i have to put my dog down.

[KCcarguy]

So, I found out a couple weeks ago that Daisy, my 15yo shepherd mix has cancer. The vet says it's very aggressive and to expect things to get bad quickly. She's the best dog I've ever had (and probably will ever have) and she's like family.

I'm really struggling with finding the right time to do this. As of now, she's acting pretty normal just on narcotics and steroids, with the exception of an occasional uncharacteristic "accident" indoors. I have an appointment to have her put to sleep tomorrow, but I feel like I'm jumping the gun. So, i'm I doing it too soon by putting her down when she's still relatively happy, or is that the better than waiting until she's obviously suffering?

Any advice/ experience/ support is much appreciated.

 

[Skidmarcx]

Sorry to hear its never easy making the decision... Whenever it's a question of quality of life you need to consider how the animal is feeling... It's probably no fun for them to be on medication and not bring able to control their bowels... It's inevitable and I agree with your decision to do it sooner than later... Give him/her a last good meal and take some last pictures... Good luck to you

 

[MONTYMTB]

Sorry to hear, lost my best friend recently and it isn't easy. I think that quality of life is the most important thing - ask yourself if the quality is there. Also, a dog cannot tell us when it is suffering, so it is really difficult to know. Ultimately it's a decision you have to make, but it sounds like the prognosis from the vet would indicate that she would suffer soon and I'm sure you don't want that.

 

[McFly2003]

I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear this. My deepest sympathies. Dogs are a HUGE part of my life and it's never easy to lose one that is so close to you. Last week my mom had to put down the dog that I grew up with (a 16 yo shep/bordercollie mix) due to a laundry list of things that all basically stemmed from her age. It hit me a lot harder than I had expected, mainly because do to being military, I not only missed the last year of her life, but was unable to be there for her passing.
I don't know what I'm going to do when my boy Charlie (7 yo pit/boxer) has to go. He has been at my side for everything.
Hang in there, your pup will always be at your side.

 

[dwc]

Sorry to hear about Daisy. My dog had lymphoma and I had to put her down on Valentines Day this year. As long as Daisy isn't in any pain and is happy, I don't see any reason to put her to sleep. I think mine suffered more from the chemo than the actual cancer, but she was just fine for a couple of months during her chemo treatments along with steroids. When the cancer came back, it was time. My guess is that she'll tell you when it's time. All the best. Dogs are better people than most people.

 

[TOY2G]

So, I found out a couple weeks ago that Daisy, my 15yo shepherd mix has cancer. The vet says it's very aggressive and to expect things to get bad quickly. She's the best dog I've ever had (and probably will ever have) and she's like family.

I'm really struggling with finding the right time to do this. As of now, she's acting pretty normal just on narcotics and steroids, with the exception of an occasional uncharacteristic "accident" indoors. I have an appointment to have her put to sleep tomorrow, but I feel like I'm jumping the gun. So, i'm I doing it too soon by putting her down when she's still relatively happy, or is that the better than waiting until she's obviously suffering?

Any advice/ experience/ support is much appreciated.

Firs of all....SO SORRY.....We had this happen in our family several weeks ago. We took here in before she got too bad, so she could pass happy and loved and we could remember her the way we have for 14 years.

Again, sorry for the bad news, good luck saying goodbye.

 

[GR8BAY]

Have lost several great dogs over the years- you're facing a difficult decision; whichever you choose your dog will understand. The below may offer some comfort to you and your family.

RainbowBridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown..

 

[snivilous]

I'm so sorry to hear this man, good luck getting through it.

 

[1engineer]

I've had 5 dogs put down in my lifetime. It is hard every time and yes, I cry, every stinking time. Remember it's the dog you are easing the pain for and not you. Last dog I had put down (3 years ago) KNEW what was going on and looked me in the eyes while waiting at the vet. I interpreted it as a thank you but still bawled like a baby. Hate it but remember its not for you, it's for your friend. Good luck.

 

[ddnww]

ive had one dog die out of nowhere, and had to put one down when I was a young boy, we did it the old fashioned way.. I hope I never have to cross that bridge with my current dog, she is the best dog I have ever owned.
great dogs are just like family, im sorry to hear of your circumstances. I hope you and your family get through it ok.

 

[KCcarguy]

Thanks for the support guys. What an awesome forum we have here.

 

[hearno]

I'm sorry to hear and I feel for you. That is literally one of my biggest fears. I can't even stand having to watch mine get shots at the vet. I really wish I had something more comforting to say other than I hope you find the strength you need to make the decision.

 

[LandCruiser]

Put your dog down. She's going to suffer and die, otherwise. I've been down this road with my pets before, and the only regret I have is not doing it sooner.

Anything you try to stop it will cost a fortune and not make her, or you, feel any better.

...I only hope that someone will do me the same favor if I'm ever that sick.

 

[WillK]

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. Sounds like she's had a very good life and will be missed dearly.

You have to decide what's best for her, and really for you and your family.
But thing I would add is you have so many great memories with her and those are probably the ones you want to remember. Not watching her suffer.

Again, just my opinion. I wish you and your family the best.

 

[Desert Fox]

Very sorry you have to go through this, it is not easy and hurts deep down.

Our best friends should live as long as we do.

 

[bofa]

Sorry to hear that man.

 

[Hepar]

My best wishes from a fellow dog guy. My dog is roughly 11 (kennel rescue, so not sure on the exact age) and I'm dreading the day I have to make that decision. He's my best friend for sure.

Hard, hard decision especially if he seems like he's doing ok. Again, my best.

 

[kenski]

Hey KC. Real sorry to hear you have to go through this. I also had a shepherd mix, Brandi, that I had to put down a few years ago when she was 17. (See avatar.) Reading through the other posters' advice, I can't help but agree that it's all about the quality of life. Even though she can't tell you outright, you'll know when it's time. You know Daisy best, and I'm sure you'll make right decision for her.

 

[RandyDaytona]

I just had to do this on March 13th. He was 14 and had had a great life, but was diagnosed with lymphoma and given a month by the vet.

I wanted to do it as soon as possible because I didn't want him to suffer (and the vet said there probably was some pain manifesting itself, already).

It's tough. Especially as we can't have children and Millhouse was our 'kid' for the past 14 years.

Thoughts going out to your family.

 

[jwyshrek]

'All dogs go to heaven...'