what do I do for my dying dog?

bravodawg · 06-10-2008, 12:42 PM

We're putting my dog to sleep tomorrow afternoon. We just found out and decided Saturday, he has bone cancer and it's spreading and there's a high risk he breaks his leg and my parents decided he needs to be put to sleep.

He still brings me the ball and I throw him it just a few feet around the house. I want to bring him on a walk because I know he's get excited when I bring him the leash and want to go because he likes them so much but it's risky. Maybe just on the grass for a few hundred feet?

I've been giving him meat and human food he wants. He mostly just lays around on his bed. He's been my best friend for like 8 years as I moved around the country and switched schools and I just want his last couple days to be happy. What should I do for him?

zimandtakandgrrandmimi · 06-10-2008, 12:51 PM

stay with him...be there for every second of the rest of his time if u can...do the things you know he loves...but just be there.....

gonna go cry for a bit now...

*hugs*

gingersmom · 06-10-2008, 01:06 PM

Stay in the moment with him. He doesn't know what's coming, and so he will not suffer in anticipation -- he'll just want to be with you as your happy self. Tell him you love him in his language...

These are such tough decisions to make and to follow through on. *hugs*

bravodawg · 06-10-2008, 01:19 PM

I guess I'll just stay by him today with the tv on, give him treats. Maybe I'll try the walk on the grass when its cooler.

I'm really sad. I've never been so sad before. He really is the best dog ever. Everyone whose met him says they want a dog like him and he has the best disposition of any dog they've ever seen

when he was a puppy he was only 7 pounds. He's 9 years old now. He's never been anything but loving or even growled towards a single person in his entire life. We have another dog Cheyenne and got them both at the same time. We're just going to take him away and she'll never see him again after being with him her entire life. I don't even know what to say.

volleyballgk · 06-10-2008, 01:20 PM

So sorry to hear this. Ditto on what the other said...and if you can stand it I would take pictures of you both together. My grandpa did this the day before they had to put their lab down (same situation) and those pics mean a lot to him now. You'll be in my thoughts. (((((hugs)))))

digits mama · 06-10-2008, 02:13 PM

I have a feeling that you have gave him the life that any other dog can only dream of. You have got some great advice. My heart hangs heavy for you..

I wish you all the luck and strength. You are his hero for thinking about his quality of life before yours. God bless.

Inga · 06-10-2008, 02:31 PM

I am crying now, reading this post brings back a flood of emotions. I put my dog to sleep for the same reason. I think what you can do for your dog is to be there for him. Hold him when they put him to sleep. It is the greatest gift that we can give our much loved friends. Your dog is very handsome, I can see his gentle, loving soul through his eyes. I am sorry you are going through this. It is a steep price to pay for all the love that he has given to you through his 9 years with you.

wvasko · 06-10-2008, 03:20 PM

Sometimes bad things happen to good dogs, Through the years I have had to do the PTS thing, If you decide to do this and it's done properly you will be there hugging him and he will go peacefully. We do know there are no good ways to leave this earth but some are better than others. I will give my dog 2 hugs one for her and one for yours.

Regi · 06-10-2008, 04:40 PM

I have bone cancer too ,, do u have to put him down for sure. Its so sad he looks in good shape but is he in alot of pain ,,Id hold onto him as long as I could and not let go ,, spend every second together, Its so hard to put a dog down I did it for my Yorkie but he was so sick with a livershunt he wasnt eating and he cried all day and night,,,,Its hard to let go especially to a face like that..

bravodawg · 06-10-2008, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regi

I have bone cancer too ,, do u have to put him down for sure. Its so sad he looks in good shape but is he in alot of pain ,,Id hold onto him as long as I could and not let go ,, spend every second together, Its so hard to put a dog down I did it for my Yorkie but he was so sick with a livershunt he wasnt eating and he cried all day and night,,,,Its hard to let go especially to a face like that..

the vet said it's spreading fast and he's lost a lot of structural integrity in his leg so it causes him a lot of pain when he puts pressure on it

she also said there was a high risk of him breaking the leg in the next couple weeks because the bone is getting weaker

my parents and sister think he should be put to sleep so nothing like that happens. I want to wait as long as possible but don't want him to suffer so I don't know what to do =/

salask · 06-10-2008, 04:50 PM

You are doing the right thing. It's the thoughest decision as pet owners but you have to do what is right for your dog. Hugs and kisses to you both.

Dwayners · 06-10-2008, 04:57 PM

went through that at the end of last year. fecking osteo-sarcoma. stay strong for your dogs sake, they know when you are upset and make the best of the remaining time you have together.

JDub · 06-10-2008, 05:03 PM

Add me to the "tears in my eyes" club. I had to put my 11.5 year old Golden down last year....hardest thing I've ever had to do.

To this day, I still tear up when I see pictures of her, find her old toys, etc....and I have a new puppy now.

Very sad thing....but hang in there, and stay by her side. Putting them down is a very peaceful thing....but gut wrenching.

Ok...I have to go now.

God Bless You Ally and all of your Golden friends.

RubesMom · 06-10-2008, 06:43 PM

Tears here too. I'm so sorry. I can almost not stand to look at his pictures--he looks so sweet and beautiful. It sounds like you are doing the right things. Do whatever he wants to do. Give him whatever he wants to eat. Hug him. Give him belly rubs, ear rubs, and butt rubs. Kiss him. And I second the poster who said to take pics of yourself with him. Good idea. I'm so sorry this has happened to both of you.

French Ring · 06-10-2008, 10:00 PM

I'm very sorry to hear that. We all wish our dogs can live forever.

spotted nikes · 06-10-2008, 10:25 PM

Hugs. He is a lucky dog to have been so loved all of his life. A peaceful death is truly the last gift we can give our beloved pets.

Billiie · 06-10-2008, 10:35 PM

I am so sorry

.. Now I'm crying too!. He is so beautiful, but you are doing the unselfish thing by letting him passover with dignity. ((Hugs))

caramel2 · 06-11-2008, 12:08 AM

I'm crying for you, this is such a hard task. You have received some good advice and I hope you can find some comfort in knowing you are not alone in your pain and loss.

4dogs3cats · 06-11-2008, 12:30 AM

When my boss had to put down his boxer, he took her through mcdonalds and got her a big mac, and one for himself and they ate together and then he took her. He said she was so happy that she got to go for a car ride, and get mcdonalds, and thats what he focuses on about that day.

I am so sorry you have to go through this. I am crying as well.

2puppimsmom · 06-11-2008, 12:45 AM

I am so sad for you. I am crying too. I had to say good bye to our 13 yr old last May. She had old age hip displaysia. She got where she couldn't walk any more. Spend all the time you can with him. Give him lots of hugs and kisses. Talk to him about the good times, while you are giving him a belly rub and body masage. It will help with pain too. And do take pictures. You will treasure them forever. God bless you. Our little girl went to Rainbow Bridge with a lipstick kiss on her head. Hold him if you can, while he is going to Rainbow Bridge. My heart is breaking for you. We are all here for you. Keep us posted