Dealing with a hard decision

[sandra]

We have another dog, another poodle, but this was my special dog. He was the cuddly, loveable one. We have been through so much together.

This vet has animals walking around it it all the time. Pets of the workers, resuce dogs, etc. My two dogs were scheduled for grooming this Thursday. If I ever go there and he is there walking around, it sure will be painful.

[sandra]

I have not talked to the vet. I'm not sure if the surgery would be free or if she would just get a discounted rate. I do know they have a hard time putting any dog to sleep there, so I'm sure it was hard for the vet too.

[KSH]

We have another dog, another poodle, but this was my special dog. He was the cuddly, loveable one. We have been through so much together.

This vet has animals walking around it it all the time. Pets of the workers, resuce dogs, etc. My two dogs were scheduled for grooming this Thursday. If I ever go there and he is there walking around, it sure will be painful.

So, is there anyway to wait it out to see if he passes it or not? Can you get him some pain meds until he does?

All I know is that vets are like car mechanics... they give the worst case scenario most of the time and then give you a huge bill to pay so the "worse case scenario" doesn't happen.

My friends had a vet operate on their cat, which ended up being $2,000... to find out NOTHING was wrong with the cat.

That's just one example.

Have you gotten a second opinion? Kidney stones are bad, but maybe he can pass them at some point? Isn't it worth a shot?

[Tuckervill]

Oh, you poor dear. This is one of those things that requires the wisdom of Solomon, and I'm once again falling short.

I do believe it is a rather cruel trick to have to give him up to save his quality of life. It would have been better if they had just not told you--spirited him away and not given the fatal push.

I think Lisa's right--isn't it about what's humane from Bull's point of view? With his other health problems, is the surgery even the right thing? I don't think we can know.

I know one thing. Regret is poison. Don't do something you know you'll regret. I realize he's in a lot of pain. Maybe you can just delay the decision for a while--keep Bull comfortable and happy in the meantime with whatever means necessary. Decide to give it a day or two more. It may become obvious, like it was for my little Percy back in March.

{{{Sandra}}}

Karen

[makbike]

Sandra,

I worked in a clinic for years as a part-time assistant and as you can tell staff members become attached to client's animals, a bond forms.

The first year I worked in the clinic a man brought his great dand puppy in (6months old) with a broken femur and broken metatarsals. Along with the broken bones the puppy (Gus) has a massive bone infection. The vet and staff set about working on Gus to beat back the infection and over the course of several days bonds were formed. One day out the blue the owner came in and announced he would not spend any more money on Gus and he wanted him PTS My best friend, the attending vet, was crushed for she had fallen in love with Gus but could not take him home (she was renting at th time). After some thought I asked if I could adopt Gus - I would pay off the owner's current bill if he would sign the dog over to me. The owner agreed, the bill was taken care of by the owner of the clinic (he was a kind and compassionate man) and I came home with a large puppy. Gus was renamed Squire and he grew into a lanky, limping great dane. The two of us started visiting a local nurning home and hospital to cheer residents and patients up while they were sick or confined to bed. Squire had a short life, only 5 years, before bone cancer was discovered in his front leg. I had him PTS and he was surrounded by all the clinic staff - he was so loved and had touched so many lives during his short stay on Earth.

Please take heart in the fact that Bull will be loved a lot in his new home and by those at the clinic. You have made a very tough decision but one which will translate only into good things many times over for Bull, yourself, and the staff at the clinic.

[nic840]

I know there is no right answer that would work for everyone. Just wanted you to know that its alright to be frustrated, sad, angry and happy all at the same time. Bull is still alive, and it sounds like he will be loved and well taken care of.

I love my animals like they are my children but to go into financial debt because of them is a tough decision to make. I am sure I will have to make it someday and weigh it against the quality of life of the animal.

I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you. I am glad you have your husband to share this with you and you made the decsion together.

[sundial]

Sandra, I know I'm just now checking this thread, but IMOM came to mind immediately. If you qualify, this organization will assist you with the vet bills so that you don't have to consider euthanizing your little guy--or give him up for that matter.

http://www.imom.org/

Hope this helps and I'm sending you lots of hugs and slurpy kisses from my 4 furkids.

Cathy, Kali, Niki, Jodi and Luke

[LBTC]

{{{{{Sandra}}}}}}

There's a whole lot of TE critters (my own Yogi, Norton and Ted for sure) at the Rainbow Bridge who are doing a little happy dance that Bull gets to stay here for awhile longer.

You followed your heart the best you know how. Do what you can to rejoice that Bull has another chance. (he is adorable)

Sending butterflies to lift your spirit, to help you see the joy and beauty that has happened here, to help you find your peace, and for you to send along to Bull so he know he is still loved by you, too.

Hugs,
~T~

[smilingcat]

Dear Sandra,

I know you are hurting for having to give up Bull. And he misses you too. The thing we have to remind ourselves in situations like this is that someone was there for him. To take care of him. And to love him... He has an angel looking over him. In time, Bull will have recovered and he will be in a home, loved just as he was loved in your family.

Sometimes the best gift you can give to a loved one is to let them go. Let go sometimes means putting them to sleep so they don't suffer. let them go sometimes means to release the animal back to the wild, to fly free in the wild to run... And here it means for you to adopt bull out to a new family who is willing to give him a second chance at life.

Through it all, I understand your hurt. And my sympathy for your loss...
And after a good cry, please realize that you did the right thing. Bull is recovering and no longer in physical pain. And he will be loved.

my sympathy,
Smilingcat