The saddest thing of all

ACampbell · 10-22-2007, 11:19 PM

Today has, for a lack of better term, just sucked. My old female basset hound has gotten worse, she is still eating but isn't "herself"...she seems disoriented and in pain, her eyes are rolled back in her head somewhat, and it would seem she has had a stroke. I guess at 15 years old you can't expect much, but my husband approached me to take her and have her euthanized. I am taking her after work tomorrow, I feel like it's wrong, but I'm sad to see her suffer...she has been a good friend and deserves to be relieved of her lack of living...she doesn't want to play anymore and is starting to have problems getting around...she is also incontinent now...so it's time to do it and I know, but why do I feel so guilty and wrong?

battlemonkey · 10-23-2007, 12:51 AM

Oh God, I'm so sorry to hear this! 15 years is a long time, and I'm sure you have some good memories with your little girl...

Please don't feel guilty, I'm sure you're doing the right thing, especially reading what you have written, I feel it's time. You've had a good run with her, you've played, walked, tickled, and every other fun things in the book, I personally feel now that you're looking at her best interests by thinking of her well-being, and not only your feelings.

My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of need... I am dreading the day that I have to make that decision with Jesse, but know in my heart it will be for her own good, and I have to overlook my feelings for her and look into her pain and suffering, and her well-being at stake.

I know you'll be fine, we're all here to help you through this tough time!!
Tail wags and wet nose kisses to you!!

Occy · 10-23-2007, 05:58 AM

When you go - talk to the vet - see if there is anything else that can be done. If he says you've done all you can you can let the guilt lift

crazydays · 10-23-2007, 06:59 AM

My thoughts are with you today. I hope you get the answers you need to make the most appropriate decision.

ACampbell · 10-23-2007, 11:57 AM

Last time I took her to the vet he said I'd just have to go day by day with her and when the time comes to bring her in for the final vet visit. We figure she's been terminal with cancer for quite awhile, she's just now getting where she's not enjoying things like she was. Last week she'd take a running leap from the back door to the sofa, last night she struggled to get up and I had to help her...she is disoriented worse today, so I'm taking her in, there's no use in prolonging her suffering. I still feel guilty that I'm "killing" my friend, but her quality of life is so degraded that it's just sad. So in we go at 4 PM, I'm heartbroken but not much else i can do.

salask · 10-23-2007, 03:37 PM

"I still feel guilty that I'm "killing" my friend

Don't look at it this way, you are not killing your friend. It is the hardest decision a pet owner has to make but overall, it's the best thing you can do for your baby considering her health and quality of life. Hang in there and best of luck!

ACampbell · 10-23-2007, 07:16 PM

Well, it's done, my friend is gone. We had some good times, and I miss her already. I feel numb and guilty, I guess this is normal to feel...it's odd how an animal can get so far in your heart that you are crushed when they leave you.

Renoman · 10-23-2007, 07:45 PM

So sorry.

It's never an easy decision.

Just know that she'll be watching over you and she will always be with you.

SPECIALED · 10-24-2007, 05:38 PM

I'm So Sorry. I Had To Do The Same Thing Once Before And I Also Felt Guilty At My Decision. Deep Down Inside We Know We Are Doing The Right Thing When Our Friends Are In Pain. I Wish It Made The Decision Easier, But It Doesn't. Remember The Great Times You Guys Had Together. The Only Thing I Can Say From Experience Is That Only Time Will Make It Easier. Soon Instead Of Being Sad When You Think Back.........you Will Laugh And Smile. Again, I'm So Sorry For Your Loss.

Eddie

ACampbell · 10-24-2007, 11:21 PM

Thank you for your support, it was a hard decision to make, but now the day after, I know it was the right thing to do and I don't have to cry anymore when I would watch her whimper getting on the sofa. After getting a good nights sleep and having some nice dreams, I feel a lot better and am happy that she's not in pain anymore.

staticsnana · 10-24-2007, 11:42 PM

ITS NOT killing your baby it is showing that you really really love it enough to keep from having to watch it spend the rest of its days in agony. sometimes i wonder about we humans though. We are more than willing to help end our pets lives when they can no longer tolerate pain etc yet our human relatives we force to suffer so so much until their end. you are doing it a great service. my mother in law died a few days ago and i had to watch her die horribly with a cancer that quickly spread throughout her body extremely quickly.

synicalone · 10-25-2007, 08:28 AM

This has brought back some horrible memories, of when I was the one making this decision, and feeling all the same guilt and sadness that you've expressed. I still am haunted by the decision, knowing in my head that it was definitely the right thing to do, but overwhelmed with sadness in my heart, and always torturing myself thinking "i brought her to her death. she looked at me with such trusting eyes, and I brought her there". But I also know that it was a kind thing to do, to end her suffering. It's an unselfish thing to do, so you (and I) just have to believe that, and when ready, we'll love and care for another pet just as much.