What would you do?

[Rwy]

Kind of a weird question to ask. My parents have a dog that is going to be 19 years old. This dog was great. I never really bonded with her because I moved out and got my own dog but I still care for her and love all animals.

In the past 6 months this dog has gone down hill really bad. She has a hard time walking and she has some sort of dog alzhemiers. Dog gets lost in the back yard and cant find her way back in. She does once in awhile light up for a brief point in the day but for the most part she is in bad shape. Last night I watched the dog lap the 1st half of the floor about 50 times. Just keps walking around in circles very very slowly.

My parents do a lot to help me out I understand how hard it must be for them to put the dog down but I kinda think this is pretty bad to do to the dog. My brothers say I should just let me parents come to terms and calling the vet to put her down on there own but I think thats kinda selfish and feel the dog is suffering.

What would you do because I even told my mother today that I am going to call the vet if she doesnt and she said again that she is not ready yet which means she knows the dog is struggling also.

[Lunk1]

This is hard and I had to struggle with the decision more than once...I hated it! Perhaps have the vet talk to your mom and explain the facts to her! Sometimes they need to hear it from someone else!

[MuscleInk]

Rwy,

I'm so sorry to hear of this. Pets become family members for most of us and its no easier to let go of a pet than it is a blood relative. I've had the very unfortunate task of euthanizing more than 50 dogs (and I don't mean taking them to a veterinarian, I mean I've personally had to perform the euthanasia). No matter how many times I told myself it was the right or humanitarian thing to do, I never found any comfort in the procedure. I'm a dog lover, have had man many dogs of my own and regrettably each euthanasia sticks in my mind like a bad memory I can't shake.

Lunk is right. The perspective of the veterinarian might help your mother come to terms with the decision, but ultimately it will be a very difficult situation to accept when the time comes.

[cherrydrpepper]

Id just let them call the vet. I get confused about life and often wonder what about this or that but I have no doubt that if there is an afterlife I will see my dog. Dogs are so pure of heart they are better than most humans.

[Rwy]

This is def tough. I love my parents but they def have issues when it comes to heading up problems where their feelings are going to be affected. I am very critical thinker and always try to take emotion out of the equation. I havent seen the dog since xmas and it got a lot worse so I will give it another month or so becuase the dog is obvi going to get worse and then take it from there

thanks for the advice

[Rwy]

Rwy,

I'm so sorry to hear of this. Pets become family members for most of us and its no easier to let go of a pet than it is a blood relative. I've had the very unfortunate task of euthanizing more than 50 dogs (and I don't mean taking them to a veterinarian, I mean I've personally had to perform the euthanasia). No matter how many times I told myself it was the right or humanitarian thing to do, I never found any comfort in the procedure. I'm a dog lover, have had man many dogs of my own and regrettably each euthanasia sticks in my mind like a bad memory I can't shake.

Lunk is right. The perspective of the veterinarian might help your mother come to terms with the decision, but ultimately it will be a very difficult situation to accept when the time comes.

Man that has to be tough. I had a mouse in my apartment a few weeks ago. I actually felt bad when it got stuck on the glue trap and I had to throw it down the chute. Cannot imagine putting down dogs

[BlueWaffle21]

There is a point in which a pet owner must quit being selfish and think of the animal first. My last dog woke up one morning and could barely stand up, was shaking, and a tumor on her head more than tripled in size. Sure she could've last a few more months with treatment and what not but two hours after seeing her like that she was brought to be put down. It sucks but I won't let my selfishness be why my animal suffers when they don't need to.

[MuscleInk]

Man that has to be tough. I had a mouse in my apartment a few weeks ago. I actually felt bad when it got stuck on the glue trap and I had to throw it down the chute. Cannot imagine putting down dogs

It's tough. I almost chose a career in veterinary medicine over general medicine. Unfortunately my allergies to some domestic species kept me away but I've had the privilege of working with and treating dogs, cats, pigs, rabbits, monkeys, and a number of rodent species.

[Rwy]

There is a point in which a pet owner must quit being selfish and think of the animal first. My last dog woke up one morning and could barely stand up, was shaking, and a tumor on her head more than tripled in size. Sure she could've last a few more months with treatment and what not but two hours after seeing her like that she was brought to be put down. It sucks but I won't let my selfishness be why my animal suffers when they don't need to.

Thats the way I feel too

[Lunk1]

We fought cancer in our baby for 8 months. We agreed to do everything in our power to give her a longer life but....only until the quality of life she deserved slipped away! As soon as she started to have serious issues we did not hesitate. It's about them even though we try to make it about us!

[Armykid93]

Thats the way I feel too

X2 agreed.

[gbrice75]

I'm literally going through this situation right now. In fact, I have to (but have been delaying) call the vet to make an appt. to put down one of my dogs, a nearly 15 year old border collie mix who is like my own child. We've had her since she was 3 months old.

Same situation - she paces ALL DAY LONG. Often circles... the vet believes it's some sort of tumor on the brain and her issues are neurological more than anything else. She has otherwise been a completely healthy dog her entire life, literally never been to the vet for an illness, not once in 14+ years.

My wife and I have cried together several times over this already. I mean, we knew it comes coming, nobody lives forever, but now that it's real, and close, it's hitting hard. We just can't imagine our lives without her. We've been together for 19 years and this dog has been there with us for nearly 15 of those years. I don't even remember life without her.

I don't mean to make this about my story, I apologize, I'm just empathizing with you. My whole point here is that we of course want to keep her around as long as possible... after all, there's nothing REALLY wrong with her, internally... organs are fine, she still has a (voracious) appetite, etc. But, you can see that her spark is gone... her light is out... there's just a different look in her eyes, what used to be sharp is now dull... not to mention she was 40lbs her entire life and is now 33lbs.... just wasting away. We are trying to come to terms with the fact that putting her down is probably best for HER. While she might not be suffering (and who really knows, maybe she is, it's not like she can tell us), she certainly isn't happy, or living a quality life now, and she's like a stranger compared to the dog we used to know. I can't even remember the last time I heard her voice (bark).

I would try to have a REAL heart to heart with your mother and try to help her understand what's best for the dog vs. her own feelings. Be understanding and compassionate for her pain, because I can tell you first hand that it's tough. What really got us on board with doing the 'deed' is the fact that while she seems relatively 'comfortable' now, the vet said if things worsen (and assuming it is the tumor she believes it to be (non cancerous mind you)), she could have a seizure.

Ideally, we'd wake up one morning and she will have passed in her sleep. BEST case scenario. But physically, I don't think this dog is ready to go yet. So our options boil down to - putting her down which is at least peaceful, or risk her having a violet death during a seizure. I think the choice is clear.

Good luck to you brother, please keep us posted and if you wanna PM about this, feel free.

[Rwy]

I'm literally going through this situation right now. In fact, I have to (but have been delaying) call the vet to make an appt. to put down one of my dogs, a nearly 15 year old border collie mix who is like my own child. We've had her since she was 3 months old.

Same situation - she paces ALL DAY LONG. Often circles... the vet believes it's some sort of tumor on the brain and her issues are neurological more than anything else. She has otherwise been a completely healthy dog her entire life, literally never been to the vet for an illness, not once in 14+ years.

My wife and I have cried together several times over this already. I mean, we knew it comes coming, nobody lives forever, but now that it's real, and close, it's hitting hard. We just can't imagine our lives without her. We've been together for 19 years and this dog has been there with us for nearly 15 of those years. I don't even remember life without her.

I don't mean to make this about my story, I apologize, I'm just empathizing with you. My whole point here is that we of course want to keep her around as long as possible... after all, there's nothing REALLY wrong with her, internally... organs are fine, she still has a (voracious) appetite, etc. But, you can see that her spark is gone... her light is out... there's just a different look in her eyes, what used to be sharp is now dull... not to mention she was 40lbs her entire life and is now 33lbs.... just wasting away. We are trying to come to terms with the fact that putting her down is probably best for HER. While she might not be suffering (and who really knows, maybe she is, it's not like she can tell us), she certainly isn't happy, or living a quality life now, and she's like a stranger compared to the dog we used to know. I can't even remember the last time I heard her voice (bark).

I would try to have a REAL heart to heart with your mother and try to help her understand what's best for the dog vs. her own feelings. Be understanding and compassionate for her pain, because I can tell you first hand that it's tough. What really got us on board with doing the 'deed' is the fact that while she seems relatively 'comfortable' now, the vet said if things worsen (and assuming it is the tumor she believes it to be (non cancerous mind you)), she could have a seizure.

Ideally, we'd wake up one morning and she will have passed in her sleep. BEST case scenario. But physically, I don't think this dog is ready to go yet. So our options boil down to - putting her down which is at least peaceful, or risk her having a violet death during a seizure. I think the choice is clear.

Good luck to you brother, please keep us posted and if you wanna PM about this, feel free.

Thanks Gbrice. I know its so tough. I have a German Shepherd and have the same relationship with him that is similar to yours and my parents. I can cry on the spot right now thinking about the day I have to put him down. My biggest weakness in life is compassion. Its not that I dont feel it or understand it. It just doesnt click in my head when need to use it in my approach for something. I am kinda like wtf is wrong with you this poor dog is suffering. I am going to try and talk with her before I leave today. Its really nice of you to offer an ear brother!

[MuscleInk]

I'm literally going through this situation right now. In fact, I have to (but have been delaying) call the vet to make an appt. to put down one of my dogs, a nearly 15 year old border collie mix who is like my own child. We've had her since she was 3 months old.

Same situation - she paces ALL DAY LONG. Often circles... the vet believes it's some sort of tumor on the brain and her issues are neurological more than anything else. She has otherwise been a completely healthy dog her entire life, literally never been to the vet for an illness, not once in 14+ years.

My wife and I have cried together several times over this already. I mean, we knew it comes coming, nobody lives forever, but now that it's real, and close, it's hitting hard. We just can't imagine our lives without her. We've been together for 19 years and this dog has been there with us for nearly 15 of those years. I don't even remember life without her.

I don't mean to make this about my story, I apologize, I'm just empathizing with you. My whole point here is that we of course want to keep her around as long as possible... after all, there's nothing REALLY wrong with her, internally... organs are fine, she still has a (voracious) appetite, etc. But, you can see that her spark is gone... her light is out... there's just a different look in her eyes, what used to be sharp is now dull... not to mention she was 40lbs her entire life and is now 33lbs.... just wasting away. We are trying to come to terms with the fact that putting her down is probably best for HER. While she might not be suffering (and who really knows, maybe she is, it's not like she can tell us), she certainly isn't happy, or living a quality life now, and she's like a stranger compared to the dog we used to know. I can't even remember the last time I heard her voice (bark).

I would try to have a REAL heart to heart with your mother and try to help her understand what's best for the dog vs. her own feelings. Be understanding and compassionate for her pain, because I can tell you first hand that it's tough. What really got us on board with doing the 'deed' is the fact that while she seems relatively 'comfortable' now, the vet said if things worsen (and assuming it is the tumor she believes it to be (non cancerous mind you)), she could have a seizure.

Ideally, we'd wake up one morning and she will have passed in her sleep. BEST case scenario. But physically, I don't think this dog is ready to go yet. So our options boil down to - putting her down which is at least peaceful, or risk her having a violet death during a seizure. I think the choice is clear.

Good luck to you brother, please keep us posted and if you wanna PM about this, feel free.

Sorry to hear that GB. I'd offer personal help if I was closer. I know how painful a decision that is.

[Lunk1]

http://llerrah.com/oldmanandhisdog.htm

[ElectraMaddox]

I'm literally going through this situation right now. In fact, I have to (but have been delaying) call the vet to make an appt. to put down one of my dogs, a nearly 15 year old border collie mix who is like my own child. We've had her since she was 3 months old.

Same situation - she paces ALL DAY LONG. Often circles... the vet believes it's some sort of tumor on the brain and her issues are neurological more than anything else. She has otherwise been a completely healthy dog her entire life, literally never been to the vet for an illness, not once in 14+ years.

My wife and I have cried together several times over this already. I mean, we knew it comes coming, nobody lives forever, but now that it's real, and close, it's hitting hard. We just can't imagine our lives without her. We've been together for 19 years and this dog has been there with us for nearly 15 of those years. I don't even remember life without her.

I don't mean to make this about my story, I apologize, I'm just empathizing with you. My whole point here is that we of course want to keep her around as long as possible... after all, there's nothing REALLY wrong with her, internally... organs are fine, she still has a (voracious) appetite, etc. But, you can see that her spark is gone... her light is out... there's just a different look in her eyes, what used to be sharp is now dull... not to mention she was 40lbs her entire life and is now 33lbs.... just wasting away. We are trying to come to terms with the fact that putting her down is probably best for HER. While she might not be suffering (and who really knows, maybe she is, it's not like she can tell us), she certainly isn't happy, or living a quality life now, and she's like a stranger compared to the dog we used to know. I can't even remember the last time I heard her voice (bark).

I would try to have a REAL heart to heart with your mother and try to help her understand what's best for the dog vs. her own feelings. Be understanding and compassionate for her pain, because I can tell you first hand that it's tough. What really got us on board with doing the 'deed' is the fact that while she seems relatively 'comfortable' now, the vet said if things worsen (and assuming it is the tumor she believes it to be (non cancerous mind you)), she could have a seizure.

Ideally, we'd wake up one morning and she will have passed in her sleep. BEST case scenario. But physically, I don't think this dog is ready to go yet. So our options boil down to - putting her down which is at least peaceful, or risk her having a violet death during a seizure. I think the choice is clear.

Good luck to you brother, please keep us posted and if you wanna PM about this, feel free.

Awe, I'm so sorry you have to go through that. I hope all goes well be ause that's def a rough situation. I cried when I had to put my dog down.

[gbrice75]

Thanks Gbrice. I know its so tough. I have a German Shepherd and have the same relationship with him that is similar to yours and my parents. I can cry on the spot right now thinking about the day I have to put him down. My biggest weakness in life is compassion. Its not that I dont feel it or understand it. It just doesnt click in my head when need to use it in my approach for something. I am kinda like wtf is wrong with you this poor dog is suffering. I am going to try and talk with her before I leave today. Its really nice of you to offer an ear brother!

Glad we can support each other man, good to know we are among friends.

Sorry to hear that GB. I'd offer personal help if I was closer. I know how painful a decision that is.

Appreciate your support brother.

Awe, I'm so sorry you have to go through that. I hope all goes well be ause that's def a rough situation. I cried when I had to put my dog down.

Thanks hun. I know my future holds a lot of sadness and tears, but I have no choice but to carry on. Things have taken a turn for the worse as of my post, but I'm going to start my own thread so I don't continue to hijack Rwy's.

[cherrydrpepper]

I saw Gbrice thread today and was like J christ how many dog threads are you going to make then I was like oh Rwy is going through the same thing my bad I am an a hole

[gbrice75]

I saw Gbrice thread today and was like J christ how many dog threads are you going to make then I was like oh Rwy is going through the same thing my bad I am an a hole

^^