Need some advice. :(

Indian · Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 1:07 pm Post subject: Need some advice. :(

My GF's dog is old, She has some really bad health problems. She's completely blind, and very "out of it". She has some pretty bad skin problems because her immune system just can't fight off infection any more........

I'm pretty sure we all know where this is heading right?

I sometimes feel I let my Misty go to long, She was really in the same boat at the end. It was almost a relief when she did pass. I know she went to a better place. HOWEVER, I know where my GF is at the moment. You dread coming home from work because of what you may find.And there are two kids who know nothing other than this dog in there lives. We have talked with them about it and they both know that Mandy isn't going to be around long.

We both know what has to be done, But how do I get her to make that decision? Having just lost a long time companion last year.....I am at a loss for how to handle this.

GailB · Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 1:47 pm Post subject:

wow, this is a tough place for you to be in Indian.I think your girlfriend will know when it's time Crying or Very sad

We will be thinking of you and your family...Sorry to hear this bad news.It's too bad they just couldn't live forever. pink sorry

weimdawgs · Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 3:09 pm Post subject:

Oh, Pat, I am so sorry you are having to deal with this again so soon. Mandy will let Nita know when she is ready to go. Nita just has to be prepared to accept that.

If she is very uncomfortable, not eating etc., it's not fair to them to keep them here for us...and you know, that is what we do. We all want our best friend to lay down one day, put their head in our lap and just peacefully go to the bridge, but unfortunately, sometimes they need our help.
You all and Mandy are in my thoughts and prayers....

Lynn

Bethany0016 · Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 3:15 pm Post subject:

Or at least live as long as we do!

I am sorry to hear about your hard times. Making that decision is never going to be easy for anyone. I was pretty young when my first dog was put to sleep and it was more of my mom's decision than mine. In the end what my mom had said to me that made the biggest difference was that we were only keeping her alive for ourselves and that she will be happier when she is not suffering (she had leukemia). In all honesty, I could have sworn that when the meds were in her system while she was taking her last breaths, she was looking at me as if to say "Thank You".

AmyB · Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 3:24 pm Post subject:

I don't really know if you can do much to help her make a decision. I wouldn't push her but if she asks what you think then tell her what you would do and if she is wondering if it's time just tell her you think it is too. All you can really do is support her. Sad

I'm so sorry and I'll be thinking about you, your girfriend, and her kids.

wildlifecr13 · Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 6:25 pm Post subject:

having just made this decision... what got us there... she stopped eating the night before; she wasnt going to get any better, just worse; we knew that if we didnt do something, she was probably going to end up going through things she didnt deserve; and like you said, it was to the point that i hated leaving because i couldnt stand to be away from her, but i dreaded coming home, because we didnt know what we would come home to. i dont think you can push this.

Indian · Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:39 pm Post subject:

Thank you guys. See I've had the talk with her several times. I just hope she doesn't fall apart like I did when the time comes. I'm hoping what helps is having Steele, For all intents and purposes she is her dog.

weimdawgs · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:09 am Post subject:

Pat,

She will fall apart...I know I will when any of my babies go. Having you and Steele will certainly help.

greydogs · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 11:49 pm Post subject:

and you know, it is ok to fall apart when you lose a loved one. just be there for her and support her in her choice when the time is there.
i have been there, and i remember the dread. knowing that it was the decision i had to make, and at the same time being aware that from then on, everything would be different....
i still miss her, but after the first year. the cloud lifted.

luana80it · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 3:17 am Post subject:

i am so sorry to hear that, i will keep you in my prayers

imamonstertruck · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 6:05 pm Post subject:

So sorry to hear about this Pat, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
It is never easy and you will know what to do when the time comes. Just be there for your girlfriend hold her and encourage her, that will be what she needs more than anything else.

Sad

jkashlak · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 8:00 pm Post subject:

This is a very hard decision. I recently just went through this with my golden. I have 2 kids and was worried my oldest, who is 9, was going to come home and find him. I just couldn't imagine that happening. The vet told me to watch for a couple of signs. The signs started coming, he no longer wanted to sleep on our bedroom, he preferred to sleep outside. He panted allll the time and than he started getting fluid build up which meant kidney failure was setting in. It was the most difficult decision I had to make. He just turned 8 in the beginning of October, we had to put him down on Oct. 23rd. Being there are kids involved you probably feel the same way we did. We sat our son down and told him it was time he said his goodbyes in the morning and we took him after he went to school. My daughter is 3 and still asks where Thor is! She just doesn't understand.

I am sure you will make the right decision.

weimdawgs · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:28 pm Post subject:

Pat, Mandy????????

weimmom2 · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:35 pm Post subject:

We are thinking of you over here. Your in our thoughts!!

Samuel and Lucy