I must decide about euthanizing my dog :(

[Herrmannek]

Actualy not only me but parents and sis have to cast voice too... But thing seems to be decided beyond us.. Nero is 17 years old dog, my first pet ever, he had health problems for past few years so we were thinking he is passing away in that last years every year, he is wearing diappers, is a stinky and we had to remove his balls... 2 days ago he fliped on the wooden floor and broke his rear leg, today we got the x-ray and doc said thats very a nasty break, he is old and his bones are patholigicaly thin , he said we can try to stich him up but chances it will work are virtualy none, costs are huge, and it would take months to see results if any... So there are three options, Try to stich him, amputate leg, and euthanate, but all ways are terribly bad.... We have time to tomorow... You can cry now, I'm crying already my twin sis is completly broke BTW, its funny how people can attach to those fur balls...

HE IS DEAD NOW, it was great journey Nero...

[Mountain Man]

Sorry to hear that man. My family has always had dogs so I know the attatchment you speak of. We've had to make similar descisions before and it is brutal. In the end just remember to do what you think is right for your buddy.

Good luck and many prayers

[Herrmannek]

Its not that that I'm afraid of him dying, we had time to prepare, but I just feel like traitor by even thinking about killing him...

[n4292936]

I'm sorry to hear it mate, it's tough seeing them injured. I remember being distraught over my pug nearly dying but I suppose it's an inevitable part of life we have to come to terms with.

It's a tough call... just try and do what you think is best for the dog, assuming cost isn't an object. Either way, I wish you all the best.

[Flagg]

Its not that that I'm afraid of him dying, we had time to prepare, but I just feel like traitor by even thinking about killing him...

Hey mate.....

I'm sorry you and your family are facing this decision.

As a fellow down owner I know what you're facing isn't easy.

The good news is: All dogs go to heaven

Not like cats....all cats go to hell :)

[Beowulf]

Hey mate.....

I'm sorry you and your family are facing this decision.

As a fellow down owner I know what you're facing isn't easy.

The good news is: All dogs go to heaven

Not like cats....all cats go to hell :)


true....true.

Tough decision mate.... that sucks.

[Deftoner]

Its not that that I'm afraid of him dying, we had time to prepare, but I just feel like traitor by even thinking about killing him...

Sad to hear man, i've had that same feeling. We've had to put 2 family dogs to sleep....

I see it as if its the best thing to then do it. 17 is pretty old, both our dogs only lived to 12 and 13.

[Snoshi]

damn thats sad to hear :( I dont know what to say :(.. i have a dog myself but its not that old

[Fargin]

17 years is a lifetime. Sometimes the tough decisions are actually easy. There's probably no real alternative, but it's still heartbreaking as hell. But dogs do go to heaven, so does responsible dog owners. :(

[Murmelmann]

Like you I have a dog but he still in good shape (ten years old). If my dog was in the same situation like yours I think I would euthanate my old pal because if I had to see him suffer like that I would suffer too. Your dog is 17, that's a good age for a dog, many don't get that old.
So do your dog and your family the favour and stop his suffering.

[oswald]

I'm sorry to hear that. I know what you're going through. 17 is pretty old for a dog, and it sounds like his body is failing him. I personally think you should consider his quality of life, now and in the future. I would do anything possible if it restored his quality of life, but that may just not be possible, no matter what. If this is another incident in a string of pain and suffering for him - well, you get the idea.
I wish you the best in whatever decision you make. It's tough, and really, the family is the only ones who can make the decision.

[gaijinsamurai]

I'm really sorry to hear about your dog, Herrmannek. Most of those of us who have had pets know what you are going through. I suppose this kind of thing is inevitable, but that doesn't make it easy. I wish you and your family (including the dog) the best.

[oldsoak]

Hey mate.....

I'm sorry you and your family are facing this decision.

As a fellow down owner I know what you're facing isn't easy.

The good news is: All dogs go to heaven

Not like cats....all cats go to hell :)

- there speaks a man after my own heart....

- actually cats get sent to doggie heaven......evil grin.....

[oldsoak]

Hermmanek, what you are considering is the hardest thing for anyone with a pet they love. Been there, done that, cried like a baby for days. What you have to bear in mind is that Nero is 119 in human years and you are not looking at him getting much older anyway. You' ve given him a good home, looked after him , loved him and in effect given him years beyond a normal lifespan for dogs. A dog is meant to run, play, be a companion etc not be constrained in a failing body. Dont take him down to the vets though, get the vet to come to you. That way he dies in his home, not some place where nothing is familiar.

[Herrmannek]

Parents withstanded(they are on work/hollidays to the end of the week), I haven't made decission yet, and sister wants to amputate dogs leg, I have a lots of doubts on that. On the evils side, doc wasn't eager to propose that solution, what if he breaks another leg, from the x-ray it seems he have bone problems, its a hard thing to care about him already, on the good side, even now he has a strong life instinct, he is still quite strong and he didn't mind inconveniences before, he is happy eater and slipper but he isn't interested in outside world that much anymore... I conveniantly probably will not fight against my sister, but I feel we only borrow some time to avoid decission that will be needed to done anyway... Please keep thumbs squized for whatever comes...

[Greek soldier]

Sorry to hear it mate... My family also had to euthanize one of my cats, already 14 years old and with health problem... It is hard, but you must accept it...

:( :(

[koolkat]

I had a dog for 14.5 years. When he got sick we tried every thing for a month. In the end he could not even get up. On the last day I stayed by his side from about 5am till the doctor came to put him to sleep. His head was in my arms when he died. He died looking at me. I wont be having a dog ever again. Pain is too much. If I had put him to sleep a month back it would have been better for him. I think I was hoping against hope for my sake that he would get better. Always think from the dogs side, you have to take the pain. If something is alive it has to die. That is what I think. What choice do we have any way?

[Herrmannek]

It doesn't hurt him now. thats why we can discuss that. Doc said broken bone hurts only for the first day(saturday night and sunday)when we couldn't find a x-ray to tell whats realy going anyway. Today Doc gaved us a day to decide. Nero is sleeping now calmly on my side and unless someone irritiates the bone he is okey. He can jump on the three legs without pain, but he don't know how to keep himself vertical yet... He is tough guy, thats probably what keeps him going for so long... I consider all the things mentioned, but I'm quite in shock now...

[koolkat]

As long as he can walk. you should not put him to sleep. I did that only because my dog was lying on his side and he could not get up. And there was no chance of him ever getting up.

[Hot Lips]

I love my little Sweetie like a child and I could not let her suffer just to keep her in my life.

I feel for you, but IMO it sounds like its time to give the little guy a peaceful way out. With bone problems if you amputate he's going to have to struggle through a rough healing process and then try to learn to walk on three legs at an age when he's probably losing energy. Might even cause him to break another leg or even a hip.

It's hard letting go, but sometimes it's for the best. :hug:

[California Joe]

Put him down Herrman. Really no alternative. It's terrible, they really are members of the family but it's honestlty for the best.

[K2-Kelly]

Herrmannek;

Very sorry to hear of what you're having to face atm, more so what your family member is enduring. A dog as silly as it sounds is often like a child or sibling to many....How could it not be? It's innocent love, devotion and blind unconditional sticking with you no matter what......In all frankness something many people should aspire to.

Personally, I have had to have 7 dogs put down over the years, each I loved dearly. The point to do it you can rarely be sure of, and the last moment be sure they will seem full of life as though you may miss the recovery. Trouble is, they're always full of life, and always willing to give their all to be there for you................Yet often to their own great suffering, traits that cannot hardly be matched by even the greatest of fictional heroes.

Know if you do put him down, he will simply go to sleep in your arms, then pass without pain instantly. I'm sorry to say however IMO, as terrible as it sounds and NOT my place to say for your friend I'd think it is time to do so though............Time for you to be strong for him like Nero has for your family...So he can move on and start chasing those rabbits once again ;)

My husband told me a story when I put down my last dog I had to, one that really struck home with me.......

"That when he was about 16, his family had to put down their first dog. As he and his brothers and father were burying him, all weeping he asked his father a question he even then knew was too young a question to be asking even though all were distressed...That being "Do dogs go to heaven"...As said too young a question for his age.....Yet his father in typical fashion responded...."No, they don't. Dogs don't need to go to heaven in that they live such a good life on earth". Though he didn't agree then, and we don't now it did make a solid important point we try to always remember......That being due to the genuine unconditional love they give us, we should always try and make a dogs life so good on earth, that they will not need to go to heaven........Though undoubtedly will without question long before any human IMLTHO.

So, I'd suggest, you make you companions life so good now, by doing what hurts you, yet helps him......He deserves it, and will suffer for you as long as you ask him to......So why ask him to any longer?

I'll say a prayer for both your friend, Nero, and you and your family to ease this most difficult of time and wish my sincere condolences.

[titget]

Sorry you have to go through this..this is one of the toughest decisions to make..I've had to put many dogs to sleep in my lifetime, and recently I just lost my best freind in the world, my dog Rambo, he died naturally though, just didn't wake up one morning..Both of these situations are equally as had to go through..My advice is do what's best for the dog..I was always so against putting dogs to sleep, but I realized that was for selfish reasons..I wasn't ready to let them go yet..Now I understand it's whats best for them when they are suffering..You have given that dog a great long full life, if his quality of life is not good anymore, then I think it's time let him be at peace..

Just remember even when they pass on, they are still always watching over us..I still feel my Rambo around me sometimes, we have a little dog statue in my house that barks when somebody walks by it..every now and then I'll be the only one home, in the other room, and it will bark by itself, I think this is Rambo reminding me that he's still around.

[TallGuy]

My 15 year old cat was euthanized two weeks ago, he had some neurological disorder, had trouble walking and loss of balance, it also turned out he was blind..:-(

[Herrmannek]

On a lighter note guys and gals I wouldn't like to be your 90 years old grandpa who broke his leg :). As for decission I don't realy know what to do.... I know euthanasia is painless process, I was present at one, this isn't what worries me, I also don't have problem having him passing away as a result of natural causes. He just returned from a frontyard/backyard walk, he pissed himself and wanted to go into car, his favorite place to be, he drinks and eats as always....damn damn damn... Some say free will is a gift , today I have feeling its a burden and nothing more...

[tanks_alot]

Herrman, i know what you'r going through, i had to put down my golden retriever less than a year ago, he was old and he got cancer in his lower jaw.

the doctors didn't give him any chance but we took him to the only animal hospital in Israel and decided to remove his lower jaw, he lived for another two months until we realized that the cancer was still spreading and we had no chooise but to put him down.

you must make the decision of wheter your dog would still be able to enjoy life or only suffer and to be honest i don't know if removing my dog's jaw was the right decision.

i grow up with this dog and he was like a family member, i don't think i'll ever be able to through something like this again as much as i love dogs.

[Bia]

It's time....let him go.

[IronFinn]

When my big boy died due to heart attack in age of 14 years, (took him several hours at night, then to the doctor in the morning and the last injection), I was in such denial that I even took his collar and strap with us because I was sure we would walk out from there together. Then when the doctor said there would be no choises I broke down.
Still now, two years after, I sometimes see him on the couch from the corner of my eye.

Letting go is one of the harders thing to do.

[ValkXB70]

A Pet's Plea





If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad- I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day, more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.
I know in time you too will see
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail, it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Don't grieve that it should be you
Who has decided this thing to do
We've been so close, we two these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown



I was there myself not that long ago, sometimes you just have to say good-bye.

[koolkat]

As long as he is not in pain, as long as he can move, as long as he is eating where is the reason to put him to sleep. When something goes wrong first thing people look for is the easy way out. Of course if you put him to sleep then a burden will over and he wont feel a thing. Like I said as long as he is not in pain I dont see no reason to do it. I did every thing I could for my dog till the end and I have no regrets. If I have a dog again I will do the same thing. Emotional strain is too much but for me it was worth it.

[kaspur_eh]

Dang, thats always tough. About two months ago I had to put my black lab down. We had her since I was about six years old :-(


New puppy's heal all p-) Though I still miss her.

[Freibier]

Sorry to hear about your dog Hermannek :(

[Hot Lips]

When something goes wrong first thing people look for is the easy way out.

Taking responsiblity for ending the life of a beloved pet is by no means "the easy way out". That's only easy if a persons pets are simply possessions.

The Vet will have the best advice regarding options and quality of life. I got the feeling the Vet wasn't very optimistic.

Pets can endure far more pain than humans. By the time they show they are in pain, it's very serious.

[daily666]

Sad to hear Herrmanek, but I think that's the best that can be done. I had the same situation with one of my cats, he was badly hit by a car and you couldn't imagine how bad it was and much suffering he had before he was, well, "made asleep". :(

For my whole life I always had some pet- animal by me, at the moment I was born my parents had a dog and than we had cats. I know how difficult it is so stay sharp Herrman. :hug:

[2Sheds_Jackson]

My .02 - if it were me, I'd have to put the animal down. I've had to do it a lot with our dogs/cats over the past 5 years or so. At 17 he will not be very quick to heal, nor very pleased to suddenly have to learn to walk, crap and pee with 3 legs. He'll be even more unstable, and ****e to even more injury. Life occasionally reminds us that it's only a temporary condition. I think you've already done more, and tolerated more than most people would. It's very sad, but he's not getting any younger - none of us are, except for Macs I think.

[ZaakM433]

I cant help you with your decision, I am at odds with my self just as much when the time comes for me. I feel for you and your family as you have to deal with this incredibly saddening situation.

[Teufel_]

if it can walk, eat, etc. and is not in pain, keep it alive

[Hellfish]

There's nothing like a dying pet story that makes me cry like a big pooter. I'm seriously getting wet eyes reading all these stories you guys are writing. I've had to put down several dogs in my life and there's nothing worse than that feeling when they're gone.

[usa320]

If i was in that position, i would definately put him down...

I dont think its likely that he would heal after any kind of surgery, and if it did, it would not be to an extent where he would live without pain or have much quality of life...

And i hate to sound cold...but i think you need to consider YOUR quality of life and the money aspect as well...

[fremen]

Herrmanek:
You will know what to do when the time comes. Just follow your heart, I'm sure that you'll make the right decision.
Here's something kind of stupid I told my wife the other day. I told her that the day that our female Jack Russell Terrier dies (she's just three years old now, and I hope she gives us a good 14 more like your dog), I'm going to have her remains cremated. I'm going to save her ashes until the day I die, and when I die I wan't them to be put in my casket with me. That way, when I get to the next life, I'll have my trusty, loyal and loving companion there with me. Needless to say, my idea kind of made my wife feel jealous. Too bad.

[Hellfish]

Herrmanek:
You will know what to do when the time comes. Just follow your heart, I'm sure that you'll make the right decision.
Here's something kind of stupid I told my wife the other day. I told her that the day that our female Jack Russell Terrier dies (she's just three years old now, and I hope she gives us a good 14 more like your dog), I'm going to have her remains cremated. I'm going to save her ashes until the day I die, and when I die I wan't them to be put in my casket with me. That way, when I get to the next life, I'll have my trusty, loyal and loving companion there with me. Needless to say, my idea kind of made my wife feel jealous. Too bad.

I thought about doing that with my beagle. She's two and a half years old now, and with a lot more years ahead of her I hope, and I know I'm going to be absolutely devastated when she goes. Most loving animal in the world.

She's living with my parents in Chicago till December now because I'm travelling so much. I miss her already. :-(

[sucker4gurls]

I had to put my cat down last year, she was the first pet I'd ever had. We'd had her for I think about 20 years and she was just getting too old and tired. She would stumble all over the place, had to lay in the sun ALL the time and even then she wouldn't get up and do anything.
We thought about it being that she was definitely uncomfortable in the state she was in, and it was a better idea to just put her down.

I wish you much Herrmannek, this is a tough decision but it is one that will benefit Nero.

[Switek]

There is cruel side of love. Sometimes when you love you must reconcile yourself that someone is gone.
Sometimes you must decide what's better not for you but to whom you love. difficult matter. No doubt. Everyone owner of dog have this dillema. When we decide to have a pet we must accept that they live shorter (usually) than we.

[Lazy Lob]

I’ve had so many dogs I’ve lost count. I’ve had just as many put down because of age, illness or accident. Only one died “on his own” in his sleep, the lucky sod. At 17 all you will be doing by operating is perpetuating his pain, and yours. At his age it will be more than likely that the anaesthetics will have some unexpected side effects.

[ShotOver]

I had a cat when I was growing up, must of been about 14. She got skin cancer on her ear, so it had to be chopped off. More and more was chopped off every year. Loved this cat very very much, but when I was 15 she developed skin cancer again and there was just no more ear to cut off, so my mum decided to she had to be put down.
Never cried so much in my life :|
And that was over a cat. Never had a dog, don't think I ever will unless I have children, then i'll have to get one for them for when im away.

[Herrmannek]

I’ve had so many dogs I’ve lost count. I’ve had just as many put down because of age, illness or accident. Only one died “on his own” in his sleep, the lucky sod. At 17 all you will be doing by operating is perpetuating his pain, and yours. At his age it will be more than likely that the anaesthetics will have some unexpected side effects.
About anesthetics, he was operated for subsecuent years with minor and larger things(vets can't work when the doggie is running from the table), he is okey with them, of course there always is a risk but obviously risk of dying on the operating table isn't what we would worry much today... It seems rest of the family want to wait to the Thursday for the family reunion... He is not in great pain now, eats and walks slowly when hanging on the bandaid looped through his rear end... I'm almost convinced to euthanase him, my mom also, sister is for amputation, but she will have time to think about that more, and most important voice is dads, he cares for him mosts, but I don't think he will want to pull it longer, he just gives time to sister to get used to the thought she must say godbye...

[Lazy Lob]

Good luck mate. It's the best thing you can do for your dog and it'll freaking hurt you for quite a while.

I still have my last dog's collar in my office and I occasionally still have pangs when I think of her. But I have no regrets.

[Deftoner]

About anesthetics, he was operated for subsecuent years with minor and larger things(vets can't work when the doggie is running from the table), he is okey with them, of course there always is a risk but obviously risk of dying on the operating table isn't what we would worry much today... It seems rest of the family want to wait to the Thursday for the family reunion... He is not in great pain now, eats and walks slowly when hanging on the bandaid looped through his rear end... I'm almost convinced to euthanase him, my mom also, sister is for amputation, but she will have time to think about that more, and most important voice is dads, he cares for him mosts, but I don't think he will want to pull it longer, he just gives time to sister to get used to the thought she must say godbye...

Sorry if its too personal, but how old is your sister? If she's very young, she might have a really traumatic experience if the dogs put down in front of her. Some might argue that it provides closure, but for someone who is really young....I recon its best to do while they are at school or something. Thats what my parents did with our first dog, it helped in that i only have good memories of him.

[Deftoner]

Good luck mate. It's the best thing you can do for your dog and it'll freaking hurt you for quite a while.

I still have my last dog's collar in my office and I occasionally still have pangs when I think of her. But I have no regrets.

My mom has photo albums of our dogs at her house, I think theres one or two photos at mine. All our dogs were really one of the family... I hate it when I see people who don't treat their pets in the same way.

[Greek soldier]

My sister has some 500 photos of our first cat (she wanted a cat so much back in 1991)... sad... I still remember when we were buring him up to the Athens Hills... I managed not to cry, since he live a priviledged life unlike other cats... he travelled by boat, car, bicycle, been to various Greek Islands..

:(

[Herrmannek]

She is my twin sister, but she is from that, I would say majority , of those don't think ahead kind of people so she is in a denial state right now...

[Herrmannek]

OK. I did it, I thought that after a half week of mental preparation I will stand it better, for the last half hour I keept the poker face, but i'm crying like baby now, I just can't not recal all that multihours walks I did with him, all that good and bad monets whe had, fights in with i was bitten not him(I still have scars from those encounters) etc things... OK rant is over, Actualy you are first except my sister that was with me to hear that... Farewell NERO

[ShotOver]

It was for the best mate, he's at peace now.

Find comfort in that.

[Lazy Lob]

Chin up mate. It's been for the best.

[Herrmannek]

Chin up mate. It's been for the best.
Choosing from equaly bad options never is...I'm not sad because I had to do what I did, now I'm crying because of loss... After all it isn't even an hour from time when I killed him..

[Deftoner]

I think given the age it was the best thing to do. I'm sorry for your loss.

[oldsoak]

Feel for you, fella. Not an easy place to be.

[Greek soldier]

Sorry to hear that mate. There was no other alternative. :( :(

[daily666]

Sad to hear that. Stay sharp Herrman. :hug:

[Flagg]

Just think, he's running around chasing cars and eating meat pierogis in Doggy Heaven.

Plus, every time a dog goes to heaven 5 cats go to Hell :)

dogs rule

Sorry for your loss Herm....

[p$ycho+log!cal]

ive lost my dogg last week !

BEST DOGG EVER

if he suffer, kill him!

:(

[Herrmannek]

THere is no animal heaven or hell. I'm catholic, when dog dies it dies, its over, null, nothing, why? animals doesn't have souls that can extend past death... I'm allright now, tears were just first reaction... Thanks to all for warm words, talking about that eased things a lot..