When/Should we put our dog to sleep?

Question

She's 11 or 12 years old, and can barely walk. She had a large growth taking up almost one of her entire hind legs, and so we thought having it surgically removed at the vet would help her walk, but it didn't. It just keeps getting worse instead. I carry her up and downstairs to go outside to pee, cuz she can't handle the stairs on her own now. Its so sad. She's a shelty and I hear they physically age faster than most dogs.

The worst part is her quality of life. She used to be able to run around and greet us at the door happily. But now she just lays down all day long. Looking depressed.

What should we do? Should we put her to sleep? Or is she not suffering enough to do such a thing? It would be so sad if we had to, but we want to do the right thing.

Answer 1

If your dog is lacking any quality of life, and is generally just miserable, I think that is enough suffering to let her go.

Obviously, it is a choice only you can make.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I know its a hard choice, but i would put her down to end her pain. :( But the bright side of this is that you could get another dog.

Answer 3

I Would Put Her To Sleep, It's Not Fair On The Dog & Stuff. If The Dog Certainly Isn't Going To Get Better In The Future I'd Have Her Put To Sleep.

It Sounds Cruel But There's No Point In Keeping The Dog Alive If It's In Pain, Upset & Suffering

Answer 4

we had this situation a few years back, it was one of the hardest things we ever had to do! you love the dog so much and cant see him not being there when you get home from work or from the shops.

we knew it was time to let our lassie dog go when her legs went.

she couldn't stand up, it was like she was trying to walk on ice.

she had no quality of life and you could see in her eyes she wasn't happy!

i think you should see your vet for a professional opinion, but you have to do what is right for the dog however hard it is.

we held our lassie while she had the injection and she looked into our eyes as she slipped away, it was like she was saying thank you, very sad but we knew we had done the right thing :)

good luck

xx

Answer 5

If you think its the best thing to do, then put her to sleep. She will be happier in doggy heaven.

Answer 6

This is tricky, but my family has been there too we had an old dog with a lot of health problems and while she was very tolerant of the pain, it was easy to tell she was suffering and we all made the decision to put her to sleep. It's a very difficult thing to do but you have to keep in mind that she will be at peace if you make the decision to do that. She won't have to be in pain anymore and you can rest assured that she had a good life with you taking care of her but now it's probably time to say goodbye and end her suffering. I'm sorry. :(

Answer 7

Without a doubt, this is the hardest thing about having pets. Sometimes you almost wish you'd wake up one morning & they had "passed away peacefully" during the night. I have a 13 year-old German Shepherd mix with hip problems that are still manageable with supplements. I will make that decision based on her quality of life, not how much I love her or will miss her. Your dog is probaly in some physical pain (they don't show it like humans), but she is suffering more from mental pain. She is depressed because she feels like she can no longer protect & take care of you .

I have been through this many times & the one thing I've learned is that, if at all possible, you should stay with her to comfort her & say goodbye. It seems unbearable, but the one time I waited outside, I feel like I wasn't there when she needed me the most. Make sure you have a good, gentle, compassionate veterinarian - it can make all the difference.

P.S.What does your vet say? I have a great vet: I thought my cat, Ashley, was ready to go at age 16 & took her in. He treated her & told me to bring her back the next day. As you can see below - she lived for a whole year longer!

God bless! And remember, it wouldn't be heaven if there weren't dogs there!

Answer 8

I have a few poems that i think will help you to make up your mind.

I do suggest that you have a box of tissues available.

May I Go Now?

May I go now?

Do you think the time is right?

May I say goodbye to pain filled days

and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,

an example tried to be.

So can I take that step beyond

and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,

I fought with all my might.

But something seems to draw me now

to a warm and loving light.

I want to go

I really do.

It's difficult to stay.

But I will try as best I can

to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me

and share your love and fears.

I know you're sad and afraid,

because I see your tears.

I'll not be far,

I promise that, and hope you'll always know

that my spirit will be close to you

wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.

You know I love you too,

that's why it's hard to say goodbye

and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time

and let me hear you say,

because you care so much for me,

you'll let me go today

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You're giving me a special gift,

So sorrowfully endowed,

And through these last few cherished days,

Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing

When your best friend is in pain,

And understanding earthly acts

Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,

Beyond, into your soul,

I see in you the magic, that will

Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,

Is why I look to you today,

To do this thing that must be done,

For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,

And chose you as my friend,

And why I've loved you all these years...

My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,

You're giving, means to me,

It gives me back the strength I've lost,

And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,

For that is what friends do.

And know that what you do is right,

For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,

And through your hand I feel,

The courage that's within you,

To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,

Dear friend, and let me run,

Once more a strong and steady dog,

My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,

For I won't be far away,

Forever here, within your heart,

And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,

Your ever faithful friend,

And in your memories I'll run,

...a young dog once again



Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Return to the Pet Loss Grief Support Website at Petloss.com

I hope these help. My general rule is the quality of life is whats important and from you have said yes I believe it's time.

Sorry in advance and I know it's hard but like the poems say I've been there for you and now it's time to be there for your friend..

Answer 9

May I Go Now?

May I go now?

Do you think the time is right?

May I say goodbye to pain filled days

and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,

an example tried to be.

So can I take that step beyond

and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,

I fought with all my might.

But something seems to draw me now

to a warm and loving light.

I want to go

I really do.

It's difficult to stay.

But I will try as best I can

to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me

and share your love and fears.

I know you're sad and afraid,

because I see your tears.

I'll not be far,

I promise that, and hope you'll always know

that my spirit will be close to you

wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.

You know I love you too,

that's why it's hard to say goodbye

and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time

and let me hear you say,

because you care so much for me,

you'll let me go today

PUT ME TO REST

Time to let me go my friend,

Because my life no-one can mend,

It’s better to let me go this way,

Than watch me suffer night and day.

I'm happy to go, my time has come,

My quality of life is no longer fun,

I’ve been so ill, so it’s not a bad thing,

To let me go forever resting.

Stay with me till I drift away,

Fast asleep forever I pray,

To relieve me from suffering and pain,

What more can I ask from my best friend.

Don't be sad, I'll be free from pain,

Never to be ill ever again,

I know you'll miss me being there,

But all the memories you have to share.

Thank you for being my best friend,

And all my needs that you did tend,

Try not to be sad, try not to cry,

Now is the time to say goodbye

Put me to rest.