suffering so much

[SkeeterN]

I know there will be people who will think we are horrible but we feel we had no choice. Our 15 year old poodle was suffering so much. She had tumors all over her, breathed so hard, could not walk without severe pain, her back leg wouldn't work she drug it behind her, if you touched her she would growl for fear she was going to hurt as she had arthritis in both her shoulders and hips, became very mean and would bite at the slightest provocation,she couldn't swallow without great difficulty and often I would have to dig out of her mouth something she was choking on, nearly blind and deaf and would wet almost constantly either in her sleep or when trying to get up the pain was so intense.

So we took her and had her put down today. This is so hard though as we had her for so many years. My husband had tears in his eyes when he came back.

[April]

You are not horrible for doing that.  It was a hard decision, but it was the right one.  Is it fair to let our loved furbabies be in pain, unable to enjoy life and have numerous complicating factors just to have them with us?  I don't think so.  I think it was a very unselfish and loving, if very difficult, gift you gave her.  She is now without pain and can run and play at the Bridge.  In the situation you described I don't know of any better option for your beloved furbaby!   

[Rich]

I don't think anyone here will put you down for giving your baby the last, most difficult gift to give.  There are few here who have not had to make a similar decision and those that have not understand that sharing your home with a pet carries this responsibility.  Our hearts are with you in your time of sadness. 

[Barb]

I feel so badly for you - I can't imagine how much this hurts.  Know in your heart you gave your baby the best gift of all - the gift of living in the hereafter without pain.   She will be waiting for you when you make your journey to the Bridge - but for now she is running pain free and watching down over her family.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Krista]

Anita - we are so sorry to hear of your loss.  You did the best thing you could for her - took care of her, loved her and helped her over the bridge when the pain was too much for her to take.  She knows you loved her and we here know it too.  Our hearts reach out to you in this time of grief.

Godspeed little poodle girl.

[Jenny G]

You are not horrible at all. We went through the same thing with our girl Annie last year.  It IS the most difficult decision.  My arms went absolutely limp when I picked her up to take her to the vet.  My husband and I were emotional wrecks, but Annie was so calm and brave. We were assured that we were making the right decision.  Like the others have said, it's our responsibility to make this decision for our furbabies and to help them over the rainbow bridge where they can run and play and enjoy being a pup again.

[My Hounds]

Unfortunately the good humane thing for the dog is not always easy on the owners......................Your baby was obviously suffering so you did the right chose for her.  Sorry for your loss.

[Ruth in MT]

I am sorry for your loss.
Maybe this will help:

From a Grateful Dog

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.
That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you...
My partner till the end.
Please, understand just what this gift
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it, too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever-faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
... a young dog once again


(unknown author)

[KathyP]

  I, for one, do NOT think you are a horrible person to have loved your poodle so much that you made the decision to not let her suffer anymore. That has to be one of the hardest decisions we humans have to make when it comes to our fur kids. Bless your heart, you did what was best for her.
On Jan.30 it will be two years since we had to make that decision for our sweet pal, Piddleman. We both cried and labored over the decision even though we knew in our hearts what had to be done. I still miss the cute little guy...
Know that your sweet pupper is well again and romping w/ all of our puppers who met her there. Sending you hugs and rays for peace and comfort!

[SkeeterN]

It was such a hard decision and I have really missed her. I couldn't sleep at all the first night. I kept thinking she must have been so scared but I cannot dwell on this or my heart breaks again.

She was so much fun as a young dog but seemed to go down hill for the past 6 years. I began to think maybe she was getting alzheimer's if a dog can get that. She began to seem not to know people and would bark at nothing.  She would even growl if you petted her.  Made for a difficult time when we all loved her so much.  The only thing she knew for certain was to guard the food bowl and try and eat all the food so the other dogs couldn't eat anything.  She would bite them if they came near her so my husband would put a bowl of food on each side of the room and she would try to run from bowl to bowl and the dogs managed to be able to sneak bites in between the times she was at the other bowl. 

We do miss her but the 3 doxies do not seem to even notice she is gone.

[Roberta]

We went through the same with Emma last month. But at least we can do it for them.
She went with dignity, my husband Nick was inconsolable with Emma, but we both knew it was for the best. I just got out some puppy photos and kept them close by to remember her as she wanted to be remembered.
Our younger pair went looking for her for a day or so, and got over it like yours.

Big hugs and I think you both were very  brave, time wll  help lessen the pain.  She is probably being told to tow the line by Emma, who was Alpha Alpha.

roberta