Concerned

[patti4me]

We have an 18 year old mixed breed house dog that we dearly love.  His health has really been going downhill although his heart is still strong.  He's been whining and moaning a lot the last few days and I feel its time to put him down.  My husband  is very reluctant even though we agreed not to ever let him suffer.  He can't really stand or walk very well and his appetite has nearly gone.  Today he has not eaten anything.  My husband gets irritated when I bring up the subject but I'm not sure how much longer I can let the sweet dog gone on like he is.  Breaks my heart!  Thanks for listening.

[hitch0403]

I said the same thing to my wife a month ago Patti.Then for 2 hrs i watched our dog have an extreme difficulty breathing.As tears rolled own my face i looked up to heaven and said,God you made her <dog>and you made me...please do something.Within 15 minutes she stopped breathing and passed.I feel my prayer was answered but realization comes in shes gone.

Your dog gave you 18 yrs of happiness.Thats a lot longer then we had ours.We had her for 10 and she was 2 when my son rescued her.

Putting her to sleep isnt EZ...but the suffering must stop.....please show your hubby my post and you have many here and in the world that share your compassion.

BTW it doesnt hurt to ask God for peace and strength thru all this either.

[bremer51]

Its so hard to see a pet suffering. I would take the dog in myself, if he doesn't want to.

[michele2042]

Would your husband listen to the vet?   If the dog is suffering and there isn't anything to help him it's best to let him go in peace.   

[BATISTAGIRL663]

Hardest decision you'll ever make is to make that call to give them up and let them cross the bridge I know this because I had to do that with Katie Sue on New Year's Day when she had a seizure and it caused her organs to shut down she was brain-dead and I had to make that decision  to let her crossover and being peace I'm sending thoughts and prayers your way as you go through this difficult decision time

[JaniceSW]

It is a difficult decision for sure but I think the most important consideration is not letting your special boy suffer.  It sounds as if he is showing all the signs that he is getting near the end.  At his age he would be very old in people years.  I think over 100! Most of us would rather exit the world before we feel pain.  I'm sure he would rather draw his last breath in your arms and looking into your eyes than any other way.  Please plead with your husband for all of you to go to the vet immediately!

[sherryfan]

so sorry to hear that, dog is like one of our family, the less pain the less better.  what does the vet says?

[mrsmere]

Go to the vet and let them help you decide.

[santa7]

I've had to put down too many pets that were old and ailing.  At least they're not suffering anymore.  Still miss them.

[countrygirl12]

We have an 18 year old mixed breed house dog that we dearly love.  His health has really been going downhill although his heart is still strong.  He's been whining and moaning a lot the last few days and I feel its time to put him down.  My husband  is very reluctant even though we agreed not to ever let him suffer.  He can't really stand or walk very well and his appetite has nearly gone.  Today he has not eaten anything.  My husband gets irritated when I bring up the subject but I'm not sure how much longer I can let the sweet dog gone on like he is.  Breaks my heart!  Thanks for listening.

Hard to say.  If the dog is crying all the time then obviously it is hurting. 18 is really old for a dog. Not eating for one day is not that big of a deal as long as the dog isn't throwing up too.  I just went thru a horrible ordeal with my dog so I may not be the best to give advice.  I probably would put off putting the dog to sleep as long as I could.  But if the dog is in pain the best thing for the dog is to put it down. But we don't usually do what is best for the dog. We do what is best for us.  I would probably agree with your husband.      But you aren't wrong for thinking the way you do either.

[countrygirl12]

Its so hard to see a pet suffering. I would take the dog in myself, if he doesn't want to.

That would be completely wrong. If he doesn't agree with the decision and she takes the dog to the vet and kills it then there are going to be some really hard feelings. Some people are really attached to pets so that may not be something he would just get over.

[potluck6]

Do the kind thing put her to sleep. iwasnt in the room when we put our dog down. don't think I would of taken it well.

[patti4me]

Thank you all for your advice and comments.  My husband realized last night that our sweet dog was suffering and we took him to the vet this am and had him put down while we petted and loved on him.  The vet had told us at the last visit that he didn't have much longer but he held out leaving us longer than any of us thought.  Y'all all have a blessed day and thanks for your thoughts and prayers.  Being with him at the end and witnessing the peace that came over him helped us and hopefully will make losing him a little easier to bear.  Again, thanks.

[Nancy5]

I am so very sorry for your loss.  I know it’s a very hard decision, but I agree with countrygirl, sometimes we keep the pet alive because we are selfish and keeping them alive for us.  Just remember the joy she gave you all the years you had her.  Again, I’m so very sorry.

[linderlizzie]

Do you ever wonder why it's okay to put down dogs and cats, but not people? That is, of course, if it's a baby in the womb and momma don't want him/her.

I'm just sayin'. Makes you wonder.

Try not to bash me. It's just a point of view. I understand we all have differing points of view on things.