Actually the dog is my mom's dog but she has been our family dog and was a puppy when my brother and I still lived at home. She is a 15 yr old lab and she is a country girl. Within the last week she has became weak and can hardly walk at times and my mom keeps trying to get her to eat and she won't eat. I seen her yesterday and she looks so sad, I tried to give her my bacon, egg and cheese biscuit but she didn't even want that and that is not like her at all. I think she is going to die soon. I just worry that she is in pain or something and that she is suffering.

My mom doesn't want to have her put to sleep, she wants to wait and I told her this morning that we should probably have it done because she looks like she is miserable. She isn't eating or walking all that well. I don't think she has all of her right mind. My mom did say when another dog approached the porch this morning she did find the strength to stand up and growl to keep the other dog away. My mom is going to be so sad when she dies because this dog has been her watch dog, she always let them know when someone was there.

Not too long ago my mom and my kids took our puppy and my mom's other dog for a walk and there was a neighbor dog that was big and Lady(the sick dog) stood in front of our puppy and growled so the other dog would go away. She is the most gentle dog but she is protective too.

I hate to have her put to sleep but I don't think it is right to keep her for selfish reasons. I guess it makes me feel like we are killing the dog ourselves. I think that is what my mom thinks too.

I feel so guilty for thinking to have her put to sleep.

UPDATE:
Well my mom called me this morning and told me Lady died last night. We dug her grave today and thankfully my dad had some workers coming and they finished the job for us, I just didn't want to see her like that. My mom can't stop crying. She said she felt like she was getting sick and stuff I think it is her nerves. I am fine now that I didn't have to actually "see" her. My mom said she doesn't think I could have stood it. My kids are upset.

Thanks for all of the advice.

We had a 14 year old black lab that we put to sleep because she wasn't walking well either. It got so bad that she wouldn't even be able to get up to go to the door to be let out, she'd just lay there and do her business. My dh wanted to see if the vet could give her some pills or something, but I asked him why? It would only benefit us, not her. It was the hardest thing I've had to do, but I know she is no longer suffering. I feel your pain and I'm sorry that you have to make this decision. Sounds like she has lived a full and wonderful life, and you shouldn't feel guilty at all about putting her to sleep. I'll be thinking about you.

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Crap might separate them,
But they always come back together.

I just had to put my german shep to sleep last month Feb. 15th. It was the hardest thing I had ever done. I was an emotional wreck for about a week after. But I truly believe she is in a better place & is in no more pain. I went back & fourth for a month trying to decide, it was a sad, sad time. But your right we kept her around for our selfish reasons when it was clear she was not a happy girl anymore. I'll be thinking of your family & your doggie during this hard time.

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we have had to put down all three of our dashounds over a period of 3 yrs. they were all old, the oldest being 20 yrs. they all had cancer. it was the harderst thing i have ever done but I know it was the best for them. the first one had brain cancer and he was the 20 yr old one. I got him when he was 2 weeks old and his eyes wasnt open yet. his mom got hit and killed so I bottle fed him. then he grew up and got married to gretchen. they had babies and we kept one son. the mom had stomach cancer and died at age 17. the son , lino, had bladder cancer and died at the age of 16. all of them were put to sleep and its not like you think. it was very peaceful. all of them had gotten to the point they were in pain and I couldnt stand to see any of them suffer. they were to the point of not being able to walk or eat and we knew they were suffering. I cant let a animal suffer and suffer so this was the best choice for us. they are all in the flower garden beside the patio . all have rock markers with their names on them.
its hard , it really is. but I agree with you that it seems like its time for her. My heart is breaking for you.

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This recently happened here too....
Our vet had told us to watch for these signs:
Inability to walk or get up
Not eating
Not wagging his tail any longer
Not looking you in the eye

When those all came in to being, sadly Rocky was put to sleep. But we know he is out of pain and running in beautiful green meadows somewhere as he did when he was a puppy...

It will be hard and nearly impossible, but it is the last and kindest thing you could do for your baby right now.
Sending you hugs and to your mom too...

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"Yesterday is but a vision, and tomorrow is only a dream. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a dream of hope." Anonymous

"Your candle does not lose it's light by lighting another candle" Generosity

Have the courage to be yourself.

Last May we put our 15 yr. Cocker down. It was beyond difficult, but it really was for the best. He had cancer and lived an additional year after being diagnosed. I think in your heart you know what you need to do.

Unfortunately I think it is time to take her to the vet. If the dog will let you, check out the color of her gums. They may be a very yellow color which would indicate that her organs are failing. I know it is a difficult decision but you don't want her to suffer.

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this.

__________________

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Honey your head is telling you but your heart (and Mom's) is telling you something else. We've all had to do it and some of us feel the guilt still. Good luck but your doing it with love.

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If you decide to put your dog to sleep (I have had that decision with 3 cats and one dog), I decided on the last 2 to have them put to sleep in my arms.
That is a personal call and some might like it and some people would be horrified. That way my pet was feeling safe and loved and protected in my arms. It was very gentle. There was a series of 2 shots I think. The doctor was WONDERFUL and talked me through the entire procedure and didn't rush me. I cried, my DD cried and even the vet was teary. Then I took my pet home. 3 out of the 4 are buried in my backyard.
It was very hard, but I thought the process helped us all better to cope.
But I certainly know that everyone is different and some would not be happy doing this.

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We did that with Dutch. We were with her the entire time. I talked to her very gently and softly in her ear (after the first shot) just so she would know momma was there. It was a very emotional day but the vet was so wonderful, and like you said we all cried, even the vet. I have Dutch's ashes in a tin on my mantle. We were going to bury her but I decided that she was such a wonderful dog, if we move, so does she.

__________________

Friends are like butt cheeks.
Crap might separate them,
But they always come back together.

I just loved this! I bet they made a cute little couple!


happy2behere, it looks like a lot of us can feel your pain. We had a 15 year old dog and a 19 year old cat put to sleep in the last few years. It is very, very difficult. Please let us know what you decide and how things go. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Cats and dogs tend to pick up your kindness, and one who's lived past the point where life is enjoyable typically responds very calmly to being euthanized. That sounds awful, doesn't it? I just can't think of a better way of putting it. My family's had animals for decades, and when vet care was available, and an animal was in very bad shape, we've ended their lives medically. It really, really hurts to lose an animal, and we've missed them, but I don't think we've ever regretted not letting someone we loved suffer.

Your mother's got so much to deal with right now. I think it would be kindest if you could take her dog to the vet for her, and be there for her, because she'll need you. If she feels she has the love to give someone else, she might want to consider taking in a shelter animal when she's ready. Not to replace Lady, but because she obviously has a lot of love to give, and a suitable home for dogs, and she could give so much good to someone who really needs it.

Have her take the dog to vet and ask his or her, what their opinion is. They will tell you if is time or if you can wait. My baby got 2 reprieves before it was really time to put her down Good luck with what everyou decide .

((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))) what a tough decision. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Our dog is blind, but he is still happy go lucky. I know the time is short, though, that he will be with us. I dread that day when I have to make the decision you are facing.

My heart goes out to you and your family also.

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Brenda

GO #24 JEFF GORDON

I agree with this. As long as you truly trust your vet, I would ask his advice in making such an agonizing decision.

When our cat, Peaches, died from a sudden heart attack, I was devastated that she was gone, but I was very, very grateful that she died so peacefully and that I did not have to make the decision about when to let her go.

I've overheard my DH tell people that when our 7-year old shih tzu, Reba, passes, "they're going to have to sedate Cathy"

I went through this a couple of years ago with my little dog. It was so hard to do, but now I realize I should have done it sooner. At the time, all I could think of was that perhaps he would get better. I really didn't want to let go. You will grieve for the loss but you will do that easier knowing you didn't make your "friend" suffer longer than necessary.

I feel so sorry for your family. One of our cats is having some problems with her bowels and I am not sure what to do about it. I am planning on taking her to the vets to see what they think. She is 17 years old and still gets around fine, with a little bit of a limp on the cold days. But, she is little by little ruining our home. Last night she had an accident all over our couch and I was up most of the night trying to get it clean. She has always left little *care packages*. But, it was only occasionally....I think for attention. Now, its several days a week. I think my best bet is to take her to the vet and see what he might have for ideas. Miss Pickles has always had a bit of an attitude, and I am just not sure its a medical problem...I am thinking it might just be an attitude thing??? I know after last night, she is wearing me down...

HUGS...........I am momma to my little 8lb toy Dog and I am a first time Dog owner and I love her soooo much it's scary and it's taken me by complete surprise. As I am reading these stories I am sitting here crying because the thought of her not being here feels too painful. She truly has changed my life and she relaxes me and makes everything better. She is also so attached to me it's an incredible bond. She lies in my arms like a little baby.
So sorry for your loss............prayers to you.

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Without Health you have no Wealth!

I feel for you, I've had to have pets put down too. But keep this in mind-animals don't have the same concept of death as humans have. They have no fear of death and they can't/won't make judegements about you if you decide to have them put down. All an animal knows is that they are in pain/suffering. The kindest thing owners can do is end the animals pain, even if it means creating pain for the owner.

Best wishes to you and your family. This is never an easy decision but go with what you mind tells you, your heart will come to understand in time.

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I saw your update... I'm sorry about the loss. That is incredibly hard because they are like family. I just love my animals. You are in my thoughts.

I had missed your update til now but I thought of you when i read this on craigslist tonight:

If it should be....
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 we know this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
but don't let grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
what is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer? So,
when the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
only stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

It is a kindness that you do to me,
although my tail it's last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve, it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author unknown -

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Gee, you have really helped me (and I'm sure others) gain a very comforting perspective on such a terribly difficult decision.

Thank you.

I am so sorry. It is like losing a family member.

I am sending hugs your way.
Shirley