re: My 12 year old border collie, sweet and good natured, has to be put down

I'm sorry your are going through this. I know of several other families going through this right now. Some people at my son's school lost theirs two weeks ago. We lost our golden retriever to pancreatitis last monday. She got sick and actually improving while in the pet hospital when she threw a blood clot and just collapsed and died.
The fact that she is gone hasn't quite sunk in with any of us yet.

You just couldn't let her live and let nature play itself out? I just don't get why people just have to put animals down. Is the dog a vegetative state? I just couldn't ever do this to a pet.

Sorry, man. We put our Weimaraner down in November, and it's still tough to deal with. My heart goes out to you.

quote:

---

Sounds like the squirrel might testify otherwise about no mean bones.

---

True, but my Aussie whacked the squirrel and Piper tricked her out of it.

sad to hear this. At least Piper won't suffer anymore and will be in doggie heaven.

you know, we do that for animals, and it's the humane thing to do in my opinion, but we can't do it for terminally ill people who might choose it if they could.Not even for those who suffer tremendously. I don't understand that.

Sad and sorry to hear, though, about Piper.

quote:

---

one of the boys held Piper's head, telling her "you'll be fine" and "it will be ok."

---

Kids know.. and dogs know. The dog's worry is only for their master.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your very smart and gentle dog.. and if it's any consolation, the pain will ease gently with time and your memories with your sweet pet will always console you. Again.. so sorry for your loss but it's wonderful that you're providing him with the best possible care and comfort.

Went through something similar with my chocolate Lab, Thibodaux, last August. Had no idea it was coming. Exploratory surgery found tumor wrapped around his carotid artery. Inoperable, so we just let him drift off while still sedated.

Hate it for you, but 12 years is a long time for a dog. Sounds like Piper was a great one, too.

Prayers sent. Hang in there.

quote:

---

Had to put my sweet Irish setter down yesterday afternoon. She was 15 and I have been torn up about it. Coming home today was the worst.

---

Sad to hear. Sending same prayers your way.

Dogs are the greatest gift God gave us. They have the unique ability to not only see past our faults and flaws but make us feel like we are the greatest person to ever live.

THERE is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find - it's your own affair, -
But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!),
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone - wherever it goes - for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear!

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent,
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve;
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long -
So why in - Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Rudyard Kipling