saying goodbye to your dog

[Rokiss12]

i just found out my dog prolly has (like 99% sure) cancer in his bone, and he hasnet been able to walk on his front foot at all. my family wants to put him to sleep... has anyone ever gone through this? hes 8 years old, and his birthday is march 21

i don't no what to do, im a mess, anyone have any advice?

 

[CowTown]

Kate, I'm sooooo sorry to hear this!!!!! Is this one of your Newfoundlands? I think I'm going to be sick to my stomach! Why do sweet innocent puppies have to hurt?!

I did go through this 2 years ago and it's tough! I'm so sorry. I had a husky-mix that was my best friend for 11 years and she developed a huge tumor on her chest. I decided to go with the flow until I felt she was in pain, or her personality started to change. I knew it was inevitable, but I never wanted to actually have to put her down. The only thing that helped me through that time was thinking of how she wasn't leading the same quality of life anymore. She wasn't able to control going to the bathroom anymore, she became sad and separated herself from me in the backyard, it was heartbreaking. I knew that putting her down would take away all the pain she was starting to go through. She was always so upbeat and sweet, and to see her decline so fast wasn't right. That was the only helpful thought I could rely on, was that I was helping her b/c she was in pain, wasn't the same anymore and she wasn't herself. Poor baby. After I put her down, it was so painful for a very long time, but I kept coming back to the point that it could not have gone on for any longer that what it did. Cancer is very evil. I will be thinking of you and your pup!!!!! <img src="i/expressions/brokenheart.gif" border="0">

 

[CowTown]

Also, you should *DEFINITELY* look into getting a second opinion! Take him to another doctor and see what he says. If the cancer is isolated enough, maybe they can go surgery to help him through several more years. That kind of report from a doctor is not something to take without being absolutely positive there isn't anything else you can do. Good luck.

 

[Rokiss12]

thanks for the support, and yes it is one of my newfy's..the old one.


basically what the doctor said, is that the tests/blood work shows a 99% chance that its cancer, and that he will begin to have worse pain. she said we could do an xray to confirm it, but they have to put him under to do that, and at this point, with his old age and being sick, its really dangerous, and he could die from just that. i think we've just decided to put him to sleep, but im not sure when/how its going to work...never had to deal with this before. (my last newfy died when i was in 1st grade, my parents told me he just died, but i found out later that they put him to sleep while i was at school)

 

[JazzysMom]

UGGGG I hate these situations. You almost wish your beloved animal could speak human or you understand dog so you can get their feedback. Over the years my family has had a few animals put down for various reasons. Its a tough call.....you most certainly dont want them to suffer, but yet you dont want them to go. Much like a human being except there are actual laws governing human situations as this. I guess it wouldnt hurt to get another opinion, but you also have to think of cost, possible prolonged inevitable etc. Whatever decision you make, remember that your dog KNOWS that you love him with all your heart! Unconditional love!

 

[Emeraldmirror]

My dog meaghan was 15 when she got put down she was a pure bred collie and had really bad atheritis in her hips and she was going deaf and blind, i cried when my mom told me , of couse i was like 9 at the time, later about a year and a half ago my mom got my other dog otis put down, he was only about 12 but he had such bad artheritis from being so fat he was a border collie mix he could barely walk or move his back legs, basically, yes we could have spent thousands of dollars putting him through surgery and possibly causing more harm and pain for him, we decided that he was better off being put down. Don't get me wrong i loved my dog and still miss him a lot he was so happy all the time and such. but he was in pain constant pain and sometimes the most humaine thing you can do is also the most sad thing you can do.


Ashley 21 w/cf

 

[buggygurl321]

Kate, I'm so sorry that you have to go through this! A few years ago, my Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Buster (1.5 yrs old) was really sick, and limping. He was going to be put to sleep because he was suffering, but right before the nurse injected him, he lay his head on mom's hand and died by himself. He was my current dog, Mickey's, uncle. It's a really sad thing to go through, especially when you've had them for years, their a member of the family. My family gave all three, of us (me, meg, and mary) framed pictures of him afterwards so he'd still be with us.

PS: turned out, the breeder was doing sneak things, cutting corners, breeding sick dogs and knowingly selling them without telling the customers

good luck and i'm so sorry
Katie

 

[luke]

Kate,

I agree with Kelly, make sure you get a second opinon. One of our cats was diagosed with lung cancer...she enedd up having something different. She died after a few months but maybe if we were treating the correct disease we would have had her for a while longer. I don't have suggestions with coping...I have a soft spot for animals and cried like a baby when my last dog died. Just spend all the time you can with your dog...make all of the memories good ones.

I am sorry your dog is sick.



Luke

 

[LoveShines4Austin]

We lost our beloved chow chow, Chelsea, to cancer 3 years ago. It started with the loss of use in her back legs. Many vet visits, xrays and a biopsy later, she was gone. It was just a month long battle. We spent $1,500 trying to save her. Money was no object. They finally asked me to take her home and make her as comfortable as possible. They couldn't save her. She sufferred but I just didn't want to let her go. I was feeling selfish. One day I put her sling under her back legs and walked her out front to go to the bathroom and she fell forward on her face and her nose started to bleed and would not stop. She was unable to walk on her own. I called the vet and told them I needed to bring her in and let her go. I swear to you, as soon as I ended that call and sat there tying my shoes and crying...Chelsea crawled across the room to me, and licked my hands. It's as if she was telling me that she loved me and understood what I had to do. They let me hold her and keep telling her I loved her, while she went to sleep....peacefully. The kids were off camping and they were upset that they didn't get to say goodbye to her...but they understood that she was no longer in pain. I was able to bring her home and my father helped me find the perfect resting place for her in the backyard. We can see her from the kitchen window and try only to think of the special times we had with her.

It was very hard. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this, Sweetie! Chelsea was only 4 years old, but she was part of the family. Do what you all feel is best for your family.

 

[julie]

Kate,

this is just me, you might be a stronger person. 2 years ago we had to put our 6 month old rottie to sleep because he was loosing motor function in his back legs, peeing all over the place, stopped eating... they did an autopsey afterwards (it was at a vet teaching school so it was free) and he had an inoperable blood clot in his spinal column.

My husband and I stayed with him while they Euthanised him. If I had it to do over, I probably wouldn't have stayed in the room. I would have given lots of loves and hugs and kisses and left for the procedure. Although.... I do have mixed emotions about being in there and holding the dog (or cat or any animal) versus stepping out. It was nice because we were in a "comfort" room at the vets office and we got to stay and hold and talk to him for as long as we wanted/needed after the procedure. If you do decide to be in there (which might assist with closure issues and saying goodbye) just be prepared as the IV/shot is instanatneous. I thought it would take about 30-60 seconds but it took about 2 seconds. I wasn't prepared for that.

Best of luck whichever you decide and know that you are doing what's best for your animal. They don't want to be in pain any more than we do!

 

[Scarlett81]

Sorry you're dealing with this. We have to find a new home for one of my boxers b/c she's not getting along with our other dogs. Too many fights! And they pick on her, and don't let her eat food, and make her nervous so she's developed this nervous stomach thing. We're taking her to her new home this Wed. My heart is breaking- she's my baby. But I know she'll have a better life.

Having a dog with problems is no fun. We got a baby boxer once, from what we thought was a decent "breeder", and she died in 3 days after we brought her home. Sometimes you get crooks like that. But sometimes, you just get chance. And breeders aren't God. Many really do their best.

And if you have to put your pup to sleep, just know that a dog should not have a life of pain. It's not right. Esp for a big sloppy Newfy!! (just like my boxers-they thrive on running and fun-drool babies)

I would definately get a 2nd opinion though. And consult with your breeder. They know alot about these situations. And-you'll never replace your guy, but you can get another one to fill some new space in your heart.

 

[Rokiss12]

thanks for the support everyone!

we've decided to put Larsen to sleep...our vet is coming to the house tuesday morning. Hes just been in so much pain, and its progressed so much. he can't eat dog food b/c its too hard, and cries all the time. i think its just time.

as for the second opinion, were really sure its cancer, and even if its not, it didnt respond to anti-biotics, or any other meds, so even if its not cancer, hes in too much pain.

okay welll tomorrow will be a very emotional day. i'll see if i can update you guys this week. thanks again everyone.
Kate

 

[julie]

Kate, I know how you feel and you are doing the right thing. Dogs are just like people and they shouldn't have to suffer-especially if everything you've tried hasn't relieved him at all. You are doing the right thing.

If you can stand to be there (do know it's much more difficult than one can even imagine), it will help alleviate his fears and anxiety as he passes from this place. I will pray for your to hold up, it's going to be difficult but as I said before, you are doing the right thing!!

 

[LoveShines4Austin]

Kate *HUGS*

I just wanted to tell you that after the kids came home and found out what had happened to Chelsea, we all sat and talked about her and did some crying. Within a 1/2 hour of telling them, my friends that had no idea Chelsea was even sick, showed up at the door...just to say hi. It was so unexpected and it really was strange because they never just show up out of the blue. Then our friend, Michelle, showed up with a small box in her arms. I hadn't seen her in months! The box started wiggling! She opened it up and there sat the dirtiest, flee-ridden black lab puppy. The puppy had been abandoned behind the place where Michelle works and she didn't know what else to do with it. She had no idea that Chelsea was sick either and it was just so strange to see all our friends show up, not knowing what had happened. They all had known Chelsea and are huge dog lovers, so the tears were flowing.

I had just been through hospice with Chelsea and the last thing I wanted to do was raise a puppy. I felt guilty even holding it. The kids were playing with the puppy, tears drying up, smiles all over their faces. I knew we needed to keep her. She was no bigger than my shoe and had the sweetest little face. I was so torn! I missed Chelsea so badly and the thought of falling in love with another animal and losing it, was unbearable. I decided to take her out back and introduce her to Chelsea. I sat down next to her grave and held her. I told Chelsea that we would never forget her and that we felt SHE had sent us this sweet little thing from Doggie Heaven.

We named that sweet little thing, Savannah...and no matter how hard I tried not to fall in love with her, I just couldn't help it. She's my third child...and a smart one at that <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

So if you decide to have another dog join your family, please don't feel guilty or let anyone tell you that you shouldn't rush out and replace your lost pet. You're not replacing Larsen, your giving another puppy a much needed home, full of love...when you're ready.

Hang in there...we're thinking about you *hugs*

 

[Rokiss12]

the vets coming in 15 min.

im flipping out... iknow its the right thing to do, but i don't want to let him go

i guess its partcially because i feel like we don't give him enough attention, or we didnt. we have a 4 year old newfy too, and hes so much more energetic, hes naturally the one that gets more attention.

ughh...

 

[Rokiss12]

well, hes gone. but i know we did the right thing. i stayed with him, with my mom and dad, the vet came to our house. my brother decided not to watch. he left peacefully.

 

[JazzysMom]

Dont feel bad that you didnt give him as much attention as you thought you could/should have. He knew you loved him. Animals are amazing creatures when it comes to Unconditional Love.....they dont put high demands on us!

 

[anonymous]

I'm so sorry Kate, I will be thinking of you.

I'm sure Larson really appreciated your being there with him! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
You will never forget him and he will never forget you!


Kelly, MyNewfy

 

[buggygurl321]

hey kate, just wanted to let you know that i was thinking about you.

i'll talk to you later. i'm really sorry about larsen, but you did the right thing. don't feel guilty about anything. we did too after buster died, but really, we (and you) loved our (and your) dog as much as we could, and it just seems like, after he's gone, we (or you) think, oh I could've done this, should've done that, didn't do that enough. but don't worry or feel guilty.

ttyl

Katie

 

[LoveShines4Austin]

Kate,

I'm sorry you had to go through that <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

Chelsea had been an outside dog for the first few years of her life. It wasn't until we got her fixed, that we realized we liked having her in the house. She was so much happier! So, when we got Savannah we swore she would be an inside dog and it's worked out great. I still feel a tad guilty that we didn't bring Chelsea in sooner...but she knew she was loved, and so did Larsen. <img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">

Hang in there Sweetie!