re: Dreading Tomorrow - Saying goodbye to my dog

quote:

---

A 13 year older Dane is a pretty amazing life.

---

I was coming to post the same thing. Large breed dogs generally don't live as long as smaller breeds and tend to suffer from hip problems much earlier and more often.

The fact the dog lived that long in my opinion is bonus years for both the dog and owner.

Quality of life is important in all life forms, and when the joy of living fades in pets, it's time to let them go.

quote:

---

they fall over and just look at you, it's time. They don't like what's happening to them, and it shames them to have accidents inside or otherwise disappoint you.

---

This in a nutshell.
It's the kindest and most loving thing you can do for them.
They know when it's time. We just try to put if off longer for our own personal reasons.

I feel for you...mine has cancer and I know this same thing will require my doing for our little guy months from now.

Be strong for your buddy... as much as it sucks.

quote:

---

This is the first dog I've ever had and first time I've ever gone through this. Can anyone give input as to what made you make the decision?

---

Animal’s quality of life and how it’s impacting yours. There comes a point where you simply can’t
Offer the care required to keep them
Going and when it negatively impacts you, it’s time for the dog to go. Otherwise, if the dog is suffering or refuses to eat, nuke it.
Trust me when I tell you, better sooner than later. I’ve only delayed euthanasia on an animal once but I’ll never do it again.


Best of luck and sorry for your loss. Sounds like you gave the dog a good 13 years. Job well done. Now give her one last courtesy and give her a peaceful passing.

Sorry to hear. I had to put mine down Monday because he couldn’t stand up anymore. Whenever I would cut grass with my riding lawnmower he would go round and round it trying to bite the tires. Back in December I noticed him limping on his back leg after I was through. I thought damm I hope I didn’t run over him. Took him to the vet and the vet told me that he blew out his ACL. He said the surgery would be a minimum of $3500.00. He also told me that he would probably blow out his other back leg within one year. I asked him what other options did I have. He told me that the only other thing was a regimen of three shots with two weeks in between them. Also a 15 day supply of an anti anti inflammatory given twice a day. Well we started and when we went back for his second shot I asked the vet if he would ever be able to put weight on that leg again. She told me that he probably would but it would be at least 6-8 weeks. Well we got home Sunday afternoon and he couldn’t stand up anymore. I had to pick him up to move him around to use the bathroom and that kind of stuff. He could raise up on his front legs but he would drag his butt when he tried to move. I knew then what had to happen so I called the vet Monday. The vet told me that unless I would get him the surgery to fix both legs now at between 7-8 thousand there was two choices. One I would have to pick him up to move him around or put him down. I already knew that is what needed to be done but it doesn’t make it any easier. The weird thing is he was not in pain. I could take his original leg that he blew out and I was doing therapy with him every day. I would move it in all directions to try and get him to put some weight on it. And yes I cried like a baby on Monday. We had him cremated. I got him back today. Again I am truly sorry that you are having to deal with that. This is him.

Good looking pup man. Really sorry to hear that. Dogs do some of the funniest things like chasing the lawnmower tires. My Dane was the clumsiest runner back when she was young. Her feet developed first and were way too big for her body for two or three months. It was the funniest thing to watch her run.

I stopped by the store today and bought some pig ears, beef knuckles and a couple of other treats to keep her busy for awhile. Also bought both pups a steak and some bacon and eggs for tomorrow. Gonna be a rough go of it.

Really appreciate the input here and it sucks there are so many of us in a similar situation dealing with struggling friends. I know I always hate to read these threads but do it every time I see them.

I'm sorry to hear about this but you're doing the right thing! I have a 7yr old Dane and I dread the day Ill have to do it. 13 years for a Dane is amazing, I'm sure its lived a wonderful life but don't let the last few months or weeks be filled with pain and regret that you didn't do it sooner! God its the worst when they look at you with those big eyes and you just know they aren't doing well. If only they could talk! Good luck and hope all goes well!

My last two before my current one died in my arms. Still remember both like it was yesterday. My thoughts and prayers for the loss of your family member bc that's really what they are.

quote:

---

Now I have a 15 year old lab turning 16 next month and I know her good days are far behind her and the time will soon come

---

In the same boat, mine is almost 14. He had an episode last weekend where he threw up 3 times in an afternoon and couldn't keep water down. Rushed him to emergency vet and they ran all kinds of tests. He has a mass developing but had an intestinal bug causing the immediate issue. All the way there I had tears in my eyes thinking this could be time to make that decision.

To the OP, sorry for your loss but you are doing the right thing.

WT, I’m glad you had 13 years with your Dane. I want to tell you that I “got to” put my 13 year old yellow lab-golden retriever mix (Jack) down years ago on a Friday morning. I cried all weekend.

It’s important for me to say “got to” because it was my gift to him for all the love he gave to me for 13 years. He had cancer, and the vet told me, “You will know when it is time.” He let me know that morning when he woke me up hyperventilating like he had been chasing a ball for 30 minutes.

After the vet put him down he told me he was sorry. I told him, “I hope we get to do this again in 13 or 14 more years.” Well, my current yellow-golden mix (Jackie) is now 12 and she is slowing down. I just hope and pray I will get to do the same for her as I did for Jack.

It truly is a gift that we can give them when the time comes. Accepting that makes it easier, but I’m sure I’ll still cry all weekend when it’s Jackie’s time.

You are doing the right thing..... even if it hurts.

quote:

---

offshoretrash

---

Dang man. Prayers for you and family. This thread is rough.