All You Animal Lovers

[Smerc]

I had to put my dog down just a few months after his 10th birthday. One of the hardest decisions I've ever made in my life. Best wishes and much love to you.

[techiedad36]

My older dog (have 2) is 9, going on 10. Average is 12 for his breed. Been with us since he was 6 months old. I can tell that age is catching up with him. Not sure if/how we (including the younger one) will be able to handle the decision. So, hats off to you both for having been able to deal with it and making the correct choice (for them).
Been reading up on a few articles & one of the 'biggest' & 'common' gripe that I read was about the Pet going to sleep alone. So, I plan to request the vet for me to be able to pet him to sleep (something I do with him on weekends - lie in his bed & when he comes, scratch behind his ears, looking into his eyes as he gets drowsy. Can't stay too long as his snore is something else). I just hope I can go through with this - hopefully, my mom's passing prepared me since she was in Hospice care for 10+ days & while it was agonizing (to watch for the 10+days), I knew the right decision was made when she went to sleep and never woke up..

[Smerc]

He(my dog) started having cluster seizures one morning and I rushed him to the vet. He had around close to 10 before I actually got him there. I placed him on the drivers seat wrapped in his blanket just trying my best to drive and keep him stationary. It was a nightmare and being there when they put him to sleep was the best way now that I think of it. They do give you the options of what to do. Some people do actually opt out of being there and I can understand, but holding/petting him as he passed to me was the best option. It hurt unlike anything when that last breath hit though. He displayed some issues a few days before (clumsy walking and lack of energy) he started having the seizures, but that morning came quick and hit very hard. The bill is also very high for these emergency care places. So best bet would be to get a place in line in the event an animal emergency occurs. I only had the number to my main vet(they were not open but had an emergency line) and they referred me to a place, but that's time lost. Wish I could have done a lot of things over.