euthanasia of a loved one

[teigyr]

Miranda, I am so sorry. Sometimes the right thing to do is painful.

I know my parents also had some luck with acupuncture and a different diet but I know each case is different.

I feel for you.

[sbctwin]

{{{{{Miranda}}}}}}

[bmccasland]

((((((((((Miranda & fur-baby)))))))))))

Have been there, but with an elderly kitty who was chronically ill. It was heart wrenching, for her Vet too. We tried so hard to get her well, but in the end there was only one option, and she went peacefully. One second she was there so sick, and the next her spirit was soaring, off chasing some of LBTC's butterflies.

[DDH]

Oh my, how very sad for you and your baby. We had to put both of our first fur babies to sleep. They were both German Shepards and the younger of the two had "spinal Myopathy" so we knew fromt he time he was younger that one day he would not be able to get up anymore and would have to be put down. The other seemed to have a stroke or something one morning and there was nothing they could do. It was so very hard to do but we couldn't let them suffer. They both seemed to give us a look as to say, "please don't let me stay this way". Gosh just thinking about it makes me tear up and that has been many many years ago. We have two more now that are fairly young and I hope I don't have to deal with it again anytime soon.

You will know when it's right, and when it's time.
Prayers, hugs and peace to you and your baby.

[ikkin]

miranda, lots of vibes to you and your beautiful girl.

[beccaB]

My thought are with you. Several years ago we had to euthanize my beloved Miss Kitty. She was full of piss and vinegar, that cat. I have loved her best. I expected her to outlive me. She developed breast cancer that spread at the age of 15. When it got to where she couldn't get comfortable at all, we had to make the decision, which I felt was the right one, and I felt at peace about it. But I still cry when I go to the vet with my other pets.

[Miranda]

Thank you so much ladies for the outpouring of support. I will ask the vet about some of the suggestions if any of them might be an option for her situaiton. There is only place in the state that does the surgery.

That is helpful to know how they do the euthanasia procedure and what options exits. I think if they gave her something so she wouldn't be anxious, I would try and stay to pet her until she was gone. That made me cry thinking about it.

I think animals do know when something is up, eventhough they can't speak. She just has the look on her face when she stares at me from her single resting spot on the floor like "mom, what happened to me?". After being such an active dog, I don't think she would want to live out her years as is.

I told DH last night that I wanted him to try and help me to take her to swim one last time if we do indeed get her put down. I told him that maybe we could carry and hold her in the water at least to be able to get wet.

The pic of her in the water is at a rual park that was our favorite place together. She used to help me with some of my riding in that we would hike a trail together first, and if ok for the mtb, I would return to ride it later.

OK, sorry enough carrying on. We'll see how things go and what the vet says next. Thanks again, it helps.

[jesvetmed]

Miranda: I just came across this thread. I am SO sorry about what you and your family are going through.

Everyone here has given you so much good advice. Only you know the right time to make such a decision.

Don't be afraid to ask about other treatment protocols like acupuncture which can help with pain and sometimes more, or a referral to a neurologist that can give you some definite answers. More information makes your decisions easier, and leaves less second-guessing in the end.

If you do decide on euthanasia, everyone has given you good advice and shared their own experiences. As a vet I have obviously had to deal with this way too much. But it can be a very loving and peaceful time. DO get an IV catheter placed and DO get sedation. This makes everything more peaceful. Generally this is a quick and painless procedure... BlueVet11 described it a bit... there is an injection -- an overdose of an anesthetic that stops the heart, and then the breathing. There are sometimes minor muscle contractions after your pet has gone, sometimes even the diaphragm, but know that they are gone long before any of this occurs. This is just the body still trying to do it's job.

If you decide to be present, hold her head in your lap, surround her with her loved one. If you are unable to do this, ask that one of the hospital staff take your place in doing so.

I hope that whatever happens, you will have peace of mind in knowing you've made the right decision for your dog and for your family. Eliminating suffering is such a gift -- a hard one to give, but a gift none-the-less.

Hugs to you and your baby.
Jes

[sundial]

I think animals do know when something is up, eventhough they can't speak. She just has the look on her face when she stares at me from her single resting spot on the floor like "mom, what happened to me?".

They do know and they will let you know when they are ready to go. Dogs are so very intuitive, more so than what we give them credit for.

When my first german shepherd was diagnosed with a disease similar to muscular dystrophy, she spent the last year of her life doing the things she loved the most--in a wheelchair. She played frisbee up to 3 days before she was put to sleep. She kept her play face and was always ready to greet a new day with enthusiasm. One morning though she looked at me with an expression that said, "I'm ready to go." I had such a sense of peace about letting her go. I mourned over the thought of having to euthanize her, but during the actual procedure I was comforted in knowing that she would no longer have to struggle with her disease. I know deep down that one very special day we will be reunited and that fills my heart with hope and longing to be with her again. I wish the same for you when that moment arrives.