Bob/PKB
Darrel, my 12 year old shepherd, was "diagnosed" with lung cancer today, via a blood panel and lung exray. He also had a large, cauliflower-shaped mass nearly closing off his windpipe. He'd been eating less and less of the dry food that was ground to a powder before being mixed with warm water and canned food (because his teeth were broken and nearly all gone), and ate nothing last night. He had gone from a bit on the chubby side to almost gaunt. Last night, he wouldn't get up and I covered him with a warm blanket. Two of us lifted him into the car this morning and he was taken out on a stretcher at the vet's.
The vet offered to give him antibiotics and pain medication, telling me he could probably have a couple weeks of "good life". OR, I could euthanize him.
Darrel has always been gentle and mellow, never demanding attention (jut waits his turn :D). He's been a great companion and is simply a sweet dog we found abandoned and covered with tics when he was about 4 months old. He has lived at my mom's for about 3 year. I generally see him only during the weekend.
What would you do for YOUR pet, given the scenario.
17 Answers
pythonlover
Best answer!
Oh gosh Bob, how sad for you and your family.The time has now come for Darrel to finish up in this world.Don't prolong his suffering any further.Give him hugs and tell him how much you loved him and have him put to sleep.
| 12 years ago. Rating: 17 | |
Ann
My heart goes out to you and your family and Darrel.
There is no point in prolonging Darrels agony. in my opinion.
You did the best you could and Darrel wants to go. I think you schould do what is best for him.
I know this is a very hard decision to make. I had to do it last year and I did it for Chester because he was suffering so much.
Through it all, we each learned, loved and did the best we knew how.
When I think of the past, it is with gratitute for the beautiful times we had together.
God bless you all.
| 12 years ago. Rating: 20 | |
I am sorry about your sons puppy. That is heart breaking.
I remember years ago when my son picked up a puppy that was wandering aimlessly on the street. He did not have a collar and no one claimed him. We took him to the Vet and he gave him all the shots. Month later we learned that he had distemper, that the Vet missed and we had to put him to sleep. We were devastated.
I hope Your other son finds the dog that disappeared and that your Mom will be alright.
I will say a prayer for all of you.God bless.
ClevelandRick
Sorry to say Bob,but it's time,with his windpipe getting blocked and all.Tell him what a good friend he has been over the years and let him go.I know I'm missing out on not having a pet,but I could'nt deal with that with the way I am,that would just send me over the edge,seeing that I walk a fine line as it is.Give him a big hug for me...
| 12 years ago. Rating: 18 | |
ROMOS
IF IT SHOULD BE.
If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this 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 for me must 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
The time has come, please let me go
Take me to where my needs they'll tend
And stay with me until the end
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me
Although my tail the last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved
Please do not grieve, it must be you
Who has this painful thing to do
We've been so close too many years
Don't let your heart hold back the tears.
| 12 years ago. Rating: 17 | |
Brings back memories of my dog Chester who I had to put to sleep almost one year ago to stop his suffering. It was the right thing to do, but I will always miss him.
whovin
The last dog I had was a miniature chockapoo she was blind starting to lose weight we took her to the vet my dad he just could not take her in the exam room so I did it for him she was a sweet little doggie we named her penny so the vet put her to sleep I held in arms and she licked my hand so release him so he can have some peace
| 12 years ago. Rating: 16 | |
jhharlan
melandrupert
Bob I am so sorry to hear this if I was you I would have put to sleep the sooner the better I had a cat called Hugo and he wasnt well couldnt breath took him down to the vet asap he said that he would do xrays and take blood the time we got back in the afternoon he couldnt breath I was screeming at the vet saying that he should have called me and I told him there and then to put him to sleep I would never never want to see any animal suffer like my poor Hugo needless to say the vet said I was waiting for you to come sooner well cut a long story short we never went back to him! at least yr vet knew what was going on but he should advise its not fare on the animal to suffer will be thinking of you but please take him asap thank you xxx
| 12 years ago. Rating: 15 | |
Darrel went peacefully. The vet gave him a tranquilizing shot first, and about ten minutes later, the euthanizing shot. His head was in my lap and I know Darrel knew he was loved and not alone.
God blesses us with our pets; it's up to us to care for the blessings, even when it's hard. Letting go of Darrel wasn't a hard decision. Holding on would have been inexcusable.
Ducky
It's always terrible when you lose a pet but it is time to let him go. Two more weeks of agony, feeling sick and not eating, makes no sense. (It's difficult to know if the medication would help or hinder.) You have to take your heart out of this decision and think, logically, what is best for your pet. Don't prolong the agony....yours and his.
| 12 years ago. Rating: 14 | |
Tommyh
The oly way to go Bob. I was faced with the same dilema last year after having the dog for 17 years.It's tough on you but much easier on the animal.
| 12 years ago. Rating: 13 | |
lindilou
As above....allow this most honorable friend a dignified passing beyond the rainbow bridge...we love you Bobby girl. Peace to you and Darrell from me...and I'm sure all of us. Big hugs darlin' and be of courageous heart.
bustieone
Bob, "the last greatest gift" that you can give to your pet is Euthanasia. I had to do the same for our beloved Buster, 5 years ago. He had degenerative disk disease, and at age 13yrs. had lived a very good and active Border Collie life. We ruminated over this, and tried different medications over a two year period. My best buddie is a veterinarian, who would not take a dime for his care for as long as I owned him, over 11 years! So, finances was not the reason to put him down. There is a Quality of Life Scale that the veterinary medical community uses for the purpose of evaluation of an animals suffering. I think there is no question in my mind, I am somewhat informed, as my Veterinarian friend and I taught a class at the vocational high school that I taught at in Veterinary Assisting. Give your beloved pet this last great gift. It will hurt to lose him, however, you need to consider his quality of life. You will be glad that this selfless gift was given, afterwards. You will grieve, but be proud that you did the right thing for your pet. Be strong, and have the memories of him as he was in his prime. We put a memorial plaque above where we laid our Buster to rest, in our yard. We think of him almost every day, and it has already been 5 years. Since there will really be no replacement for the worlds' best dog, we have not considered it! My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family during this most difficult time. I could only wish that our society would enable this "last greatest gift" for our human loved ones when it is their time. God Bless
| 12 years ago. Rating: 13 | |
doolittle
Oh Sweet Bob,
I am so very sorry that you have this difficult choice before you! I have been in a ver similar predicament at the holidays (3x). Twicw I believe I made the right, slefless, and courageous decision to say "goodbye for now"...and once I waited until the bitter end. I regret the bitter end- He was a great comfort and joy in my life- but my sad circumstances and need to hold on were selfish.
It is so very hard to say "goodbye for now" to a being that loved you unconditionally- that you, too, tried to love unconditionally. But holding on only makes for regrets. Every being should be allowed to release their soul to " the other side" with dignity,
Whatever you decide- I have been there and I understand.
God Bless You and Darrell- I strongly believe their is a heaven for animals- and, if we never meet here we will meet playing with Darrell and Bijou there!
All my love and support,
Doo
| 12 years ago. Rating: 12 | |
west-bus
I am sorry to say this to you but you have been cruel to your pet for allowing this to go so far. Surely you must have noticed his deteriorating condition and his silent suffering. Please show mercy to him and let him sleep in heaven.
| 12 years ago. Rating: 12 | |
Nothing like making someone feel even worse, right west-bus? Why do I often get the feeling from you, that being nasty gives you some sense of contentment?
12 years of. Love N selflessness on he'd part and then wen diagnosed sick... She did the hardest thing possible!! Don't judge her wrongly ...I thlnk what she did was heartbreaking anc my heart goes out to her hugetm
Time!ob so brave ! !!
As I read your posting it was as if Darrel was beside me, a once loving and happy creature full of life and now this, thin and bony and so very sick and unable to stand up for his master. You had been to the vet and had the diagnosis and prognosis and now you were on this forum asking what I would do! I am deeply sorry for causing you distress at a time of great grief. It was a spontaneous and hasty reply given in a moment of anger. I don’t wish to say any more.
mycatsmom
Poor Darrel. That's very sad for your family . You will know what to do when the time comes . And Darrel will let you know when he looks into your eyes. Best of luck.
| 12 years ago. Rating: 11 | |
bulletman
There is only one decision you can make and i know in your heart you know what that is, it's heart breaking and Darrel's suffering will be a peace, God bless MsBob.
| 12 years ago. Rating: 11 | |
| 12 years ago. Rating: 10 | |
Dollybird
Bob Here is , A Pets Prayer.
My people are so precious Lord,
I know you think so too.
And I know you want me here,
To Love them just for you.
They take such gentle care of me.
And have such tender hearts,
Please use me Lord to comford them,
When ever their tear drops start,
They face a lot of battles as they,
Live and work each day,
They need me Lord to make them,
And show them how to play,
The world is full of people, But,
Some times friends are few,
Please let my Love and Loyalty,
Remind them Lord of you !
And when my final moments come,
Lord tell them as we part,
I was an made to order gift,
Right from your loving heart.
AMEN.
| 12 years ago. Rating: 8 | |
I hope we all are looking at our pets with a little more thought and giving them a little more time after this. It's so easy to take them for granted.
Thank you for a "purr"fect prayer for our pets.
