Having a "healthy" dog put to sleep

Pollycat

I think this is probably one of the saddest threads I've ever read.

OP, I really feel for you and applaud the efforts you've made and are continuing to make for this poor dog.

Really great advice from a lot of posters.
Unfortunately I can't offer any more advice but I'm sure you will do what you feel is best for Bonnie.
Ignore those silly people who say you are cruel for even considering having her pts.

krlyr

Another option to consider, even perhaps just as a temporary solution - do you know anyone who is home all day (e.g. retired neighbour) who wants the company of a dog but not the expense or responsibility of walks? Would they be willing to have the dog dropped around to them during the day with you collecting her at night? It may make the leave-alone training progress a lot quicker if Bonnie is able to relax in the day having company, because if she's already in an anxious state by the evening, any training you do is going to be that bit harder. Unfortunately my nan has a bigger social life than me with all the various clubs and groups she's involved in (which is why she won't get a pet of her own) so it wasn't an option for me, but I know she does enjoy having the dogs around as company on the odd evening she dogsits for me.

dawnie1972

As previously suggested I too was going to suggested Wiccaweys, they are primarily a border collie rescue but very experienced in the breed and any issues.

loulou123

This is so sad, I really feel for the poor dog and the OP.

Whilst I don't think a 'healthy' dog should ever be put down, if this dog is this distressed then its not really healthy (in a mental sense) so I think if everything else has been tried PTS may unfortunately be best option - as I don't see how it'll benefit the dog to be put in a rescue centre, or even fostered if its that anxious.

My last dog had severe separation anxiety, due to being abandoned by his previous owners, and although he got better with time, he always remained anxious if alone (he was only 11 months when we rescued him.)

Hope your ok OP as this is a horrible situation to be in for you all.

Pollycat

loulou123 wrote: »

Whilst I don't think a 'healthy' dog should ever be put down, if this dog is this distressed then its not really healthy (in a mental sense)

I think this is an excellent way to look at the situation the OP and Bonnie are in. :T

I'm so pleased to see that the replies on this thread are all positive towards the OP's dilemma about this poor dog.

paddypaws101

I agree with Loulou, that the mental state you describe in this dog is far from healthy and that in fact the poor thing is in a state of constant discomfort and stress. ( through absolutely no fault of yours OP )
I am sure that the idea of deciding to PTS must be agonising for you as she must represent a last link with your departed father, but unless she shows rapid and substantial improvement I do think that maybe this would be the kindest option.

pulliptears

I have no advice, but I just wanted to say what a strong person you are. It's a decision I wouldn't like to have to make myself and I can imagine what you are going through, after all I'm guessing Bonnie is your last link to your Dad as well.

One of those situations where you wish they coud talk to you isn't it and tell you what they are thinking.

Stephb1986_2

I have no advice either just a huge heart for any animal if I had the room I'd look after bonnie I'm home all day I work from home and go out for a hour in the evening other than that I'm in all day.

I've got a border collie/whippet she is the most loving animal you could wish for. Please don't sell her out just yet she may surprise you.

Just had a wild thought could you not sedate her a little with them tablets you can buy from the vets that you get for dogs that are scared of fireworks etc?

Massive hugs

Steph xx

Mrs_Z

Hi, just a thought - like already suggested, maybe one last thing to try would be to find someone (maybe an elderly person) who's at home all day and would be happy to have her for company but without the responsiblity of ownership.

I thought about the charity Cinnamon trust who offer dog walking services to the elderly - they might know of someone in the area who's recently lost their pet and maybe do not want a new one but could do with some company. Just a thought and worth a try I think.

Wish you the best of luck.

MrsAtobe

Again, no real advice as I think others have suggested anything that I would do, but just wanted to wish you all the luck in the world in trying to work through this. You really do come across as trying your utmost to help Bonnie in extremely difficult circumstances, whilst dealing with your own grief.

Just a thought, though, does Bonnie create when she's left alone in a room, but with you still in the house? I'm just wondering if you need to go right back to basics, and build up the time that she can be in a room on her own, before you try leaving her in the house on her own.