OT- Man's Best Friend

[kmac32]

Brian,

Never an easy thing to do. I have put down many pets in my career for various reasons and it never gets any easier. The day it gets easy is the day to leave practice. Rest assured however that it is painless for the pet if done correctly. I usually give the pet a sedative and place an I've catheter if a family member wants to be present.its better for the pet and the family.

Ken McMillan DVM

[ocjack]

I've come to believe that even this is easier for our friend when someone he loves is with him at the end. I've always been there for my pets and always will be, as long as I am able.

It is a peaceful ending, but that doesn't make it easier on us.

Trust that my thoughts are with you.

[nameless]

My condolences.

[Republicaninmass]

Like Steven and Bill I have never owned a dog, I cant even imagine what something like this would be like. Sorry for all you are going through, maybe a new puppy is the answer as my friend is on his 3rd and it seemed to be a whole new cycle of life

[gashouse34]

Sorry you had to go through this today Brian. The absolute best thing about Dogs IMHO is that everyday when you come home they are elated to see you...no matter what kind of mood you are in. My Two Shih Tzu's:

[Jlighter]

Originally Posted by gashousegang_1

Sorry you had to go through this today Brian. The absolute best thing about Dogs IMHO is that everyday when you come home they are elated to see you...no matter what kind of mood you are in. My Two Shih Tzu's:

+1, one of the best parts of my day is when I come home and he's there waiting for me.

Anyone ever tell you your dogs look a little like Gizmo from Gremlins?

[brickyardkennedy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8A-NNa2KiU

[baseballart]

Our first Aussie Annie, who had a penchant for squirrels, opening fridges and being far too smart for both of us. Passed away in January 2006. Jennifer and I thought we'd wait another six months before we got another dog, but 2 weeks later Matty leaped into our lives



Matty

[botn]

Hi Brian,

So sorry to hear the sad news about your friend. The bond we share with a dog is very profound. The burden and pain that comes with the decision you have had to make is very likely one of the more difficult situations you will face in your life. It hurts because they mean so much to us. Unfortunately there comes that time when the best we can do for them is to let them go. It is the ultimate act of love and devotion we can show them. And as everyone has attested to, it just does not get any easier. Through your sadness you must remind yourself of the rewards of their companionship. And that lasts forever.

I have never been without at least one dog so I am no stranger to the intense loss you are feeling. Over the last 20 years I have rescued 5 dogs and feel I have gotten far more than I have given so there was nothing I would not do for them. Each of them have touched my life immeasurably. Three of them have moved on (2 in the just the last 3 years), and though it does not hurt the same, not a day goes by where I do not think about them. I feel blessed that each one had found me and fortunate to be able to take them in and provide a loving home.

I am in the process of reading this book http://www.amazon.com/The-Loss-Pet-W...+Loss+Of+A+Pet as I have a 15 year old Cocker Spaniel who has been under treatment for cancer for the past 2 years. On 9/20 he is supposed to go back in for surgery to remove another Mass Cell Tumor. It should be fairly routine but at 15 nothing is routine.

Hope it helps for you to see that you are not alone.

Greg

[CW]

Sorry to hear that, Brian. At least Sammie won't have to go through those bad days anymore, and 11 years is a pretty good life for a dog.

I was scanning some old photos a couple months ago, and dug this one up of me and my childhood dog, Pal, from 1979. She lived to 13 yrs., and it was indeed a tough day when we had to put her down. I was about 17 yrs. old then, and it was the first time I had seen my Dad cry.

And, yes, I definitely knew how to rock the "bowl" haircut back in 1979!

[Leon]

Sorry to hear this Brian. It is truly one of the most difficult things in life. I am sure I will shed many tears when either of our 2 dogs leaves us. You had some great years with him....