I know we are always talking here about how the everyday little things can sometimes seem like such big deals when we have to endure them alone, but sometimes the little things really are big deals. Like today, for example, I had to take both of my dogs to the vet - the old one, Cookie, hasn't been eating and I figured it was her teeth hurting her and I was hoping she'd get some antibiotics or something. The other dog, Alfred, was shaking his head so hard his floppy ear flaps started to bleed. Ann was the dog custodian in our family and I've been doing my best but don't feel like I'm doing such a great job.
Well, Cookie is so old that the vet suggested doing $650 worth of tests to see if they can figure out what's wrong with her and then decide if there's anything that can be done to help her. Or, the vet suggested considering humane euthanizing, as she called it.
Alfred has two ear infections, thus the head shaking, and will be okay with some meds.
Now I have to figure out what to do with Cookie -- she really was Ann's dog. Our dog groomer gave her to Ann many years ago, and we never knew how old she was. Ann nursed this somewhat neglected dog back to health and she's been a member of our family ever since. I have to decide if I'm going to put her to sleep or just keep her around for as long as possible, which might actually be the more cruel thing to do at this point. Her health has been hit and miss for some time, and Ann and I used to wonder how long she'd be with us.
I couldn't help but remember one day last fall when Ann was sitting in her wheelchair in the family room and asked me "Where's Cookie?" She was teary eyed, on the verge of crying. I said, "She's right on the floor behind you. Why?" Ann said, "I think I'm going to die before Cookie!" And she did.
Oh, our pets are so precious to us...I had to put my big main coon cat down over a year and half ago as he had developed severe diabetes and it was cruel to keep him going or to medicate him constantly. I still cry over him when I come across a picture.
As for little things that seem big....how about seeing my husbands type car everywhere or his initials TNT...do you know how many things have that initial??? I haven't had a great day and tomorrow is the 9th...he died on the 9th of the month and it still gets to me.
Mike, I'm a real dog lover. I worked for the AKC for 25 years. My dog Allie is a pure breed Golden. She was the last gift that Joe gave me but if she were to stop eating and she had been going down hill for a while I would put her to sleep. Follow your feeling because after having had so many dogs in my life time I think that they let you know when they are ready. I know that if it could make the dog better you would find the money some how. $650 is a lot for tests which may lead to more expensive and painful treatments or back where you are right now. Ask Ann to guide in the decision and I'm sure that you won't go wrong. I'm sending you big hugs for how hard it is as a dog owner and how much harder as a widower. May you have a peaceful night's sleep. Pat
That is so hard. When to let go of our animals is not an easy decision. The fact that Cookie was Ann's baby makes it even harder. I can tell you that Jim and I spent thousands just before he died to save our lab, Mickey from cancer. The treatment worked but 3 months after Jim's death he stopped eating. I rushed him to the dog hospital and they said that it was his heart. They could do all of these tests but didn't know if it would help. This time I just knew that the right decision was to let him go. I sat with him when they put him down and it was very peaceful. I am sure that he wanted to be with Jim. You will know when and if it is time.
Mike, you and Cookie will know what to do when you need to do it. I have had to put down my lovey Ingrid and Bella since Dave passed on. I am comforted thinking they are together. Trust yourself. Sometimes we know things but do understand how and why we know it. I am sorry you have to make this decision. Hang in there my friend.
That's tough one, Mike. When we moved to Arizona we had a severly epileptic cat and one that had just suddenly gone blind because of high blood pressure. We were talking to our vet about the best way to move them without traumatizing them and he diplomatically suggested that we were going to put them through this for us not for them. We had spent thousands on the two of them the last few years and I had to admit finally that they would be better off not making the move, and in fact not living with the seizures and the blindness and other problems. It is a terribly hard thing to do. But maybe Cookie is trying to tell you something by not eating. I'm so sorry. I know a remote hug won't help much but hugs to you anyway. Deb
This is the hardest decision to have to make. We had to put our Siberian Down a few years ago. He had a tumor on his tail and he fell off the porch and broke it open. He would never let you touch his tail and we didn't know that maggets got in it. The vet said she could operate on him, but at his age she didn't know if he would make it through the anasteasia. He was 15 and had artheritis and at times couldn't get up. He would walk up to a wall and just stand there. We knew it was time for him to go. You will know when the time comes. I wish you peace in the days to come. Hugs....Sue
Mike, I know how much this hurts. I've had several dogs who "let me know" it was their time to go. The last one was Pfeffer, a 14-year-old dachshund, who couldn't see or hear or get around. She was simply existing, not living. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do for our friends is to let them go... Cookie misses Ann, and Ann understands and loves you both. hugs...marty
Mike, I don't have any dogs or cats, only fish, but I think when the time is right you will know what you need to do. It will be hard for you, but you know that Cookie will be with Ann and maybe Ann needs Cookie. Good luck and God bless. Hugs, Kathy
