euthanasia of a loved one

[hermitclub]

Miranda,

I'm so sorry to read about your baby. I had to put my boy down in Dec 07 when he couldn't stand anymore without visible pain, and started to occasionally lose his bowels in the house. He spent his last couple of years on lots of different meds to help with the arthritis, but eventually there were no more meds to add to the mix.

It is always a difficult decision, and my vet said I would know when it was time. Amazingly he was right. Rufus told us when it was time. We could read it in his eyes (crying as I write this).

I miss him terribly, and have such wonderful memories. The euthanasia was so incredibly peaceful. The room had soft light. We lay him down on a beautiful persian rug. We talked to him, he looked up at us seemingly with the knowledge that he was saying goodbye, but with no sadness. He was a rescue dog and ever grateful to us. People always said we were his salvation, but I always responded that he was ours. He deserved to have no more pain, and to run and jump again like in his youth, in the next world.

The vet gave us ample time to say goodbye, and waited for us to give the ready sign. Rufus had his head in my lap when we let him go. He never twitched or jerked or displayed any signs of pain. He simply went to sleep.

Be strong and let her tell you when it is time. As difficult as it is, the experience is incredibly peaceful.

My thoughts are with you.

[divingbiker]

So sorry you have to go through this. Making the decision is the hardest part.

[Tri Girl]

I'm in tears just reading your post. I'm so sorry for the decision that you must make. You'll do what's best for your best friend. She'll let you know...
It's so hard...

[sundial]

I'm so sorry that you have come to this crossroad so early in her life. I think making the decision is one of the most difficult things we pet owners have to encounter. Knowing that she is no longer in pain should bring you some comfort and I know she would not want you to be sad. Please know you are near in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

[BlueVet11]

Miranda, I am so sorry that you have to do this and so soon. You have given her a very good life and any lab is lucky to have active owners (especially ones that let them swim!).

I believe that we are very lucky with our pets in that we have the ability to relieve pain and suffering when their quality of life is diminishing. Take comfort in that.

That said, yes vets typically sedate prior to giving the euthanasia solution. She should go very peacefully and quickly. If I were you I would request they go ahead and set an IV catheter. It will be extra money, but I personally think it makes things go much smoother for the vet and you and your pup. It just makes it easier to sedate and give the solution without having to go through the skin again. But if your vet prefers or suggests to do it without, thats perfectly fine too... its just a preference.

Also, there is absolutely NO shame in a) doing it early, we always say better a day too early than a day too late or b) not wanting to be present during the process. Everyone is different and just know that you are not failing her if you jsut can't be there.

I hope I didn't go too detailed for you but I think thats what you were wanting. I apologize if that was too much. I wish you lots of strength and hugs through this next week and beyond. Lots of pats and kisses for your pup too!

(ETA: just realized in the haste of making a name to post, I come off as already being a DVM... I am a vet student... won't be a vet til '11. Don't want to come off as something I'm not yet. sorry guys)

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Miranda & furbaby)))))))

That decision is so, so hard. We had to do it three times, and only one of the dogs made the decision easy for us (the decision, not the loss of course).

One of my dogs also had difficulty walking and lost bowel control because of spinal arthritis. He was older - but I don't know if that makes it any easier. He wasn't in any pain and it was a really hard decision. He was helped quite a bit by chiropractic treatment - but that wasn't a cure.

The anticipatory grieving was sometimes as painful as what we went through after he was gone. I know you'll do what's best for your baby - take good care of yourself.

ETA: the euthanasia is painless. There may be some muscle spasms after death and this can be hard to watch, but the vet assured us that there is no consciousness at that point. There was nothing that looked like pain or discomfort, just involuntary limb movements.

[carpaltunnel]

Marinda, I wish I could put my arms around you and your dear dog. We just went through this with our dear cat, who was 16 years old, but very healthy until she got cancer.
No it doesn't hurt them, and they trust you to do the best thing for them. Having this responsibility, we must take the pain and stress on ourselves and give them the grace of a relatively pain and stress free exit before it gets too bad. If you can bear it, stay there and talk to your dog, but if you can't, just remember that you were there for her all the years of her life. She looks like a happy dog.

I will be thinking of you. Be sure to let us know how your are.

[ilima]

Oh, dear. I am so sorry Miranda. I'm so sorry she's sick & that the meds aren't working. I don't have any words of wisdom, but I know how awful it is when our four-legged family members aren't well.

[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.