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Sad News
15 years ago
General
Kyoo no tema wa kore desu....
After several discussions & much deliberation, I've decided it's time to have my aged spazzhund Maddie euthanized.
For the past month, she's completely lost all control (and awareness) of her bladder. At first I thought it was a bladder infection, as Maddie's had in the past. Amoxicillin had no effect this time. She's also dropping weight again, never a good sign.
A couple vets have been kind enough to give a free consultation over the phone, and although they say nothing can be sure without a full check-up & testing, they all think her kidneys are shutting down, with other organs soon to follow. Based on her history, they all recommended putting her to sleep.
I hate doing this. Not the euthanasia as such--I've had quite a few moments in the past 2-3 years when I was sure she wasn't going to last the night. Each time the dog miraculously bounced back. Each time I figured it was probably the last.
I hate that I'm doing this when she's fully alert & aware, with an appetite. Always before when I thought "this is it," Maddie was listless, unresponsive, depressed-- completely not herself. It bothers me putting her asleep when her mind is still active and she's as mobile as her rapidly-defective body allows her be. Despite all my talk about being ready for my dog's death for years, I'm taking this pretty hard. I just didn't expect her to go while her mind was still there.
I'm allowing myself one week of completely spoiling the dog before we go on her last road-trip. I'm going to miss my Maddie something awful. I truly believe that several times over the past 16-17 years, if she was not in my life, I would not be alive now.
I have a favor to ask. Please, people---please, do not try hooking me up with another animal just yet. No surprise visits with a kitten, no phone numbers of free puppies, no tales of woe from the shelter, okay? I want some time without a pet for a while.
For the past month, she's completely lost all control (and awareness) of her bladder. At first I thought it was a bladder infection, as Maddie's had in the past. Amoxicillin had no effect this time. She's also dropping weight again, never a good sign.
A couple vets have been kind enough to give a free consultation over the phone, and although they say nothing can be sure without a full check-up & testing, they all think her kidneys are shutting down, with other organs soon to follow. Based on her history, they all recommended putting her to sleep.
I hate doing this. Not the euthanasia as such--I've had quite a few moments in the past 2-3 years when I was sure she wasn't going to last the night. Each time the dog miraculously bounced back. Each time I figured it was probably the last.
I hate that I'm doing this when she's fully alert & aware, with an appetite. Always before when I thought "this is it," Maddie was listless, unresponsive, depressed-- completely not herself. It bothers me putting her asleep when her mind is still active and she's as mobile as her rapidly-defective body allows her be. Despite all my talk about being ready for my dog's death for years, I'm taking this pretty hard. I just didn't expect her to go while her mind was still there.
I'm allowing myself one week of completely spoiling the dog before we go on her last road-trip. I'm going to miss my Maddie something awful. I truly believe that several times over the past 16-17 years, if she was not in my life, I would not be alive now.
I have a favor to ask. Please, people---please, do not try hooking me up with another animal just yet. No surprise visits with a kitten, no phone numbers of free puppies, no tales of woe from the shelter, okay? I want some time without a pet for a while.
*gives her a hug...
V.
Loosing pets is the one of the hardest things, but is sounds like you're doing the right thing. Take comfort in the memories you have of her, she sounds like she was very close to you.
We (mom, sister, and I) were all with him in the yard when he went.
:'(
I've never had to deal with putting a pet down, since my past dog ran off when he was getting older and my cats have either ran off or died from old age. However, I have had several friends that have gone through it and I've seen how hard it's hit them.
My ol' Dobie, Freddy was the first dog I had to put down at the Humane Society. Emma was the next, at the vet's office.
Maddy is a a great dog, and she'll be waiting for you when you follow, which hopefully will be a long time from now. We can cry together later.
you're a kind woman and i bet probably the best person to take care of her. anyone else would have got rid of her in no time.
But you.
Not only does your love for her strive to make you keep her to be happy and healthy.
but your passionate and generous nature in general.
I don't know where you got it. but you're one splendid woman.
I hope you and Maddie enjoy the time you have left together and you can tell me all about it if you like. <3.
Or don't i know how reminiscing by ones self can be painful but probably the most needed things at times.
you're a naturally gifted woman when it comes to love.
Take care <3/