losing my companion

[MuleyFever]

At 4:45 tomorrow I take my baby girl to the vet to be put down. We don't know what is wrong with her. She is an 8 yo Dane so she is old for her breed. We have been battling eating issues for almost a year. Last year we found out she was diabetic after she stopped eating and was down about 30 lbs from normal. She could barely stand. We got her treated and she came back but never was the same. She wouldn't eat unless we mixed in something with her food. About 6 weeks ago she started to go blind and lost her sight quickly. It happens in about 80% of dogs with diabetes. She stopped eating about 4 weeks ago again. I have been force feeding her but can't get her enough that way. As she started to lose weight we took her in and the vet tried more meds but nothing worked. She just wont eat and today she also is barely drinking. We decided it was time to let her go. She doesn't play, she just exists. It is so hard as she acts like she wants to eat. Some times we will try something and she will eat a few bites and then wont take anymore. She is such a baby. So scared every time she is at the vet. All I can think about is how afraid she will be in her last moments.

If rubbing alcohol is for outside wounds then drinking alcohol must be for inside wounds. Raise a glass with me for Haley. Cheers.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Terribly sorry for the tough loss. Cherish the memories you've made with your buddy.

 

[wasatchcomm]

try to focus on the good times
My Condolences

 

[BroodBuster]

For me eating and tail wags are pre requisites in making that call. So you're certainly making the right decision despite it being a crappy one.

Tomorrow night I'll tip a glass to you and your pup!

 

[IdahoElk]

Sorry to hear about your buddy

 

[Kevin Dill]

I have been down that exact same road, but with a different ailment. Watching your best buddy decline and approach death is a sadness known only to dog lovers. Getting to spend these last precious hours is important...a time to get 'right' and say goodbye. It's an honor to know such a dog and you both are lucky to have that bond. Taking her all the way to death is an important thing...almost an honor in itself. What better than for you to be there? It hurts like no other pain I've felt, but I would earnestly advise you to be there with her at the moment she is finally put down. Hold her and let your voice be the last thing she hears...isn't that the way it should be? Trust one thing: it hurts to be there but you'll never regret it and always feel like you did the very best and right thing for your buddy. Both of you are going on to new adventures. KD

 

[beachbunny]

still not over loosing my hunting dog to lyme,sorry .

 

[LostArra]

Only thing I would add is that in situations like yours some vets will come to your house to put a dog down.
I have a friend/vet who only does house calls and she says it's a very common request.
Sorry for your loss. I've been in your shoes.

 

[AdamW]

I'm really sorry man. I always say a dog couldn't ask for anything more than to have a good life with good people.

 

[mtnwrunner]

Sorry to hear about your buddy. It is so hard to lose the very best friend you will ever have. I have cremated all my animals and they are "going with me" when that day happens. I have had my life saved by a dog so I have a special place for all of them.
I will raise a glass of Pendleton to Haley.

"So many good dogs, so many shitty people."

Randy

 

[Ross]

Very sad, remember the good times and Haley will always be wth you in spirit and the memories created.

 

[charvey9]

Sorry brother. My wife and I are caring for our oldest Golden at the moment and know that we don't have too much more time with him either, suspecting it is a brain tumor.

Have you looked into vets that will do in home euthanasia? Would be much more comfortable for your friend if they are scared to go to the vet. If your local vet does not do it, just about any large animal vet should (horses, etc). Other facilities, like pet cremation and hospice care for dogs usually offre this type of service also.

 

[Larry Bartlett]

Man i dido LostArra's comment. I've had to put dogs down both at home and at the clinic...the dog's spirit should be at total peace on the exit, IMO. The dog should be surrounded by whatever makes it feel as close to you as possible.

Good luck. I lost my last dog, Sambo in 2010 and my heart is still heavy for his friendship.

 

[Dos Perros]

Vets will absolutely make a house call for something like this. That's how I will do it when the time comes.

Anyway, I'm sorry about this, tough I'm sure. One of the greatest things man has ever done was domesticate dogs.

 

[bbrown]

Sorry man - I will raise a glass to you and your pup this evening.

Putting our boxer down was one of the tougher things I have ever had to do. Been to a handful of funerals, even a couple for close friends, and nothing tore me up like saying good bye to my "big" dog - Dakota. After we said good bye, my wife and I stopped at the liquor store on the way home and ended up with a bottle of Gentelmans Jack. I know its not real high end but seemed fitting since he was always such a gentleman himself (aside from the drooling, farting and snoring...). It helped to sit there sip on some good whiskey, go through old pictures and laugh crying at all the good times and adventures we had together.

I didn't realize it until later but looking back, his nubby little tail was wagging until he took his last breath and all he seemed worried about was why my wife and I were so upset.

 

[ChrisS]

My condolences. I'll be sure to tip a glass to you and to her memory tonight.

 

[Cant hit em]

One of the hardest things ive done is take my boy to be put down 14 yrs he lived. Condolences , cheers

 

[shootsahoyt]

I'm sorry about your best buddy!

 

[missjordan]

So sorry for your loss, great Danes are some of the best dogs! We had one live until she was 11 and she was awesome. Of course she had a lot of health scares throughout her life too. Had to put her down because she had trouble getting up and dealing with the stairs.

 

[xziang]

Very sorry to hear, NEVER is a fun time to do something like this.