Hardest thing I have to do

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Hardest thing I have to do

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:13:47 PM EDT

My best friend and companion for the past 12 years has been Hershey, my chocolet lab. He was about 2 years old when we got him back in April of 1989, so he's an old man now, hard of hearing and slow to get up. He has been to the vet as of last Wednesday, he has a bowel obstruction, vet said he would need to see a specialist, but at his age I just don't want to put him through any more pain. I love this dog more than anything, and putting him to sleep will be so hard to do. I will miss him dearly.

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:15:21 PM EDT

[#1]

Yeah dude.
Just dealt with that a while ago.
It sucks [:(]

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:16:37 PM EDT

[#2]

Sorry to hear that, sir.

I had to put my dog Chiang to sleep...he was allergic to himself (seriously). Took me a long time (9 years) to be able to have another dog.

People who dont have dogs dont understand....

G2

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:20:11 PM EDT

[#3]

Courage, friend.
You're a good Master for letting him go.
And a puppy is waiting somewhere for you to take him home.

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:20:25 PM EDT

[#4]

I had to put my Misty down several years ago and still grieve. She was my best dog ever--for 16 1/2 years. It is peaceful and painless. I would suggest you go in and hold him while the Vet does the deed. It is easier that way. The drive there will be absolute hell. Best wishes. :?(

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:25:32 PM EDT

[#5]

It is amazing how attached we become to something that we've never had a two sided conversation with,share absolutely nothing in common except maybe food, clean up after,etc,etc. My cat is 12 years old now. Got him for a birthday present for my wife the year we were married. The thought of not having him around tripping me,jumping on me at 6:00am or puking up a hairball in my slipper at 2 in the morning just about tears my heart out. But I've been down this road before and the hurt goes away..the memories don't.

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:28:47 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
The drive there will be absolute hell.

View Quote

LOL!
Not to make light of a shitty situation,
but,
when I had to kill my dog, the drive to the vets was definitley the worst part.
Funny thing is, she shit on my carseat on the way to the vets. She [red]NEVER[/red] had done anything like that b4.
I was crying on the way there, and I guess she was saying "Hey asshole. Shut up. I'm the one with the problems here"

Funny, dogs.
When my brother died, I didn't cry.
When my grandpa died, of whom I was unusually close, I didn't cry.
My friend Neal died of mouth cancer when I was like 13 years old.
Didn't cry.

But a god damn dog...Made me cry like a bitch.

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:29:40 PM EDT

[#7]

I am going to have the vet come to the house. I want Hershey to be at his home.

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:37:28 PM EDT

[#8]

Mark,

I have a Boxer that [u]had[/u] a bowel obstruction a few months ago (she ate one of her toys and couldn't pass it).

Well I didn't want to see her suffer indefinitely, so I sucked it up and spent $1200 for the operation (a bargain by human standards). She pulled through with flying colors. BUT, she was basically a puppy and very healthy.

Assuming the obstruction is operable, chances are, Hershey will pull through the operation fine with no need for pain killers (my dog didn't require any) but you still have the age thing to think about. Death is inevitible for everything (even us) and all of us have our time to go.

The most important thing that YOU can do is to provide your dog with the opportunity for a happy, healthy, pain free life. If you can do it, get the operation and let nature take it's course. If you can't provide those things, remember that you [u]can[/u] provide Hershey with the easy way out. The MEMORY of Hershey is what counts, not the physical being.

Last week, we put down our cat because of kidney disease. That was tough emotionally; so I know what you are going through.

I hope you find solice in your decision. Remember, all dogs go to heaven.

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:38:24 PM EDT

[#9]

McUzi the only time I've seen my father cry was when he had to have his yellow lab put down. I think it is the unconditional love we get from our pets. No strings attached,no "I love you..I hate you" crap, they are always there no matter what.

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:39:00 PM EDT

[#10]

Sorry to hear that. Be strong. I remember when I had to put down my last cat. Came home one day, and my sister yells for me. Come in, there she is lying on the floor, straining to breath. Poor girl. take her in, vet says her lungs collapsed. gotta be put to sleep. hard day for my mom and my sister. sad sad day. Don't want to think about when my current cat has to be put to sleep.

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:42:38 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
I am going to have the vet come to the house. I want Hershey to be at his home.

View Quote

Good idea--whatever it takes.

Please take this in the spirit it is intended: You obviously have to do something with him afterward. I would strongly suggest you not let the Vet "take care of things." Most pet carcasses end up in a landfill. Even the "cremated" ones often do. If you get him cremated and request his ashes back they just scoop up some random ashes which may even have some of your dog in them. Best way, if you have a place, is to request a "cadaver bag" from the Vet. It is a very heavy garbage bag-type body bag that works great. I dug a nice hole, then placed her in there and covered with a couple bags of concrete. Figuring she would be dug up someday I put a number of coins with the year I was doing the deed on top of the concrete. Pour a gallon or two of water on the concrete to settle/set, then pile dirt to fill hole. Mark with granite rocks or whatever is available in your locale. It is best to do this alone for obvious reasons. Take your time, as it is the last thing you can do for him. I tried to choose a spot that would not be disturbed until after I am dead. I am not religious so didn't bother with that kind of thing. I am sad for you.

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:47:12 PM EDT

[#12]

His bowel obstruction is a pollup or tumor. Comes out his behind when he goes #2. Vet said it is probably cancerous, at his age and his fear of going to the vet, I just don't want to see him in any more pain.

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:47:26 PM EDT

[#13]

NHRAMark, I am so sorry to hear it. I know what you are going through. Just remember, you gave him the best life and a best friend he will always count on to look after his best interests. I know it doesn't make it easier, only time and reflection can do that.

Just remember, he will always be there for you and you giving him shelter from pain is a truely loving action. I hope you find peace and he does as well. Bringing a dog to the bridge is no easy task but as his best friend, he wouldn't want anyone else there but you.

My deepest sympathy and a pat on the back to you. My good friend will keep him company on the other side of the bridge.

Posted: 5/30/2001 7:48:07 PM EDT

[#14]

When I had to put my Rottweiller down it was the hardest thing for me to do. That was my first K9, and I will never forget the time that he saved my butt when a burglar we were after on a track came out of the bush with a very long knife, and he took him down. I still remember the look that he gave me as we headed to the hospital.

Certain animals get a hold of your heart, and you can never replace them or the emotion associated with your memories.

I agree with JDP all dogs go to heaven.

Posted: 5/30/2001 8:15:20 PM EDT

[#15]

Sorry to hear it - its a tough thing to deal with, but putting him down now is probably for the best. Trust me, you really don't want to see him suffer. Last year I lost my cat after 22 years - talk about tough. Like a selfish ass, I couldn't bring myself to take her to the vet and have the deed done during the week. By Sunday morning when she really went downhill, I couldn't find a vet open to put her down so she suffered until we got ahold of one in the afternoon. Next time I won't hesitate, but I'll still never forgive myself for not doing what really needed to be done when it needed to be done.

Posted: 5/30/2001 8:37:56 PM EDT

[#16]

Sorry to hear that Mark.

My heart goes out to you.

I had dogs, actually they were friends, all my life and I have seen them hit by car, die of heat stroke, old age, cancer, tumors and the like.

After a 14 year absence I got a new puppy. A split face smoothe coated Jack Russell Terrier that my wife named Maggie.

She is the smartest, most affectionate most energized little thing I have ever seen. Born and bred to hunt with the instinct of a killer and the tenacity of a pit bull.

When you can talk to a dog and they look at you with their head cocked sideways hanging on your every word then you have something more than just a dog. You have a pal. I think I love Maggie more than any dog I have ever had.

Our pets are family. When they are gone we do not forget them as I am certain you won't forget Hershey.

The best medicine, after an understandable morning period, is a brand new pup.

A pet can't be replaced but you can love one again........and in time just as much as you love Hershey.

God Bless

Posted: 5/30/2001 9:15:31 PM EDT

[#17]

Yep. It's tough. But what's worse is prolonging your friend's suffering because you're too squeamish or too attached. My friend's cat had a stroke and for the next 3 years that poor pussy screamed in pain all day long. They wouldn't spring for a euthanasia, wouldn't do it themselves, and wouldn't let me take care of him. They were so attached to the cat, even while it suffered for months on end. They just put up with the constant caterwauling. It wasn't even the same cat anymore.

Posted: 5/31/2001 12:42:00 AM EDT

[#18]

We just lost a beloved cat to coyotes, and it's hard enough to not cry, but when the wife and the 8year old daughter start, it's all over.
Your dog will love you no matter what you have to do, that's the greatness of dogs.

Posted: 5/31/2001 1:16:13 AM EDT

[#19]

This topic came up on the old AR15.COM board several times. Mark, you're not alone. Lots of us have been there. Unfortunately, dogs don't live forever, not in this world anyway. The relatively short lifespan of a dog seems unfair. I had to put down my 12 year old Chow, "Bear" (yeah, I kept his namesake), a little over a year ago. Best dog I've ever had, and I've had lots of them. He was a loyal friend to the end. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done and I'm not too big to admit I shed more than a few tears over it.

Just be there with your dog when he goes. It's a lethal injection that's quick and painless. For him anyway. Your pain will lessen with the passing of time but you'll never ever forget. Get yourself another dog, but not right away, only after sufficient time has passed. You'll know when. Bear's been gone over a year, and another one of my dogs got ran over by a truck right after Bear died (I think the stupid bitch committed suicide), and I think I'm ready to get another dog now. I know my kids are.

Posted: 5/31/2001 2:00:55 AM EDT

[#20]

Lost my German Shepard to cancer (tumor on hind leg). Went thru surgery once, but it did'nt take. The prognosis was bad and I just could'nt afford a trip to a specialist for him. Had to watch him go slow. Can't get a Dog again for a long time. Finally gave in and got some cats(lower maintenance), thier good little buddies and keep me entertained.

I still miss my 140lb. shepard though, it'll be a long time before I can bring myself to get another dog, but it'll probably be a big ol shepard.Really feel guilty for letting my buddy down, it was tough.

Posted: 5/31/2001 3:35:21 AM EDT

[#21]

I have had a few pets that have gone on, it is never easy and there are people who just don't have a clue about understanding the special bond that you form with your pet. Here is something that may be of comfort.
Again, I'm sorry
Ron

Untitled

I have struggled with my mind and all the reasons why,

My heart cannot accept the reality my mind forces it to see.

The emptiness is everywhere, it echoes through the walls,

Like a silent unseen ghost making all the years gone by.

For a moment I am back and you are safely by my side,

Until the light enters my eyes and you are no longer here.

How long will this pain continue to shroud my heart,

Making every breath I take seem heavy and unnaturally hard.

I suppose there was a reason it was your time to go,

But now I am left with a book half written,

Pages still left blank, chapters still untitled.

Heather Nightingale
copyright 1997

Posted: 5/31/2001 4:36:35 AM EDT

[#22]

I just had a sixteen year old buddy get hit by a truck. Should have had him put down six months before he got hit. It would have been a lot easier on him.

Posted: 5/31/2001 5:05:09 AM EDT

[#23]

My condolences to you. [:(]

Best wishes,
Chimborazo

Posted: 5/31/2001 6:10:33 AM EDT

[#24]

my dog truly is my best friend. I've got an english setter. Great hunter and house dog. The thing I like best about dogs is their honesty. There is no deceit, lying or evil in them. This is what is most lacking in people. If I ever have to put my dog down, I think I'll take her to the woods she loves, hold her and do the deed myself. Leaving her in a vet's office to be coldly done away is something I could never do. But that's me. My heart goes out to you.

Posted: 5/31/2001 6:38:29 AM EDT

[#25]

I am truly sorry for your impending loss. When my first dog, Rocky, was put down I cried for three years anytime I thought about him. Actually kept his collar with me through college as a reminder.

As I post now, I am literally surrounded by my dogs.. I take in stray and abused animals... and I've seen quite a few come and go. My theory has always been do the best you can for them and focus on [i]quality[/i] of life versus [i]quanitity[/i].

My biggest worry is my oldest mare... she's 27 now and we've been together 17 years. She's doing okay now.. hard to keep weight on her.. but whenever she goes I know I will be a basketcase.

Posted: 5/31/2001 6:44:44 AM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
I am going to have the vet come to the house. I want Hershey to be at his home.

View Quote

Good call. Make your friend as comfortable as possible. Putting your dog to sleep in your home is by far the kindest way to end their life. Nothing but love deserves nothing but love.

Posted: 5/31/2001 7:03:04 AM EDT

[#27]

Miss Mag
I know the story about taking in animals, at last count I think my daughter has about 15 horses, think she's got a soft spot for them.
She runs a horse rescue here in Michigan.
Ron

Posted: 5/31/2001 7:29:14 AM EDT

[#28]

I really feel for you, I went through almost the same thing a couple months back with one of my Great Danes named Brutus. He was a great guard dog and protector of my wife and kids. 6 years old and never had a sick day until a few months ago when he started having seizures and they got worse daily until he had 9 in one day. Vet said most likely a brain lesion and inoperable and said he needs to be put down and offered his services for around $300. I've always been taught by my dad that a man kills his own dog when need be so I took care of it myself. On a cool Saturday morning before sunrise while the wife and kids were still sleeping, I took Brutus for ride out in the desert and played with him and we watched the sun come up and when he wasn't looking I pulled my .45 and took care of him. It was very quick and (I imagine and hope) painless for him. Best damn dog I ever had, absolutely fearless and loyal. It still tears me apart to think about it and what I had to do, but I know I did the right thing.

Posted: 5/31/2001 4:05:21 PM EDT

[#29]

Damn Bobby, that was tough just reading that [>(]

Posted: 5/31/2001 4:16:39 PM EDT

[#30]

He'll be waiting on you at the Rainbow Bridge when you get to heaven.

Posted: 5/31/2001 4:43:26 PM EDT

[#31]

I'm sorry for the bad news. That's a tough decision, there's almost nothing worse than losing a dog. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I like most dogs more than I like most people. May sound bad, but it's true.

Posted: 5/31/2001 5:34:50 PM EDT

[#32]

Mark,

I've been there too. My old black lab had hip displaysia and that took his life last year. It was so sad to watch him go downhill. Of all the hard things I've had to do in life, that was the hardest. I still miss coming home to my old dog.

My friends and the guys I work with finally talked me into a new pup. He reminds me so much of my "old man" that I can't help but think he's up there looking down on him, guiding him.

One of my team guys pointed me to this. For what it's worth, I hope it helps: [url]http://www.hotlabrescue.org/General/Memorial.html[/url]

Take care, my friend.

-SARguy

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Hardest thing I have to do

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