My Sick Dog
By Sandy
@velvet53 (24417)
Palisade, Colorado
April 2, 2013 5:16pm CST
For about the last week I have been getting very little sleep. I have a very sick dog that has been keeping me up. Kessa is now 15 years old and has developed some severe medical conditions. She has heart problems, respiratory problems, cataracts plus other stuff.
I love my dog very much and don't mind missing the sleep because I know she needs me to help her at times. I am trying to keep up with everything during the day but I am beginning to feel real drained.
O talked to my vet earlier and he thinks I should put her to sleep. I have had to do this with other dogs in the past and feel it is the most humane thing to do. Have you ever had to make this decision?
2 people like this
6 responses
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
2 Apr 13
Sorry to hear that. I love my tootsie as well Ive had her almost 12 years now. So far she really has never been sick at all. Hope Kessa gets well soon there.
1 person likes this
@velvet53 (24417)
• Palisade, Colorado
2 Apr 13
Thanks, Maria. I don't think she will ever get better. I have the choice of keeping her on meds all the time or put her to sleep. If she is on meds the vet said she would still be hurting some. She has lived a long and good life and given us many days of joy. I keep thinking it is best to put her to sleep so she can have some peace.
1 person likes this
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
2 Apr 13
I understand that. Im sure you will choose whats best for her.
1 person likes this
@Shellyann36 (11383)
• United States
10 Apr 13
It is such a hard thing to do but certainly so much better than letting the poor girl suffer. I think that you have made the right decision. I have never had to face that problem. Hugs to you!
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
3 Apr 13
Hi velvet I am so sorry that your elderly dog Kessa is so ill. I lost my old dog because my mom with out my permission decided she did not want to care of Pat and took her to a vet to have her put down,. Now the vet called later and slid he wondered why we wanted to have an elderly but well dog put down but he did go ahead and do it.,I was so angry for awhile I could not speak to my mom as she was the one who said sure she would take care of Pat while I was having surgery.But she was my mom and I did finally forgive her. if my dog had been seriously ill that would have been a different thing.
but if your dog is suffering and there's nothing the vet can do I guess you will have to have her put to sleep.It really is the humane thing to
do in that case.
do in that case.@velvet53 (24417)
• Palisade, Colorado
3 Apr 13
Thanks, Hatley. I am sorry to hear about Pat. If an animal is still healthy I don't see any reason to put them down. Kessa is in pretty said shape and I don't want to see her suffering. My son is unhappy about my choice because Kessa used to be his. But I won't sit back and watch her suffer. I feel I am doing the right thing.
@1hopefulman (45111)
• Canada
3 Apr 13
I haven't had a similar situation but feel for what you re going through. All I can do is wish you strength and courage.
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
• United States
4 Apr 13
I have had to make that decision several times with my cats. It is one of hardest things I have ever done and probably will have to do again, but when the quality of life deteriorates, it is the kindest thing we can do. Our fur babies show us unconditional love, so we need to return that love by letting them go peacefully, and not in distress. However, it does not make it any easier or the grief any less.
Don't worry, velvet, Kessa will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
@velvet53 (24417)
• Palisade, Colorado
4 Apr 13
It definitely is hard to do. I have been telling my son for the past two weeks that if she didn't get better I was putting her to sleep. At 4 a.m. this morning we were both up with her. When I finally got up for the day I made a call right away and got an appointment set up. I had 30 minutes until the appointment. Now that it is done, I feel so much better. Tired yes, but better knowing I did the right thing. She is out of pain now and that is what matters.
Kessa is among other dogs that we have had in the past. And yes, we will all meet at the Rainbow Bridge.
Thank you so much my friend.
@Kathy1981 (157)
• United States
19 Apr 13
You should always do what is best for your dog. My dog and cat are only five years old and it would break my heart to have to put them to sleep. But it is always worst to allow an animal to suffer. You have a very hard decision to make.
