunatic.

Sorry this turned into a post about ME! Just commiserating with you... that's all I can do. Hope it all goes smoothly.

[StrawberryFields]

Thanks so much for your replies...

We have an appointment at the vets in two hours with a vet I truly trust. I have talked to the family and we all agee that we need to know from Dr. Silkman how to do what is best for our dog. We will go together to see the vet.

Your kind replies mean a lot to me...this is a hard day.

[Outshined]

We had our 11-year-old Border Collie put down in August. She had lung cancer, and the vet said it was the kindest thing we could do for her. We all took it hard, but it would be selfish to make her suffer to spare our feelings. In '98 I had my 11-year-old cat put down (cancer), and I still miss him.

We have a cat now that just turned 18; I got her as a kitten in 1988. She spent four years in Germany with us and pretty much rules the house. I know we're sort of on borrowed time, but I try not to dwell on it. I have a heating pad on a comforter in the corner for her, and she seems to like that; I figured they're like old people and get cold easily.

It's a quality of life issue; when they get to the point that they're suffering, it's time to let go.

[StrawberryFields]

Well, we are home from the vets and out little boy has colitis. The vet put him on antibiotics we have him here with us again...

We are all exhausted from the emotions of the day. We each took some time with him and took our photo's with him and the two dogs together. I feel like we just bought a new care right now. Gotta Run.

Thanks for all of your support! We have the greatest LDS Message Board around bar none.

Hugs, SF

[pushka]

SF I'm so pleased to hear of your good news!!!

I'm sorry I didn't post earlier, but I just find it so difficult to put into words the grief that I suffered after having my cat put to sleep in 1986, following a deteriorating Kidney disorder and other (possibly related) conditions.

I'm really very, very happy for you and your family and pets now!!

[Lindy]

Well, we are home from the vets and out little boy has colitis. The vet put him on antibiotics we have him here with us again... [/b]

That is great to hear SF! I know how you love those dogs.... dogs aren't just mans best friend.... they find a way into a womans heart as well

I'm glad you get some extra time with important family "members" I know how it was with our cat.... my youngest son would call Tedd his "son". his "boy".... that made me a kitty grandma LOL
Tedd E Kat..... I miss that over grown fur ball.... a lot. I'm glad you have extended time with your special little one.

[begood2]

SF,

I'm so happy to hear that your dog is better.

I remember you telling us last year how your children have grown up with these dogs being part of the family.