My Painful Decision

[Relic]

freddie.jpgIt is with great sadness and a heavy heart that tomorrow at 2 pm I am getting my dog of 21 years put to sleep. I am very conflicted over this. Freddy is a miniature ****z zu and has lived a very good life. He has become blind recently and now has some kind of infection in his body. He has never made a fuss but I can tell he is in pain. I do not want to do this but it will be better for him. I have not been able to eat or sleep over this. The museum is the only thing right now that is keeping me sane. Sorry to have unloaded in here but I loved my dog and am not ashamed to say so.

[mvanis]

Ahh man I'm sorry to hear that, I know your love for him- we've had some bad experiences with both of our dogs that were very scary and difficult to deal with. Anyone with a pet I'm sure feels your pain, they truly are a member of the family. My heart goes out to you and Freddy.

[thunderbolt]

yeah, that's the worst thing I've ever done, had to do it twice. You took good care of him for 21 years. Find a local rescue group and get a new guy eventually, its a fun adventure getting a different dog.

[hedrap]

It's a hard thing to do. Get a nice box for the ashes and put it somewhere special.

[HardyGirl]

I'm so sorry. I know losing a pet is a hard thing. But you gave him a good life, and he won't feel any pain anymore.

[Earth 2 Chris]

That's rough man. But you are doing the right, humane thing. He had a good, long life, and was obviously loved.

Chris

[Donkey Hoatie]

Such a tough thing you have to do. I'm sure in those 21 years, you had countless great memories together. I hope you keep your mind open to getting another dog someday soon. We waited about 4 months before adopting again after we put our dog down after 14 years last December. As depressed as I was about that, I think getting a dog sooner would have helped me get over it much more quickly.

[Gorn Captain]

That's rough news, sorry to hear it.
21 years is a blessed age, think of the great years you have had with him. I know it will be hard, had to to the same thing years ago and the dogs I have now are also old, and they've been ill quite a few times in recent years.

Did the vet say anything about the infection, and if it's still treatable?
Just make sure he's not in pain, that's the main thing.

[Marvelmania]

It's a tough tough road you're going down but it's best as you don't want the little guy to be in pain. My best to you during this time.

[BATMAN89]

Hey Mike, I am really sorry to hear the news about your beloved dog. I have known the same pain 4 times over the last few years. It's terrible, and I'm sorry you are going through that. A lot of our members here have posted about going through the same decision and pain. You are very lucky to have had him for so long.
Our Shih Tzu had to be put down at 8 years old because of prostate cancer. We only had him for 4 years in our family.
Think of all the good times that you have had, and remember that you are doing this out of love, so he does not suffer.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[mikeMc6]

Your doing the best you can, man.

[alex]

Sorry to hear this, but I dont think Ive ever heard a dog living 21 years, certainly had a long life.

[Relic]

Thank you to everyone for the words of kindness. Freddy is going to have some cheese and ice cream treats tonite. This has been especially tough on my 11 year old son. Were trying to stay distracted until tomorrow afternoon. Thankfuly he has a hockey practice at 6 pm.

[Byrnes]

Sorry to hear this. I know everyone has a story, but I think it's the easiest way for us to say we understand your pain. I recently had to say goodbye to my girl after 8 years because of cancer, It's left a hole in my heart, but a loving one that I was able to have a life with her as long as I could. You are lucky have have him 21 years, that's a terrific life span. Just know that no matter how bad you feel after it gets a little better and a little better each day. My thoughts are with you and family.

I don't think anyone should ever be ashamed to say they loved their dog. I treated mine like a kid I loved her so much. She slept with us, eat with us, went of vacation, you name it.

[Mego Magyar]

Sorry to hear but if it's the best thing for him then you're doing out of love. I still remember when our dog was put to sleep, when they're a part of the family it's always a hard thing to do. Hang in there.