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Putting a pet down is one way to turn a grown man into a sobbing mess

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Rinaun said:
My dog went through exactly what you described and we had to come to the same conclusion. When I mean exactly I really do mean it; my last few days were spent holding my german sheppard's chest up while she went to the bathroom.

The tipping point was when I had let her outside and she came back inside only to lose bowel control within 30 seconds of coming indoors. She made a face I'll never forget...it was like she was apologizing for being old. I was super depressed from that point until we took her in a day later to end her suffering. I made the stupid decision not to be there when she passed away (I was younger).

regret wagon inc, whiskey needed.
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Rinaun, I feel your pain about not being there. Hindsight is ALWAYS 20/20 but here are 10 simple rules for owning a dog. I have ALWAYS made the choice to be there... Here is to being different should there be a next time. :thumbsup:
Rule 10..... Clutch.


1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful. Remember that before you get me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my wellbeing.
4. Do not be angry at me for long and do not lock me up as punishment.
5. You have your work, your entertainment, you friends. I only have you.
6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice,
7. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.
8. Remember before you hit me that I have sharp teeth that could easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite you because I love you.
9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I might not be getting the right food or I have been out too long or my heart is getting too old and weak,
10. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old. Accompany me on difficult journeys. Never say: "I cannot bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there- even my death.
 
I feel for you. We lost our jack Russell a few years ago.

I still miss the dog and get sad when I see pictures of him.

Sounds like your dog had a good long life.
 
Keeper said:
10. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old. Accompany me on difficult journeys. Never say: "I cannot bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there- even my death.
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That part makes me tear up. I can understand because I wouldn't want to die in the presence of a stranger, but rather in the presence of loved ones. But I still don't know if it's something I could do.

My pets are seriously my kids.
 
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Very sorry - it's a very tough decision to make, but it's the right decision.
 
OP, I know your pain. I had to have a dog put down once and it sucked. My parents got him for me when we moved to Utah and I was treated like shit for the first year as a kid because I wasn't a mormon.
 
BlitzPuppet said:
That part makes me tear up. I can understand because I wouldn't want to die in the presence of a stranger, but rather ine the presence of loved ones. But I still don't know if it's something I could do.

My pets are seriously my kids.
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My background is Pre-vet.... Never made it. I was a good student. A VERY good student. But back in '76 there were 12 or 14 vet schools in the entire WORLD. I was NEVER going to make the cut. They were turning away kids who were carrying a 4.0 and scored 1500 on SATs (Back when it was 2 modules.... Quick get me my shawl and cane) and had some sort of connection. Politics.... Judicial... something like that. After 2 or 2.5 years of pre-vet, changed to business.

UGH.
 
Just curious, does the vet stand there and watch you during your weakest moment, or do they perform the injection and then step away? I got 2 dogs that are getting up there, and will probably be in the same situation before too long.
 
I know exactly what you mean. I brought home a little fluffy kitten when I was 8 years old and kept her until I was 23. She got very ill (had been going downhill for several months prior) and I took her into the vets office with my mom along to hold her while I drove. He said she had to be put to sleep and I looked down at her rubbing her head against my mom and I just bolted the room. Went out in the car and cried my eyes out until my mom came out. Felt like a shit for leaving my mom in there with the vet, but I didn't want anyone to see a grown man bawling like a baby over a cat. 😉
 
Mxylplyx said:
Just curious, does the vet stand there and watch you during your weakest moment, or do they perform the injection and then step away? I got 2 dogs that are getting up there, and will probably be in the same situation before too long.
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It's kind of a two stage process. First there's a sedation process where they inject a sedative that makes your dog very drowsy and relaxed. She wasn't asleep, but had her head on my wife's lap. The vet left the room for about 10 minutes while we were with her.

The vet then came back and talked to us for a bit about the next step and what to expect (or more what not to expect). This part was actually sort of odd because he is an older guy...probably in his 60's and was telling us that he had to put both his labs down a year at about the same age as ours...he was actually tearing up telling us about it.

He collected himself, produced "the syringe" and explained that it's really just a matter of seconds and she'll be "gone" before he's done pushing the full dose through.

He put it in her back leg, started the push and a breath or two later she was done. Head in my wife's lap and looking as peaceful as ever.

They double checked with us what our wishes were for her remains and then left us alone until we were ready to leave.
 
vi edit said:
It's kind of a two stage process. First there's a sedation process where they inject a sedative that makes your dog very drowsy and relaxed. She wasn't asleep, but had her head on my wife's lap. The vet left the room for about 10 minutes while we were with her.

The vet then came back and talked to us for a bit about the next step and what to expect (or more what not to expect). This part was actually sort of odd because he is an older guy...probably in his 60's and was telling us that he had to put both his labs down a year at about the same age as ours...he was actually tearing up telling us about it.

He collected himself, produced "the syringe" and explained that it's really just a matter of seconds and she'll be "gone" before he's done pushing the full dose through.

He put it in her back leg, started the push and a breath or two later she was done. Head in my wife's lap and looking as peaceful as ever.

They double checked with us what our wishes were for her remains and then left us alone until we were ready to leave.
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Tearing up here, I don't know that I would have the hearth to do this.
You did the right thing and you did it the way it should be done.
Sorry for your loss.
 
One of those things we pet owners face that hurts all the way into your bones. 🙁
 
So sorry about this vi 🙁 I've been there, its terrible. Just keep remembering that 14 years is a great life for a dog, and Cassie had a great owner to share it with.
 
I feel for you.

We had to put down our 13 year old Chow, Jessica, last month after a lung tumor "exploded" and she began profusely bleeding out her mouth and nose. We knew it was only a matter of time before it happened, but still doesn't make it any easier.

Sorry for your loss. :'(
 
Keeper said:
So sorry for your loss.
I took solace in this.... And I am NOT a religious man by ANY means...
But it gets me... Even posting here for you... It gets me.
Cassie is waiting for you.....

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....
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Hahaha, I felt sad reading this...then Comic Sans. lol
OP sorry for your loss. Losing a pet sucks. I've lost quite a few in my lifetime.
 
Mxylplyx said:
Just curious, does the vet stand there and watch you during your weakest moment, or do they perform the injection and then step away? I got 2 dogs that are getting up there, and will probably be in the same situation before too long.
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When we put our Samoyed, Keesha, down several years ago the vet, one assistant, my wife and I all sat on a carpet with Keesha's head in my lap. Then, like vi edit explained, the vet gave the injection and it was pretty much over in seconds. You could hear a pin drop after that as we walked out. Even the people working the front desk were silent as we left (they bill you later obviously, not right then).
 
It's a heart-wrenching decision to have to make.
We went through it about 4 years ago. Had to put down one of our cats. He was over 13 years old and was my buddy.
I have another cat that's approaching 18. She is my baby...raised her from 2 days old. I'm gonna blubber like a little girl when the time comes to put her down. I actually hope she dies in her sleep...but I know there's only a slim chance of that.
Our two dogs are 8 and 10. The older of the two came to us with health issues...he was a rescue dog, and he's become a BIG part of our family. It's gonna break my heart when his time comes too.

BoomerD is a big softie who bonds with his pets.
 
Damn it all..I'm tearing up over here.

It's never easy.In 2006,we(my mom and dad and I) lost our dog Sunshine to bone cancer.

I walked around work crying openly..not caring who saw me.. for a week straight.

I'll probably do the same when Alfie(our current yellow Lab)- (He's 8 right now).. has his time to go over Rainbow Bridge.
 
My Condolences.

We've had two 18 year old cats that were family had to do it with, busted me up ever time.

The two boys atm are around 9, hopefully they'll be happy another 9.
 
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