Putting the dog to sleep tonight...

Parent Cafe
1

<p>We are taking our old (13) yellow lab, Izzy, to the vet tonight to be put to sleep. She can no longer really use her back legs and because of this it is very difficult for her to go to the bathroom; tumors all over her body and it’s just time. </p>

<p>She has been “my” dog since I was 10 years old, so this is very difficult for me. I’m going with my dad to the vet and will stay with her until she’s gone. I couldn’t bear the thought of her being alone in her last moments.</p>

<p>I AM very thankful that I have gotten to spend the last month or so with her since moving home from grad school; I was always afraid she would go while I was away at school. And I am thankful that she has had such a long, happy life; even now she is laying on the living room floor “smiling.”</p>

<p>But this is the first dog I’m losing that really feels like mine. Roxy, our first lab, we had had since before I was born, but I was only about 8 when we put her down. Jake, our second, we put down my sophomore year of college, but I just never really made a good connection with him for whatever reason.</p>

<p>Trying very hard to remember the good. She would always cry when I came home from college because she was so happy to see me and would be my shadow for several days after that. </p>

<p>She is a good dog. I will miss her. :frowning: </p>

2

<p>This is a very sad thing to deal with. I am very sorry for your loss. I know someday in the not-too-distant future I will have to do this, and I am dreading it. </p>

<p>Even though it’s “just” a dog, it’s traumatic and sad, and you’re entitled to grieve as much as you want.</p>

3

<p>I am so sorry you are going through this. :-(</p>

4

<p>Thank you both. The sadness is coming in waves right now because she is still here. I know it will be good for her to not be hurting, sick, etc. anymore (she is moving around a lot right now, very restless, uncomfortable) but she really has been around for most of my life and has felt like my dog. There was a long period of time where I was taking her for walks every day, spending lots of time with her, etc.</p>

<p>I am glad that I will be traveling to job interviews pretty frequently over the next few weeks so I’ll have something to keep me distracted. And I don’t leave for the first one until Tuesday so I have some time to grieve and collect myself.</p>

5

<p>Be prepared to be as low as you can possibly feel. It’s very tough. </p>

6

<p>So sorry and sad for you. It’s SO difficult, but what a nice, long life.</p>

7

<p>Hugs. You both take with you the love you shared, the life you shared and beautiful memories you shared. I am so sorry.</p>

8

<p>{{{{ hugs }}}}</p>

<p>I am so sorry that you are going thru this. </p>

<p>this helped me…I made a very long list of all the cute/funny/unique things that my dog did. I posted it on facebook and my friends and family were all very supportive.</p>

9

<p>So sorry, HGFM. You gave him a great life for 13 years. I’m glad your dad is going to be there too.</p>

10

<p>MOWC, we’ve always been very fortunate and all of our labs have been in the 13-15 range when we’ve lost them. And Izzy has been remarkably healthy for a good majority of her life.</p>

<p>mom2collegekids, the biggest one that springs immediately to mind: she wags her tail in a circle. She always has and no one knows why, but it is definitely something we will always remember.</p>

11

<p>so sorry. Have a plaster pawprint made tonight. I still treasure my dog’s print…</p>

12

<p>It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.
-Unknown </p>

<p>Peace be to you, HGFM and sincere sympathy.</p>

13

<p>HGFM, it is OK to cry. So sorry!..</p>

14

<p>I’m so sorry. This pooch sounds like he shared a very good life with you.</p>

15

<p>I am so sorry!</p>

16

<p>I am so sorry. We are in the middle of this with our 13.5 lab. We had a hospice vet over last week and she prescribed some pain killers and anti-anxiety meds. Our hope was to get the “kids” home to say good bye and they had plans to come this weekend. First one home tonight, the other tomorrow. Tried to talk to my husband about next week this afternoon and he couldn’t talk about it. I ran into the hospice vet (who will do the at-home euthanasia) at the grocery store today and cried all the way home. I am just trying to focus on giving him a peaceful and dignified death. I hope you can do the same. Big hugs to you tonight. And peace to Izzy.</p>

17

<p>We lost our 13.5 year old white lab in October under similar circumstances. I cried every day for weeks and weeks. I got lots of understanding here. You have my sympathy. This will be hard for you even as you know it’s the right thing. I feel for you! </p>

<p>Treasure your memories. </p>

18

<p>Oh sweetie, big big hugs. I’ve done this half a dozen times, for animals that were part of my heart. It never gets easier. One has to have a heart full of love and compassion to be able to make ‘that’ phone call. </p>

<p>I’m sitting here looking at my 13 and 14 year old doggies…another one of ‘those’ phone calls is certainly in my near term future.</p>

19

<p>HGFM, I am so sorry. Izzy isn’t just a dog; she’s a member of the family and it’s OK to mourn her. </p>

20

<p>I am so sorry. The loss of a beloved pet is so very hard. Give yourself lots of time to grieve.</p>

<p>You may have seen this poem, but it is one I love.</p>

<p>A Dogs Prayer</p>

<p>Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in the world
is more grateful for kindness than my loving heart.</p>

<p>Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I would lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.</p>

<p>Speak to me often, for your voice is the world¹s sweetest music,
as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail
when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.</p>

<p>When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now
a domestic animal and no longer used to bitter elements.
I ask no greater glory than the privilege of
sitting at your feet beside the hearth.</p>

<p>Though you had no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.</p>

<p>Keep my pan filled with fresh water for, although I would not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.</p>

<p>Feed me clean food that I may stay well to romp and play and do your biding, walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should yours be in danger.</p>

<p>And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to take my health or sight, do not turn me away from you.</p>

<p>Rather, hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was ever safe in your hands.</p>

<p>Author Unknown</p>