Said good bye to an old friend
By raydene
@raydene (9871)
United States
August 31, 2008 8:47am CST
When my 18 year old daughter was 2 I bought a golden retriever
that we named Shunk Skouii witch is a Souix name.
Shunk was the best friend. The last couple of years she was
slower but still followed me where ever I went.
She was nearly blind and couldn't hear unless you were
very near her but she was still loyal.
One day she refused her food and water. She was in no pain
so I just kept bugging her to eat and drink. She went way down
behind my house in the bushes. She knew it was time to say good bye.
I had friend that said I should put her down. If she was my grandmother I
wouldn't let someone kill her and God would end her life when He saw fit!
I brought her in the barn with a pile of fluffy hay. I kept her
food and fresh water beside her all the time incase she changed her mind.
I went to the barn every 2 hours to turn her over and be sure she was
kept cleaned off and to put fresh hay under her. She just slept and breathed slower
and slower until she wasn't taking a breath anymore. I dug up my flowerbed
near the splitrail fence and put her in the ground. Next year when my
flowers come up I will know that my sweet Shunk is sending me some love.
Would you have killed her or let her go in her own time?
12 people like this
36 responses
@sherlock27 (913)
• United States
31 Aug 08
Your story brought tears to my eyes.No, if she wasen't in pain I would have let God take her in his time. I had to have a cat put down a few years ago. It as a hard decision, but he had cancer and really couldn't eat. He had a tumor under his tongue. I cry everytime I remember him. You know that Shunk if again whole and healthy again running through the heavens. She is waiting for you for future hugs and scratches. I believe that you will see her again someday.
3 people like this
@lilcee (2703)
• United States
31 Aug 08
So sorry to hear about your loss. We lost a dog about a month ago. He was almost 13 and we had him since he was a puppy. He got so bad he couldn't get up any more and was losing so much weight. It is so sad to lose a pet.
We chose to take him to the vet because he couldn't get up anymore and we couldn't stand to see him suffering.
I guess it depends on how you feel. Everyone has their own opinions.
I would've liked to keep him at home but he would get out in the storms or out in the pond and couldn't get up to get to shelter. I couldn't lift him and my husband was home so I couldn't stand to see him like that.
3 people like this
@raydene (9871)
• United States
31 Aug 08
Sweets
If it felt right in your heart it was right for you.
We all have to do what allows us to sleep at night.
Some of it was my own selfishness..I didn't want to to go
but know I had to but I still kept her with me to the last
possible second!
xoxoxoxoxxoxo
2 people like this
@DaddyOfTheRose (2934)
• United States
1 Sep 08
I think you went the extra mile and that is what your pet needed from you. I think that was sweet.
2 people like this
@Valenas (1507)
• United States
31 Aug 08
I remember your discussion about how her time was nearing. I am sad to hear that she has passed away since then, but relieved that she went peacefully and had you there the entire time to care for her.
What would I have done? If she was in pain, I would have put her to sleep. I do not believe that euthanization is always, "killing." Of course, you are taking an animal's life, but sometimes it is for the benefit of the animal. I don't believe that any animal, human or dog, should suffer if they do not have to. People come in to our work and put perfectly healthy animals to sleep, only because they cannot care for them. THAT is killing.
But, anyway, if the animal is going peacefully, I believe in sitting through it and being with them in their final hours. Taking them to the vet clinic, or calling the vet to my house, is only going to stress them out more than what they already are.
2 people like this
@raydene (9871)
• United States
31 Aug 08
I know about those that put down healthy pets because they
don't fit their life..I just don't know why that don't give them away.
I have a hard time with the whole thing. I'll always have her near like the
many other pets that have been buried here since we bought this place
20 years ago. I'm amazed at how many!
xoxoxoxoxo
2 people like this
@mlh8087 (368)
• United States
1 Sep 08
I have lost several dogs due to old age. When they showed any signs of distress I took them to the vet to have them put down. What you were watching was her organs failing and how do you know that was not uncomfortable? Anyway, your dog is at peace now. I'm sorry for your loss.
@LadyMarissa (12148)
• United States
31 Aug 08
HUGGGGGGG
You handled it just perfect!!!!!!When my cat was 15 & got puny, everybody tried to talk me into putting her down. I just could NOT do it. Well, I had her another 6 years. She passed in my arms about a month ago. Like your girl, she was in NO pain. She knew I was with her there in the end. One of the last things she did was raise up & lick my chin. I am soooo thankful for those extra 6 years shared with her.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
11 Sep 08
Ohh that's so sad. I would play it by ear and just hope that when the time comes I can be with each of my darlings. You were so lucky to have your cat another 6 years. My dog Lucy will be 7 this year and Banjo, my cat is nearly 2. My goat Pickles is nearly 2 and I'm not sure how old Tulip is...another goat. Goats live about 20 years so I'll have them for a long time yet.
@LadyMarissa (12148)
• United States
11 Sep 08
I've adopted 2 little guys since losing my girl. They were about 2 months old when I got them. I hope they outlive me!!! My lil girl did get sick again several times during those 6 years. She'd get to where she could barely sit up. It would get so bad I'd say to my hubby, tomorrow I'll take her & have her put down; & dayum, when i got up the next morning, she'd be up & running around like crazy. The last day I could tell was really going to be our last. Your heart will know when to do what!!! I hope you & all your kids (no pun intended) have a long wonderful life together as I wish the same for myself!!! 
@bonbon664 (3466)
• Canada
1 Sep 08
I'm so sorry for your loss. That's the sucky part about having pets is that they die way too soon. You sound as though you did exactly the right thing, it sounds like she didn't suffer. I've had to put animals down because they were obviously in pain and it was my job to alleviate that. I feel so sad for you. One of my dogs if 15 now, and I see her slowing down, and it will surely be a sad day in our house when she goes.
1 person likes this
@mjhicks (317)
• United States
2 Sep 08
You did the right thing giving you beloved companion the chance go peacefully. I've only had two cats put down. They were both badly injured. One had been attacked by a pack of dogs and the other came home with bad internal damage most likely from being hit by a car. He was in terrible pain and smelled of ruptured bowel. Other then that our yard has received many beloved dog, cats, & bunnies.
1 person likes this
@kwenge (2487)
• Kenya
3 Sep 08
I would have done just the same as you did because she was not in pain. That was soo good of you raydene, I know shunk is happy and will be sending you flowers soon. You were a wonderful master. I know your daughter will miss her alot because she grew up with her.
May her soul rest in peace.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
31 Aug 08
raydene I would have done just what you did exactly. why force her last days when she was not in horrible pain. This reminds
me of standing in the ICU waiting room and having the doctor
say in his cold methodical way how long do you want us to continue
your husband on life support? I felt like screaming let God decide
as I did not want to be the one to pull the plug on my comrade
of thirty four years. I said leave him alone, he still could
live, but the doctor shook his head, so I said I will talk to
my son. we called his sister in Washington state, and she said
wait at least until tomorrow. but God had his own plans, an hour later the hospital called me and he was gone. God knows best
always. They had told me I was in denial but that was not it, I
did not want to kill my own husband just for the convenience of
a doctor and staff.I did know he was dying and there were no more chances but I let God decide. I said Goodby to him then went home to seek his sister's advice. I am glad I did it that way. He was a very devout man, my husband. this was way back in 1991 so the pain is gone now.
1 person likes this
@blackmantra_x (2732)
• Philippines
31 Aug 08
Good day..It's sad to loose a friend but I do believe shunk had lived a full life and also nourished with love and care from the people she served. No, if she's not in pain I wouldn't kill her, I'll let her linger for as long as she can but comfortably and let her feel that she's been appreciated until her last breath. Just like what you've done.
1 person likes this
@jeanchia (137)
• Malaysia
2 Sep 08
I have two doggies, and one of them named Ariel had heart problem. Two years ago, Ariel was hospitalized. Her condition was severe that time and doctor said it is best not to treat her because treatment will be too risky. & the doctor further said that she may only be able to live for another 6 months. Me & my partner were devastated. I told Ariel to be strong for mama, and she's such a good girl. It has been two years and she's still here. But her health is worsen, we have to be prepared for the worst.
Back to your question, i would let her go in her own time. In the meantime, i will keep her as comfortable as possible, like what you've done for your sweet Shunk. :)
1 person likes this
@amzthienne (218)
• Philippines
31 Aug 08
I'm so sorry to hear that...I'm also a dog lover, first I want to extend my condolences, second I want to congratulate you because you handled it very well and you made the right decision to take care and just let it die naturally 3rd I admire you for the attention you gave to shunk. I also have a dog, a poodle to be specific he's not only my best friend but also my baby, the apple of my eye. he's already 3 years old and will turn 4 this october. Sometimes, just the thought of losing him makes me cry what more if it comes to reality I really don't know what to do. I love my dog so much, name is charlie. But if that time will come I would surely do the same thing.
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
31 Aug 08
If she was not hurting I would have let her go in her own time I have done in the past with some of my Dogs
If they are in Pain that is different but if it is old Age then they have the right to leave like we would
I am sorry for your Loss I know how much it hurts
I love you
Big Hugs xxx
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63233)
• United States
31 Aug 08
I prefer to know they aren't suffering so I chose to put them to sleep. The one's that I've failed have seisured and stuff so I prefer not to watch it.
We make choices, I guess. I wish I knew what happened to a couple of cats that dissappeared, one was young and had a car fettish, but the other was elderly. If I thought he that bad off I'd've not let him outside.
1 person likes this
@grecychunny26 (9483)
• Philippines
20 Sep 08
Now i know what you're are talking about. I am sorry Raydene for not being updated, I know you know the reason. I cried after reading your post. I am so soft hearted when it comes to animal because I try pet as my friend and as a part of my family. When it comes to dying, I will have to wait until that time happened I will not and will not ever try to kill an animal. I let her go in her time, I believe God will take care of their souls.
@mummymo (23706)
•
4 Sep 08
Oh Mom I know how much you must miss her - I remember you talking about her following you around but not being able to climb up beside you. What a fitting place to bury such a sweet soul - every time you see your lovely flowers you will remember shunk!
I have had pets put to sleep but only because they were suffering so badly and I couldn't stand to see them suffer when nothing could be done!
Love and Hugs xxx
@freefogging (356)
• United States
4 Sep 08
My heart is breaking for you,as I can't even think of losing my two babies(dogs)without getting teary eyed. They are my best friends,they are always there for me,they know when I don't feel good and my husband jokes about being 3rd in line of the love chain,my dogs being first. Thankyou for loving her so much and taking care of her to the end. You know she would be right by your side if you were sick also. Animals are the closest things to humans besides humans ans they have suck love,loyalty . All they want is to be part of a family and god bless everyone who takes in a pet and makes it part of your family!
