Making the decision to end the life of your pet and friend.

[Bushwick100]

A hard thing to discuss as I believe people that have common pets like dogs, cats and birds are more attached to them than any humans around them. We most often have raised our pet since it was weeks old. Ever since it was 6 weeks to 8 weeks old your pet has greeted you at the door the same way no matter if you were gone 5 minutes or 5 days or everyday you come home from work. If you raised your voice and yelled at your pet and they went to lay in the corner sad at disappointing you, a few minutes later it was all forgotten and you are best buddies again. They show understanding, kindness and love back to us. At the end of their life if they have not gone peacefully in their sleep then having to make the decision regarding what is best for your friend is not easy but I think it must be done. Your friend cannot speak to tell you how much pain, anxiety or suffering they are in or to give you some sort of comfort in making that decision by giving you a nod or a paw and letting you know "I'll see you again". This is a very personal decision that varies from owner to owner and pet to pet.
I knew one person with a dog that was 17yrs, blind, deaf, had no teeth, had severe arthritis requiring it to be carried up and down stairs and they still refused to make that decision. I don't know where the line should be drawn between what is right for the owner and what is right for the pet. Hopefully it's a decision those involved have given very careful thought to and can live with. Yesterday I had to make that decision for my 9 1/2 yr old English Bulldog. Before her it was our 14yr old Pitbul mix and a cat of 15yrs that both grew up with all 3 of our daughters since the time our daughters were brought home as babies. All of them we raised and cared for since they were 8 or 9 weeks old. It was never easy as they were my friends.

Sorry for your Loss. I understand about waiting to long. I did that with my 1st Dog. I never had a Dog and thought she was just sick when I took her to the Vet. When the Be told me I had to put her down, I lost it. But, she was 16yrs old had her from the day she could walk. It almost destroyed me! I understand dogs more now, and my boy Mac-Mac is 15yrs old. I'm watching for any sign of suffering, and I will do the right thing. I waited to long last time because I was just being selfish! I miss my girl everyday.

 

[chucklenut]

i had to put down the dog i grew up with a few years back

he was old, not seeing well, his back legs going out and just his quality of life not much there. was literally the ****tiest thing i have ever had to do

i like to fancy myself a tough guy but i was crying the whole way there and back. not easy but its something you have to do sometimes

 

[WC1911guy]

Probably one of the hardest decisions one has to make as an adult if you're the kind of pet owner that considers your pet as a true member of the family. I've seen both sides. One dog that was allowed to suffer way beyond reason and the bill that went with keeping her alive (over $12K in 2 years).

I've also seen my ex wife put down 2 of our dogs after she fought to keep them during the divorce mainly because they were older and it wasn't convenient for her to care for them any longer. I wasn't contacted or told about it until it was already done. Needless to say there's a special place in Hell for people like that.

I will say this, while it's a difficult decision at least be thankful you get the opportunity to make it. Two of my employees (husband and wife) just had their house burn down 2 days ago and their dog couldn't be saved. She was only 3 years old and she was like a child to them. Absolutely devastating for them both.

 

[payneed]

Kiki was the smartest cat I ever saw...

Grandkids couldn't say kitty kitty so we shortened her name to Kiki
Had to put her down a few months ago after only a dozen years, the cat before her was 17 and just as tough.
After about 3 days I was seeing her everywhere... we started looking & settled on two sisters and they are a JOY!!!
The sweetest two cats we have ever had!!!

I hope I die (honestly) before they do...
Somebody needs to change the subject...

 

[Shortcut]

We are having this conversation now in the family. The boys are old old and health is getting bad. They are still dogs and do dog things but.........we are on borrowed time, it is killing me had them for 16&17 years been thru alot with them.

 

[dondon48]

It absolutely sucks...

 

[Bagman]

 

[potenza]

I had to do it not long ago and the wife and I still can’t talk about him or look at pictures without getting toooo sad , but you have to think about them always

 

[Gunanddoglover]

Truly a hard decision to make. It tears a hole in my heart every time, but being selfish and watching my best friend suffering would be even worse.

 

[elmosdad]

Hardest thing a man has ever had to do....................................Prayers Sent...................