Meltdown

Oh, honey. I know those tears. Awful! Big hugs to you.

I have a 13 yr old border collie, and I am just dreading the day.

I've been through it before, and I'll continue to go through it with the rest of my babies, but it never ever gets easier. I'm so sorry.

Thank you both.

It's extra difficult at the moment because he keeps having these bursts of energy and my husband wavers and says, oh let's just postpone. I feel like we would continue to do that until the poor dog can't lift his head up.

I'm so torn. I don't want to be the one who says its time to end the dog's life and have my husband resent me, but I also don't want him to suffer. We've done chemo and medications and he is no longer improving. His cancer is terminal. Shouldn't I just put an end to his discomfort?

I don't know if I'm allowed to say this S.C., so please edit me if I'm not!

I have thought for years about assisted suicide in terminal patients. I don't think about it regularly or anything weird, but when the topic comes up I think, wow....it would be nice to have that choice if I was lying in a hospital bed dying. Obviously to each his own, but since this is my feeling, shouldn't I offer this courtesy to the dog that I love so much and end his suffering? He doesn't know what's going on. He just knows he's not feelings right. I'm the only one who knows that unfortunately he's not going to get better.

Anyway....this is just such a struggle. And then try explaining heaven to a 3 year old. So far my son has said, "I can't wait to go to the sky and play with him!" and "I don't want him to go....he doesn't have to go yet, right?"

I feel so drained and I just want to be alone.

Thoughts are with you Park, hardest thing I ever had to do was put my girl down :(

The only words I can offer is that it does get easier in time, and you'll find yourself thinking of the good times more than missing him.

Best of luck with your decision.

My vet has definitely walked us through the steps, which I'm more than comfortable with.

In regards to her helping make the decision, I get the sense that they aren't really supposed to. She gives us kind words of encouragement, but just sort of goes with the wind and supports whatever we say at the time. I'm sure that's what's best, but I do wish that she would phrase it in a more scientific way. His cancer is doing this....he is already very far along.....he is suffering....

She just sort of goes with the flow and I am a person who needs to know more. I feel like I'm winging it and it's a roller coaster because this dog changes from minute to minute!

I think my son will do ok to be honest. It's just more depressing hearing him say those things, but he's 3 right? I know he's not going to understand the way we do and so far he thinks we can visit heaven when we're in the airplane on the way to vacation! I did tell him though that the dog won't have to wear his cone anymore in heaven and he will feel a lot better. He proceeded to ask if he could watch a cartoon. :)

Thanks for the support everyone. My heart aches for each of your stories, but it's also comforting to hear that we've all been there.

:(

Been through this more than a few times over the years...
It's so hard to make the decision. You always wish and pray they go on their own!
Mostly I had to make call on my beloved old pets. Lots of 2nd guessing. My 14 year old Pit ate a big scrambled egg breakfast before the vet came to put her down...still kept me guessing to the very minute. Vet said it was definitely time...
Recently I got very lucky with my 19 year old cat. She passed on her own while I held her wrapped in a blanket like a baby in the chair we shared every day for 19 years.

I wish you peace with your decision

Hi Park12,

I'm so sorry,
Whatever you decide, God be with you.
I agree with Aus_Dad.
Hugs.

God bless your whole family.
freakedoutone

Hi Park

Sorry for the late reply.

Sorry to hear this news my thoughts are with you during this hard time.

Hibee

Thanks, everyone.

Today kind of sucks. I feel that constant feeling of anxiety pumping through my whole body. I can't relax at all.

I feel like once this is over, maybe I will feel a little relief, but right now I just can't see past how bad it feels.

Wow. Kind of can't believe this hurts this bad....

Thinking of you, Park.

So, so, sorry. I know this pain is indescribable, and just needs to be felt. I read a quote today that said "some things in life cannot be fixed, they just need to be carried," and this is totally one of those things. I know you will honor his memory, as I know you guys spent so many wonderful years together!
Hugs hugs hugs