Euthanizing service dog. Bad, bad day.

[DharmaGirl]

My retired service dog, Nugget had a seizure last night, and couldn't walk for awhile. She's having trouble walking anyway, but still enjoys being alive I think. I made an appointment at the vets to euthanize her, which kills me, since a 150 lb dog that can't walk is a problem since my back can't take that kind of lifting. I was going through a rough time anyway, and now this is devastating to me. Is is right to take her life while she is still sort of functioning, or is is cruelty to keep her alive. I'd really like to hear what everyone thinks.

 

[MrMoonlight]

Oh DG big warm hugs to you. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. You will make the right decision. :hug:

 

[scout86]

What it actually is, I think, is a really hard decision.

Can I throw in a practical thought? She's a really big dog and you have a bad back. What's it going to be like if the next seizure happens at midnight on a weekend and it's worse? What happens if she can't get up at all after the next one? And you KNOW there will probably BE a "next one".

It's really hard to make a decision like this but, with animals at least, we get to consider preventing even worse things when we make the choice. I think it's definitely ok to not wait until things are as bad as they can get.

 

[Lucycat]

I made an appointment at the vets

You have made the right choice.

It is such a hard thing to do, but you cannot let her suffer, and she will suffer if you are not physically strong enough to carry her around. That might also be painful for her too. In my opinion it is far kinder to let her go with dignity before the pain gets unbearable.

I know you will miss her, but be reassured that you have proven yourself to be a very kind and loving person to have made this very difficult decision.

 

[LuckiLee]

Aww. I'm so sorry to hear this. Hugs to you both!

 

[Friday]

Losing a friend is always impossibly hard & painful.

That doesn’t mean it’s wrong. It means you loved them.

Condolences never seem enough, but you have mine.

 

[Freida]

I am so very, very sorry. You are doing the right thing, but I know that doesn't make it any easier.
:hug:

 

[DharmaGirl]

I chickened out. Well, I actually talked to my Pdoc today, and I decided since she rallied so much today, I would wait. She is happy, loves to eat, loves to be with me all the time still. I'm also going through a bad period starting about a month ago, with new flashbacks, so I will wait until I'm better and she's worse. I asked her if she was ready to go, and she seemed to tell me no.

 

[Joan]

So sorrry..such a hard thing. take sweet care of yourself.

 

[scout86]

I'm glad to hear she's feeling some better! I hope you guys have smooth sailing from here on.

 

[Missycat]

@DharmaGirl , so sorry you are going through this *hugs*.
Our furry friends make such a difference to our lives and its so sad and painful when we have to make difficult decisions. You adore her so you will make the right choice when the time is right. I understand when you comment that you asked her and you knew it wasnt the right time. Our old girl told us, she gave us that look that just told us that she’d had enough and was tired - i cant explain it .. we just knew. We look after and love our furry friends and the last kindest thing we can do for them is to help them when its time.
I hope she continues to have good days.

 

[Muttly]

I am so sorry you are going through this. It's really hard. I work at a vet clinic and will tell you that when you decide it's time, it won't be a cruel or selfish decision. What I experienced, and what most often hear after the fact is that the owner believes they made the right choice. For now though, enjoy the time you have. Please be gentle wit yourself, this is very hard.