when a dog's life is near the end...

[sixf00t4]

my old dog, douglas, was 14. probably the smartest dog ever to walk the earth, a nice lab. any way, he had knee problems a year ago, and a tumor, and my dad shelled out 2k to help him out. the doctor gave him 2 weeks to live. he had lasted a year and half after that. but it wasnt pretty. apparently last thursday, douglas wouldnt eat, get up, or take his meds, so my dad shot him.

i think that is the most disturbing thing ever. first off to shoot any animal, second off a family pet of 14 years. just sick. i dont talk to my dad, havent for about 4-5 years now, i had to hear through my sister, but i really think that is wrong. at the very least i think a dog should be euthanized.

Have you ever seen a dog euthanized?

I have. I held her while the vet did it.
The last thing she knew was not being at home, people she didn't know messing with her shaving hair off her leg. Then the pain of the shot, which btw she fought when it started to hit her.
It's making me cry thinking of the scene there that day.

To walk up behind her and a shot to the head would have probably been more humane. Where she could have just went out in her yard hearing her familiar comfortable surroundings with out pain.
I'm really sorry about your dog sixf00t4,
But don't hate your dad for that, euthanasia ain't all it's cracked up to be. :'(

Douglas was behaving the same way Yuppie (my dog) did when it was time for her to go. They just know when and quit fighting.

[Knothead]

I, too, once had to hold a precious pet as she was euthanized, and although it wasn't as bad as what Surreal has described, well, she knew. She knew.

The way your Dad did it? Can't fault him, really. I'm pretty certain Douglas never knew what happened. Very humane, IMO.

But I think the larger point, sixf00t4, is this:

When we accept a pet into our lives, we do it with the knowledge that the animal will not outlive us. And as the critter looks to us for support, he or she will also depend on us to do the right thing when it is time to go.

And when that time comes, it is our responsibility to help the poor thing out of its pain, and on to peace.

I think your Dad did the righteous thing. I hope you'll understand it better in time and forgive him.

[sixf00t4]

i know i would never be able to do that. maybe you are right and it is the more humane thing, but i see it as a cold deed. maybe i misunderstand euthanization, i thought it was just gassing them? i just think it is more respectful to have the pet in 1 piece, and have it done calmly. it could also be an association thing for me, i hear the word gun, and i think violence, i have related the two together, almost like a pavlov event.

The other thing I never realized before I stayed with my dog is that most people tell the dog goodbye in the exam room. Being in a cage in the back office is even a worse place to go...

[Knothead]

Originally posted by sixf00t4
i know i would never be able to do that. maybe you are right and it is the more humane thing, but i see it as a cold deed.

Okay, maybe now, but things change, and as we get older, hopefully we see the fullness of things. With ourselves, and with others, too.

Originally posted by sixf00t4
maybe i misunderstand euthanization, i thought it was just gassing them? i just think it is more respectful to have the pet in 1 piece, and have it done calmly.

Oh, no no NO! Gassing is AWFUL. I helped a g/f long ago prepare a college report on this, and you wouldn't believe it. Dear God, it just goes on forever, and those poor animals know every second what is happening to them, they can't get away...okay, this is TMI...

Trust me on this, a bullet is a very humane solution. And if you think this task was easy on your Dad, well, perhaps you could talk to him about it....

...if he CAN talk about it....

[crouse]

I agree 100% with Knothead and Surreal. Sounds like your dad like the dog very much..... (2k aint nothing to sneeze at) ..... and perhaps it was the last kind thing he felt he could do for the dog.

I'm sure it wasn't easy for him to do either.

Sorry for your loss.

[vass0922]

Sixfoot, I've known a fair number of people that prefer just to put the dog out of their misery with a bullet. All were very good people. He didn't do anything wrong.. just what was best for the dog

You've lost a family member and that is difficult. Take time to look back and remember Douglas, but don't forget to move on either

Take care man.

[Sweet]

sixfoot, I hope you and ur Dad can talk again someday soon.

side note, my short story. My precious collie was laying in the driveway when we woke up. She was not doing well, I knew it. I happen to have a vet who comes to the house, usually not for emergencies. I called. My son and his friend were here. I told them that she was not going to get up and be the dog she was. They had the opportunity to pet, hold and hug her to say goodbye. I gave my son the option of being with her, but he declined, which was ok. My collies best dog friend was close by, about 3 feet away. I stayed close, reassuring her that she was a good dog. The vet was so caring, he checked her out very carefully and came to the same conclusion, no chance of recovery.
The vet was so careful, she didn't flinch. It was so sad, but I felt that I had held up my part of being her friend by being with her. The unusual thing about this was that my other dog, let out a big howl when she died. It's strange how other animals know more than we do. I try to treat my ol gal with love everyday.

I wish you well in your grieving.... try to never forget some of the good times.

[pickel]

Lived for seventeen years and died in the yard on a beautiful day. Found him in the prettiest part of the yard by the rose bushes. Figured that's where he wanted to be laid to rest , so I made him a nice site and buried him gently. He was a good dog and we had many happy days. He loved the winter and most of all the snow, which we donot get much of down here. But when it did, he'd frollic in the drifts. Was a sight to see. Hoping he'll be there in the hereafter.