Dog put to sleep

Mr_Wang

Last week I asked for advice on what to do with my elderly dog (Japanese Akita 13 years old).

Today I took her to the vets and after explaining her symptoms:
- Incontinence
- Uncontrolled shaking
- Sickness
- Inability to support herself properly
- Lack of breath

The vet inspected her and found she had blood and high protein in her urine, had poor circulation and sever arthritis. The vet said that whilst none of what was found was life threatening she suspected that there was something of a much more serious nature which she could not be made aware of on a physical inspection.
Her advice was clear and was that in her professional opinion my dog was very ill, suffering and in pain and that any attempt to find out the cause was simply prolonging the inevitable. At no point was I pressured into putting her down, but was advised of the various steps we could take which included blood tests and steroids and pain killers. But the reality was clear, at best we might be able to buy some time, all the while prolonging the suffering.

A million things flew through my mind, suddenly her life was in my hands - So was her pain.
The decision was actually really easy, suddenly the fact it would break my heart or that of my kids took second place to what was best for my dog, Akira.

The procedure was a lot quicker than I expected it to be. A small patch of hair was shaved from her leg and a needle inserted into a vein. She was given an overdose of an anaesthetic and seemingly felt no pain or discomfort as I held her, comforting her. After two doses were given about 30 seconds had passed and she was asleep. Less than a minute later it was confirmed she had passed.
I was in tears and I felt it only fair to explain to my kids (who were in the waiting room (10 & 7)) what had happened. They too took it really badly, but I had prepared them over the last few weeks, telling them she is old, explaining how frail she was. Neither had know life without her in it.

Today I lost a member of my family and it has hit me harder than I imagined. For 13 years she has been there and now she is not. She was put to sleep about six hours ago and I have reflected on it almost constantly since.

I traded heartache, tears and sorrow for her peace. After the amazing memories and loyalty she has given me over the past 13 years it was a small price to pay.

Thanks to everyone that pointed me in the right direction.

Peace at last x



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Sally_A

Heartfelt hugs Mr Wang.

sophieschoice

How beautiful she was.
And how lucky you were to have her for thirteen glorious years.
My sincere sympathy to you and your family on your loss

deb68_2

Im so sorry for your sadness
I no how awful this is to do,It broke my heart having to do it
but when they are in so much pain it is cruel if we dont let thier passing be as peaceful as possible for them
thinking of you
deb

Croatoan

Beautiful dog. RIP.

gettingready

So sorry about your loss, I know you so much wanted to hold on but you did the right thing for your dog at the end - the kindest thing you could do.

What a truly georgeous dog she was, how great you had her in your life for so many years...

Big hugs to you and your family.

Run on the Rainbow Bridge Akira, free of pain, happy, young again.....forever

zaksmum

So sorry for your sad loss of such a beautiful girl. RIP Akira.

Mr_Ted

My heartfelt sympathies, had to go through it some 45 years ago with a GSD and could not have another one since and am really still not over it, but we recently took on our Daughters 8 yr old GSD and am so so dreading events!

A lot of people don't understand the undying love that you get from a dog and why we feel as we do, and theres really nothing I, or anyone, can say that will help how you feel, just that time helps and good memories!!!

Advise to anyone with a dog and really cares, take lots and lots of photo's and video's???

daisyrose

I am so sorry for your loss.It will take time but one day your will remember the better times and today will be in the past.

Froglet

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me


When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see;
The sun will rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
Remembering how I'd lay my head
In your lap that special way.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me.
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name
And petted me with her hand.
She said my place was ready,
In Heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But, as I turned to heel away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life I never thought
That I would have to die.
I had so much to live for,
So many sits and downs to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought about our lives together,
I know you must be sad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
Remember how I'd nudge your hand,
And poke you with my nose?
The frisbee I would gladly chase,
The bad guy, I'd "bark and hold".
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for awhile,
I'd wag my tail and kiss you,
Just so I could see you smile.

But, then I fully realized,
That this could never be;
For emptiness and memories
Will take the place of me.
And when I thought of treats and toys,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you and when I did,
My dog-heart filled with sorrow.

But then I walked through Heaven's gate,
And felt so much at home;
As God looked down and smiled at me,
From His beautiful golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity,
And now we welcome you,
Today your life on earth is past,
But here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last;
For you see, each days's the same day,
There's no longing for the past.

Now you have been so faithful,
So trusting, loyal and true;
Though there were times you did things,
You knew you shouldn't do.
But good dogs are forgiven,
And now at last you're free;
So won't you sit here by my side,
And wait right here with me?"
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart.
For every time you think of me,
I'm right there, in your heart.



Makes me cry every time i read it and i lost my dog nearly 4 years ago.Your pain is raw as hell at the moment but i promise it does get easier.It's testament of your love for her how much you hurt right now but she isn't suffering any more and that is what truly matters in the end.

puppypants

I had to go through this about 3 years ago. I had to PTS my three oldies over a two year period. It was heartbreaking as each time it was sudden and traumatic. It took me a long time not to cry when I thought about them, but now I can look back with affection at the good memories I carry with me. You will get through this Mr. Wang. ((HUGS)) for you and your family. XX