OT: Loss of Pet

[GoGoBanana]

Last night, I had to make the most difficult decision that I've ever had to make, the one that all pet owners dread. I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my sweet 10 year old chocolate lab, Deuce (he was not just a pet; he was my child). He had trouble with his breathing over the past year or so, and laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed (a terrible, terrible condition prevalent in labs and large breed dogs). I scheduled a tieback surgery for him months ago (which was scheduled for tomorrow coincidentally), in order to help him with his breathing and discomfort. He really began struggling this weekend, so my wife and I brought him to the emergency clinic, where he was intubated and placed in an oxygen cage in order to allow him to breathe more comfortably. I was given the option of leaving him in oxygen until he was strong enough to have the surgery, which we did until yesterday afternoon. At that point, the doctors felt like the surgery was much too risky, as he was way too distressed, even after 24/7 care to strengthen him. The doctors could not guarantee that his quality of life would improve after surgery, that there was a possibility he could die during surgery, or right after, or he would have weeks or months to live even if the surgery were successful. The doctors told me that personally, we should stop his suffering and let him go. This good boy would literally never leave my side when we were together, following me all around the house, the yard, etc. I could be gone five minutes or five days, and my reception from him upon returning home would be the exact same (barking, meeting me at the door, tail wagging so hard his rear end would go from side to side, and kisses galore). No doubt in my mind that we were meant for one another, as he came to me at a point in my life when I needed him the most. I'm really struggling with whether or not I made the right decision in letting him go, and not having him around is killing me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to be with him in his final moments, but I still carry with me an enormous amount of guilt that I didn't do enough or do it quickly enough to save him. He was beloved by our entire family, and was surrounded by all of us as he passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I'm not ashamed to say that I've done nothing but cry since we brought him in on Saturday, and I had to be carried out of the vet clinic last night after he passed. I just hope that I gave him the best life that he could have.

 

[manweiser]

you made the right decision.

 

[RGWhirly]

Feel for you, most of us have been there and know how bad it hurts. However, it is better when they are not in pain or discomfort.

 

[christoph]

I’m within weeks of having to make the same hard decision. My dog of 14 years has a failing liver and his health is not great. He’s not suffering or unhappy but it won’t be long. All you can do is give then the best life possible and I know that I have done that. Spared no expense on treatment over the years. He was born and going to live with or without me. I’m glad it was me because no one could have loved him more. That is my comfort.

 

[jferretti]

It seems like you gave your dog the best 10 years any dog can have. He was cared for, loved and provided joy and companionship. And in the end, you gave him peace. Sounds like you handled everything perfectly.

 

[niteowlgt]

I've been through this process. If you have a pet it's part of life. Get another dog & you'll go through it again. Remember, if you go to the drive-in & put the dog and wife in the trunk, when you open it, who's glad to see you.

 

[Jovialgent]

I agree with manweiser. You made the right decision.
I remember a quote (I can't recall the source) and I am paraphrasing....
"How lucky you were to have something that made saying goodbye so difficult."
All the best to you and your family.

 

[Fac]

I agree, you made the right decision. I will have to make the same decision within a couple of months. My little girl will be 16. She had a stoke in November when we were in State College for a game. Wasn't sure that she would be alive when we returned, but she pulled through. She escaped death three times during her life. We know that she has been on borrowed time since November and my wife and I cherish her remaining time with us. Not an easy decision, but the right one. Remember the good times with Deuce and I'll bet a smile will come to your face in ashort time.

 

[sluggo72]

so sorry for your loss. My day in the box is coming, later rather than sooner, I hope.

 

[bwifan]

Last night, I had to make the most difficult decision that I've ever had to make, the one that all pet owners dread. I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my sweet 10 year old chocolate lab, Deuce (he was not just a pet; he was my child). He had trouble with his breathing over the past year or so, and laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed (a terrible, terrible condition prevalent in labs and large breed dogs). I scheduled a tieback surgery for him months ago (which was scheduled for tomorrow coincidentally), in order to help him with his breathing and discomfort. He really began struggling this weekend, so my wife and I brought him to the emergency clinic, where he was intubated and placed in an oxygen cage in order to allow him to breathe more comfortably. I was given the option of leaving him in oxygen until he was strong enough to have the surgery, which we did until yesterday afternoon. At that point, the doctors felt like the surgery was much too risky, as he was way too distressed, even after 24/7 care to strengthen him. The doctors could not guarantee that his quality of life would improve after surgery, that there was a possibility he could die during surgery, or right after, or he would have weeks or months to live even if the surgery were successful. The doctors told me that personally, we should stop his suffering and let him go. This good boy would literally never leave my side when we were together, following me all around the house, the yard, etc. I could be gone five minutes or five days, and my reception from him upon returning home would be the exact same (barking, meeting me at the door, tail wagging so hard his rear end would go from side to side, and kisses galore). No doubt in my mind that we were meant for one another, as he came to me at a point in my life when I needed him the most. I'm really struggling with whether or not I made the right decision in letting him go, and not having him around is killing me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to be with him in his final moments, but I still carry with me an enormous amount of guilt that I didn't do enough or do it quickly enough to save him. He was beloved by our entire family, and was surrounded by all of us as he passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I'm not ashamed to say that I've done nothing but cry since we brought him in on Saturday, and I had to be carried out of the vet clinic last night after he passed. I just hope that I gave him the best life that he could have.

You made the right choice. Try not to beat yourself up too much. Sounds like you gave that dog 1 beautiful life. You 2 will be reunited one day. Until then there will be hurt and missing him. As time passes you will remember all the wonderful times and special moments together. You will know when/if you are ready for another dog. For some its almost immediately others need time to grieve. You will know when it's right.

 

[BBrown]

Last night, I had to make the most difficult decision that I've ever had to make, the one that all pet owners dread. I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my sweet 10 year old chocolate lab, Deuce (he was not just a pet; he was my child). He had trouble with his breathing over the past year or so, and laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed (a terrible, terrible condition prevalent in labs and large breed dogs). I scheduled a tieback surgery for him months ago (which was scheduled for tomorrow coincidentally), in order to help him with his breathing and discomfort. He really began struggling this weekend, so my wife and I brought him to the emergency clinic, where he was intubated and placed in an oxygen cage in order to allow him to breathe more comfortably. I was given the option of leaving him in oxygen until he was strong enough to have the surgery, which we did until yesterday afternoon. At that point, the doctors felt like the surgery was much too risky, as he was way too distressed, even after 24/7 care to strengthen him. The doctors could not guarantee that his quality of life would improve after surgery, that there was a possibility he could die during surgery, or right after, or he would have weeks or months to live even if the surgery were successful. The doctors told me that personally, we should stop his suffering and let him go. This good boy would literally never leave my side when we were together, following me all around the house, the yard, etc. I could be gone five minutes or five days, and my reception from him upon returning home would be the exact same (barking, meeting me at the door, tail wagging so hard his rear end would go from side to side, and kisses galore). No doubt in my mind that we were meant for one another, as he came to me at a point in my life when I needed him the most. I'm really struggling with whether or not I made the right decision in letting him go, and not having him around is killing me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to be with him in his final moments, but I still carry with me an enormous amount of guilt that I didn't do enough or do it quickly enough to save him. He was beloved by our entire family, and was surrounded by all of us as he passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I'm not ashamed to say that I've done nothing but cry since we brought him in on Saturday, and I had to be carried out of the vet clinic last night after he passed. I just hope that I gave him the best life that he could have.

It sounds like you gave each other a wonderful 10 years.
Its rough now and sucks big time but you did the right thing.
So sorry.

 

[step.eng69]

“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” ~Kahlil Gibran~

 

[MontereyLion]

Last night, I had to make the most difficult decision that I've ever had to make, the one that all pet owners dread. I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my sweet 10 year old chocolate lab, Deuce (he was not just a pet; he was my child). He had trouble with his breathing over the past year or so, and laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed (a terrible, terrible condition prevalent in labs and large breed dogs). I scheduled a tieback surgery for him months ago (which was scheduled for tomorrow coincidentally), in order to help him with his breathing and discomfort. He really began struggling this weekend, so my wife and I brought him to the emergency clinic, where he was intubated and placed in an oxygen cage in order to allow him to breathe more comfortably. I was given the option of leaving him in oxygen until he was strong enough to have the surgery, which we did until yesterday afternoon. At that point, the doctors felt like the surgery was much too risky, as he was way too distressed, even after 24/7 care to strengthen him. The doctors could not guarantee that his quality of life would improve after surgery, that there was a possibility he could die during surgery, or right after, or he would have weeks or months to live even if the surgery were successful. The doctors told me that personally, we should stop his suffering and let him go. This good boy would literally never leave my side when we were together, following me all around the house, the yard, etc. I could be gone five minutes or five days, and my reception from him upon returning home would be the exact same (barking, meeting me at the door, tail wagging so hard his rear end would go from side to side, and kisses galore). No doubt in my mind that we were meant for one another, as he came to me at a point in my life when I needed him the most. I'm really struggling with whether or not I made the right decision in letting him go, and not having him around is killing me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to be with him in his final moments, but I still carry with me an enormous amount of guilt that I didn't do enough or do it quickly enough to save him. He was beloved by our entire family, and was surrounded by all of us as he passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I'm not ashamed to say that I've done nothing but cry since we brought him in on Saturday, and I had to be carried out of the vet clinic last night after he passed. I just hope that I gave him the best life that he could have.

Been there, done that. I had made an appointment to help Havok, our 11 year old black pug over the bridge but about 2 hours early, she let me off the hook and passed. I cried for a solid hour. Why do we get so emotionally attached to our pets? We do......You did all you could do.

 

[nits74]

Been there, done that. I had made an appointment to help Havok, our 11 year old black pug over the bridge but about 2 hours early, she let me off the hook and passed. I cried for a solid hour. Why do we get so emotionally attached to our pets? We do......You did all you could do.

Because of their innocence. They ask so little and give so much.

 

[PSU Mike]

So sorry to hear, Banana. They’re a huge part of us, and they trust us to help them.

I’m taking a train home midday right now to take my bengal cat to the vet, because he’s gone downhill since I put his playmate of 16 years down in January. I pray there’s something they can do for him, but it doesn’t look good right now.

 

[Spydersgirl]

Sorry for your loss GGB. Cry...it helps.

"Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands the heart. If you have loved many dogs your heart is very big.” – Erica Jong

 

[psuken]

Last night, I had to make the most difficult decision that I've ever had to make, the one that all pet owners dread. I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my sweet 10 year old chocolate lab, Deuce (he was not just a pet; he was my child). He had trouble with his breathing over the past year or so, and laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed (a terrible, terrible condition prevalent in labs and large breed dogs). I scheduled a tieback surgery for him months ago (which was scheduled for tomorrow coincidentally), in order to help him with his breathing and discomfort. He really began struggling this weekend, so my wife and I brought him to the emergency clinic, where he was intubated and placed in an oxygen cage in order to allow him to breathe more comfortably. I was given the option of leaving him in oxygen until he was strong enough to have the surgery, which we did until yesterday afternoon. At that point, the doctors felt like the surgery was much too risky, as he was way too distressed, even after 24/7 care to strengthen him. The doctors could not guarantee that his quality of life would improve after surgery, that there was a possibility he could die during surgery, or right after, or he would have weeks or months to live even if the surgery were successful. The doctors told me that personally, we should stop his suffering and let him go. This good boy would literally never leave my side when we were together, following me all around the house, the yard, etc. I could be gone five minutes or five days, and my reception from him upon returning home would be the exact same (barking, meeting me at the door, tail wagging so hard his rear end would go from side to side, and kisses galore). No doubt in my mind that we were meant for one another, as he came to me at a point in my life when I needed him the most. I'm really struggling with whether or not I made the right decision in letting him go, and not having him around is killing me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to be with him in his final moments, but I still carry with me an enormous amount of guilt that I didn't do enough or do it quickly enough to save him. He was beloved by our entire family, and was surrounded by all of us as he passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I'm not ashamed to say that I've done nothing but cry since we brought him in on Saturday, and I had to be carried out of the vet clinic last night after he passed. I just hope that I gave him the best life that he could have.

Really sorry. They are just like part of the family. It is a huge loss.

 

[PSU2UNC]

I am sorry for your loss. Dogs are amazing animals. It is a very hard decision to make, but keeping pets alive when they have no quality of life, purely for your own selfish reasons is never the way to go. Kudos for listening to your vet and making the tough (but correct) call.

Best wishes.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

GGB:

You had a better life because of Deuce AND Deuce had a better life because of you.

You may cry today, next week, next month, next year. In a way, you’re saying thank you to him for being such an important part of who you are.

In time, the tears will turn to smiles.....and while he’ll never be replaced, hopefully you’ll find a new friend and a new best buddy that you can share life with.

I had to put my Bailey (a 14 1/2 year old “rescue” basset hound) down on Valentine’s Day 2015. I found out several months later that Fonzie, my new “rescue” basset, was born less than 48 hours later.

May the same magic that I was fortunate enough to have bless you and your family.

 

[wbcincy]

Last night, I had to make the most difficult decision that I've ever had to make, the one that all pet owners dread. I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my sweet 10 year old chocolate lab, Deuce (he was not just a pet; he was my child). He had trouble with his breathing over the past year or so, and laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed (a terrible, terrible condition prevalent in labs and large breed dogs). I scheduled a tieback surgery for him months ago (which was scheduled for tomorrow coincidentally), in order to help him with his breathing and discomfort. He really began struggling this weekend, so my wife and I brought him to the emergency clinic, where he was intubated and placed in an oxygen cage in order to allow him to breathe more comfortably. I was given the option of leaving him in oxygen until he was strong enough to have the surgery, which we did until yesterday afternoon. At that point, the doctors felt like the surgery was much too risky, as he was way too distressed, even after 24/7 care to strengthen him. The doctors could not guarantee that his quality of life would improve after surgery, that there was a possibility he could die during surgery, or right after, or he would have weeks or months to live even if the surgery were successful. The doctors told me that personally, we should stop his suffering and let him go. This good boy would literally never leave my side when we were together, following me all around the house, the yard, etc. I could be gone five minutes or five days, and my reception from him upon returning home would be the exact same (barking, meeting me at the door, tail wagging so hard his rear end would go from side to side, and kisses galore). No doubt in my mind that we were meant for one another, as he came to me at a point in my life when I needed him the most. I'm really struggling with whether or not I made the right decision in letting him go, and not having him around is killing me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to be with him in his final moments, but I still carry with me an enormous amount of guilt that I didn't do enough or do it quickly enough to save him. He was beloved by our entire family, and was surrounded by all of us as he passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I'm not ashamed to say that I've done nothing but cry since we brought him in on Saturday, and I had to be carried out of the vet clinic last night after he passed. I just hope that I gave him the best life that he could have.

Such a terrible decisions to have to make, but you definitely made the right one. Any decision to prolong his suffering would have just been selfishness on your part. Completely understandable selfishness, but not what was in the dog's best interest. You gave him an awesome life, be happy and proud of that. But you're still going to cry over him for some time. Any great loss means you also had a great love. Not everyone gets those, so try to remember how fortunate you also were, despite the pain you have now.

 

[ThePennsyOracle]

My thoughts are with you and your family.

 

[ThePennsyOracle]

Because of their innocence. They ask so little and give so much.

Very well put.

 

[nits74]

Thank you, Oracle.

 

[phillybillyreprise]

My condolences. You did the right thing. Just went through a similar situation in March. My 14 year old French Bull Dog had a tumor on her heart. We made an appointment with a cardiologist. But before the appointment she began having trouble walking. She and I had several routes we would walk. The days after she was gone, I walked them and cried. We now have a 4 month old puppy. She and I walk the same routes and I tell her about her predecessor. Puppies chew on everything. Who remembered. It was 14 years ago. If the puppy lives 14 year and I make it, I’ll be 85.

 

[Rhino80]

My condolences!! I lost my yellow lab of 15 years last week. She had a seizure and never recovered. My chocolate is 15 and still going strong but I know his days are numbered. I'm not looking forward to that at all. They were my kids , before I had kids.

 

[Thorndike2012]

You will always question this decision. It's natural.

I'm sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers tonight.

If you like, at some point perhaps not today, this from Charles Krauthammer, captures the feelings of loss of a dog better than I've seen nearly anywhere.

http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,457373,00.html

 

[Cold Smoke]

Last night, I had to make the most difficult decision that I've ever had to make, the one that all pet owners dread. I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my sweet 10 year old chocolate lab, Deuce (he was not just a pet; he was my child). He had trouble with his breathing over the past year or so, and laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed (a terrible, terrible condition prevalent in labs and large breed dogs). I scheduled a tieback surgery for him months ago (which was scheduled for tomorrow coincidentally), in order to help him with his breathing and discomfort. He really began struggling this weekend, so my wife and I brought him to the emergency clinic, where he was intubated and placed in an oxygen cage in order to allow him to breathe more comfortably. I was given the option of leaving him in oxygen until he was strong enough to have the surgery, which we did until yesterday afternoon. At that point, the doctors felt like the surgery was much too risky, as he was way too distressed, even after 24/7 care to strengthen him. The doctors could not guarantee that his quality of life would improve after surgery, that there was a possibility he could die during surgery, or right after, or he would have weeks or months to live even if the surgery were successful. The doctors told me that personally, we should stop his suffering and let him go. This good boy would literally never leave my side when we were together, following me all around the house, the yard, etc. I could be gone five minutes or five days, and my reception from him upon returning home would be the exact same (barking, meeting me at the door, tail wagging so hard his rear end would go from side to side, and kisses galore). No doubt in my mind that we were meant for one another, as he came to me at a point in my life when I needed him the most. I'm really struggling with whether or not I made the right decision in letting him go, and not having him around is killing me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to be with him in his final moments, but I still carry with me an enormous amount of guilt that I didn't do enough or do it quickly enough to save him. He was beloved by our entire family, and was surrounded by all of us as he passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I'm not ashamed to say that I've done nothing but cry since we brought him in on Saturday, and I had to be carried out of the vet clinic last night after he passed. I just hope that I gave him the best life that he could have.

Very sorry for your loss. Between my bird hunting and my wife’s show dog Scotties, we have lost sixteen much loved dogs over the decades. Never gets much easier. If we don’t already have a new pup, we are quickly looking for one. Something about a new puppy face in the household. Always relieves some of the pain.
Dan

 

[84Lion]

My most sincere condolences to you and your family. That is the most difficult decision anyone has to make. We've been there and I've cried tears I never would've imagined. Pets wrap your heart around their paws. When it comes time for them to leave, there's a big hole there. Even six months after losing Fred, our guinea pig (my avatar), I still miss her every day.

I would say that after taking time to grieve, getting another pet is the best thing to do. It's not a replacement, it never will be, but pets need a good home and if you can provide one, do it. You'll both be glad you did.

 

[Obliviax]

Last night, I had to make the most difficult decision that I've ever had to make, the one that all pet owners dread. I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my sweet 10 year old chocolate lab, Deuce (he was not just a pet; he was my child). He had trouble with his breathing over the past year or so, and laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed (a terrible, terrible condition prevalent in labs and large breed dogs). I scheduled a tieback surgery for him months ago (which was scheduled for tomorrow coincidentally), in order to help him with his breathing and discomfort. He really began struggling this weekend, so my wife and I brought him to the emergency clinic, where he was intubated and placed in an oxygen cage in order to allow him to breathe more comfortably. I was given the option of leaving him in oxygen until he was strong enough to have the surgery, which we did until yesterday afternoon. At that point, the doctors felt like the surgery was much too risky, as he was way too distressed, even after 24/7 care to strengthen him. The doctors could not guarantee that his quality of life would improve after surgery, that there was a possibility he could die during surgery, or right after, or he would have weeks or months to live even if the surgery were successful. The doctors told me that personally, we should stop his suffering and let him go. This good boy would literally never leave my side when we were together, following me all around the house, the yard, etc. I could be gone five minutes or five days, and my reception from him upon returning home would be the exact same (barking, meeting me at the door, tail wagging so hard his rear end would go from side to side, and kisses galore). No doubt in my mind that we were meant for one another, as he came to me at a point in my life when I needed him the most. I'm really struggling with whether or not I made the right decision in letting him go, and not having him around is killing me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to be with him in his final moments, but I still carry with me an enormous amount of guilt that I didn't do enough or do it quickly enough to save him. He was beloved by our entire family, and was surrounded by all of us as he passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I'm not ashamed to say that I've done nothing but cry since we brought him in on Saturday, and I had to be carried out of the vet clinic last night after he passed. I just hope that I gave him the best life that he could have.

So sorry to hear. My advice is to go get another dog ASAP. He will never fully replace Deuce; there will aways be that gap or hole. However, you will love that new dog just as much but in a slightly different way. You'll grow to appreciate the time you had with Deuce, just as you do the new pet.

 

[lbujoe33]

Last night, I had to make the most difficult decision that I've ever had to make, the one that all pet owners dread. I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my sweet 10 year old chocolate lab, Deuce (he was not just a pet; he was my child). He had trouble with his breathing over the past year or so, and laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed (a terrible, terrible condition prevalent in labs and large breed dogs). I scheduled a tieback surgery for him months ago (which was scheduled for tomorrow coincidentally), in order to help him with his breathing and discomfort. He really began struggling this weekend, so my wife and I brought him to the emergency clinic, where he was intubated and placed in an oxygen cage in order to allow him to breathe more comfortably. I was given the option of leaving him in oxygen until he was strong enough to have the surgery, which we did until yesterday afternoon. At that point, the doctors felt like the surgery was much too risky, as he was way too distressed, even after 24/7 care to strengthen him. The doctors could not guarantee that his quality of life would improve after surgery, that there was a possibility he could die during surgery, or right after, or he would have weeks or months to live even if the surgery were successful. The doctors told me that personally, we should stop his suffering and let him go. This good boy would literally never leave my side when we were together, following me all around the house, the yard, etc. I could be gone five minutes or five days, and my reception from him upon returning home would be the exact same (barking, meeting me at the door, tail wagging so hard his rear end would go from side to side, and kisses galore). No doubt in my mind that we were meant for one another, as he came to me at a point in my life when I needed him the most. I'm really struggling with whether or not I made the right decision in letting him go, and not having him around is killing me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to be with him in his final moments, but I still carry with me an enormous amount of guilt that I didn't do enough or do it quickly enough to save him. He was beloved by our entire family, and was surrounded by all of us as he passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I'm not ashamed to say that I've done nothing but cry since we brought him in on Saturday, and I had to be carried out of the vet clinic last night after he passed. I just hope that I gave him the best life that he could have.

Very sorry! Pets make life so pleasurable. I have my own cats and also take care of outdoor cats and they show loyalty.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

As I type this, my eyes are wet as my 4-year old golden doodle is curled up beside me on the couch with his head on my lap. Condolences my friend...rest easy knowing that Deuce is now without pain and running freely in paradise.

 

[marshall23]

I'm very close to making the decision to put down my Puggle. He is slowly regressing......My late wife and I put down two cats....one we had for 18 years. I never liked cats, but she had them growing up....so....
Anyway, it is a terrible experience.
As for my dog and this situation......so many dogs live horrible lives, mistreated, abandoned, abused etc. I try to look at it like this> If you loved your dog and gave him good care (food, shelter, love etc,) he had a life well lived and loved you in return. I think that's all we get and can give on this earth. God Bless!

 

[Air Force 1]

I've had to make that decision twice the last time was in March. It is so hard to do especially if they are part of the family like yours and mine. They are much more than just pets they steal our hearts and we always love them no matter what just like a child. So sorry for your loss.

 

[GoGoBanana]

This board is absolutely amazing. Thank you all so much for the outpouring of love and support, I cannot thank you all enough. I know in my heart that nobody could have loved Deuce more than I did and I always will. I take comfort in knowing that I provided him with the best life that I possibly could have, and that there are so many memories that we provided one another. Everybody that ever met him all said the same thing, that he was such a great boy, so handsome, so loyal, and so well behaved (he was never on a leash unless he was going to the vet, or to the local dog park, and only then because it was absolutely necessary). My wife and I are newlyweds and do not yet have kids, so as you can imagine, it's incredibly hard losing a pet that was more like a child. I know that one day, when I'm ready, I would love the opportunity to give another deserving dog a great home. Thank you all so much.

 

[Ranger Dan]

Last night, I had to make the most difficult decision that I've ever had to make, the one that all pet owners dread. I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my sweet 10 year old chocolate lab, Deuce (he was not just a pet; he was my child). He had trouble with his breathing over the past year or so, and laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed (a terrible, terrible condition prevalent in labs and large breed dogs). I scheduled a tieback surgery for him months ago (which was scheduled for tomorrow coincidentally), in order to help him with his breathing and discomfort. He really began struggling this weekend, so my wife and I brought him to the emergency clinic, where he was intubated and placed in an oxygen cage in order to allow him to breathe more comfortably. I was given the option of leaving him in oxygen until he was strong enough to have the surgery, which we did until yesterday afternoon. At that point, the doctors felt like the surgery was much too risky, as he was way too distressed, even after 24/7 care to strengthen him. The doctors could not guarantee that his quality of life would improve after surgery, that there was a possibility he could die during surgery, or right after, or he would have weeks or months to live even if the surgery were successful. The doctors told me that personally, we should stop his suffering and let him go. This good boy would literally never leave my side when we were together, following me all around the house, the yard, etc. I could be gone five minutes or five days, and my reception from him upon returning home would be the exact same (barking, meeting me at the door, tail wagging so hard his rear end would go from side to side, and kisses galore). No doubt in my mind that we were meant for one another, as he came to me at a point in my life when I needed him the most. I'm really struggling with whether or not I made the right decision in letting him go, and not having him around is killing me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to be with him in his final moments, but I still carry with me an enormous amount of guilt that I didn't do enough or do it quickly enough to save him. He was beloved by our entire family, and was surrounded by all of us as he passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I'm not ashamed to say that I've done nothing but cry since we brought him in on Saturday, and I had to be carried out of the vet clinic last night after he passed. I just hope that I gave him the best life that he could have.

I’m so sorry for your loss.

I hate seeing threads like these about losing a four legged and furry member of the family. Reading about the joy that these animals bring to their humans, however, makes my heart swell, and remind me how lucky I am to have my two dogs.

 

[Fac]

I agree, you made the right decision. I will have to make the same decision within a couple of months. My little girl will be 16. She had a stoke in November when we were in State College for a game. Wasn't sure that she would be alive when we returned, but she pulled through. She escaped death three times during her life. We know that she has been on borrowed time since November and my wife and I cherish her remaining time with us. Not an easy decision, but the right one. Remember the good times with Deuce and I'll bet a smile will come to your face in a short time.

Well, the big decision almost came yesterday. Maddie walked into the kitchen acting weird, fell over then all of a sudden she went into a seizure. It only lasted about 3 seconds. I picked her up (while my wife started crying) and held her. Went to the Penn State room and sat holding her while my wife called our vet. Maddie was very calm and I thought she was going to pass as I held her. Went to the vet and she put her on steroids which is what they had put her on in November when she had her last issue. The vet believes she has a tumor in her brain. She has one on her eye as well. Brought her home and she seems to be back to her normal self for a soon to be 16 y/o. I told my wife that we are going into a 2nd overtime. We were both ready to put her down if our vet thought it was the time. She said that if she was her dog she would try the steroids again as they seemed to work in November. 2nd overtime!!

 

[PSUPride1]

Last night, I had to make the most difficult decision that I've ever had to make, the one that all pet owners dread. I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my sweet 10 year old chocolate lab, Deuce (he was not just a pet; he was my child). He had trouble with his breathing over the past year or so, and laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed (a terrible, terrible condition prevalent in labs and large breed dogs). I scheduled a tieback surgery for him months ago (which was scheduled for tomorrow coincidentally), in order to help him with his breathing and discomfort. He really began struggling this weekend, so my wife and I brought him to the emergency clinic, where he was intubated and placed in an oxygen cage in order to allow him to breathe more comfortably. I was given the option of leaving him in oxygen until he was strong enough to have the surgery, which we did until yesterday afternoon. At that point, the doctors felt like the surgery was much too risky, as he was way too distressed, even after 24/7 care to strengthen him. The doctors could not guarantee that his quality of life would improve after surgery, that there was a possibility he could die during surgery, or right after, or he would have weeks or months to live even if the surgery were successful. The doctors told me that personally, we should stop his suffering and let him go. This good boy would literally never leave my side when we were together, following me all around the house, the yard, etc. I could be gone five minutes or five days, and my reception from him upon returning home would be the exact same (barking, meeting me at the door, tail wagging so hard his rear end would go from side to side, and kisses galore). No doubt in my mind that we were meant for one another, as he came to me at a point in my life when I needed him the most. I'm really struggling with whether or not I made the right decision in letting him go, and not having him around is killing me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to be with him in his final moments, but I still carry with me an enormous amount of guilt that I didn't do enough or do it quickly enough to save him. He was beloved by our entire family, and was surrounded by all of us as he passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I'm not ashamed to say that I've done nothing but cry since we brought him in on Saturday, and I had to be carried out of the vet clinic last night after he passed. I just hope that I gave him the best life that he could have.

I've been where you are and know that pain. Don't beat yourself up. You did the best you could and gave Deuce a great life. God willing we can see our best friends again.
As with everything heartache you need time. Best wishes.

 

[christoph]

I think tomorrow is the day for me. He won’t eat and his quality of life is gone. I’m going to call one of the in-home services I think. God this is horrible.

 

[TheGLOV]

Last night, I had to make the most difficult decision that I've ever had to make, the one that all pet owners dread. I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my sweet 10 year old chocolate lab, Deuce (he was not just a pet; he was my child). He had trouble with his breathing over the past year or so, and laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed (a terrible, terrible condition prevalent in labs and large breed dogs). I scheduled a tieback surgery for him months ago (which was scheduled for tomorrow coincidentally), in order to help him with his breathing and discomfort. He really began struggling this weekend, so my wife and I brought him to the emergency clinic, where he was intubated and placed in an oxygen cage in order to allow him to breathe more comfortably. I was given the option of leaving him in oxygen until he was strong enough to have the surgery, which we did until yesterday afternoon. At that point, the doctors felt like the surgery was much too risky, as he was way too distressed, even after 24/7 care to strengthen him. The doctors could not guarantee that his quality of life would improve after surgery, that there was a possibility he could die during surgery, or right after, or he would have weeks or months to live even if the surgery were successful. The doctors told me that personally, we should stop his suffering and let him go. This good boy would literally never leave my side when we were together, following me all around the house, the yard, etc. I could be gone five minutes or five days, and my reception from him upon returning home would be the exact same (barking, meeting me at the door, tail wagging so hard his rear end would go from side to side, and kisses galore). No doubt in my mind that we were meant for one another, as he came to me at a point in my life when I needed him the most. I'm really struggling with whether or not I made the right decision in letting him go, and not having him around is killing me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to be with him in his final moments, but I still carry with me an enormous amount of guilt that I didn't do enough or do it quickly enough to save him. He was beloved by our entire family, and was surrounded by all of us as he passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I'm not ashamed to say that I've done nothing but cry since we brought him in on Saturday, and I had to be carried out of the vet clinic last night after he passed. I just hope that I gave him the best life that he could have.

I've done the same and feel you pain. It is never easy. Stay strong as best you can.