The last minute of a life of your dog

[oksanakazan]

Hi, guys.
I did not start a thread for a while.
But I read yours daily and I post a bit.
I have a dilemma to challenge.
My older dog, Dalmatian Yris is getting suddenly worth. She is 15 years old and has arthritis for a few years and chronic ears infection.
On of her ear developed tumor lately. She lost her interest to living almost 2 years ago.
She was not glad to see us coming home. Her attitude was always: “Leave me alone!”
I used to have a dog companion. It took me a while to decide getting another puppy.
Now the puppy is growing to 2 years old dog and Yris still being with us.
2 days ago she suddenly starts to have convulsions and one of her back legs is not supporting her anymore. When she walks she is jumping on 3 legs with difficulty.
I am caring her on my hands up and down steps. I read some where , that you will now when time is come. When your dog stop wagging her tail, seeing you. When she cannot sleep comfortably. It’s TIME. We went to the doctor yesterday. And his verdict was
DO NOT let her suffer. He gave us pain medication. And said call us, when you ready. I have an option to do this in two ways.

• I can either drop my dog at the office or
• I can stay nearest to the doctor and hold my dog pawls to the last minute.

I have a question to you guys. What would you do? Is it any of you went through the same experience? Any regrets you have, that you need to do another way?

[SalemWitchChild]

I've never had to go through it and hopefully never will. But if I had to I'd say I'd leave the room. Reasons why:

1. I don't think I could watch the spirit leaving knowing it was my doing. Even if knowing I was alleviating pain.

2. I have a phobia of dead animals. Yes even my own. Don't know why. Just been that way since a kid.

[Dax]

I think you would regret not being there at the end. When I stayed with TPau, I broke down and sobbed when she left but it was a peaceful passing.

The last face she saw was mine filled with nothing but love for her. I held her tight. She knew there was nothing to fear since I was there. I think she would have been scared with a bunch of semi-strangers holding her.

It is a hard thing but I definately believe it is the right thing. To my shame, I did drop a dog off and not stay once. I still feel bad about it.

[micki]

I have been there for several dogs abd cats. it is something I have to do.I also didn't stay with my Sissy and I regret it now.
Do what your heart tells you to do. only you know what is right for you.

[fairlight]

Ohhh Oksana...you pose a question that will rip anyone's heart out. I have had to do this only one time. I only had the dog for 10 days. I had rescued Roger from the humane society and to make a long story short after 10 days and numerous vet visits I had not choice but to put Roger down. The suffering that dog when through was tramatic...something I will never forget. My vet made it very easy for all concerned. We coould not put Roger on the table for an needle or IV because his seisures were so string the dog was literally bouncing off the walls in the vets office. It took less than 15 seconds after administering the shot. It was done and over with and Roger was finalyy at peace. As for me I was as calm as could be until Roger closed his eyes. I asked the vet if it was over and he shook his head yes. Then I lost it. I have another dog who is 14 years old. She is still in reatively good health, but when the day comes that the dog tells me "enough is enough" I will have no choice but to give her a peaceful farewell. My dog was there when my children were growing up, she was there for me when I was going through a terrible divorce......she was the only one who would greet me in the wee hours of the morning when I would come home from work. That dog has stood by side through thick and thin. When it's her time to close her eyes for the last time I will be there for her. She was and still is my very good friend. I owe her. My only wish is that I would not have to take her to the vets to have this done. My old vet in Maine would come to your house if you asked him to. The animal was more relaxed in his/her own surroundings. To me, it made the experince a little less "cold?" I can't tell you what to do. You do what your heart tells you to do. Much love and strength coming your way.
Please keep us posted.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I think this is a highly personal decision. Your heart will tell you what to do. I've done it both ways for very different reasons.

[Bosley Slave]

I try and face my decisions and actions face on. I could never leave my beloved pet at the office and walk out the door, I just could not do it.

I raised a foal from two months and trained her. She was an amazing animal and we were more than close. My mother sold her when I was in my late teens (without asking ). We repurchased her later in life and Kim learned to ride on her. When it was time for her I was there with the vet. It was the most traumatic event in my life but I owed it to her. She was there for me always and I needed to be there for her.

The dogs I've lost I prefer to have the vet come to my house which I have done in the past and we can all sit on the floor and comfort. I feel that this is the final honor I can give them after all their years of loyalty, love and comfort to me.

This being said. It is a very, very personal choice of anyone to make. We all know what we can handle in our lives. My heart goes out to you and my thoughts are with you.

[Savage Destiny]

I chose to be there when our Samoyed La-La was passing, and I have never regretted the decision. It made me feel so much better knowing that she knew to the very end that I loved her and I would always be there for her.

[BaronsMa]

My husband or myself have always stayed with our pets. It isn't an easy thing to do, but we believe we owe that to them. I think having someone the animal knows and loves with them makes it a calmer and more peaceful end for them.

It is a personal decision and a hard one either way, I'm sorry your facing this now.

[whimzikal]

I stayed with my parents dog Spike. I am very glad I could be there for him. I had a dog PTS once and didn't stay. I've regretted it.