Please tell me I'm doing the right thing
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Anonymous
| I just made an appointment to have our 14 year old Lab euthanized. We have agonized about this decision for the last several months. I almost wish she had cancer or some other clearly terminal disease that would have made this decision easier. She has trouble getting up, frequently falls once she does get up, can no longer control her bowels and no longer wags her tail. It even seems like she doesn't want to be in the same room in the house with us anymore. I'm just heartbroken and worried this is not the right decision. |
Anonymous
| You're making the decision for her to have less pain. Sounds like she has no quality of life right now. Hugs to you and your family, it's such a hard decision. |
Anonymous
The right time is when you are ready |
Anonymous
| Yup, you're doing the right thing, and I'm glad you have the option! When my cat was dying from recurrent bladder infections, the vet I took him to refused euthanasia. And I had to sign him over to their care and they wouldn't tell me what happened to him. Ugh. (This was after $2500 of surgery). Good luck with healing from the loss. |
Anonymous
Wait, what?? |
Anonymous
| OP, it absolutely sounds like the right time. Give her lots of love, and hamburgers. Make her last time the best you can. Then let her go. |
Anonymous
This is what was happening to my 13 year old lab when we decided it was time. (((hugs))) to you. It is heartbreaking but you are doing the right thing. |
Anonymous
| Hugs to you. It is such a hard decision but I think the fact that she doesn't wag her tail is telling enough. |
Anonymous
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You are doing the right thing, but it still hurts like hell. Spend time with her now, talk to her, remember the good times. It's the worst part of owning a pet, but the life you shared is what counts.
Signed, Had to do the same with my 17-year-old cat last fall and I still think about him every day |
Anonymous
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You are doing the right thing. One of the worst things we can do for our pets is to let them continue to suffer because we are afraid to let them go.
I just had to make the appointment for our 17 year old beagle who can no longer control his bowels, he gets frightened if we are not in the same room with him, he has trouble getting up and getting himself down. My DH and I have to go away for 2 weeks plans we can not change, and we both wanted to be with him when he goes. My heart breaks even thinking about but I know in my heart it is the right call to make. He will always be a part of us. Just as your Lab will always be a part of yours. Remember to good times lots of love to your dog. Big hugs I know how difficult it is. |
Anonymous
Yeah, exactly. It was at VCA old town. In retrospect, I should have just stormed in and taken him elsewhere, but I was really struggling with what to do. For all I know, they did a $10,000 surgery and he's living out his life with a new family  Or maybe they just let him die, I don't know.
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Anonymous
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just an fyi OP. I was heartbroken when I had to put my dog to sleep but what made it easier for me was that the Vet came to the house to do it.
So my dogs last moments were in her own surroundings and in my arms. I dont think it was that much extra so maybe see if your vet does it. If not, call around. |
Anonymous
I have two elderly dogs and when the time comes, I'm going to go with the home euthanasia. Lap of Love is one that I've seen recommended on our neighborhood listserve. lapoflove.com |
Anonymous
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The anticipation is the worst part...I had my cat euthanized in April. I was surprised by the sense of peace I had just an hour later. I had ended his suffering. My grief was the exchange for removing his pain. When viewed that way, it made my grief easier.
Hugs!! |
Anonymous
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This is the final act of love you can do for your friend. The passing is so peaceful, and dogs have no fear of death.
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