What's the best way?

JMc

JMc

Super Moderator
My old lab has just about given up. His hips are getting worse by the day and although he does not show he's hurting, it's obvious that he his. If he sits or backs up, his hips give way and then he really struggles. The wife is in tears and I'm afraid his time has come...so what's the best way? Do you take to vet and leave; take to vet and stay; leave the dog; bury the dog; I'm dreading this to no end. Any help or guidance is appreciated.
Jim
 
I am sorry for your situation. Nothing worse. I dread the day.
I've thought about this a lot myself. After several horror stories from my parents, family, and friends that involved mishandled euthanization practices, the only thing I can say is be strong and do it yourself. Taking the dog to the vet, most likely the last place he wants to go, is just not right, in my opinion. Instead, feed him some treats, toss him in the pickup, and take him out to a pheasant field where he belongs. Say your goodbyes and be strong. You owe it to him.
 
When I was younger, did the deed myself, with a .22. Took the dog to an area they enjoyed and when they turned their back....based on this experience thrice, I have always believed it is the easiest on the dog, and the hardest on you. I know I wouldn't leave them, regardless of the difficulty, I figure I owe them that much either way. I'm a ways out now from dealing with it. Search your heart and decide what's best for both of you. My dogs distrusted the vet, and would have been disturbed and uncomfortable with the trip, and parade through the purse dogs, and cats. At home in a secure enviorment,at ease, seemed better for me. Fortunately the last few have died in their sleep. I don't know if the old man is up to it anymore.
 
I'm old. I couldn't do it.

Called the vet, sat with the dog on the porch.

Vet showed up, verified my conclusion, and administered the hypo.

Vet left after.

Sat there with him, thinking and talking and being proud to have been part of the team for over an hour or so.

Covered him, went out to the shed and got the shovel and worked some of my grief off. Went back to the house, made some coffee, put together a note of his name, some adventures, and the date. Sealed it into a water-proof seal jar and carried him and it out the site.

I acted like a grown-up through the whole thing.

Then I went back in the house and did some grieving about my loss.

I have coffee some mornings out there by the marker. He and I talk.

I am a very lucky man.
 
I don't know that there is a good way.

I have taken them to the vet and done it both ways (staying and dropping off)
I have also taken some friends dogs to the vet for them. Its a lot easier to take someone elses dog for them than one of your own.

I have a 14 year old Gordon that is really having a hard time getting around. I am sure that in the next several months I will have do make the decision.

She likes to go to the Vet, which most dogs don't care for, so I imagine that I will take her and stay with her. If I had a dog that hates going to the vet, I think I would have the vet come to the house.
 
Your right.. There really is no good way..:(
 
I'm sorry for you and your family, tough decision. Before my wife and I where married she had to take her dog to the vet for similar reasons. She didn't stay and I have heard her say it was the worst mistake she ever made. It's not easy saying goodbye but she regrets not being there in last moments. I think now she feels like she owed it to be there but her emotions got the better of her at the time.
 
JMc,

I just went through this is March; best, worst and hardest decision I have ever made. I went to the vet and stayed in the room when the vet administered the shot. I brought her home and she is buried at the ranch where she spent 13 years of her life. I just couldn't see her resting any where else. I have a lab in the same situation and I know the time is approaching; I will do exactly the same.

whatever you decide will be tough, but it'll be the right decision
 
JMc said:
My old lab has just about given up. His hips are getting worse by the day and although he does not show he's hurting, it's obvious that he his. If he sits or backs up, his hips give way and then he really struggles. The wife is in tears and I'm afraid his time has come...so what's the best way? Do you take to vet and leave; take to vet and stay; leave the dog; bury the dog; I'm dreading this to no end. Any help or guidance is appreciated.
Jim
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Very sad deal. Do you feel the dog has said, "I'm ready now" by his actions? If not, it will probably happen and that will be the time. Being with his family brings an amount of happiness to the dog that can overcome considerable pain and discomfort. I know I would not want to be euthanized until the pain and discomfort were unbearable. I think a dog would make that choice too if it could think about it. If its tail is still wagging and it enjoys its food and your company, it's happy for now.
 
One of the things that I made sure of when I chose my vet was to make sure that he would travel somewhere when it came time. I refuse to take them there, for I believe that this is a very private personal moment not to be shared with anyone other then the vet. I plan on meeting the vet in a field and having him put them down out there, and just leaving me be with the dog. I could never leave the dog, I owe it to him to be there every step of the way of the way. Including this last one. We've been through too much and walked too many miles for me to leave him on this last leg of the journey. I'll have them cremated and when its my time, they'll all be buried with me and we'll all go together.
 
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