Euthanasia of a Friend

“I had mine taken to the vet, but we stayed with him. I hated to think of him dying alone. We wanted to be with him.

They do perk up from time to time, then revert back. That's the hardest part because you tend to look for a change, or a sign of possible recovery. It's very stressful. Just focus on showing her love and attention. Like Nigal said, you'll know when it's time.”

“Thanks guys--I really appreciate all the views and insight. I'm defintely going to take her to the vet, but when, I don't know yet...
When I take her out side she just basically falls over, but she can sometimes stand for a few minutes--not much of a life for a dog who used to go hiking with us.”

“My vet is kind of out there. He told me he really does have a connection to animals and sometimes he walks in the room and knows right away what the problem is. He discourages people from being in the room when they give the injection. He explains that our pets do know what we are feeling and that the last thing your pet should have is knowing how sad you are and to feel your hurt as they pass over. Plus sometimes they do have reactions to the injection that can really hurt you worse because it's the last thing you will ever remember. Seeing negative reactions is not how you want to remember your best friend.”

“Ouch! I think there comes a time when it seems more cruel to keep her alive than to put her down. You obviously love her, and will make that choice with love.

My heart goes out to you. That's one nasty dillemma I'm hoping to avoid, but fearing I can't. I have a 13 year old, she's got arthritis. I'm hoping she's got at least a few more years where she enjoys life before I have to start asking painful questions. She deserves better than I can possibly giv her. There was a time it seemed like I could provide everything she needed and most of what she wanted.”

“When I take her out side she just basically falls over, but she can sometimes stand for a few minutes

aero - Sorry, but this is exactly what my dog did. This just happened, so please excuse my being emotionally tied to your situation. There was only one regret I had when we took our dog. He had a great life and a great last day, but the very last minute of his life, he sensed what was going to happen (he was very intelligent btw) and started shaking uncontrollably. It was very hard to see. The actual event, once he was injected, was extremely peaceful and couldn't have been better. But that last minute was tough. I'll never forget it.

My point is you might want to consider something. You could give him a mild sedative beforehand if the vet allows it. The downside is ... it's a sedative. I can't decide for myself it it's better to have him alert, or sedated. There are pros and cons of each. The vet never proposed the idea, but remembering that last minute will haunt me forever. I think to myself that he gave indications that last day that he was ready to go, and I realize that if anyone was ready to go, it would still be scary that last minute. Even Jesus Christ asked God if He would reconsider, but of course, only if it were His will. In the end, Jesus knew it was the only decision. Your dog may not even experience that, but if I didn't mention that possiblity to you, I'd regret it.

Realitically, it's probably best not to, but seeing that image makes it hard to not consider it as an option.

Reading this over, I want to assure you that it's overall a peaceful and humane thing to do (I recognize you may have done it before).

PS - I don't regret for one second being there, and can't imagine not. He was family.
last edited: 11/15/05 10:09:22 AM”

“oohhhh, i'm so very sorry, Aero. i'm sure you and your family gave her a very happy 15 years. **hugs**

that's funny you should say that about the vet telling you the owners shouldn't be there when they give the injection, Nigal...that's the main thing i regret about putting my doggie Muffin down. i've always thought, "why did i have to be such a puss and not be there with her at the very end?" i think if i had to do it over again, even with what your vet said, i would've stayed with her, but who knows what's really best.”

“Sorry, Aero...”

“Man, huge downer.
I'm sorry about your dog Aero.

I've had to put a few pets down in the last couple of years. It's hard and painful to be there but I think it would be worse to not be there.”

“My parents had to put our dog down yesterday. 20 year old cocka poo.

He had developed diabeties and was having trouble keeping food down. Vet said that he would have to have him hooked up to something to get all the toxins out of his body for the next week. Then he would have to go for shots twice a day for the rest of his life.

Vet said this may extend his life another 6 months, but he thought the inital procedure might do him in because he is so old.

I am very sorry aero. Our dog will save your pup a bone and nice place in the sun. Take care of him and yourself!”

“Better times....
http://community.webshots.com/photo/25983533/25986600OYUPBIgnwD”

“So sorry to hear about your puppy Aero. My heart goes out to you (and you too Sarge).”

“The hardest part about bringing a dog into my life has always been the knowledge that I will have to be there when they die. It's just a natural result of their shorter life span. I have come to accept it but it never gets emotionally easier. Good luck, aero, and trust your instincts.”

“Sorry to hear it Aero. =(
My guy has grey on his muzzle. I was thinking about how fast time flies the other day and how he's such a great dog. I hope I get another 10 or 12 years with him. They really are part of the family.”

“good luck aero... such a hard thing to do. i had to go through it and i told myself i'd never get another dog again.... i find myself with TWO now. i just can't punish myself from the unconditional love : )”

“So sorry, aero.


This reminds me to take a walk in the woods today. Claudell is buried on a hardwood ridge flanked by two creeks. A beautiful setting I had selected in advance of that dreadful day in '97.”

“sorry to hear that aero, I have had to make that choice before and it isn't easy”

“Those dogs are so trusting. She was lying on her rug in the basement this morning wagging her tail, waiting for me to come down and give her a treat or something. Sheesh! I had to carry her outside and sort of set her up in the backyard so she could go to the bathroom (or whatever dogs do).
I'll probably take her to the vet Friday or Saturday. We're having some nice weather here at the moment so she can lie outside during the day--seems to enjoy that. The neighbor's been bringing his dogs over so they can sniff each other.”

“So sad, I'm sorry :(”

“That's a tough decision.”

“Very sorry to her that aero. I went through the same thing with my Springer about three years ago. My parents got the dog when I was 12 and I grew up with him. In his prime he was about 70lbs of solid muscle. We had to have him put down the week after I got home from college. At that time he barely weighed 30lbs. When we drove him to the vet for the last time he seemed to know what was coming, but sill maintained that trust and devotion he had always had. That final 5’ into the vet’s office was probably the hardest walk I have ever had to do.”

“Can you arrange to have the vet come over to your house and spare the dog the trauma and smells of the pet clinic. She could curl up in your lap and go to sleep.”

“sorry Aero. Very sorry.”

“Thanks all, this helps!”

“Sorry for this side note - but I just noticed that this is coded as a gear thread. Obviously, Nigal, created an important thread - but I'm gonna have to sick PETA on him for making it a gear thread!”

“I just got back from the vet. I had it done. It was very humane and the vet pretty much assured me that it was the right time. She said 15 years was very old for a large dog like a lab. She gave her a sedative first and after about 5 minutes she gave her an injection that contained some sort of anesthetic that sedates them and ultimately stops the heart. I sat with her the entire time holding her head and scratching behind her ears. After a short time, she was gone.
The greatest engine in the world is a dog's heart.”

“Very sorry for your loss Aero”

“Thanks for sharing aero. You obviously love her very much.”

“My condolences aero.”

“Sorry to hear that Aero.
Peace be with you and yours.”

“Sorry to hear about your little buddy. You still have great memories and I am sure she had a great life with you.”

“awww, i'm so sorry, Aero...”