Nothing says that there is a requirement to own a pet. However, if someone does own a pet it’s my opinion that you must give it love and kindness. For nearly thirteen years you have shown your dog compassion by giving him food,warmth,comfort,etc. Your friend wasn’t living anymore, merely existing, your sending him on the way across the rainbow bridge was the final compassionate act you were able to bestow upon your furry companion.

quote:

Originally posted by ASKSmith:
I was a vet tech for a spell, and one of the reasons I didn't follow through with vet school was having to euthanize dogs. I hated it. But I can honesty tell you dogs know when their time is up. You can see it in their eyes.

One of my biggest complaints about my job, although I couldn't voice my opinion, was owners who refused to put down a pet that was terminal. A dog's number one job is to make his master happy, so when they are unable to do that anymore, they are not happy. It's selfish on the owner's part to increase the lifespan of a pet in pain.

It sucks, but you did the right thing. Your dog crossed the rainbow bridge.

Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

The hardest part of love, is the loving part.

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...935/m/6000079914/p/1

I posted this a while back due to the several losses of pets around that time, hoping it would help some. There is a lot of good advice and stories.

I've had to put down beloved dogs twice. It doesn't get any easier.

Yeah it sucks.
You did right to end the suffering. We've all been there.

Sometimes the right thing sucks, but it is still the right thing for the right reasons.

Thinking of you...

I'm sorry that your dear friend became so ill. You did the right thing by your dog. I'll say a prayer.

He will greet you in Valhalla.

Hardest thing I ever had to do, have had to do it 4 times. Prayers sent.

As I sit here, I have two pups with me, each less than 18 months old. They were preceded by 2 others, one died abruptly (less than 2 hours from normal to dead - probably heart attack) at 9 years old, and another we had to put down at 15. The 15yo had a great run, especially for a lab, but got tired, hips not working, and we wer having to use a lift to help him up stairs for about 3 months at the end. At first, he didn’t seem to mind, so we didn’t either, but we knew his age was catching up. He began losing control of his bowels and bladder, and was clearly upset at this, though we never yelled or punished him for it. He seemed to become withdrawn, and over a week was just not happy. At times when he moved, he seemed to be in pain, and his eyes told me he was tired and ready. It was horrible to have to do, but I took him to the vet, and was with him for his trip over the bridge. I cried, and am tearful now, for I miss them both, but it was the right thing to do, and I know I will do it again, though hopefully not for many years to come. Dogs are a blessing to us, but also a responsibility, and letting them suffer, after they unconditionally devote themselves to us, is a sin in my eyes. You did the right thing, and I pray you know it.

Been there many times for many pets.
It's the final giving of peace, dignity, and love.

It's a terrible day that awaits every dog lover.
Two things:
If you adopt older pound hounds, which offers great rewards when you do it, you'll face that day more often than you'd like.
Second, don't let your love prevent you from doing the right thing. Two dogs ago my Connie was acting "not well" for months, but still eating and getting around. When the day came and I lifted her to take her to the vet's, she weighed about half of what I expected. She had been eating less and less and because of her fur I never noticed. With another previous dog, I spent way too much money on veterinary care on a hopeless case. Dogs know when their time has come -- don't extend it to please yourself while the dog suffers.