And they say into each life a little rain must fall......

Englishrob

Englishrob

Joined
Feb 22, 2014
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Well here we are at the beginning of the weekend - early Saturday morning and my old lurcher dog Mags is having problems with getting out of her bed, she is in pain, real pain as she tries unsuccessfully to raise herself. A month earlier the vet prescribed a pain killer/anti-inflammatory tablet, for arthritis, and was ok for a couple of weeks, then the pain, and incapacity crept back. A call to the vet and an hour later I was with my young son, Harvey who at 8 had know her all his life. I had to carry her in her bed, into the practice, as she was unable to walk. The vet suggested stronger pain killers, but she said that as I increased the dose, it was unlikely to have any effect, and potentially prolong her pain. We have pets, and we all know, that at some stage they must leave us. However it is always incredibly difficult to deal with it on the actual day. My son was unbelievably strong, helping me to lay her to rest in our garden. We put our hands together and he said a prayer. My other younger lurcher watching over the proceedings. He did say "Dad at least she is not in pain anymore". That is the absolute truth, we dont like to see suffering, but boy decisions are hard when they have to be made. So as they say into each life a little rain must fall....but I know for all the family the rain will pass and the sun will shine again.
 
I am sorry for your loss. I already dread the day I will have to make that decision with my first dog. proud of your son and you though, for the decisions must be made
 
So sorry for your loss. I have my dog, Nemo, now for 10 years. I cannot imagine the day when I have to make the same decision. I truly feel your pain. Just remember that you gave her the best life you could and she enjoyed her time here.

You should feel proud of your son for standing strong and understanding that she was in a better place with no pain.

Martin
 
Hang in there Rob, I'm sorry for your loss -- when it comes to pets (in my humblest of opinions), it is better to let them go with dignity as opposed to suffering. You made the right choice and I am sure you will always have fond memories of the pup to comfort you.

Best,

W
 
Man, sorry to hear about your loss. The way I look at my animals is- They are family members. Family members that are completely dependent on us (their owners) to make important decisions regarding their health. When your animals quality of life is poor and they're in constant pain, it's our obligation as owners to do the right thing and put them to rest. Knowing this, doesn't make final decisions come any easier though. IMO, the pain of seeing them in pictures is far less than the pain of seeing them in constant agony.

It sounds like your son understands life and death as good as you could hope for, considering his age.

Condolences.
 
Rob:

May the sun shine bright real soon for you and your family........sorry for your loss.

Peter
 
Hang in there, Rob. There are people who get it, and people who don't, when it comes to losing a pet. As one of those who "gets it," and one who is married to someone who gets more worked up about animal abuse than the murder of humans (or so it sometimes seems), we will be thinking and praying for your family.

Peace,


Michael
 
Sorry for your loss Rob. I train/work dogs for my day job .. and you're right, sunshine will return. Hang in there.
 
Guys. I really am truly thankful for all your kind words. They are much appreciated. I trust that you all will have a good weekend, and hope that you will raise a glass of your favourite beer tonight for our four legged friends both here and up above.
 
Sorry about your loss Rob, my girlfriend's 11 year old lab has been struggle with arthritis for over a year and have been on ultram for couple months now. Amazing how these creatures fill such big part of our hearts. Wishing you all much needed solace and encouragement.
 
I have just read this:

"Not being a rational creature, the dog has no capacity to understand his suffering. He simply suffers. When such suffering prevents him from living "as a dog" from moving and doing the things that dogs do, the most humane thing and compassionate thing to do is to put the dog to sleep. It is never right to keep the dog alive simply for our own emotional needs. Understanding this, however, does not make the decision any easier"

How to be your dog's best friend - The Monks of New Skete.

I read the above 15 years ago when I first got Mags as a rescue dog, and it brought a lump to my throat back then. Thought I would share this with you as I just needed to revisit that section today.
 
The Monks of New Skete <--- GREAT books! I might be biased from the Shepard aspect but I love their philosophies - so easily understood and have tried to mold my teaching to such.
 
+1 essential reading for dog owners; they do amazing things with shepards but their techniques apply to all dogs
 
bonafide said:
The Monks of New Skete <--- GREAT books! I might be biased from the Shepard aspect but I love their philosophies - so easily understood and have tried to mold my teaching to such.
Click to expand...

I haven't read anything they have put out that didn't impact me deeply. If you are into spirituality (especially from a Christian perspective), give "In the Spirit of Happiness" a try. Great stuff.


Michael
 
Englishrob,
The circle of life has passed on your companion and you did the right thing and showed your son the way to deal with this all in compassion and love.
Time to go down to the shelter and see which one of the dogs winks at you.
 
Rob, sorry about your loss. Sounds like you and your son made the hard but right decision. That was a very grown up thing he said. Praying you and the family will feel the sun soon.
 
I'm sorry about your loss Rob. I can't say much more than what has already been said. I've experienced the same pain. Hopefully the days will get brighter soon.
 
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