My dog is dying

[AAARRRGGGHHH]

My wife and I just got back from the vet a few hours ago. Our beautiful dog was diagnosed with Canine Neuropathy, and according to the doctor, won't be able to walk or stand within six months (at the most). When that happens, we'll have to euthanize her.

Our dog means everything to us. We do everything with her and have tried to give her the best life we can possibly give. I have never loved nor felt so responsible and concerned for anything or anyone ever like I love her. Now, we'll have to see her get worse and worse until the day comes that we'll have to see her die.

I'm sorry to burden you with my problems. I know that terrible things happen to people all the time and that I will get through this (though it will be remarkably difficult). If I could ask, though, could you please send good thoughts to my wife and dog? I know I have to be strong for them, but this is so tough for my wife that it's breaking my heart. I also would be so thankful for my dog to pass peacefully, with dignity and without pain.

I can't even put into words how difficult tonight has been. Thanks very much for taking the time to listen.

[flvegan]

1. You have every good thought I have to spare.

I know the feeling. All too well.

What's her name?

[AAARRRGGGHHH]

3. Thank you so much.

Her name is Gizmo, and she's right here on the bed next to me.

Thanks again for your very kind words.

[flvegan]

10. I'd like to suggest, for Gizmo

If 6 months is what your vet may have given her, spend every minute you can with her. Dogs pine for their people, and there's no greater gift than time and attention to them, and you'll appreciate it later.

"Next to" you sounds just about right.

[GirlinContempt]

2. I'm so sorry to hear about that.

Pets can be very special and important. One of the hardest decisions I ever had to make was putting my oldest cat down so that he wouldn't suffer anymore. It was terrible, but right. You have my sincere sympathy. I wish you all strength, and I hope your dogs last days are happy and comfortable.

[femmocrat]

4. So sorry..... Sending positive thoughts your way.

:hug:

[hobbit709]

5. I am so sorry to hear that

You have loved her and cared for her and that's what counts. I lost two of mine in the past year and it still hurts. But be assured that she will be waiting for you at the Rainbow bridge.

[AAARRRGGGHHH]

7. That is terrible to hear ...

Two in the last year? My goodness, that's awful. Thank you so much for your kind words, and please accept my most sincere sympathies for your losses.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

6. What a heartbreaking situation

You have no need to feel that you're burdening us - DU is a wonderful place of support. We have 3 kitties who are our babies and have lost several cats, so I know what you're going through. I hope all goes as well as possible and that your puppy won't suffer.

[Dangerously Amused]

8. Love, strength and courage to you, your wife and Gizmo.

:hug:

[Maraya1969]

9. You didn't say how old she is. I've checked a few websites and

I have not found out a lot but I suggest you do the same. And there are holistic doctors that even practice acupuncture on dogs. I took one of mine to a dog chiropractor and he was great.


With people we always say to get another opinion. I know that I took one of my cats to a vet a few years ago and the vet thought she had cancer and wanted to do sonograms and blood tests and basically $600 worth of shit just to prove she had the cancer. I took her to another vet who treated her for gastrointestinal disease with antibiotics and prednisone and she got much better! She just passed away a few days ago but she was 17. She had a good life and I am glad I didn't fall for all the cancer shit from the first vet.

I wish I more to offer. If I find something I'll let you know. In the meantime.....

:hug:


EDIT to add this product that I know nothing about except I know the ingredients are good. It's for the immune system

http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Only-Natural-Pet-Immune-Strengthener/999032.aspx

[AAARRRGGGHHH]

12. This is so kind of you

Thanks so much. Gizmo is 14-and-a-half. I was wondering about acupuncture because I've heard it can be affective on other sorts of ailments with dogs.

It is so nice of you to take the time to look into some things that may help and to extend your kind words. I am honestly so moved right now. I'll definitely look further into acupuncture and other holistic remedies.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. It is a terrible thing to lose a pet. You have my deepest sympathies.

[Flaxbee]

23. Yes, do check out acupuncture --

My sister is a veterinarian (she's a marine mammal researcher, though) and one of her former classmates at vet school studied post-doc in Hong Kong, and now practices acupuncture in California. It really can make a difference, but if it is effective for Gizmo's ailment, I'm not sure.

I'm so sorry to hear about Gizmo; you and your wife, and Gizmo, will be in my thoughts. I have an older cat who has renal issues, and I want the same thing for him you do for your beloved dog - dignity and no pain at any time. :hug:

[SammyWinstonJack]

30. I have a pomeranian who is 14. 4 yrs ago, a vet told me that Roxy only had 2/6 wks to live.

Said she had all sorts of things wrong with her, including an enlarged heart. Roxy is still with us and she plays with our 2 yr old Yorkie male, all the time. I have had some bad diagnoses from vets in the past. Maybe your vet is wrong about Gizmo, too. :hug:

[stuntcat]

11. what matters is the love you've given her

You've given her a great life, with everything she could want and so much love too. It's so sad right now, just don't spend that kind of emotion on things you can't change, spend the time giving her even more love :hug:

:vibes:

[AAARRRGGGHHH]

14. That's really the toughest thing to deal with right now ...

The fact that this could go on for several months. Tonight we're both crying every time we see her or give each other a hug. We can't fall apart every time for the next few months, but right now it's tough to fathom that we can avoid it. We have to be strong not only for each other, but for her as well. From now on, we have to love her even more than we have before. We can't be scared or upset around her (they totally pick up on those sorts of things), and we have to spoil her wherever possible. I really think that's going to be the toughest part.

Thanks very much for what you said, though. That's the one thing I can take solace in - we've really done everything we can to give her as good a life as possible. It will be devastating to lose her, but I truly know in my heart that we tried our absolute best to make her as happy as we possibly could. It's the least we could do, though. She means everything to us and has enriched our lives more than I could begin to explain.

[daysleeper]

34. Sorry

I feel you. Last Memorial Day weekend my wife and I found out that our dog had a tumor between her lungs and she wasn't given much time. Here it is a year later and the dog that was given a death sentence is still with us and having a great life. The only thing you can do is love your friend and enjoy the time that's left. It does get easier to deal with and it makes you appreciate what you have. The first few days I couldn't look at my girl without sobbing but there will be time to be sad later. Right now just enjoy the dog and love it becasue that's what is important.

[Brigid]

13. You came to the right place.

Lots of pet owners around here. Vibes and hugs to you, your family, and and your doggie. :hug:

[huskerlaw]

15. Absolutely no need to apologize.

That's what we're here for. As you can see from the responses, many of us have pets and have dealt with losing them. We know how horribly painful it is.

A dog that has been your constant companion is not "just a pet"...not even close. Gizmo is your family. So you come in here whenever you need a shoulder.

My thoughts are with you, your wife, and of course, Gizmo.

~Husker and my 3 feline friends: Riley, Spencer & Kyra

:hug:

[AAARRRGGGHHH]

16. Thanks so much to all of you

I have to try to go to sleep now, but thank you all so much for your extremely kind words and thoughts. DU really is a special place, and you've all helped me so much with one of the worst night of my life.

I'm sorry I couldn't respond to all of you, but please know that I can't begin to thank you enough.

[LeftyFingerPop]

17. You have given her a good life...

and you will see that she leaves in peace.

You should be proud of the good job you have done.

I'm really sorry....:hug:

[xchrom]

18. for Gizmo...

Dear God, you have given us care over all living things; protect and bless the animals who give us companionship and delight, make us their true friends and worthy companions. Amen.



Dear God, protect and bless all beings that breathe, keep all evil from them, and let them sleep in peace. Amen.
--Albert Schweitzer, "Memoirs of Childhood and Youth"


Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.
--Franciscan prayer


Gizmo, may you be blessed in the name of the Holy One who created you, and may you and AAARRRGGGHHH enjoy life together and care for one another in peace.

God of the universe, be present with this your creature. Bless Gizmo and AAARRRGGGHHH who cares for her, now and always. Amen.

[Robeson]

19. I'm sorry. All of you are in my thoughts....

...:hug: :grouphug:

[Zoigal]

20. Get a second opinion...

and maybe there's some new treatment for the problem. A fourteen year old pet is definitely a
family member. Can understand the grief that you and your wife are experiencing. My heart is with you both.
z, razz, belle, and dini

[Lil Missy]

21. I am so sorry, and you have my most heartfelt condolences.

I have some fur babies too, that I absolutely adore. I know that someday I will lose one, and eventually all of them. They are my babies, and family members, and I'd be devastated to lose any of them. :cry:

[EFerrari]

22. Love her while you can.

My own girl passed two years ago. And even though there's a new puppy here, I still can barely think about my Buddy, I miss her so much.

I know you will do the best by your girl. :hug:

[Connonym]

24. We're always here to listen

and give :hug: I'm sorry about your dog. I know this is really hard to deal with. :hug:

[Jeanette in FL]

25. I am so sorry

As many others here, I too have had to make this decision. At one time, I felt like I was playing God with my dogs life. I found an essay on the net, which really helped me.

Basically it said that all along that we have been playing God. If our pet had been born in the wild, it's chances for survival would have been slim. In the wild, they would have had to find their own food, instead of being feed the best. In the wild, if they got sick or injured, the pack would have abandon them, instead we take them to the vet get them the medical help they need. The story ends with the dog asking us to play God one final time when they really need it.

The story helped me at a time I really needed it.

My heart goes out to you and your family. Please know that she will always be with you.

[old mark]

26. Please understand

that you are giving your dog a good life and part of that bargain is providing for as good a death as can be aranged, pain free as possible.

I have had to put two loved friends down, and I'm facing the old age of my third dog now. It is never easy, but it is your last kindness to end suffering and have them go with a little dignity.

I have always stayed with my dogs in their last moments, hard as it has been.
I'm sorry-Can't see the keyboard.

mark

[BarenakedLady]

27. I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[malta blue]

28. I am so terribly sorry. I am in a similar predicament

right now, so I completely understand your pain. :hug:

My 15 y/o dog has cancer and I know my time is limited. :cry:

Sending my most heartfelt good thoughts to Mrs. AAARRRGGGHHH and to the furbaby.

:hug::hug::hug:

[My Good Babushka]

29. I'm so sorry for the sad diagnosis.

[Shell Beau]

31. I know the feeling all too well! I am sorry.

Just give her all of the love you can while she is still with you.

[bertha katzenengel]

32. dear ARGH

:hug: i am so sorry

[Dogtown]

33. My sympathies, A

:cry: :hug:

[Wcross]

35. Be thankful you have time to say goodbye to her.

I've lost them suddenly and I have lost them with advanced warning. I much prefer the latter as I was able to spend time with her & cry with her in my arms. I am sorry about your girl, I wish they could remain with us forever. Losing a pet is the only thing bad about sharing your life with an animal. My best wishes to you & your family, love her for the time she has left, she will be waiting for you at the bridge.

[Erva]

36. I am so sorry

I am sending my kindest healing thoughts for you and your family. I am really sad for you and your best friend.

[hamsterjill]

37. I'm so sorry!

I'm very sorry about Gizmo. They just steal your heart, don't they???

Thank you for giving her the good life that she has had with you, and try to live the remaining time in the moment without anticipating the ending. Easier said than done, of course.

But I firmly believe that they know when they are loved and cherished - - and that is worth a lot to any living thing.

Sending healing vibes and wishing you a peaceful heart...

[mitchum]

38. Sending good thoughts for you and Gizmo

[zanne]

39. From someone who has been there; my heart is with you. nt

[graywarrior]

40. Man, that sucks.

I feel for you and your dog.

[applegrove]

41. Sending you vibes.

[LibertyLover]

42. I am truly sorry

I understand where you are at right now - I've lost 3 dogs to canine neuropathy. All were German Shepherds. When my last GSD was diagnosed it hit me like you. My husband and I decided to get another dog right away, before he got so bad and had to be put down. It made all the difference in the world, both to him and us. For one thing, we adopted a former racing greyhound, so we saved a life there. For another, having another dog around gave our GSD comfort and companionship - we would find them curled up together or lying very close to each other. It also extended our GSD's life and quality of life by keeping him involved. The day we brought our greyhound home, our GSD, who the day before would not go up the stairs from our first floor to the living room (we lived in a townhouse at the time), bounded up and down the stairs several times to show our grey how to do it (racing greys don't know about things like stairs because they are kept in a crate most of the time). He kept that up almost to the day he died. I would also suggest, as someone upthread did, that you try acupuncture. It may help. Again, I am so very sorry to hear this.

[yellowdogintexas]

43. this is so sad, some of the other readers may remember the long illness of Sirius

beloved dog of DemoTex we were all pulling for that dog.

so you need to do these things:
definitely get another opinion, if you are anywhere near a Vet School check out opportunities to use the professorial staff for exams etc.
spend all the time you can with Gizmo
check out other, holistic or naturopathic treatment protocols
keep us all informed because we all care :grouphug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

44. I am so sorry *hugs* I have a cat that is in trouble too and it's just sheer agony thinking

of losing him. :hug:

[AAARRRGGGHHH]

45. Quick update

Thanks once again to all of you for your beautiful thoughts and advice. I looked into acupuncture this morning and I actually have a Veterinary Acupuncturist about 20 minutes from my home. I left a message with her and I’m allowing myself to get a little excited at the thought of meeting with her. My wife and I had a couple of rough moments this morning but I really think that we’re fully dedicated now to enjoying whatever time we have with Gizmo (and to having a strong, positive attitude at all times around her). I’m lucky in that I work just about a mile or so from home, so I have been able to check on her a couple of times already today, and both my wife and I are going to leave work a little early to be with her.

We are very fortunate enough to have two other dogs, one of which we just got last week but has already found a special place in our hearts. They’ll be able to spend time with Gizmo when she wants company and hopefully leave her alone when she wants to rest. We really got both dogs with days like yesterday in mind … we knew it would be impossibly tough to lose Gizmo, and our other two little buddies will be great for helping us to deal with our grief. They’re also amazing dogs in their own right and they have made our lives much better for sharing theirs with us.

For everyone in this thread who has experienced the loss of a pet, please accept my deepest sadness and sympathies. You are all so kind to share your experiences and well wishes. I will do everything I can to provide the same support to others who have to go through this awful time.

This thread means so much to me. I’ve read over it several times at work today, and I well up every time I do. You are all so generous and kind. Thank you, most sincerely, for helping.