Old dog being PTS

WolfSong2000

Well, the inevitable is creeping up slowly but surely...old dog was taken to the vet today with breathing issues - it's looking like the final stages of heart failure...he's an (almost) 15 year old lab X golden retriever (his dad was the Golden - we also had him and he died 2 years ago).

I grew up with this dog - my family have had him since I was ten...it's absolutely broken my heart to see him getting old, but until today he was still getting out and about, enjoying walks, etc. He's just gone downhill so quickly .

I was meant to be looking after him whilst the rest of my family go to Scotland for my sister's graduation...my mother's ended up staying behind as she's so worried about the dog...she has a flight booked for midday and I am seriously concerned that she's planning to call the vet tomorrow morning to have him PTS, so she can catch her flight. Me, I'm just hoping against hope that the tablets that the vet prescribed will give him a little more time.

Rather pathetically, I am also hoping that he'll just die peacefully :(in his sleep. I've been with lots of dogs as they're being euthanised, and whilst it's never been a pleasant experience, being present when our last dog (the Goldie) was PTS has completely changed my views...I suspect the only people who'll understand what I am about to say are dog owners who know how well we can come to understand our pets, but as I was beside our Goldie as the vet administered the injection, he looked at me and he *knew* what was happening and he was panicking and didn't want it to happen. He also fought against the drugs, which made things worse...I realise what I am saying sounds crazy, but the Goldie was a bizarrely "human" dog in many ways...if he came accross people walking their dogs, he'd make a beeline for the people, for example.

It was the first (and hopefully only) time I've ever seen a dog seem to comprehend what was happening and it really disturbed me. Realistically, I don't think our current old dog will have any idea when the time comes, and for that I am glad, but the thought still haunts me.

As it is, I am sitting here with tears absolutely streaming down my face. I know how ridiculous I sound, but this dog is a part of my family, one who I grew up with, and one who part of me cannot bear to let go, though I know very soon it will be in his best interests.

I really want to hide away when the time comes and the vet arrives (the dog, like all of ours, will be PTS at home, in a familiar environment...I am hoping he'll have the energy (or we'll be able to help him) get on the sofa, which is his favorite place to lie/sleep). I know I should (and almost certainly will) be there with him in his last moments as a sign of respect and appreciation for all the love, joy and happiness he's brought into my life over the many years I've been lucky enough to know him, but the thought terrifies me, hence why psrt of me is praying he goes quietly in his sleep (though this is unlikely to happen).

We as a family wont be dogless once he's gone...after the Goldie died, my mother bought another one (who's now just over a year old) and we also have a rescued pointer, but it's not the same. I just find myself yearning for our old boy to be young again so we can play like we used to.

Anyhow...I've tried to include a pic of the old boy with the retriever puppy....photo was taken last year. Hopefully it'll work (I'm a technophobe)

WolfSong2000

a pic of the old boy and his dad (back when he was alive)

January20

I'm not sure what to say to you WolfSong. You grew up with this dog and he is your friend. Your feelings are perfectly normal. If only we could turn back time for our four legged friends!

I just hope you have more time with your dog.

ETA: nice pictures by the way!

MagicCats

It's obviously taken quite a bit of strength and courage to write your post, so thanks for sharing. I don't think it's pathetic you'd like him to go in his sleep, rather, it's just what we all want for our pets. However you've said you are willing to be with him if he is PTS, which whilst unpleasant, may allow you to feel you've stuck with him to the end.

Take care.

whitewing

Love the photo of him with his dad. Your post has brought tears to my eyes. I hope it works out fine and you all feel peace and happiness that he was such a large part of your lives.

faerie~spangles

Lovely boys.

I don't know what to say that would make you feel better.

Torry_Quine

I have always had cats not dogs but the sentiment is the same. I can totally understand that you hope he goes peacefully in his sleep.

zaksmum

Oh God WolfSong. Wish I could say something useful to help you.

I'm so sorry for the position you now find yourself in - surely the most painful part of having a beloved dog.

You gave your boys a wonderful, safe and happy life. They were very fortunate to be part of your family and to have been so loved.

Sending you hugs. Take care.

WolfSong2000

Thanks guys...decision has been made to have him PTS this morning...vet is being called at 8am. Spent the entire night crying and am now just out-and-out sobbing. Never shed a tear when my aunt died, but then again she was never around 24/7 and totally ingrained in my family.

I know without a doubt it's the right thing to do but that doesn't make it any easier

Skintski

Well that's me in tears. I always hate having any animal put to sleep, you feel like you've signed their little life away and I always feel incredibly guilty even when I know it has to be done. We have our first dog at the moment, she's four and I often wonder how we'll cope when the time comes.

Sending your dog lots of get well thoughts. Hope you get some more time with him.

Froglet

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close,we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Always makes me cry,even after our last dog was PTS 4 years ago.But i also believe it is a comfort to those going through it at the moment.

Wolfsong we KNOW the pain you are going through but we also know ,in time,it does heal.Try to hold on to the happy memories,and be glad you are there with him,right now,at the time i am posting this.