Deciding to put down a pet - advice/thoughts? (1 Viewer)

[McGarnicle]

Two things to add, one a general recommendation and one for the OP:

Obviously after our experience with the first dog, we were really wary of using a boarding facility again. But we discovered Rover which I can't recommend enough. We found a great lady who lives a few miles away with a nice yard and a couple dogs of her own. Only $25 per day and our dog loves it there.

Go ahead and get a new dog within a month or two. At the time it seemed too soon, but it was the best thing we ever did.

Good luck man.

 

[John Bender]

Two things to add, one a general recommendation and one for the OP:

Obviously after our experience with the first dog, we were really wary of using a boarding facility again. But we discovered Rover which I can't recommend enough. We found a great lady who lives a few miles away with a nice yard and a couple dogs of her own. Only $25 per day and our dog loves it there.

Go ahead and get a new dog within a month or two. At the time it seemed too soon, but it was the best thing we ever did.

Good luck man.

Using rover for my upcoming trip. Good to know it's worked for you.

 

[Spin]

Sorry this ended up being much longer then I anticipated. I'm not sure how severe your dog's case is, but I know my dog went from seemingly healthy with no visible symptoms, to vomiting and bleeding over the course of about 5 days. Now that I look back on it, the mood changes were a bit more obvious earlier, just general irritability. We all love our dogs, they're family members. But I really came to terms with her passing and wish I had done it earlier then later and spared her those last few days.

Gluck GB. Thoughts and prayers! I really do hate you're having to go through this. But you'll always have your memories of times with her. This is always how I'll remember my dog, the most loving and loyal animal I've ever met.

I was thinking about this a lot this past weekend, and my wife had an interesting perspective that I hadn't really thought about before. I said a few times I would have done it earlier rather then later, but there's no way of really knowing when my dog was going to cross that line. She had never displayed any outward signs of liver failure, up until the very end.

Maybe she was in the early stages a few months prior, maybe even half a year. And if that was the case, we got an extra 5-6 months out of a loving family pet that I wouldn't trade for anything. Of course the end was rough, but she definitely enjoyed and had a nice last few months (if that was the case, who knows when she would have been pegged as having "early liver failure".

I hope everything is turning out well for ya Fat Nick and your cat/dog is doing just fine.

 

[El Floppo]

GL gbFN.

We are awaiting imminent diagnosis (any minute) about a tumor taken out of our cat's mouth last weekend... so I'm right there with you.

You'll make the right choice- 15 years a great run for either a dog or a cat.

:(

cancer.

I think we're going to do our best for the guy until he's visibly suffering. he's had a great run- fantastic friendly cat, great with the kids, loves strangers. ####.

 

[GroveDiesel]

GL gbFN.

We are awaiting imminent diagnosis (any minute) about a tumor taken out of our cat's mouth last weekend... so I'm right there with you.

You'll make the right choice- 15 years a great run for either a dog or a cat.

:(

cancer.

I think we're going to do our best for the guy until he's visibly suffering. he's had a great run- fantastic friendly cat, great with the kids, loves strangers. ####.

Sorry to hear that man. Yeah, just monitor him for stranger behavior and you'll know it's time. Until then, treat him like a king and give him lots of love.

 

[Spin]

GL gbFN.

We are awaiting imminent diagnosis (any minute) about a tumor taken out of our cat's mouth last weekend... so I'm right there with you.

You'll make the right choice- 15 years a great run for either a dog or a cat.

:(

cancer.

I think we're going to do our best for the guy until he's visibly suffering. he's had a great run- fantastic friendly cat, great with the kids, loves strangers. ####.

just take it as one last opportunity to spoil the #### out of him while you have him. Sorry to hear it :(

 

[fantasycurse42]

GL gbFN.

We are awaiting imminent diagnosis (any minute) about a tumor taken out of our cat's mouth last weekend... so I'm right there with you.

You'll make the right choice- 15 years a great run for either a dog or a cat.

:(

cancer.

I think we're going to do our best for the guy until he's visibly suffering. he's had a great run- fantastic friendly cat, great with the kids, loves strangers. ####.

Sorry to hear Floppo... I'm sure it'll be real tough on the kids too, sucks!

Just enjoy the rest of your time with him.

 

[TheIronSheik]

GL gbFN.

We are awaiting imminent diagnosis (any minute) about a tumor taken out of our cat's mouth last weekend... so I'm right there with you.

You'll make the right choice- 15 years a great run for either a dog or a cat.

:(

cancer.

I think we're going to do our best for the guy until he's visibly suffering. he's had a great run- fantastic friendly cat, great with the kids, loves strangers. ####.

:(

 

[El Floppo]

Thanks guys. :(

3yo Floppinha ####### loves him- calls him "my little buddy". she's young enough for this to blow by, I hope. 7yo Floppinho isn't as attached to him, but is super sensitive- cries just saying goodbye to his cousins and grandma... we told him the news and he couldn't even handle discussing it. besides us, he's going to get hit really hard.

####### sucks- but having this cat (or any other pet that loves/fights you back) has taught them both so much about empathy, sympathy, responsibility- and now mortality. I love this cat- but better him right now than my mom or somebody else in the family... will give the kids a chance to learn about loss and life for when it really, really counts.

eta: and of course, we're going to do right by Chip in his remaining days.

 

[Fat Nick]

Just made the call to the vet to schedule euthanization tomorrow at 5:00.

Tonight is going to be tough. Our 1-year old loves the cat. Moose held out a heck of a lot longer than any of us thought she would. When we got back from vacation, it was clear she didn't eat much (after already eating next to nothing) while we were gone. She probably weighs less than 3 pounds at this point. Lighter than the Chihuaua, who is 4.5 lbs. She's starting to have trouble walking, so it's time.

So hard, because I'd said that I'd do it when she no longer seemed happy...she still seems happy. Greets me with a meow, purrs, wants to be petted, but can barely walk. Falls over with the slightest bump, and falls off the sofa and chairs regularly. This sucks.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Just made the call to the vet to schedule euthanization tomorrow at 5:00.

Tonight is going to be tough. Our 1-year old loves the cat. Moose held out a heck of a lot longer than any of us thought she would. When we got back from vacation, it was clear she didn't eat much (after already eating next to nothing) while we were gone. She probably weighs less than 3 pounds at this point. Lighter than the Chihuaua, who is 4.5 lbs. She's starting to have trouble walking, so it's time.

So hard, because I'd said that I'd do it when she no longer seemed happy...she still seems happy. Greets me with a meow, purrs, wants to be petted, but can barely walk. Falls over with the slightest bump, and falls off the sofa and chairs regularly. This sucks.

So sorry, GB. :(

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Just made the call to the vet to schedule euthanization tomorrow at 5:00.

Tonight is going to be tough. Our 1-year old loves the cat. Moose held out a heck of a lot longer than any of us thought she would. When we got back from vacation, it was clear she didn't eat much (after already eating next to nothing) while we were gone. She probably weighs less than 3 pounds at this point. Lighter than the Chihuaua, who is 4.5 lbs. She's starting to have trouble walking, so it's time.

So hard, because I'd said that I'd do it when she no longer seemed happy...she still seems happy. Greets me with a meow, purrs, wants to be petted, but can barely walk. Falls over with the slightest bump, and falls off the sofa and chairs regularly. This sucks.

Sorry to hear, man that sucks...GB Moose...

 

[El Floppo]

Just made the call to the vet to schedule euthanization tomorrow at 5:00.

Tonight is going to be tough. Our 1-year old loves the cat. Moose held out a heck of a lot longer than any of us thought she would. When we got back from vacation, it was clear she didn't eat much (after already eating next to nothing) while we were gone. She probably weighs less than 3 pounds at this point. Lighter than the Chihuaua, who is 4.5 lbs. She's starting to have trouble walking, so it's time.

So hard, because I'd said that I'd do it when she no longer seemed happy...she still seems happy. Greets me with a meow, purrs, wants to be petted, but can barely walk. Falls over with the slightest bump, and falls off the sofa and chairs regularly. This sucks.

So sorry, GB. :(

:(

same gb, Nick- ugh. fwiw, from my experience losing another cat a couple years ago, the 1yo won't notice that Moose is gone... small silver lining, I guess.

we're in the exact same boat though... Chip the cat's tumor is back for a third time (in his mouth) and even though he's hungry, he's having a really hard time eating. the whole thing ####### sucks- was really hoping for him to go out on his own terms and not have us make the call. but it's coming in the next couple of weeks or sooner. :(

 

[Fat Nick]

Just made the call to the vet to schedule euthanization tomorrow at 5:00.

Tonight is going to be tough. Our 1-year old loves the cat. Moose held out a heck of a lot longer than any of us thought she would. When we got back from vacation, it was clear she didn't eat much (after already eating next to nothing) while we were gone. She probably weighs less than 3 pounds at this point. Lighter than the Chihuaua, who is 4.5 lbs. She's starting to have trouble walking, so it's time.

So hard, because I'd said that I'd do it when she no longer seemed happy...she still seems happy. Greets me with a meow, purrs, wants to be petted, but can barely walk. Falls over with the slightest bump, and falls off the sofa and chairs regularly. This sucks.

So sorry, GB. :(

:(

same gb, Nick- ugh. fwiw, from my experience losing another cat a couple years ago, the 1yo won't notice that Moose is gone... small silver lining, I guess.

we're in the exact same boat though... Chip the cat's tumor is back for a third time (in his mouth) and even though he's hungry, he's having a really hard time eating. the whole thing ####### sucks- was really hoping for him to go out on his own terms and not have us make the call. but it's coming in the next couple of weeks or sooner. :(

I don't necessarily suspect CJ (our son, Connor, aka CJ) to notice the cat is gone, I'll just miss his infectious giggle every time he saw Moose. A part of me really wanted him to be old enough to remember her before she died, but I look back, and I've had so many pets over the years. My 1st one was kind of a blur, and I was like 3 at the time.

Sorry for Chip. I remembered you posting that you had a cat with some issues. It is sad to see a cat (or any animal) that is hungry but can't eat or keep food down. Such a helpless feeling to watch.

Hopefully Chip and Moose can meet up over the rainbow bridge and hang out.

 

[El Floppo]

yeah... our 4yo daughter spent the entire week away saying "I miss NY City"... "why?" ... "I miss my good buddy chippy cat". this is going to be ####### brutal for her, let alone our dip#### 8yo son.

eta: and rainbow or otherwise, you don't want Moose anywhere near chip, who is a total ******* to other cats. lovey with all humans- like a dog- but just wants to rip every other cat's throat out.

eta: ####### sucks :(

sorry again, gb.

 

[RUSF18]

Sorry to hear Nick. Sounds like you're doing the right thing.

 

[El Floppo]

Nick- are you taking Moose to the vet, or vice-versa?

wife is adamant we have the vet come to our house rather than subject chip to the trip (which he hates).

 

[Fat Nick]

yeah... our 4yo daughter spent the entire week away saying "I miss NY City"... "why?" ... "I miss my good buddy chippy cat". this is going to be ####### brutal for her, let alone our dip#### 8yo son.

eta: and rainbow or otherwise, you don't want Moose anywhere near chip, who is a total ******* to other cats. lovey with all humans- like a dog- but just wants to rip every other cat's throat out.

eta: ####### sucks :(

sorry again, gb.

Lol @ the bolded.

Moose was like that with pretty much every person she met except me. She loved me and would basically let me do anything to her. Pet her belly, pull her tail, whatever. She'd just nap on my chest if I was on the sofa or in bed. Lick my nose, etc. She tolerated my wife, and only after about 4 years would she warm up enough that the wife could pick her up. Everyone else she hated. Especially women. Hissed at my MIL and SIL. Actually sat in the middle of the stairs and wouldn't let the SIL pass by. I found it funny. She only had one other interaction with a cat, and she was basically just an antagonist. Would back the other cat into a corner, then just sit down and keep her there.

 

[Fat Nick]

Nick- are you taking Moose to the vet, or vice-versa?

wife is adamant we have the vet come to our house rather than subject chip to the trip (which he hates).

Well...I was going to have the vet come out, but he ultimately talked me into coming in. Totally hear you re. Chip not liking the trip. Moose didn't really go to the vet much as she wasn't a people cat, and I wanted her to pass at home, but honestly, she's so skinny and frail, she's not going to put up much of a fight.

Here was the basic pro/con to having the vet do in-home.

Pros of in-home

-Moose can pass at home, where she is happy and comfortable

-I can cry my ### off and only look like a schmuck to one person

Cons of in-home

-Doctor indicated that on cats, especially emaciated ones, it can be harder to find a vein. They often have to sedate the cat first, then do it, which is more involved. He said that they like to have access to all the "tools" just in case.

-We want to have Moose cremated, so someone would have to transport the body to the vet anyway.

-Every time you walk by the spot where it happened, you'll think about it (I can confirm this is true - we had a dog that passed away at my parent's...I think about her every time I walk by that spot, even though it's covered by a chair now.)

-A lot more flexibility with times they can do it. Not a big deal for some, but we all work, so it's challenging sometimes.

 

[ChiefD]

Sorry to hear Nick.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Nick- are you taking Moose to the vet, or vice-versa?

wife is adamant we have the vet come to our house rather than subject chip to the trip (which he hates).

Well...I was going to have the vet come out, but he ultimately talked me into coming in. Totally hear you re. Chip not liking the trip. Moose didn't really go to the vet much as she wasn't a people cat, and I wanted her to pass at home, but honestly, she's so skinny and frail, she's not going to put up much of a fight.

Here was the basic pro/con to having the vet do in-home.

Pros of in-home

-Moose can pass at home, where she is happy and comfortable

-I can cry my ### off and only look like a schmuck to one person

Cons of in-home

-Doctor indicated that on cats, especially emaciated ones, it can be harder to find a vein. They often have to sedate the cat first, then do it, which is more involved. He said that they like to have access to all the "tools" just in case.

-We want to have Moose cremated, so someone would have to transport the body to the vet anyway.

-Every time you walk by the spot where it happened, you'll think about it (I can confirm this is true - we had a dog that passed away at my parent's...I think about her every time I walk by that spot, even though it's covered by a chair now.)

-A lot more flexibility with times they can do it. Not a big deal for some, but we all work, so it's challenging sometimes.

That would be big for me. I took my cat in and I balled so hard. It was a rough day. Driving home I only had to drive 2 miles, but I still felt like it took an eternity sitting at lights, crying in my car.

 

[El Floppo]

jfc

 

[Fat Nick]

That would be big for me. I took my cat in and I balled so hard. It was a rough day. Driving home I only had to drive 2 miles, but I still felt like it took an eternity sitting at lights, crying in my car.

Oh my wife is coming with me so she can drive. I've basically written off doing anything productive tomorrow PM. The vet seems to get it. They probably realized I was fighting back tears just making the appointment and they said that they'd have me do all the paperwork and pay before the procedure so I can just leave afterwards and not have to deal with it.

I'm hoping the kid is in a good mood when we get him from daycare afterwards because he's usually the best one to cheer me up. Goofball.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

jfc

 

[James Daulton]

Best of luck Nick.

Going through the same thing with our 15yr old pound lab. She's had seizures since we first got her from the pound (probably why someone dropped her off in the first place), but with high quality food and stainless steel bowls, we were able to get reduce the seizures to around 4 per year. Not ideal but better than having her drugged up constantly. About a year ago she started having them multiple times per week and we had to put her on meds. Predictably she became way more lethargic and her personality very muted. For the past few months she's now had trouble getting up to walk and holding her bladder. Each week that goes by she loses her bladder more and struggles more to walk. All we can do at this point is up her meds as much as possible. She still eats pretty well and doesn't appear to be in pain, but it's such a struggle for her to get up and she spends 95% of her time lying down breathing hard, that it's clear the end is very close.

Just knowing when to call it is the difficult part.

 

[simey]

Oh my wife is coming with me so she can drive. I've basically written off doing anything productive tomorrow PM. The vet seems to get it. They probably realized I was fighting back tears just making the appointment and they said that they'd have me do all the paperwork and pay before the procedure so I can just leave afterwards and not have to deal with it.

I'm hoping the kid is in a good mood when we get him from daycare afterwards because he's usually the best one to cheer me up. Goofball.

I'm sorry about Moose, Nick. When I had to put my cat, Charlie, to rest on June 2nd, I paid before I went back into the room to be with him. I was already emotional before I got to the vet. When the vet put her stethoscope on him and looked up at me to tell me he was gone, she had tears streaming down her face too. That is the first time I've ever seen a vet cry on the job. If I were a vet I'd be crying every day. Anyway, When I got into the car to drive away, "Ripple" by Grateful Dead was playing, and it was right at the end where they sing "If I knew way, I would take you home"...

 

[Fat Nick]

Oh my wife is coming with me so she can drive. I've basically written off doing anything productive tomorrow PM. The vet seems to get it. They probably realized I was fighting back tears just making the appointment and they said that they'd have me do all the paperwork and pay before the procedure so I can just leave afterwards and not have to deal with it.

I'm hoping the kid is in a good mood when we get him from daycare afterwards because he's usually the best one to cheer me up. Goofball.

I'm sorry about Moose, Nick. When I had to put my cat, Charlie, to rest on June 2nd, I paid before I went back into the room to be with him. I was already emotional before I got to the vet. When the vet put her stethoscope on him and looked up at me to tell me he was gone, she had tears streaming down her face too. That is the first time I've ever seen a vet cry on the job. If I were a vet I'd be crying every day. Anyway, When I got into the car to drive away, "Ripple" by Grateful Dead was playing, and it was right at the end where they sing "If I knew way, I would take you home"...

There are a few songs that even now make me cry. Moose was with me through some tough times as a single guy, and there were days where she was really the only "person" I ever felt like being around. She'd lay on my chest and make "kitty biscuits" as my wife calls them, while I'd blare music and just think. She's lived with me in VA, in State College, in a NYC high-rise, and now in NJ. As long as I'm wherever home is, she's happy.

I hate it because I REALLY don't want to do this, but I know I have to. A part of me secretly hopes that I get home and she'll have already passed, but I know that won't happen. I just don't want to get to the point where she can't walk at all or starts really deteriorating more quickly than I can get an appointment...so...I just have to suck it up and do it.

 

[Fat Nick]

Did the deed yesterday evening. I have to say that our vet really really did a good job with this. They handle this kind of thing as well as anyone could. They very quickly checked us in and had us do all the paperwork upfront. I sat with Moose while my wife handled that. They quickly got us into a room. The doc came in within 2 minutes and told us the procedure and they began. Moose was very calm and seemed to be at peace with whatever it was that was about to happen to her. Doc administered the medicine, and she didn't give so much as a peep. Laying down, but head up, looking at me the whole time as I soothed her. Shortly after he was about 1/2 way done with the injection, she just laid her head down and that was it. There was a door that led out to where we parked, bypassing the waiting room, that we went out.

I had about an hour with her prior to heading to the vet, which was really nice. My worst point was right after we exited the vet on the sidewalk outside where I just lost it for a few minutes. GB my wife who, while upset herself, knew that Moose was "my" cat and really took care of me during the whole thing, driving, giving me time, handling paperwork, etc.

The real sign that this was the right thing to do was that Moose didn't resist or struggle at all, and I have no regrets about doing it. I miss her immensely, but I know it's for the better.

 

[Spin]

Did the deed yesterday evening. I have to say that our vet really really did a good job with this. They handle this kind of thing as well as anyone could. They very quickly checked us in and had us do all the paperwork upfront. I sat with Moose while my wife handled that. They quickly got us into a room. The doc came in within 2 minutes and told us the procedure and they began. Moose was very calm and seemed to be at peace with whatever it was that was about to happen to her. Doc administered the medicine, and she didn't give so much as a peep. Laying down, but head up, looking at me the whole time as I soothed her. Shortly after he was about 1/2 way done with the injection, she just laid her head down and that was it. There was a door that led out to where we parked, bypassing the waiting room, that we went out.

I had about an hour with her prior to heading to the vet, which was really nice. My worst point was right after we exited the vet on the sidewalk outside where I just lost it for a few minutes. GB my wife who, while upset herself, knew that Moose was "my" cat and really took care of me during the whole thing, driving, giving me time, handling paperwork, etc.

The real sign that this was the right thing to do was that Moose didn't resist or struggle at all, and I have no regrets about doing it. I miss her immensely, but I know it's for the better.

T&P man, it's never easy.

 

[Spin]

Not sure if it helps at all, but my 3 year old stopped asking "where's Kuri" after about 2 or 3 weeks. Broke my heart the first time he asked. I just told him he was staying with his PaPa for awhile. It's been a few months now and he doesn't bring it up at all anymore.

 

[Pipes]

Did the deed yesterday evening. I have to say that our vet really really did a good job with this. They handle this kind of thing as well as anyone could. They very quickly checked us in and had us do all the paperwork upfront. I sat with Moose while my wife handled that. They quickly got us into a room. The doc came in within 2 minutes and told us the procedure and they began. Moose was very calm and seemed to be at peace with whatever it was that was about to happen to her. Doc administered the medicine, and she didn't give so much as a peep. Laying down, but head up, looking at me the whole time as I soothed her. Shortly after he was about 1/2 way done with the injection, she just laid her head down and that was it. There was a door that led out to where we parked, bypassing the waiting room, that we went out.

I had about an hour with her prior to heading to the vet, which was really nice. My worst point was right after we exited the vet on the sidewalk outside where I just lost it for a few minutes. GB my wife who, while upset herself, knew that Moose was "my" cat and really took care of me during the whole thing, driving, giving me time, handling paperwork, etc.

The real sign that this was the right thing to do was that Moose didn't resist or struggle at all, and I have no regrets about doing it. I miss her immensely, but I know it's for the better.

Sorry to hear. Been through this a years ago so I feel your pain. Just take comfort in the fact you gave Moose a great life and in the end you did the right thing.

 

[CurlyNight]

So sorry to hear. :( I love animals more than most humans. I can't imagine ever having to face such a devastating decision. But great thought to keep in mind you have, that he's no longer in pain and you did the right thing by him by not putting yourself first.

I hope the same thing becomes a reality for humans too as so far there are only 3 states that have the death with dignity law. It pissed me off that Britney Maynard had to move to OR from CA just so she can have the right to end her life and not go through the hell any longer of her incurable brain cancer. We can do it for our beloved pets. Why not us as long as we are of sound mind and there is no way we'll be getting any better.

God bless- (hugs)

 

[Johnny Bing]

A year an half ago I lost a good friend. Our vet gave us this on a stone for our walkway. Your friend is in a good place.

T&P Nick.

 

[El Floppo]

was thinking about you yesterday nick... :(

your update post just made me cry. still so sorry to hear Moose.

it might be this weekend for chip. I honestly don't think I'm going to handle it at all well.

 

[NCCommish]

Dogs and cats who are terminally ill can often live a lot longer than you think they will. This leads them to suffer more, and longer, than necessary.

When the end is inevitable, you have to ask yourself this: am I trying to keep this animal alive as long as possible for his sake . . . or my own?

As heart wrenching as it is, ending your precious pet's suffering is the right thing to do.

Which doesn't make it any easier to cope with.

You will ball your eyes out when you see him pass. But you will be there with him, and he'll know you care, and it will be OK.

My condolences.

Spot on. And remember cats are very good at hiding that they are suffering.

Hard thing to do and I cry every time. But you got to do the right thing for them.

 

[Fat Nick]

So sorry to hear. :( I love animals more than most humans. I can't imagine ever having to face such a devastating decision. But great thought to keep in mind you have, that he's no longer in pain and you did the right thing by him by not putting yourself first.

I hope the same thing becomes a reality for humans too as so far there are only 3 states that have the death with dignity law. It pissed me off that Britney Maynard had to move to OR from CA just so she can have the right to end her life and not go through the hell any longer of her incurable brain cancer. We can do it for our beloved pets. Why not us as long as we are of sound mind and there is no way we'll be getting any better.

God bless- (hugs)

Amen re. making it a reality for humans. I love living. I can't imagine the pain and suffering a person must go through to get to the point where death is the better option in their eyes. Given the magnitude of what that must take to get to that point, I'm dumbfounded that a person is denied the right to end their own suffering.

 

[Fat Nick]

A year an half ago I lost a good friend. Our vet gave us this on a stone for our walkway. Your friend is in a good place.

T&P Nick.

That's awesome to get that on a stone. I'm very familiar with the poem and find it very touching...I got about 3 sentences in just now and had to stop so I didn't become a sniffling mess here at work.

 

[Fat Nick]

was thinking about you yesterday nick... :(

your update post just made me cry. still so sorry to hear Moose.

it might be this weekend for chip. I honestly don't think I'm going to handle it at all well.

Thanks GB. Live it up this weekend with/for Chippy Cat. Lots of snuggles, hugs, and whatever treats he likes and can manage to eat. I'll be thinking about him and you guys.

 

[El Floppo]

was thinking about you yesterday nick... :(

your update post just made me cry. still so sorry to hear Moose.

it might be this weekend for chip. I honestly don't think I'm going to handle it at all well.

Thanks GB. Live it up this weekend with/for Chippy Cat. Lots of snuggles, hugs, and whatever treats he likes and can manage to eat. I'll be thinking about him and you guys.

We've been cooking him chicken, salmon... Giving him whatever we can think of including lots of love.

The tumor is just brutal and he's clearly struggling. Looks like Thursday at 6:30 for the vet. :(

Wife got a stuffed animal that looks like him and the book, Cat Heaven, which she started reading to the kids today. 4yo asked when he's going to come back from heaven.

 

[Pipes]

was thinking about you yesterday nick... :(

your update post just made me cry. still so sorry to hear Moose.

it might be this weekend for chip. I honestly don't think I'm going to handle it at all well.

Thanks GB. Live it up this weekend with/for Chippy Cat. Lots of snuggles, hugs, and whatever treats he likes and can manage to eat. I'll be thinking about him and you guys.

We've been cooking him chicken, salmon... Giving him whatever we can think of including lots of love.

The tumor is just brutal and he's clearly struggling. Looks like Thursday at 6:30 for the vet. :(

Wife got a stuffed animal that looks like him and the book, Cat Heaven, which she started reading to the kids today. 4yo asked when he's going to come back from heaven.

T & P Floppo. It's amazing how these furry little bastards tug at our heart strings.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

I had to put my golden down a couple of years ago. I am not ashamed to say I loved that dog. His company helped my through some tough times. My biggest regret is that I waited too long to put him down. I fed him a big steak the night before I was going to take him in, which he proceeded to poop out instantly. I sensed his relief when I brought him in.

Don't wait too long it will only extend your dog's pain. To do so is being selfish, and you will regret it.

 

[GrandpaRox]

My 8 year old dog Dozer has Cushings disease and when she starts suffering (my decision) my daughter will put her down and have her cremated (her decision).

We have her on steroid pills and she is doing well. She is losing her hair with brushing but it also removes the scabs on her body. The last three weeks (when I decided not to let the disease keep me from her emotionally) we have never been closer. She sits on my lap three times a day and I get to love on her and brush her.

It has been a blessing in disguise for both of us. I will know when it is time and I will lose it when I have to let her go but the time we get to spend together now is indeed special.

She may have to go next week or next year but I will have no regrets. I just spent 30 minutes with her laying in my lap brushing her and giving her love.

I sit here typing and wiping my eyes like a little girl but it is all good and I appreciate the quality time I still have with her.

 

[shuke]

Dogs and cats who are terminally ill can often live a lot longer than you think they will. This leads them to suffer more, and longer, than necessary.

When the end is inevitable, you have to ask yourself this: am I trying to keep this animal alive as long as possible for his sake . . . or my own?

As heart wrenching as it is, ending your precious pet's suffering is the right thing to do.

Which doesn't make it any easier to cope with.

You will ball your eyes out when you see him pass. But you will be there with him, and he'll know you care, and it will be OK.

My condolences.

Yup.

It seems most people who have had to put their pet down will admit they waited too long. I know I did, even if it was just a couple days too long.

 

[El Floppo]

I wish we had put Chip down yesterday. :(

this tumor has been so aggressive- didn't think it would get this bad so fast.

 

[Fat Nick]

I wish we had put Chip down yesterday. :(

this tumor has been so aggressive- didn't think it would get this bad so fast.

:( T&P buddy. One more day. Hang in there (both of you)

It'll be a week tomorrow since I put Moose down. Still feel good about the decision, but there's an empty spot on the sofa in the evenings.

 

[Fat Nick]

I sit here typing and wiping my eyes like a little girl but it is all good and I appreciate the quality time I still have with her.

Nothing wrong with crying man. Nothing at all. When we walked out the back door of the vet, I just stopped and leaned against the wall and balled for a few minutes.

 

[El Floppo]

happening at 4:00 today.

we had our night-we-met anniversary last night... we did everything in our power not to mention it and just try to enjoy the night (and fancy meal). bawled our eyes out when we came home. really tough to leave him this morning- was purring away getting petted and bruhsed. #### me

 

[bigmarc27]

happening at 4:00 today.

we had our night-we-met anniversary last night... we did everything in our power not to mention it and just try to enjoy the night (and fancy meal). bawled our eyes out when we came home. really tough to leave him this morning- was purring away getting petted and bruhsed. #### me

Sorry to hear that... we put our girl Weim down a little over a month ago. I still tear up almost every day :wuss:.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

happening at 4:00 today.

we had our night-we-met anniversary last night... we did everything in our power not to mention it and just try to enjoy the night (and fancy meal). bawled our eyes out when we came home. really tough to leave him this morning- was purring away getting petted and bruhsed. #### me

####! So sorry gb , that sucks. I'm sure our Tiger girl will find him and hang out at the Rainbow Bridge.

 

[IC FBGCav]

I had to put my golden down a couple of years ago. I am not ashamed to say I loved that dog. His company helped my through some tough times. My biggest regret is that I waited too long to put him down. I fed him a big steak the night before I was going to take him in, which he proceeded to poop out instantly. I sensed his relief when I brought him in.

Don't wait too long it will only extend your dog's pain. To do so is being selfish, and you will regret it.

Unfortunately this is easier said then done. My 15 year old yellow lab/golden mix struggled bad Saturday. Fell a few times and I was thinking big time about making the call soon. Since then she has had a great week. I guess the hard thing her legs are physically failing and nothing else. It sucks because on her bad days I know falling has to hurt her.