nhg
Junior Member
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Post by nhg on May 16, 2015 22:29:40 GMT
I was at the vet clinic today and we were talking about what's going on with Amigo. He's going to be fourteen in August so he's up there in age plus he's just over 70 pounds and big dogs rarely live as long as he has. He's slowed down a bit and drags his toes a bit when he walks but he still runs around and jumps on the bed (which is high) and doesn't seem to be in pain. Mentally, he's failing. Sometimes he seems so lost and doesn't seem to remember commands he knows. And he walks around panting all the time like he's stressed. It's like he wants something but he doesn't know what it is. And we can never figure it out.
The vet said the top three reasons old dogs are put to sleep is cancer, arthritis, and anxiety. She said he has anxiety. It comes from going senile. She said he could even be dangerous to me or the other dogs when he doesn't recognise someone or has a 'moment'. He already had an incident with Brodie a few weeks ago but luckily nobody was hurt. It's also why he sometimes will screech if we just use a foot to move him over or something like that. He doesn't seem to get 'move' or 'go' anymore and will look right at us and stand there. He's also become a tripping hazard for me. If I'm walking I can't be veering around dogs that walk in front of me. Walking is hard enough as it is. He'll often come and stand right in my way as I'm walking and then looks at me like "what?". I haven't been able to make the decision to put him to sleep because he seemed okay physically.
The vet says that in this situation he's a potential danger to me if he attacks me as I'd be unable to get him off of me and he could be a danger to the other dogs. And I could be injured if he went after another dog and I tried to intervene. She thinks he should be put down for everyone's safety and for his own peace of mind. She said he's not suffering physically but is suffering mentally when he gets anxious, which he is a lot.
So this Saturday at 12:30 he's booked in. I still feel like a piece of crap for doing this but she did solidify in my mind that it needs to be done. Poor old guy.
I just wanted to share this in case anyone else is in the same boat and wondering if it's time. |
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on May 17, 2015 1:22:40 GMT
I know how hard this must be for you nhg. I remember you were having problems with him before everything happened in December to the point you were thinking of possibly putting him to sleep at that time. So it sounds like this isn't something that just came about recently. I think you are doing the best thing you can for all involved even as difficult as it is. Sending you lots of love and hug.s
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mingiz
Junior Member
Los Lunas, NM
Posts: 3,320
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Post by mingiz on May 17, 2015 2:09:10 GMT
I feel for you.  It's a hard decision to make. But your doing what is best for him. Also you have to think of what could happen if he did turn on you. Your not strong enough to save your self. The vet knows this. As hard as it is. It the best thing. don't feel guilty.  |
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on May 17, 2015 11:17:13 GMT
Please feel like a good dog owner, a true partner because you are placing the dog's well being ahead of your feelings. Mental pain isn't seen like physical pain but it is real, you know that in your heart. Your dog trusts you beyond reason to do the right thing in all things. This one more way you're showing him how much you love him by letting him be free of pain and regret. Peace and loving kindness to both of you |
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Post by horselady on May 17, 2015 20:19:21 GMT
We had a huge rottweiler that crab walked when he got to be around 5 years old. the vets told me to keep him in his kennel and not allow him to roam around freely. so in the kennel he stayed a long run with wire panels that allowed him to walk about 20 feet and he had a heated area that was about 8 x 7 actually a room with cushions and pillows and bedding. one day he just looked at me with those eyes. i came into the house and grabbed his collar and every day we went for a walk, to the pond up the hill. down to the creek. every day. rain.  sleet. sun and hot. we walked. he got worse. i took him to the vet and they could not determine what his problem was other than doing mri and cat scans, sooooo we went to cornell university. by now he was about 7 and the doctor said he was old already for his breed. we left Rip there so the tests could be run. got a call the next morning that the results were brain encephilitis. no cure. did we want to bring him home?? he would glaze over and not recognize me or his surroundings. he would fall and just look up at me with this blank stare. i was afraid of me. him and my other dogs. we opted to have him pts. I had to say this story, so you know in your heart what is the right thing to do . |
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Post by diamondgirl on May 17, 2015 21:31:20 GMT
just want to send you a Hug.  |
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Post by 1fatmule on May 17, 2015 23:03:34 GMT
How sad, but it is usually only good owner's that end up having to make such a decision. the bad owner's never have a dog that get's old, and the dog either get's hit by car, disappear's, or they dump the elderly dog at the pound. putting a loved pet down is never a nice thing to have to do, but it show's (by doing it) that you love him, always keep room in your heart for another dog, when the time is right, you will know.
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on May 18, 2015 2:11:54 GMT
Great points Mule, thank you. It's funny because he drives my husband nuts when he walks around huffing and we can't help him but now that I've set the date he's not sure we should do it. The only time Amigo seems content is when he's sleeping. He's also started humping the crap out of Chloey. She gets so mad at him. He always did since we got her but only occasionally. Now it's several times a day. He was neutered at about 6 months old so it's not that. And he will not be replaced. We have four house dogs, when he's gone it'll be three. That's more than enough.
This situation makes me think about when you read about some really old senior that suddenly beats their spouse to death with a cane or something like that. Maybe that's the kind of mind set they're going through at that moment.
Anyway, thank you all for the support. I posted it in case it will help someone. |
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Post by carshon on May 19, 2015 16:03:27 GMT
Coming late to this thread and just want to say that I am sorry that on top of everything else you had to make this decision. I agree with the others that as a responsible (and loving) pet owner it is the hardest decision to make. So hard when the mind goes and the body is still able. Rest well knowing you are doing a kind and loving final act for your friend.
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on May 19, 2015 17:33:11 GMT
Thanks Carshon.
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kskatt
Junior Member
Posts: 833
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Post by kskatt on May 20, 2015 18:23:57 GMT
If Amigo had any clue that he was a danger to you and your family, including the four legged ones, he would not want that. He loves you enough to want you safe, he would give his life for you. It has to be terrifying for him when he looks around and doesn't recognize anyone. In the wild, he would already be gone, he could never survive as he is. You have given him love and a wonderful life, a long wonderful life. If anyone here hasn't had to go through this Hell, they must be young and will someday. We can all hold you in our hearts and you can come here to vent, cry, remember; whatever it is that helps you. Wouldn't it be nice if doing the right thing could ever be easy? |
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on May 21, 2015 2:09:32 GMT
I look at him and wonder if I'm doing the right thing. He was playing with the other dogs tonight and having fun. Then I came upstairs to go on the computer and he's walking around all stressed out and huffing. I got him to lie down and now he's content but he won't be for long. I'm feeling very torn about this. Thank you all for your reassurances nut it would be so much easier if he was suffering or in pain. But I don't want him to be suffering or in pain, either.
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Post by horselady on May 23, 2015 11:50:01 GMT
My thoughts are with you on this day of sadness and decision.  |
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on May 23, 2015 19:25:45 GMT
Thank you HL. I couldn't go through with it. I'm not ready and I'd like him to have one last, good summer. My husband didn't want me to do it yet, either, so I let him talk me out of it. So we still have our Amigo dog for a little while longer.
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Post by horselady on May 23, 2015 20:11:22 GMT
That decision was the right one for you and hubby at this time. sometimes i feel the dog will tell us. and if all the annoying things he does still annoy you than perhaps just turn up the tv or radio. and a good summer for amigo and for you . smileys-dogs-380076
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Post by mustangsavvy on May 24, 2015 4:38:29 GMT
Has your vet recommended any anti-anxiety medications? They may really help with both of your qualities of life. I would call and ask your vet.
The choice has to be right for both you and Amigo - we have this discussion a lot at work.
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kskatt
Junior Member
Posts: 833
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Post by kskatt on May 24, 2015 5:27:28 GMT
I so wish you weren't having to deal with this, you've been through enough already! I think you'll know when the time is right, as long as the good outweighs the bad.  |
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on May 24, 2015 17:57:57 GMT
Mustangsavvy, that's a good idea. I have to go back on Tuesday because we'd taken our Bella dog in for a UTI so she needs a follow up. I'll ask then.
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It's a hard decision to make. But your doing what is best for him. Also you have to think of what could happen if he did turn on you. Your not strong enough to save your self. The vet knows this. As hard as it is. It the best thing. don't feel guilty. 
sleet. sun and hot. we walked. he got worse. i took him to the vet and they could not determine what his problem was other than doing mri and cat scans, sooooo we went to cornell university. by now he was about 7 and the doctor said he was old already for his breed. we left Rip there so the tests could be run. got a call the next morning that the results were brain encephilitis. no cure. did we want to bring him home?? he would glaze over and not recognize me or his surroundings. he would fall and just look up at me with this blank stare. i was afraid of me. him and my other dogs. we opted to have him pts. 
