25 replies to this topic

[nancy in AZ]

Thank you all for your well wishes and condolences. They are very comforting in such a difficult and emotional time. You see, a hard situation was made even worse because I felt like I had to argue with the vet to euthanize her. This vet was new to the practice--I'd had a total of 15 minutes of prior contact with him before this. He wanted to do continue doing tests, continue IV fluid over a period of days, continue a course of steroids etc. But he didn't see her all weekend while we were waiting for bloodwork to come back, too weak to go more than a few steps before having to lie down, refusing food and water, and this is what haunts me...she barely slept. Post mortem it was detemined that she had a tumor on her liver that had ruptured. I appreciated that he called me to let me know that I had made the right decision.

[Little Bo Boop]

So very sorry for your loss, Minnie looks like the sweetest girl, big hugs to you.

Don't know if it makes any difference or not but what you describe sounds like hemangiosarcoma, and she was bleeding out ; -( having had a dog that had this, I can promise you that you made the right decision, so I don't think you need ever second guess yourself, it was the right thing to do. Once again so very sorry for you loss.

Betty

[Sue R]

Very sorry to hear this, Nancy, but grateful that you took care of the old girl and did the right thing. They usually tell us when it's time.

[bc friend]

I'm sorry for your loss - and sorry you had to go through such a traumatic experience without the full support of your vet. You did what was right for Minnie so that she didn't continue to suffer and that's the important thing.

[BustopherJones]

I had made the right decision.

When we have been so close to another being, whether that being is human or animal, a bond arises that defies comprehension. Unspoken feelings seem to flow, and we know our companion's wishes without the need to doubt ourselves. Our vet always told us that our dogs would tell us when it was time; and to date she has been right. I am reminded of the following poem, one that should always guide this most difficult of decisions:

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this final battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so.
The time has come, please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer can see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Please do not grieve it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two these years,
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

[Bo Peep]

Buster,
You always have wonderful poems. I have to admit I keep most of them and send them to my friends that are grieving over the loss of a pet. My favorite is.
A Dog's Prayer Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear. When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshipper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you if it were dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger. And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful bounty of eternal rest... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew that my fate was ever safest in you hands. Remember me not with tearful eyes... but instead with abounding heart. Should you choose to fill my bed, feel no guilt, you have not betrayed me. Love another as you always loved me... and they too will love you as I always have. -Anonymous