Well - hello. I'm glad I found you.

Hanna is my girl, a 65 lb mix of Akita, wolf and german shepard and she's 16 years old (oct). She's been my companion through thick and thin and I'm sure I don't have to explain. She's been going downhill but moreso the last few months and I haven't wanted to face what is happening.

My son will help me get her in the car for a vet visit since she can't get in or out and I can't lift her anymore. This is a new vet - don't like the one we've been seeing for years, but the conversation on the phone with the new one last week has me on edge. I described her condition and he asked me to ask him what he would do if she was his dog - and he said put her down.

We're going for a "visit" and I'm hoping I'm bringing her back home with me.

Thanks for listening,
Christine

Oh gosh- I am sorry Christine.

Don't let the vet push you into something you are not ready for yet!

I lost my 16 year old cat to cancer about a month and 1/2 ago. I was so confused on when it would be time. I talked with my vet several times, and he said do it only when you are ready. Well, we waited till Zorro was pretty bad. He laid on his side and couldn't even lift his head up anymore, it was so sad. But, it was the right time for me. And it has to be the right time for you, so you will know when it is.

About a week ago I just lost my other cat Ren to heart disease. I was still trying to save him. His heart just stopped while he was at home, it was very hard to see b/c it's not quite the peaceful passing that putting to sleep does. It was over fast, though, and I don't think he suffered. He was only 8 years old.

UGH- It's just hard!

Hi Nemo's Mommy: I really felt the sweetness in your response. Misery really does love company.

I'm faced with "is Hanna living a quality life?" - and I know the answer. There's a tug of war between potential loss and keeping her too long. I did this with another pet who was 14 years old and I definitely had her hold on for me - which caused her pain. I didn't have to be there when she was put to sleep - she was with someone else who loved her too and I said my goodbyes at home.

At this moment I don't know why I do this to myself. I know all the psychology behind having a pet but when it's time for them to go the pain seems intolerable. My life will change drastically - and I'm scared. I know it will all be ok. I lost my Mom last year and although it's NOT ok what can you do about it? You take each day as it comes.

I'm grateful to be surrounded with people who regard pets as more than something to play with and then put in the backyard and forget about.

Hi Christine.............I am so sorry to hear that Hanna is not doing well. WOW! Sixteen wonderful years of companionship with her is one to treasure. I too hope you are able to bring her back home with you after your "visit" to the new vet.

When you say going downhill, I'm not sure what you mean. Is she in pain? Is she eating? Is she miserable? Hopefully the vet can provide you with another option depending on what is going on with her. I know it's difficult for you in having to face what has happened and what may happen yet. Just the anticipation of the possibility of putting her down has to be extremely stressful on you.

My prayers of comfort are with you as you make your "visit" to your new vet. There are many here who will stay with you all the way no matter what the outcome may be. In this healing place of love we all walk together in helping others who need support and understanding through these difficult and sad times. We share our worries, grief, sadness as well as hope and courage with each other in finding comfort, peace, and healing.

Please keep us updated on Hanna's condition and how you are holding up as well. This is the place for you to come and let it all out no matter what you are feeling or thinking. You can count on many to be here for you.

Much love with comforting hugs from my heart to yours,
Beth

I completely know that tug of war you are feeling. It's the hardest decision to make, I know exactly what you mean. I kept thinking, I'll never see them do this, or do that, or this.... again. Very hard! The pain was so intense with Zorro that I was convinced I couldn't be in the room when it happened. I wanted to be there for him more than anything, though... so I made myself go. By the time Zorro couldn't lift his head, I knew he was in pain and suffering, they gave him the shot and it was over...... it was almost like he was peaceful then, not in so much pain. The vet told me he would have died that night, but it would have been a slow suffocating death. So it was the right time for him.

With Ren, like I said, I was still thinking I could "fix" him. I don't think I could face the fact of another death so quickly after the last one. Ren's condition was different, though, and he went very fast.

What-ever decision you make, and when, don't worry, Akita knows you love her and only want the best for her. It's just the pain of losing them that is so hard.

I'm soooo sorry Christine!!! Wow. What a gorgeous mix of a dog Hanna is!! I would love to see a picture of her if you can. I know the struggling you are going through all too well. I just put my 14 yr old g. shep/husky/chow doggy Omar down 3 weeks ago. Toughest thing I have ever had to do. He still had some quality of life left in him...so it was a struggle for me to decide what I had to do. I was afraid he would go down quickly and I would either not be home and my boys would have to deal with it, or he would be alone, which I did not want. The vet worked with me so well though. They never said he needed to. They told me they could see I was not ready, and they completely understood. That is what was so tough. They were working with me, and I was a mess...I didn't know what to do. But I decided it was for the best...for Omar...not for me. Go with your heart. If you are not ready and she's not struggling bad, then wait. I'm lost without my dog still. The house is not the same. Even with the tv on...and boys making noise, I'm so alone. He needed me...and now nobody truly 'needs' me. Dogs are like infants...that never grow to be independent.

Vent here all you want/need. It's the best thing I did for myself finding this site. Wonderful people.

Take care.
Marcie

Christine, I had to make that same fated decision on monday, my beloved only cat Brutus Beefcake whom I adopted when he was 2 and had him almost 16 years. He was an old fellow. He started not eating around christmas last year, I brought him in, and it was his thyroid, so I had give him 2 pills a day. GREAT! He did much better, started eating again and gaining some weight back.
About 6 weeks ago he stopped eating again, was having severe episodes where he seemed like he was suffocating, gasping for air with his mouth open and tongue curled up, and almost in a seizure like state. Again I brought him in, x-ray shows fluid on lungs and heart, possible heart problems, also blood test shows kidneys near failure. I thought this was the end when I brought him in, but the vet gave him a shot of Lasix, a diuretic for the fluid, and gave me some lasix pills to give at home. After a few days, didn't he start eating and acting more like himself! He still wasn't vibrant like a young cat, but he came around pretty good. I was so happy. I kind of knew deep down that our time was limited together, so I wanted to make the most of it.
I was with him alot, held him all the time, just babied him. Well 2 weeks ago he started not eating so good, and very low energy. Then he totally Stopped eating altogether, was starting the labored breathing again, laying around in dark corners staring off into space. I knew he was exhausted and I couldn't put him through any more. I couldn't stand to see him like that. I took him to the vet monday, she said possibly we could up the lasix dosage, but he was so sick, I just wanted to put him to rest for his sake. It was the hardest decision and I wrestle with the 'what if's' on a constant basis.
That morning, Brutus laid by me on the couch, and he dropped his head down and laid the top of his head against my leg and left it there. I felt like that was him telling me he was tired and done. I feel like he held on for ME these past few weeks cause he didn't want to leave me alone. I told him I'd be ok and that it was time.
I hope I did the right thing. I didn't want to prolong the inevitable. I know everyone says it, but you WILL know when its time for you to take your baby and put her to rest. You are doing it out of love and respect. They have such great lives, you cant let the end be bad for her. I couldn't do that to brutus, I wanted him to die with dignity. NOt waste away before my eyes.
Sure, I can't get the vision out of my head of him being put to sleep. I HAD to stay with him during it, there's no way I would leave him alone.
I know what you're going through. My heart is in so much pain, I'm so lost and its so empty at my house now. I ache from deep within. But I did what I thought was right.
And you will too.
Hang in there, you'll know when it's time.

Hugs to you and Hanna!!!!!!

Sorry to hear she is not doing well at the moment.

Sorry to hear of the tug of war. Hopefully you will just know what is best.

Sending you prayers!!!!!

Hugs!!!!!!!!

I'm so sorry you and your baby are going through this. Just feel what's in your gut and don't necessarily rush into any thing.

Trust me. You'll know when it's time.

A quality of life can mean many things to many people but you'll know when she is suffering or in discomfort.

Candy had problems walking before she passed, but she hung on and when it was time, well . . . I just knew.

I'll be thinking of you both this weekend.

Take care

Candy's Dad

Hal

Dearest Christine, I'm so sorry to hear about your precious girl Hanna. What a long life and it sounds like you two have been through a whole lot together. I know it's not any easier no matter how young or old our fur kids and feather kids are. Please know you and your girl Hanna are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time, Dear One. And here is a special prayer for you and your cherished girl Hanna. God Bless!







Many Comforting Hugs to You and Your Girl Hanna!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

I am so sorry you are facing this right now. Don't rush into anything just yet. Give yourself time. 16yrs is long time and you need to do what is best. You don't want Hanna to suffer, but you don't want her to leave either.. Sooo hard. Sometimes, they tell us with their eyes when they are suffering.. I wish you and Hanna all the best.. Keep us udated.. Prayes and Hugs.. Ann

Hi, Christine, please let me offer you my support and prayers in what you are facing with your beloved Hanna. It is never easy to make the decision to let our furbabies go back to the angels. Euthanasia is comparable to stopping life support for a loved human family member or friend. Once it's done, there's no turning back. Only you know Hanna's heart and what she wants - - for you and for herself. I agree wholeheartedly - - do NOT let a vet talk you into a procedure unless you are sure in your heart of hearts that it's appropriate. Sometimes a second opinion is very helpful - - it's a brand new set of eyes and hands and ears examining and listening to what is going on. This is not necessarily a negative reflection on your regular treating vet. You and your furkids are always entitled to get a second opinion - - and when it comes to aging and end of life issues - - it's sometimes helpful to have it. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know what the vet tells you about Hanna. We are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dearest Christine, I couldn't agree more with Moon Beam. So wise. Yes, you want to make sure you and your fur child girl Hanna are ready and it's time while bearing in mind that what matters most is the quality of life rather than the quantity of life. But, I know I didn't need to tell you that, Dear One. Indeed, another opinion might very well put your troubled mind to rest.

More Comforting Hugs!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

PS. I've been lighting candles for you and your girl Hanna as I find it helpful and comforting since it's such a loving experience. Please feel free to light candles online for yourself, your fur baby girl Hanna or any reason you wish, too. It's free and you can light as many candles as you want as often as you desire. Here's the direct link to the post in the "Pet Loss Support Resources and Articles" forum giving the link in case you'd like to visit. Just click on the Light a Candle image.



Someone asked me how to find the candles I've lit for them and their fur children so I'll tell you now how to find yours. Once you get to this link, go to the upper left hand, click "Search" and type in the initials: "DZ" and that will take you to the candles I've lit for you, your girl Hanna as well as all the other candles I've lit for others. And here is the direct link to that site: Light a Candle. More Hugs!!!

I am so sorry you are going through this. We here have been where you are, or are now where you are, or know soon we will be where you are.....and that is why we understand your feelings and exactly what you are going through.

Write when you are ready...I notice you have not been here since before that vet visit you were going to do. It sounded like you may have made a decision about your baby.

Just remember, whatever happens, you are not alone here. Come here and write your thoughts and feelings and questions...whatever you want to talk about.

There are many here listening. We listen because we all share the same doubts, the same pain, the same sadness and so.....we understand and are here for you.

Take care...we will wait for you.