Hardest part of having a dog

[Bradu]

Milo, my rat terrier has had health problems since we got him. Started with allergies to grass, weeds, and everything outdoors when he was a puppy. We did allergy testing and immunotherapy injections from the time he was a year old. Then he had seizures, thyroid issues, and pancreatitis which led to diabetes a couple months ago. I didn't know that led to cataracts which recently started to show.

Last night he couldn't find his way up the steps and I had carry him inside. This morning he was playing like everything was OK. I came home after work and let him out to figure out he is completely blind. I tried a short walk outside since the weather is nice, but he got scared and wanted to go back inside.

He just turned 7, but I think it's time to put him down. He's scared and confused. It's a matter of time before he has another pancreatitis flare up and is in pain again. I hate the thought of it but the quality of life is pretty much gone.

 

[xciapup]

When you bring a dog into your life, you bring a tragedy. You just don't know when comes the tragedy.

No one can tell you when is the right time. But you will know. And it will be alright.

 

[whatsupdoc]

Yea it sucks we put down our German Shepherd two weeks ago.

 

[boomslang]

Our Boston terrier has been living with significant cataracts for a few years now. He’s too old for surgery. It was difficult for him in the beginning, but his nose still works well and eventually he became able to navigate his way through the house, backyard and on walks without running into things very often. You know your dog better than any of us, but he may still have some quality life left in him.

 

[ggmanning]

He looks to be having pretty great quality of life snuggled up on you. I wouldn't put him down unless he acts in pain all the time or the scared confusion doesn't get better. As stated above if it's time you will feel it. Thoughts for you I love my dogs.

 

[mvphilly]

Dude my beagle had diabetes that lead to cataracts. I paid the 5 grand and had her sight restored and I would have paid double that to see how happy she was when she was able to see me and my wife come to pick her up at the vet. Once we controlled the diabetes with daily insulin she lived 3 more pretty normal years with full eyesight.

 

[Bradu]

Our Boston terrier has been living with significant cataracts for a few years now. He’s too old for surgery. It was difficult for him in the beginning, but his nose still works well and eventually he became able to navigate his way through the house, backyard and on walks without running into things very often. You know your dog better than any of us, but he may still have some quality life left in him.

We have discussed waiting to see how he got along with being blind. His pancreatitis flare ups have become more frequent and last longer. I was hoping to get him through one more year but I think it's time.

 

[Bradu]

Dude my beagle had diabetes that lead to cataracts. I paid the 5 grand and had her sight restored and I would have paid double that to see how happy she was when she was able to see me and my wife come to pick her up at the vet. Once we controlled the diabetes with daily insulin she lived 3 more pretty normal years with full eyesight.

I spent almost $10k on him last year between all the medicine, vet bills, and the special diet he's on with his pancreatitis. It's a matter of time with the pancreatitis as it is. I can't see putting him through that when he would be lucky to make it another year as it is. Dealing with pancreatitis sucks.

 

[mvphilly]

I spent almost $10k on him last year between all the medicine, vet bills, and the special diet he's on with his pancreatitis. It's a matter of time with the pancreatitis as it is. I can't see putting him through that when he would be lucky to make it another year as it is. Dealing with pancreatitis sucks.

I hear you mine had Cushing's disease and the diabetes but I had to do the surgery .Her walking around bumping into walls was just devastating to see.I feel for you brother.

 

[SanPatHogger]

Good luck. It sucks every time

 

[diverdon]

Yeah, it's time.

 

[ColinW]

Don't be like my (nagging) mother in law She and my wife had an American Eskimo, Romeo, that was her world for 16+ years. She paid $1,000s upon $1,000's just to keep that white rat alive. It was pitiful to see that poor dog when I had to visit.

There are time's when the best thing to do is to put them down. AMHIK... Had to put my 2 Vizsla bird dogs down to cancer. 2 sisters, 1 litter apart(same sire male). When we had to put the youngest red dog down first....The older girl just howled for weeks outside in their kennel. We tried everything to lift her spirits. It was really sad to see that wonderful dog mourn for her sister being gone.

Best of luck! Don't let the feelers of companionship get in the way of their comfort and well being. *edit* There comes a point where that is just being cruel to the dog, like with Romeo.

 

[Duc]

Your Dog would do anything for you, you must do the same for him.

 

[DOA]

Sucks and have had to do that twice now. Im sorry. I feel for you.

 

[diggler1833]

Sorry to hear about your situation OP.

There comes a point where quality of life is #1. There also needs to be a point where you understand that you can't financially burden yourself so as to not be able to provide the same living environment for you or your (human) family.

I am a dog lover first and foremost. I am also a realist, who frequently sees people come in with medical conditions for their pets that they can't keep up with financially. I do my best to explain what palliative care is, and how we can go that route until the owner is certain that their loved one would be better off if they were no longer with us.

You are a better judge of Milo's quality of life than any of us here. Don't let us badger you into a decision one way or the other.

 

[Bradu]

Sorry to hear about your situation OP.

There comes a point where quality of life is #1. There also needs to be a point where you understand that you can't financially burden yourself so as to not be able to provide the same living environment for you or your (human) family.

I am a dog lover first and foremost. I am also a realist, who frequently sees people come in with medical conditions for their pets that they can't keep up with financially. I do my best to explain what palliative care is, and how we can go that route until the owner is certain that their loved one would be better off if they were no longer with us.

You are a better judge of Milo's quality of life than any of us here. Don't let us badger you into a decision one way or the other.

We made the decision and got it over with after spending the day with him. He was too high energy and loved to run and chase rabbits in the back yard. I had to carry him down the steps and walk him around on a leash so he could go to the bathroom. That's no life for him.

 

[diggler1833]

We made the decision and got it over with after spending the day with him. He was too high energy and loved to run and chase rabbits in the back yard. I had to carry him down the steps and walk him around on a leash so he could go to the bathroom. That's no life for him.

Sorry for the loss man. May the fond memories outlast the hurt.

 

[Hagen]

Hate to hear that for you all but I would have done the same. We hung out all day and made our Weimaraner a steak dinner the night before we had to put him down. It’s definitely rough. Sorry for your loss.

 

[Solidsnake85]

Man just remember the times you had. Animals are a blessing and a curse. Those babies just ain't here long enough. You get most times, a decade or more but it ain't near enough. My wife will never know how much my dog means to me, well and a couple cats now. But they are always gone too soon. They say man is a gluten to punishment. Well if you have a furry friend it is worse. My parents bread Weiner dogs as I was growing up. You get so attached and then you lose one. As the years go you lose more. The hurt never stops. They wasn't a puppy mill. Just sold about 15 a year to nice people. I have a border Collie now and she is my biggest bear. She sleeps beside me and when my wife gets up she lays beside my face. I hate the day when she is gone. Best dog I've ever had. Sorry for the long post. I also had my buddies take off work when they lose pets and people are like why. Unless you have ever lost one then you have no idea. It's like losing a family member cause that's what they are

 

[Bradu]

Man just remember the times you had. Animals are a blessing and a curse. Those babies just ain't here long enough. You get most times, a decade or more but it ain't near enough. My wife will never know how much my dog means to me, well and a couple cats now. But they are always gone too soon. They say man is a gluten to punishment. Well if you have a furry friend it is worse. My parents bread Weiner dogs as I was growing up. You get so attached and then you lose one. As the years go you lose more. The hurt never stops. They wasn't a puppy mill. Just sold about 15 a year to nice people. I have a border Collie now and she is my biggest bear. She sleeps beside me and when my wife gets up she lays beside my face. I hate the day when she is gone. Best dog I've ever had. Sorry for the long post. I also had my buddies take off work when they lose pets and people are like why. Unless you have ever lost one then you have no idea. It's like losing a family member cause that's what they are

My wife and I both took the day off work to be with him. They are family and I didn't want him to be scared and alone. We made the phone call this morning and got him in this afternoon. I was going to go to work and take him afterwards but I knew I would hate myself for not spending his last day together.

I've lost other dogs and it always hurts. We still have our rescue chihuahua mix to keep us company. It's so much better than coming home to an empty and quiet house at the end of the day. I don't know if I'll get another dog once she's gone.

 

[shields shtr]

I have always been amazed at how pets (especially dogs) have a way of finding the soft spots in most folks. Ironically, nothing seems to bring out the humanity in people more than a pet. My dog is 16, and amazingly is still pretty dang peppy. He has definitely slowed down, but still has a great quality of life and has been an awesome companion. He has been around as long as my kid has been alive, and I am dreading the day we have to say goodbye.

Sorry you had to say goodbye to your friend. It sounds like you have some good memories with her though and hopefully you can look back on those fondly.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

It’s the hardest thing ever… because they don’t understand and look to us to make it all better…

The only way to get through it is to remember the good times and remember that you open up a spot in your life for a new puppy or kitten…. And nothing is better for the soul than a puppy or a kitten !!

Sorry for your fur baby!

Sirhr

 

[Holliday]

We made the decision and got it over with after spending the day with him. He was too high energy and loved to run and chase rabbits in the back yard. I had to carry him down the steps and walk him around on a leash so he could go to the bathroom. That's no life for him.

Sorry man. Been there. It’s rough.

 

[JR_77]

Sorry for your loss @Bradu

 

[Ronws]

Yea it sucks we put down our German Shepherd two weeks ago.

The one in your avatar?

 

[whatsupdoc]

The one in your avatar?

yes

 

[gopherslayer]

Our boy had a brain tumor and the last 7 months of his life wasn’t ideal. The last 2 months were the worst. My wife wouldn’t let go until he had a seizure on the couch while sitting with us. I had a beer with him on the patio before I took him to the vet. He loved beer.

 

[jinxx4ever]

i've lived on my current location for 36 years. Several crosses now planted above graves of loyal companions. Never gets easier

 

[Bullfrog08]

When you bring a dog into your life, you bring a tragedy. You just don't know when comes the tragedy.

No one can tell you when is the right time. But you will know. And it will be alright.

That is everything in life!

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Losing my first dog was tougher than any person I have loss, thus far in life anyway.

 

[Bullfrog08]

i've lived on my current location for 36 years. Several crosses now planted above graves of loyal companions. Never gets easier

That's sad, but also awesome the way you stated that! Those are all crosses representing the creatures that slept and woke dreaming about you/your family and the life you gave them.

 

[Maggot]

Milo, my rat terrier has had health problems since we got him. Started with allergies to grass, weeds, and everything outdoors when he was a puppy. We did allergy testing and immunotherapy injections from the time he was a year old. Then he had seizures, thyroid issues, and pancreatitis which led to diabetes a couple months ago. I didn't know that led to cataracts which recently started to show.

Last night he couldn't find his way up the steps and I had carry him inside. This morning he was playing like everything was OK. I came home after work and let him out to figure out he is completely blind. I tried a short walk outside since the weather is nice, but he got scared and wanted to go back inside.

He just turned 7, but I think it's time to put him down. He's scared and confused. It's a matter of time before he has another pancreatitis flare up and is in pain again. I hate the thought of it but the quality of life is pretty much gone.



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In the middle ages they had a word for that time.

Coup de Gras

Cup of Grace

 

[Maggot]

Sorry to hear about your situation OP.

There comes a point where quality of life is #1. There also needs to be a point where you understand that you can't financially burden yourself so as to not be able to provide the same living environment for you or your (human) family.

I am a dog lover first and foremost. I am also a realist, who frequently sees people come in with medical conditions for their pets that they can't keep up with financially. I do my best to explain what palliative care is, and how we can go that route until the owner is certain that their loved one would be better off if they were no longer with us.

You are a better judge of Milo's quality of life than any of us here. Don't let us badger you into a decision one way or the other.

It sucks, but finances have to be a consideration. Vets arent cheap.

 

[Bradu]

Thanks to everyone for the support. This little boy meant the world to me! I never thought I would miss the high pitch bark when my wife or I came home. He was always so happy to see us.

 

[Bradu]

It sucks, but finances have to be a consideration. Vets arent cheap.

Our vet told us we could have had a new car for what we've spent on him. She broke down crying along with the vet tech when they came in the room. I joked that she was just sad that we can't put her kids through college but she truly loved that boy

 

[Nik H]

Milo, my rat terrier has had health problems since we got him. Started with allergies to grass, weeds, and everything outdoors when he was a puppy. We did allergy testing and immunotherapy injections from the time he was a year old. Then he had seizures, thyroid issues, and pancreatitis which led to diabetes a couple months ago. I didn't know that led to cataracts which recently started to show.

Last night he couldn't find his way up the steps and I had carry him inside. This morning he was playing like everything was OK. I came home after work and let him out to figure out he is completely blind. I tried a short walk outside since the weather is nice, but he got scared and wanted to go back inside.

He just turned 7, but I think it's time to put him down. He's scared and confused. It's a matter of time before he has another pancreatitis flare up and is in pain again. I hate the thought of it but the quality of life is pretty much gone.



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So sorry to hear it.

Hard decision but you have to look at from a quality of life perspective. The dog doesn’t deserve to suffer. We had to put down our oldest dog last year. Lived to be 15. Cried like a baby.

If you can afford it, have a vet come to your place. They know when you take them to the vet and it makes it more difficult.

 

[Bullfrog08]

Thanks to everyone for the support. This little boy meant the world to me! I never thought I would miss the high pitch bark when my wife or I came home. He was always so happy to see us.

Sorry to hear!

Honestly, a new dog heals the wound faster than without! The cycle of life is tough! I still have three whiskey flask on my dresser full of my past dogs ashes.

 

[Bradu]

So sorry to hear it.

Hard decision but you have to look at from a quality of life perspective. The dog doesn’t deserve to suffer. We had to put down our oldest dog last year. Lived to be 15. Cried like a baby.

If you can afford it, have a vet come to your place. They know when you take them to the vet and it makes it more difficult.

We took him in Tuesday afternoon and got it over with. That was the first time he wasn't worked up at the vet's office. I know he knew where he was at with all the other animals there. I truly believe he was ready.

He would never be able to run and chase the rabbits and squirrels again. There were days he stood on the deck for hours waiting on a rabbit to come into the yard. He had too much drive in him to lay around all the time.

 

[Bradu]

Sorry to hear!

Honestly, a new dog heals the wound faster than without! The cycle of life is tough! I still have three whiskey flask on my dresser full of my past dogs ashes.

We still have our rescue chihuahua mix that's helped a lot. Her demeanor has changed so much in a couple days. At first I thought she was upset that Milo wasn't here, but I think she's content as the only dog.