euthanasia of a loved one

[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.