dgrracing
SE Michigan
SH
Posts:59
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| 02/10/2011 6:49 PM |
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I'm really having a hard time trying to decide if it's time to let my long time friend and hunting partner move onto the next chapter.. As I sit here crying over the thought of what to do I'm seeking advise.. My wife and kids think it's time but he has such a big heart and desire to keep going it's hard for me to make the decision.. He's 15+ years old and has withered away and can barely walk. I have to carry him outside in order for him to go to the bathroom. He does make his way back up to the porch and waits for his "cookie'.. He still loves the smell of my hunting vest and loves to go out to the bird pen to "see the birds". However he's a major drain on my wife who has to wash bedding twice a day as he's incontinent and continously has accidents..It's hard for me to see the once mighty hunter who would sprint across a 100 acre field within a minute and had to have 2 e-collars attached just to slow him down, now waddle around, fall and struggle to his feet... His heart is still big but time has taken it's toll.. I don't think he's totally 'suffering' in pain but he sleeps most of the time now a days and has a hard time getting around.. I'm at a loss what to do...Am I selfish in making him endure to the end? Does he deserve to have me enable him to move on now versus the slow procees of eventual demise? If I was sure there was a better thing out there for him such as 'doggie' heaven I'd take him to the vet to put him down. In the mean time I struggle with my feelings and what I should do...
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MainCreeksRemi
Wisconsin
MH
Posts:824
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| 02/10/2011 7:05 PM |
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I'm so sorry you are dealing with this.
I was once told that the right "time" is when your beloved companion can no longer do all the things he loves to do. When all the joy is no longer doable for him, its time to do the selfless thing, and send him to the bridge. He will be forever grateful for the time he had with you and all the love & great things he endured with you.
But I also believe that you will know when its time. The look in their eyes will tell you so. I've only lost one dog........and it was the most heartbreaking thing for me to go through at 18 years old. I can't imagine what a mess I will be when that time comes again.
Just know that you are doing a good thing, and one day you will meet again.
Many hugs & prayers sent your way to help make this decision a little easier on you and your family. |
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Loved by Kelley:
Remi (7/3/2010) GSP
Morgan (5/17/2008) Choco Lab
Nallah (8/6/2006) Black Lab |
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unowhoandwhy
Middleofnowhere, NH
MH
Posts:1805
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| 02/10/2011 7:06 PM |
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| I am so very sorry that your old pal has been having such problems. I couldn't begin to give you any advice, every case is different, but I just wanted you to know that I will keep all of you in my thoughts, no matter what happens. |
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Daniel Yankee Flyer - 8/2002
Lady Layla - 1/2006 |
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mrspwgunny
Long Island NY
MH
Posts:250
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| 02/10/2011 7:26 PM |
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| So sorry for your heavy heart |
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JMSGunner
Bucks County, PA
MH
Posts:785
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| 02/10/2011 7:27 PM |
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| So sorry you're dealing with this. I also think that you will know or he will tell you when it's time. So sorry. |
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Jackie & Gunner
Impressive Gewehr von Catskill 4/19/2010
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Smylinacha
Connecticut
MH
Posts:1208
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| 02/10/2011 8:42 PM |
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I am very sorry!  This thread has me in tears. I had to part with a cat I loved dearly - but she needed to be on her way and I still get sad when I think about it. She will always be in my heart and I know she is happy Upstairs chasing all the squirrels and mice.
He has had a good life with you and your wife - he knows that and always will. I always wonder why we as people can't leave in peace like our beloved pets can. I am very sorry you guys are going through this. |
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Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:7844
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| 02/10/2011 9:50 PM |
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One of the hardest decisions that we ever have to make. I guess the only advice I can give you beyond what others have said, is look into your heart and decide are you keeping your buddy around because you can't let go? To me it is a question of quality of life. I made the mistake with one of my dogs of keeping her around an extra week, and I made that decision because I just couldn't part with her yet. In the end it probably didn't make that much difference, but it did make me take a long hard look at why I wanted to wait when it came time to my next dog down. For me if they are still happy and they still have a reasonable quality to there life, that is what is important.
As others have said, your buddy will let you know, just be sure you are listening. |
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Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna)
Yellow Rose GSPs
   
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato |
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Marie
Wisconsin
MH
Posts:2721
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| 02/10/2011 10:51 PM |
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When an animal cannot get up on its own, that is near to the time. Make your appointment with your Vet to discuss your wishes and plans giving each family member and friends who loved your dog a chance to come and say good-bye. With our dogs, I felt our car with their beds to lay on was the best place as my dogs love to ride in the car. Very hard and tough time. Individual for each family. Prayers are with you. |
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Marie and Rocky, a tall, high energy GSP
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab18/Annette_Merryfield/100_0285.jpg?t=1287205231 |
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pixie bee
MH
Posts:4450
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| 02/11/2011 5:11 AM |
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I am so sorry.
I have been where you are now,more than once.
I believe dogs have their own lives and can not be made to prolong theirs in order to relieve us of the heaviness that follows their passing.
God bless.
Francine |
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"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
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Splat
Illinois (Northern)
MH
Posts:3136
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| 02/11/2011 5:32 AM |
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This post brought tears to my eyes...I have had to go through putting down my childhood lab though that was my parents decision (but it was time for her) and through putting down my boxer and I had to make that decision and it was a hard one, I knew she was in pain and she was incontinent and not getting around like she used to...the thing that helped me decide it was time was that I didn't want her to fall and hurt herself and then need to be put down...I still wanted to remember her as some what capable though she was not herself...
Just look into your heart and do what it right for you and your family...also if you are already considering it the time is close...maybe not right now but it is good to start preparing...
I will most certainly be keeping your family in my prayers... |
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everbell
Kanata, ON
MH
Posts:3166
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| 02/11/2011 5:46 AM |
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I have nothing to add beyond what others have already said. So sorry you are going through this, although, all of us who love an animal know we will be faced with a similar decision far too soon.
Take comfort that you have given your dog a good life and that you have been a good friend. |
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Joce and Rich
Bogart and Shiraz (GSPs)
Roxane (RIP: 1995-2009) and Tiger Lily (Cats)
The Everbell Adventures |
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therozypozy
MH
Posts:470
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| 02/11/2011 8:46 AM |
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Gosh this has me in tears. I am so sorry. It brings back the final days with my lab, Gabby. Very, very hard. I agree about taking your dog to the vet and talk with them. It helped me get through when I should let her go.
God bless! |
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Tank
ON, Canada
JH
Posts:39
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| 02/11/2011 9:30 AM |
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Not an easy decision to make....and I think that's why it's so hard, because it's ultimately OUR decision. I've had to do it several times in my life, and it doesn't get any easier. Every time I had the same feeling though, that my best friend was hanging on by a thread FOR ME. I could tell that his body was done, calling it quits, but it seemed like he was trying to make me happy by staying with me. And it was up to me to tell him it was okay to let go. And if it was the last thing I could do for him, I would help him. As hard as it was, I owed him that much.
My heart goes out to you and your family....much love sent your way! |
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DesertRoseKennel
MH
Posts:1033
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| 02/11/2011 3:16 PM |
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I've been there several times and I'm sorry for what you're going through. So trust that I don't say this out of cruelty. Sometimes when we're deep in the middle of this awful situation we need someone to just "say it". It sounds to me like your old man is ready and you just need to find the way to accept it. There comes a time when we're prolonging the decision because it's awful and painful.
If you haven't put a dog down before, I can tell you from experience that as long as your vet knows what they are doing, it is not an awful thing at all. They simply go to sleep. Make yourself stay in the room, he deserves it. And in the end, you'll be glad you did.
And don't ever question if dogs go to heaven. I'm not sure that lots of the people I've met are going to go, but I feel totally sure in my heart that dogs do. Who could deserve it more?
Good luck.
Jean |
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"Our dogs are bred to be champion hunters who sleep on the bed"
www.desertrosekennel.com |
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DesertRoseKennel
MH
Posts:1033
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| 02/11/2011 3:16 PM |
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I've been there several times and I'm sorry for what you're going through. So trust that I don't say this out of cruelty. Sometimes when we're deep in the middle of this awful situation we need someone to just "say it". It sounds to me like your old man is ready and you just need to find the way to accept it. There comes a time when we're prolonging the decision because it's awful and painful.
If you haven't put a dog down before, I can tell you from experience that as long as your vet knows what they are doing, it is not an awful thing at all. They simply go to sleep. Make yourself stay in the room, he deserves it. And in the end, you'll be glad you did.
And don't ever question if dogs go to heaven. I'm not sure that lots of the people I've met are going to go, but I feel totally sure in my heart that dogs do. Who could deserve it more?
Good luck.
Jean |
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"Our dogs are bred to be champion hunters who sleep on the bed"
www.desertrosekennel.com |
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Max2
Oneonta NY
MH
Posts:1111
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| 02/12/2011 3:35 AM |
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| This is the hardest part. When it's time . You guy's were able to give your friend a great life and I am sure he will always love you for it. I am sure there is a heaven ! His found memories will be with you forever. They never leave us ! |
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Chris |
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dgrracing
SE Michigan
SH
Posts:59
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| 02/12/2011 12:59 PM |
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| Thanks for all of the feedback and well wishes... Right after my original post he deteriorated quickly. It's like he took the decision out of myhands... This morning he could no longer stand so my wife and I have just returned from the vet... We took turns sittiing with him today saying goodbye.. He would continue to nudge at us to scratch his ears and just wanted somebody to be close by.. He knew as well as us that the time had come. I cradeled him in my arms on the ride to the vet as he snuggled his nose up under my chin he seemed at peace... He was a great friend and I'll miss him dearly. I'll think of him everytime I go afield to hunt..love ya bud... |
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Max2
Oneonta NY
MH
Posts:1111
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| 02/12/2011 1:09 PM |
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You were able to give him a great life and that is something to be said ! Sorry for your loss and cherish all the fond memories and good times you guy's had together.
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Chris |
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Smylinacha
Connecticut
MH
Posts:1208
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| 02/12/2011 2:32 PM |
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| Again I am so sorry! It's never easy but he is at peace now and I do believe in Heaven and I do believe when it's our time and we hopefully find our way Upstairs, we'll see everyone else up there too, including all our beloved pets. |
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Nancy D
No. Lower MI - Gaylord Area
MH
Posts:849
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| 02/12/2011 2:46 PM |
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| I'm so very sorry for your loss, but by releasing him you gave him your gift of love. God Bless. |
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