Putting Down a Pet

[JetService]

Today, we lost our beloved 11 year old dog, Zeke the rat-terrier today around 2pm. I took him to the vet to euthanize him after he kept getting sick and couldn't seem to be helped. He was a sweet, gentle, adorable dog despite being blind and having terrible allergies. He was very tolerant of the kids, especially the 2 year old, who would tax his patience. I did what I felt was right, but what broke my heart to do. I thought I would do OK, but I didn't. All I can think about was the moment he laid his head in my hands and succumbed to the overdose of anesthetic. I know he was 'just a dog', but this was 10 times more heart-wrenching than I thought it would be. So this is a little tribute to Zeke. Hopefully it will make me feel better.

I know he's ugly, but that made him even more lovable.

 

[bvdr]

Oh Jet, I'm so sorry. I can still tear up sometimes when I think of having done the same thing. I just couldn't be there for the injection though. The next day the veternarian sent me a single red rose with a card that said. "In memory of Sundance". I cried for days.

 

[hensylee]

Hard to do. I can't go anymore. First one I had to put down was looking at me asking for help and I couldn't handle it. Next ones I had to just take there and leave. Terrible experience. They are so trusting and so ill. So hard. They just can't tell you where they are hurting so you are helpless. I am so sorry. I know how you feel.

 

[Guest]

*grimaces*

I distinctly remember the look in my grandmother's eyes the afternoon that her mother's dog, "Fluffy", was put to sleep. I thought that was the hardest one....

Fastforward, however, a few years to a couple days before Christmas 1997. Our dog, "Fibber" (a lively silky haired terrior) had just managed to obtain his 17th birthday a few weeks before, but almost right after that birthday...he went down hill and so quickly. All four of us (Mom, Dad, sis and I) took him to the vet to be put to sleep...and we stayed with him. I can't imagine leaving..........but, that's just me.

*insert sad sigh*

Jet, you are certainly not alone....

Peace...always,
Cort S, pig's valve & pacemaker-enhanced 30/swm
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[JetService]

Thanks! All of your words make me feel better. I guess its true that misery loves company. the thing is I was at total peace with this, because there's a lot to the story I didn't mention. Zeke was actually in the vet hospital for three days and they couldn't figure out why he kept getting sick. So I went in to have it done four days ago, but I caved. When they brought him in, he started howling and panting when he heard our voices. He had that lampshade-thing on his head for the IV in his foot and he was all ratty from being unable to clean himself. He was so frightened. But I caved when the Dr. said he hadn't thrown up at all that day. First day in 5 total. So I changed my mind and told them I'd wait one more day and either do it if he got sick or bring him home. It was bad enough doing it without knowing exactly what was wrong, but worse knowing whatever was wrong may have passed. He ended up not getting sick the rest of the night, so I got him and brought him home. They gave my diet food and meds to give him for 3 days. He didn't get sick the entire 3 days and seemed normal. Then as soon as he went back on his reg food and off the meds, he got the sickest he'd gotten ever and also relieved himself three times in the house. He NEVER did that. Anyway, I realized it had to be done, but knowing his last days were spent at home with lots of attention, it made me feel better. Also, it was painfully clear now that he had a major illness where I had doubt before. So that all made me feel better and I had no problems taking him in. Everything was fine until he died. Looking at his lifeless body just tore me apart, but I don't know how I would've felt if I wasn't there. I can't believe a pet can bring that much emotion. I never expected it. Thanks again for sharing.

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hi Jet

Hi Jet

Hi Jet,

I just want to let you know how sorry I am for your loss..I am right there with you because I had an accident sunday night and I hit a deer and she had to be put down. I absolutely feel awful and I am having a hard time finding forgiveness with myself and really hurt bad because it was a young doe and I LOVE ANIMALS, and even though I know I couldn't help what happened, I still feel total hurt and sadness. I hope we both can get through this with as much solace as possible. Take care of yourself, and I will be thinking of you and hoping your hurt will ease as soon as possible. Harrybaby666

 

[Ross]

I hate having to do that. I lost my buddy of 13 years last November to Pyothorax. I couldn't stand to watch him suffer.

I now have these 2 little demons. They aren't so little anymore!
The one on the left is Sam and the one on the right is Puff . Puff is my oxygen line eating meatball.

 

[JetService]

Ross, that's always rough. Your cat wasn't that old. It's so sad with they get terminal disease before their time. But as the vet told me, putting them down in situations like that is the last nice thing an owner can do for a pet. As for the other two; they have trouble written all over them! LMAO!!! It almost looks like you suprised them with that photo just as they were plotting. It wouldn't suprise me if they order a bunch of cat-toys online while you're at work. I'd keep an eye on those two!

Harrybaby, I just noticed your thread. How scary that would be! I hope you're OK!

 

[Nancy]

You have my sincere sympathies. Losing a beloved pet is like losing a child.

I had to bring our 14 year old Shih Tzu, Boggs to the vet, just before Joe had his last heart surgery. Boggs had cancer. We kept him at home for as long as possible, and I gave him narcotics to help his pain. It was Joe's dog and they loved each other so much. Joe used to carry him around in a basket and he would stay in it wherever he went, and wouldn't try to hop out. He was very sweet and very smart, just an adorable little guy. He was so, so sick. But Joe couldn't stand to let him go. One day I brought Boggs outside to do his business and he passed out. When I carried him in, Joe was also fainting. They were both so sick.

I brought Boggs to the vet's and stayed with him while he slipped away. The vet was wonderful, and she knew how much we loved that little dog. She was so afraid that he would have a bad reaction to the injection, but it went smoothly and he was at peace.

When Joe finally had his surgery, the first thing he wanted to do was to get another dog. As soon as he could manage to walk, we went out and got a beautiful little female Shih Tzu named Harriet. She's completely different from Boggs, high energy and very playful. She filled a big void. we will always love and remember Boggs, and now we also have Harriet to love, as well as three cats.

 

[epstns]

Jet, I'm with you. . .

Jet, I'm with you. . .

Jet, your story brought back memories of our little Shih Tzu, Paxton. We had him for 14 wonderful (and sometimes troublesome!) years. He was not a pet, he was an adopted son who just happened to have four legs. I still tear up when I think of things we used to do. He went everywhere with me and I was so lost when we had to put him down (he developed Alzheimer's) that I still went out for walks in the evening at the same old time, but without him. It just felt like the right thing to do.

Since his full pedigree name was Prince Paxton of Cheremy Kennels, I often end an evening prayer with "Goodnight, my Prince, wherever you are."

I fully agree -- pets are really good people in disguise.

 

[Kathy]

I am sorry for your loss.

I know he's ugly, but that made him even more lovable.

Thanks for sharing the picture. I think he is cute as a button. Terriers are so spunky. Ross, those cats of yours are adorable.

I had to put my 16 year old dog, "Houdini" down when my daughter was two. I also appreciated that the dog was tolerant of my daughter's attentions. It was so hard, but the dog was suffering and in retrospect, I wonder if I shouldn't have put her down several months before I did.

We didn't get another dog until my daughter was five. I was afraid that no other dog would tolerate a todler. When we did get "Daisy" I couldn't believe that I went all that time without an animal. After my valve repair, the dog stayed by my side 24/7 for at least a month. I worried that I might trip over her and open my sternum.

 

[Heather Fisher]

Pets are the best. I've lost a few over the years so I know how you feel. The only one I had to put to sleep was my oldest son's ferret. The poor thing was bald from a pituitary/adrenal tumor and so miserable she scratched herself and bled all the time. I had despised the poor ferret when he first got it. He then left for college and I was left with it. It was so sad to finally put her down!!!

Heather

 

[Kevin M]

Jet, your little Zeke looked like a real character. You did the right thing. It's such a difficult thing to do. We had to put one of our cats down this year. Crusty was also 11 and getting sicker with time. It doesn't make it any easier to know that it was time and that it had to be done, but think of it this way. He went with you there holding him and that must give them comfort even though it tears us up inside. It's the right thing thing to do. We owe it to our pets to take care of them right until the end. They give us so much.

I'm sorry for your loss Jet.
Kev

 

[Karlynn]

Jet,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to put my beloved Chloe down in May. She was 13 1/2. Like Zeke, she had been sick for a while, and I probably waited too long to make the decision, but she was my shadow and it was so hard to let go. She was my best friend (besides my husband), my therapist, my nurse, my comforter. She was right beside me through all my sick times before my MVR. All the hours I spent laying on the couch, she would lay curled up in the crook of my legs, her head resting on my knees. She instinctively knew when I needed her most. I will PM you the lovely story that my vet sent me after I put Chloe down.

My thoughts are with you as you mourn your friend.

Karlynn

Chloe

 

[cookie]

Oh my gosh! You guys are making me tear up! I thought I was the only one who was such a wreck over putting down a pet. To this day I cry over each dog I had to do that for. My dear Shadow, a Cockapoo, had bone cancer and I had sent him to my brother-in-law for a second opinion. He verified what it was so I told him to put him down. I wasn't there for that and I still regret that. It's the least we can do for such unconditional love. The last dog was my beloved Lady. She was a mutt but what a lover. Her problem was just old age. She couldn't walk anymore, was partially blind and wasn't eating. My daughter went with me this time and we held her and talked to her while she went to sleep! It still brings tears to my eyes! I've also had to put down 2 kitties, both of old age. They were our first cats when we got married and lived until they were both 17. They were such a part of our lives! It is never an easy decision to make. I can't say I like that kind of power to end a life, but what is the alternative. I will always have animals so I take the bad with the very good!

 

[bibliophile]

You certainly struck a chord...

You certainly struck a chord...

You certainly struck a chord with your message. I have been through this twice, the most recent being just a few weeks ago, my beloved Maxx, a border collie. He spelled his name with two x's because he was extra special. I still have a hard time thinking about it. But it was the right thing to do. And it was the right thing for you to do as well. After a time, you will be able to remember Zeke with a find smile instead of with sadness.

 

[Nancy]

I had one pet that lived a very long time and died naturally. He was a Siamese cat and lived to be 19 or 20. When he was about 7 years old, Joe and I were in the vet's office. There was an older woman there who had come to put him down, she could not take care of him anymore. He was a beautiful cat. So I approached her and could tell she was distraught. I asked her if she would let us have him. She was very happy and so we got Fugi (Fuji mispelled, I guess). He started out being a Holy terror. The world's most dominant cat. He absolutely ruled the roost, all the other cats, the dog, and both Joe and I. He was very demanding and possessive of me. After a while, we found his antics quite amusing, and he did mellow with time. He was also one of the smartest cats we ever had.

He never really got sickly. He just got old. So we let him live out his life to the end. When the end was very near, he choose the most travelled spot in the house and lay down there, I moved him to a more comfortable spot with soft blankets, but he moved himself back to where he could keep an eye on everything. At the very end, I lay down on the floor with him and held his paw, and spoke to him and petted him, and he closed his eyes and went to sleep.

It was sad for me and for Joe, but Fugi was peaceful.

 

[Christina]

Dear Jet,

I am feeling sad for your loss. I think most of us have experienced what you have and we all feel real pain when we have to say goodbye.
I had to put down a gorgeous persian cat more than 10 years ago now. Their was nothing wrong with him other than he wouldn't use the litter box anymore. Tried many things to break that habit, but were unsuccessful. My pain of losing that cat lasted for months.
Before that I had to take our Great Dane, Winnie, to be put down, as she had lost all control of her bowels. This went on for approx. two months. My husband had to clean up after her every morning, until he had had enough (these are very large dogs and they go like horses. Winnie weighed 146 lbs) and asked me to have her put down that day. That was very difficult, and I didn't have the strength to stay with her. I have felt terrible about taking that decision, and have her be with strangers the last few minutes of her life.
I am a major cat lover, and my husband and I are owned by 4 beautiful persians. They are getting old though, and it is going to happen again that we have to put one of them down. I don't think after these cats die that I will have more. It is just too heartbreaking for me.

Ross. Your little cats are looking so cute but also so mischievious. Are their eyes really that blue/green, or what color are they?
Maybe you'll have to put some plastic tubing around the cords that the little one is chewing on. I had to do that with my cat Scooter, otherwise he'd be fried by now. It happened to my daughter's cat. Not a pretty sight.

 

[Rebecca]

I am so sorry to hear about your lost. Three years ago our family lost our beloved Calypso Girl. She had her Canine Good Citizen Certificate and had just started visiting a nursing home. My daughter wrote this poem.

Rebecca

I Hold in My Hand,
A Picture

I hold in my hand a picture for that is all I have left of you.

No longer can I touch your soft black fur and look into your
dark brown eyes.

Never again can I hear you sleep right by my side, and hold
you close in a storm as thunder crashes all around.

I shall never hear the sound of your voice again, and play with
you close after school before the fire flies come out.

You always knew how to bring about a smile, and you could
always keep me warm on the coldest night of December.

All I can do now is remember all those times that we shared.
and as I look at your picture the memories come back.

At the crack of dawn you always would be there, and now you
will not it is so unfair.

You were my best friend the one that always cared, I never
will forget you, and you will always have a place inside, so
together will be forever, just you and I.

 

[Karlynn]

3 Days You Will Always Remember

3 Days You Will Always Remember

I was going to PM this to Jet, but since so many people have shared their own stories of pet loss, I thought I'd go ahead and post it on the thread. I received this story, along with a note of sympathy, from our vet.

Karlynn


Three Days In Your Life You Will Always Remember

The First Day is blessed with happiness when you bring home your new young friend. You may have spent weeks deciding. Or, perhaps in a fleeting moment a sparkle in its eyes beckoned you. Into your home, you bring a bundle of love and joy. You watch it explore, and claim its special place in your hall or front room. The first time it cuddles against you, the warmth of its pure love fills every corner of your heart. You will carry this love deep, and yet deeper inside you as time passes.

The Second Day will be a day like any other, routine and unexceptional, after unnoticed years have melted away. In a surprising instant, you will look at your beloved friend and see age where you once saw youth. Subtly a foreboding from deep within yourself makes you aware of the inexorable passage of time. On and off you will have this uneasy feeling?

The Third Day finally arrives. On this day ? if your friend has not decided for you, then you will be faced with making an impossible decision on behalf of your lifelong friend. With the guidance of your own deepest Spirit, you give your last gift ? everlasting freedom. You will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night. An emptiness you?ve never experienced permeates your soul. If you are wise, you will know this is right. If you are forgiving, you will let the tears flow as freely and often, as they must.

You will find the love of your cherished pet when you least expect it. Maybe you feel something brush against your leg very very lightly?the evidence that a soul a bit smaller in size than your own seems to walk with you during lonely days to come.

You will remember these three significant days. The memory will most likely be painful, and leave an ache in your heart. As time passes, the ache will come and go as if it has a life of its own. You will both reject it and embrace it. Either way, it will still be there.

But The Fourth Day arrives when a memory of your pet pierces through the heaviness in your heart. Remembered good times bring the realization of the unique and strong relationship with the animal you have loved, and lost. What a privilege has been bestowed. This is the legacy your pet leaves behind for you, a gift you may keep for as long as you live. It is a Love that is yours alone, until you yourself leave. It may even be strong enough to allow you to join your beloved pet.