The old man's gone... had to put the dog down - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cscmc1 · #1 02-08-2010, 11:24 AM

Man, these threads are total bummers, but you guys (and gals) always seem to find the right thing to say at times like these. Our little old man Felix, a miniature schnauzer, had a rough past week or so, and just hasn't been the same since.

The seizures subsided, and the enlarged gall bladder was getting better little by little, but I think the combination of the two took their toll this time 'round. Felix had been staggering around the house bumping into things, and was very, very restless (even on Valium). We had a good Superbowl Sunday, he on my lap for the entire game, and resting well last night. I slept with him on the kitchen floor since he has been having accidents (which is not at all like him), and from about 4:30am on, he was quite restless and whined frequently. We had a good talk this morning, and took a walk around the block as a litmus test. He did well outside, but once back in his house, the anxiety and confusion returned. We took one last walk together up to the animal hospital, and I held him while he was euthanized. I've never had to make a tougher decision, I don't think. With people, we can just ask what's wrong... with pets, we are charged with a much greater responsibility, in a way. I fought myself all week and weekend about how I'd know when it was time. It finally came down to a quality of life question, and the confused, anxious Felix wasn't the Felix we knew. After a good Sunday and a decent night together, I thought the time was right to say goodbye unless he showed marked improvement in the morning. He went out as "on top" as he could have; a much better option, in my opinion, than in rougher shape and physical pain.

Since Felix was a rescue dog, we don't know his exact age. Estimates range from 15-18 years, though, so he had a good life! I know the last 8 (the time me he spent with me) will never be forgotten; he was as good a friend as anyone could possibly have asked for, fiercely loyal and just as sweet to his "mom" and I as he could be. We'll sure miss him

Thanks, all, for listening. Hat tip to those who have gone through this same thing -- my condolences -- and thanks for taking the time to read through this.

aklim · #2 02-08-2010, 11:38 AM

Sorry for your loss but that is something you had to do as a dog owner. Been there, done that several times already. Never gets easier. Still, I kept their ashes in an urn as temporary storage. Will have them mixed with my ashes when I am dead.

Zeus · #3 02-08-2010, 11:38 AM

Sorry to hear that, my condolences. I held our family dog as the vet gave him the injection. It was hard.

cscmc1 · #4 02-08-2010, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

Sorry for your loss but that is something you had to do as a dog owner. Been there, done that several times already. Never gets easier. Still, I kept their ashes in an urn as temporary storage. Will have them mixed with my ashes when I am dead.

Yessir, it was indeed. All part of having a pet. Interesting idea you had about the ashes; I am having Felix cremated, too, and might just have to consider doing the same.

cscmc1 · #5 02-08-2010, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus

Sorry to hear that, my condolences. I held our family dog as the vet gave him the injection. It was hard.

Indeed it is. Thanks for the kind words. My condolences to you and aklim as well; I wouldn't wish this feeling on anyone.

aklim · #6 02-08-2010, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus

Sorry to hear that, my condolences. I held our family dog as the vet gave him the injection. It was hard.

I did it differently. I gave him the last injection because they were my friends and this should be done by their friend.

aklim · #7 02-08-2010, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cscmc1

Yessir, it was indeed. All part of having a pet. Interesting idea you had about the ashes; I am having Felix cremated, too, and might just have to consider doing the same.

I have 3 wooden urns with a picture window for their picture and a plaque that has their birthdate and when they passed. Like I said, temporary storage till I am done.

I have a 14 yo shar pei that is slowing down and will have to be put down someday soon. Not sure when but as long as she is happy, we will keep her around.

Maki · #8 02-08-2010, 12:01 PM

My sympathies. I put our basenji down some years back under similar conditions. The last year was very tough -- any basenji is a handful, but a basenji with canine alzheimer's will try your patience!

I think dogs are great teachers, though, and my experience with Moses helped me a lot when my father developed dementia. I was able to help Dad navigate the last four years of his life with a greater understanding of his affliction than I might have if I hadn't had a prior experience with a pet. Sounds implausible, but I believe it's true.

Empathy, patience and attention to the moment. They're a dog's great lessons, in sickness and in health.

Txjake · #9 02-08-2010, 12:29 PM

Sorry for your loss. I have been there more times than I care to remember

powerpig · #10 02-08-2010, 12:34 PM

I still have the PM you sent me when the Sam Man passed almost a year ago. We are very sorry for your loss and wish you the best. Dogs are God's great gift to man. We don't deserve them, but I'm so glad they are there for us.

SwampYankee · #11 02-08-2010, 01:01 PM

Sorry to hear that man.

I haven't had to put a dog down yet, but even a couple of cats with whom I was only semi-attached was tough. I'm dreading the day, my old retriever is 13 now. And while still pretty spry, he's starting to get a little creaky and starting to show the years as his snout turns more and more white.

You've got our condolences.

AdvisorGuy · #12 02-08-2010, 01:03 PM

Always tough when a pet passes..

cscmc1 · #13 02-08-2010, 02:36 PM

Thanks for the kind words, everyone. It surely is appreciated. I need to take all his old unused meds and food out to the local shelter and see if they can use any of it. I have his collar in my jacket pocket, and will probably hang it on a nail next to the back door... a little reminder of our morning walks together.

Anyone who has or had dogs knows that there's one really "special" one in the mix, no matter how much you love them all. For me, that one was Felix. I have grown up with dogs and I'm sure we'll have others in the future, but this guy was really something. I'm going to miss him. I don't know what happens to dogs when they die, but I sure hope we'll cross paths again someday.

Mistress · #14 02-08-2010, 03:08 PM

CSC- I'm sorry for your loss but have no doubt that little guy had the best doggie life he could ever have had since he was with you. over the years I have had to send several cats to the "Raibow Bridge" an it's never easy.

ramonajim · #15 02-08-2010, 03:17 PM

Not sure any of us can meet your expectations for good words.....

Been through two rounds of loss in the past too few months - first was putting Jack the Wonder Dog down after his kidneys just quit working. We knew, he knew. It was time. He lay cuddled on my lap with his head in Darling Wife's arms.

Second was when we watched Luke get hit by an SUV seconds after we'd spotted him following hours of searching in the cold and dark. After trying to calm the poor woman who was driving the SUV (truly no fault of hers), I scooped Luke's warm body out of the street to carry him home.... made it half the 400 yards to our house, and collapsed. I can honestly say I've never cried harder.

So very sorry for your lose. It hurts. No getting around that. Eventually, it hurts a little less.

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