OT: One of the Saddest Days of My Life: I'm putting my dog to sleep on Friday

[RDC-3]

my heart goes out to ya'. I know what its like. I had to put down 2 of my dogs this past year and still trying to get over the losses. Its easier for me to accept the loss of a relative rather than a pet.

 

[valium]

goddamn where do u live??

Dsethi, thats what i was thinking. crunch99 sounds like i wouldn't survive two weeks living in your town. Damn tough neighborhood you live in.

 

[FairWarning]

I have an aggressive Chihuahua that goes loco whenever strangers come. He is so frightening people are scared to step out of their cars. He's also bitten me several times only when I reach for his food/toy.

Few months ago, he was bitten by a rattlesnake and required emergency anti-venom treatment, which cost a hefty $1500 hospital bill. I just couldn't bear to see him die, especially since he & his sister saved me numerous times from being bitten by snakes that were hiding in the garden. One even hid inside my bedroom cabinet until their barking alerted me to it.

Most of the time he's a sweet lil dog that jumps for joy whenever I come home, plus he makes me laugh with his hilarious antics (such as poking my kitten with his nose then pushing him across the floor.... they are best friends btw).

I've lost three dogs in the past year (run over; ran away during a fire; coyote attack) so I couldn't bear to see any of my current 5 dogs put to sleep even with all their faults. I would definately have given em away to someone with a farm or a rescue group. Maybe all he needed was another dog to play with or an owner that was familiar with his behavior. Putting him down was a mean thing to do, especially since you put him in a situation where you knew he'd bite.
I don't know.... maybe you were hoping he'd bite so you'd have a reason to put him down. Makes you look like a hypocrite when you act sad cause his death was ultimately your doing. I guess you chose your lady friend over your best friend.

Chiuahua's are very protective and loyal. They can be very snippy when they get older.

 

[Buster]

goddamn where do u live??

rattlesnakes,coyotes. the rx version of grizzly adams:WTF:

 

[shiz]

today was the first time i saw this thread. sad story for sure.

dsethi....i was thinking the same damn thing.

 

[arniesarmy]

Very sad. Now just think what the owners of Barbaro have gone through.

 

[da1prophet]

My heart goes out to you...making the decision to have my Rottweiler, Fitz--the guy in my avatar picture--euthanized after he was diagnosed with liver cancer was the hardest decision I've made in my life. I'm still convinced I did the right thing but it sure doesn't make it any easier. I'd gladly relive the day my ex-wife said she wanted a divorce a hundred times over if it meant not having to make the decision to put my dog to sleep. I'm man enough to admit that your story made me cry for the first time since I had to have my dog put down.

First an aside--my ex-wife is a very well known and highly regarded dog trainer. If you wanted to drop her an email and see if she has any advice before you make such a grave decision, get my address from the mods and I'll put you in touch. We're on good enough terms that she'll be happy to help...

What I usually tell people in similar situations is that your dog was very fortunate to have the quality life that you provided. Too many dogs unfortunately don't get to experience a loving home, or even any home at all. Your dog was one of the lucky ones and the time you shared was a blessing.

Also, I found a lot of healing in adopting another dog and giving him a great life. I've had over a dozen dogs during the past ten years and each was very special to me in a unique way. It's not an attempt to "replace" the dog that you've lost, but to share your love and care with another pooch that needs a loving home. Each one will enrich your life in a new way, and you will be providing the love and care that every dog deserves.

I can't really say anything to minimize the pain you're going through, but I wish you the best....this quote is kind of sappy and I hope no one thinks I'm a sissy for posting it, but it actually helped me get through the loss of my Rottie:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

http://petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

 

[Buckpasser]

Just read this thread and I can relate Logan. We rescued Barney from "dog jail" as my kids described it back then, for $135. His previous owner left him tied to a parking meter in the next town over. Shorly after, it was apparent he was suffering from seizures, which the vet was forthright in predicting there was very little he could do for him. Eventually, the seizures miracuously disappeared but the payback was Barney lost his eyesight. The shelter estimated him to be about 1 or 2 years old when we acquired him then and now 13 years later,he's obviously down to his last time out. I've been advised to consider putting him down and it's a decision that has to be met, but as hardened as I think I am, I can't do it. This guy has been a mainstay around here and been a member of the family too long for me to do that at this time. Don't mean to digress and I was never a big "dog" person as they say, but I can understand the many posters who have stated their close relationship with their canine friends. Sorry about your experience.