Hard decision to make... - Page 2

Ed's best friend · 01-31-2012, 10:01 PM

Hi Kramer's mama...my heart is with you. I just had to put my 8 year old Basset down last week, after a brief battle with lymphoma. It was the hardest decision to make. In the day he was good, eating, pooping going out side...the nights were long and scary. On the night I decided that tomorrow would be the day to say goodbye, I did it because he just looked so sick, and be cause a dear old friend and many dear friends here opened my eyes. Lou was staying strong for me. He would have lasted another week, perhaps, but it would have been a suffering week. I loved him so much, I couldn't bear for him to suffer a minute longer. It hurts, but just that thought alone, that I didn't let him suffer, eases my grieving. The best advice I was given was to take many pictures and give many hugs and treat him like a king.

FlowerGirl · 02-13-2012, 02:45 PM

I'm so sorry. We lost our Daisy to cancer last year. I don't remember what type it was (I have it written down somewhere) but it was a very aggressive cancer and she was given 3-5 months. She ended up living almost a year. We followed the diet mentioned above (high protein, low carbs) and were also told to give her a multivitamin and a vitamin C supplement. I don't know if this contributed to her extended survival or if we were just lucky. Our only concern was to make sure she never suffered, and really, even with a large abdominal tumor, she was still comfortable and happy - she was still playful (though often tired), she continued to eat and to have normal bowel movements. I have a friend who is a veterinarian and she promised she would tell us if we were holding on too long, and we all agreed when it was time (she had started licking a lot; her first indication of pain). I feel we did our best for her - her life was a long and as happy as it could possibly be.

Hugs!

Herzo · 02-16-2012, 11:30 AM

This is so sad, I missed this before. I wonder how things are going. I lost my Abigail to cancer on her spleen. I knew something was off with her and took her into the vets but they didn't think anything was wrong with her. I can't remember how long it was but it must have burst and she was in so much pain when I took her into the vets they were going to do an xray and I just couldn't stand it and had her put down right then. I just can't stand them in pain and if it had burst and I'm sure it had they could not do anything anyway.

I hope Kramer will not have this happen and that she can go out pain free. Much drool slug your way sweet sweet girl.

bigpawbasset · 04-02-2012, 12:23 PM

My Harley has Mast Cell Tumor for more than a year now and he stopped eating few days ago today he can't even stand up. Vet told me it's time to let him go but I can't make this decision. He doesn't look like he is suffering or in pain however I know the time is coming soon. He is 12 years and 10 months now. I really don't know what's the best decision for him

Soundtrack · 04-02-2012, 03:11 PM

If he is not eating and can't stand up, it is definitely time. I'm so sorry.

loopylou · 04-02-2012, 03:36 PM

It's really hard but you have to consider his quality of life and I'm afraid I agree with Soundtrack. I'm so sorry, its such a difficult decision to make and no words can ease your pain.

I think you know in your heart when its time, even though it's breaking.

Herzo · 04-03-2012, 09:13 AM

I will have to agree also, dogs are very stoic and don't like to show weakness. If he can't stand up he is suffering. I'm so sorry for you to have to make this decision.

mollynchloe · 04-03-2012, 06:48 PM

I found this online and found it beautiful. Maybe something here will ease your mind a little.

Living Love
If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember...

The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your young new friend. You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed. You may have asked numerous opinions of many vets, or done long research in finding a breeder. Or, perhaps in a fleeting moment, you may have just chosen that silly looking mutt in a shelter--simply because something in its eyes reached your heart. But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore, and claim its special place in your hall or front room--and when you feel it brush against you for the first time--it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through the many years to come.

The second day will occur eight or nine or ten years later. It will be a day like any other. Routine and unexceptional. But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth. You will see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy. And you will see sleep where you once saw activity. So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet--and you may add a pill or two to her food. And you may feel a growing fear deep within yourself, which bodes of a coming emptiness. And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off, until the third day finally arrives.

And on this day--if your friend and God have not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own--on behalf of your lifelong friend, and with the guidance of your own deepest Spirit. But whichever way your friend eventually leaves you---you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night.

If you are wise, you will let the tears flow as freely and as often as they must. And if you are typical, you will find that not many in your circle of family or friends will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you. But if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through the many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul--a bit smaller in size than your own---seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come. And at moments when you least expect anything our of the ordinary to happen, you may feel something brush against your leg--very very lightly.

And looking down at the place where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend used to lay---you will remember those three significant days. The memory will most likely be painful, and leave an ache in your heart---As time passes the ache will come and go as it has a life of its own. You will both reject it and embrace it, and it may confuse you. If you reject it, it will depress you. If you embrace it, it will deepen you. Either way, it will still be an ache.

But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when---along with the memory of your pet---and piercing through the heaviness in your heart---there will come a realization that belongs only to you. It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost. This realization takes the form of a Living Love---like the heavenly scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted, this Love will remain and grow--and be there for us to remember. It is a love we have earned. It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go. And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live. It is a Love which is ours alone. And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our Beloved Pets--it is a Love that we will always possess.

Written by Martin Scot Kosins,
Author of "Maya's First Rose"

Read more: LIVING LOVE (for those who have recently lost a furry friend) (breed, animal) - City-Data Forum

bigpawbasset · 04-04-2012, 12:30 PM

My Harley crossed the bridge today. He didn't want me to make this difficult decision, he left peacefully on his bed with me and Chian Chian my another basset by his side

dreamons · 04-04-2012, 02:23 PM

Sorry for your loss. May God bless and comfort Harley and family.

04-02-2012, 03:11 PM	#15 (permalink)
Soundtrack Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,577	If he is not eating and can't stand up, it is definitely time. I'm so sorry. __________________ Rosie-Ch Soundtrack Cracklin' Rose CGN AGN RA Am RN TT Melody-Ch Soundtrack Unchained Melody TT Sailor-Ch Soundtrack Expedition Sailor RN TT Chili-Ch Soundtrack Spice Up Your Life Curry-Ch Soundtrack Canadian Brass Pepper-Ch Pennieslogon Living La Vida Loca CGN Vina-Ch Soundtrack Grand Illusion Leila-Ch Soundtrack Almost Paradise Deela-Ch Soundtrack Wink Of An Eye Hermione - Soundtrack Spellbound Eowyn - Soundtrack Rain Dance

04-03-2012, 06:48 PM	#18 (permalink)
mollynchloe Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Strabane, PA Posts: 48	I found this online and found it beautiful. Maybe something here will ease your mind a little. Living Love If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember... The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your young new friend. You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed. You may have asked numerous opinions of many vets, or done long research in finding a breeder. Or, perhaps in a fleeting moment, you may have just chosen that silly looking mutt in a shelter--simply because something in its eyes reached your heart. But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore, and claim its special place in your hall or front room--and when you feel it brush against you for the first time--it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through the many years to come. The second day will occur eight or nine or ten years later. It will be a day like any other. Routine and unexceptional. But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth. You will see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy. And you will see sleep where you once saw activity. So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet--and you may add a pill or two to her food. And you may feel a growing fear deep within yourself, which bodes of a coming emptiness. And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off, until the third day finally arrives. And on this day--if your friend and God have not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own--on behalf of your lifelong friend, and with the guidance of your own deepest Spirit. But whichever way your friend eventually leaves you---you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night. If you are wise, you will let the tears flow as freely and as often as they must. And if you are typical, you will find that not many in your circle of family or friends will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you. But if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through the many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul--a bit smaller in size than your own---seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come. And at moments when you least expect anything our of the ordinary to happen, you may feel something brush against your leg--very very lightly. And looking down at the place where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend used to lay---you will remember those three significant days. The memory will most likely be painful, and leave an ache in your heart---As time passes the ache will come and go as it has a life of its own. You will both reject it and embrace it, and it may confuse you. If you reject it, it will depress you. If you embrace it, it will deepen you. Either way, it will still be an ache. But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when---along with the memory of your pet---and piercing through the heaviness in your heart---there will come a realization that belongs only to you. It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost. This realization takes the form of a Living Love---like the heavenly scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted, this Love will remain and grow--and be there for us to remember. It is a love we have earned. It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go. And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live. It is a Love which is ours alone. And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our Beloved Pets--it is a Love that we will always possess. Written by Martin Scot Kosins, Author of "Maya's First Rose" Read more: LIVING LOVE (for those who have recently lost a furry friend) (breed, animal) - City-Data Forum __________________ Chloe--Corgi/Basset Mix, (Rescue) 3 yrs.- Gotcha 10/26/2009 Molly--Basset Hound, (Rescue) 3 yrs.- Gotcha 2/25/2012

04-04-2012, 02:23 PM	#20 (permalink)
dreamons Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Laughlin,NV Posts: 455	Sorry for your loss. May God bless and comfort Harley and family. __________________ Maggie Mae- Basset Daisy Wiggles- Basset Yogi Titus- Puggle (He thinks he's a Basset)

01-31-2012, 10:01 PM	#11 (permalink)
Ed's best friend Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 120	Hi Kramer's mama...my heart is with you. I just had to put my 8 year old Basset down last week, after a brief battle with lymphoma. It was the hardest decision to make. In the day he was good, eating, pooping going out side...the nights were long and scary. On the night I decided that tomorrow would be the day to say goodbye, I did it because he just looked so sick, and be cause a dear old friend and many dear friends here opened my eyes. Lou was staying strong for me. He would have lasted another week, perhaps, but it would have been a suffering week. I loved him so much, I couldn't bear for him to suffer a minute longer. It hurts, but just that thought alone, that I didn't let him suffer, eases my grieving. The best advice I was given was to take many pictures and give many hugs and treat him like a king.

02-13-2012, 02:45 PM	#12 (permalink)
FlowerGirl Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 13	I'm so sorry. We lost our Daisy to cancer last year. I don't remember what type it was (I have it written down somewhere) but it was a very aggressive cancer and she was given 3-5 months. She ended up living almost a year. We followed the diet mentioned above (high protein, low carbs) and were also told to give her a multivitamin and a vitamin C supplement. I don't know if this contributed to her extended survival or if we were just lucky. Our only concern was to make sure she never suffered, and really, even with a large abdominal tumor, she was still comfortable and happy - she was still playful (though often tired), she continued to eat and to have normal bowel movements. I have a friend who is a veterinarian and she promised she would tell us if we were holding on too long, and we all agreed when it was time (she had started licking a lot; her first indication of pain). I feel we did our best for her - her life was a long and as happy as it could possibly be. Hugs!

02-16-2012, 11:30 AM	#13 (permalink)
Herzo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Wyoming Posts: 667	This is so sad, I missed this before. I wonder how things are going. I lost my Abigail to cancer on her spleen. I knew something was off with her and took her into the vets but they didn't think anything was wrong with her. I can't remember how long it was but it must have burst and she was in so much pain when I took her into the vets they were going to do an xray and I just couldn't stand it and had her put down right then. I just can't stand them in pain and if it had burst and I'm sure it had they could not do anything anyway. I hope Kramer will not have this happen and that she can go out pain free. Much drool slug your way sweet sweet girl.

04-02-2012, 12:23 PM	#14 (permalink)
bigpawbasset Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Taipei Posts: 14	My Harley has Mast Cell Tumor for more than a year now and he stopped eating few days ago today he can't even stand up. Vet told me it's time to let him go but I can't make this decision. He doesn't look like he is suffering or in pain however I know the time is coming soon. He is 12 years and 10 months now. I really don't know what's the best decision for him

04-02-2012, 03:36 PM	#16 (permalink)
loopylou Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Scotland Posts: 605	It's really hard but you have to consider his quality of life and I'm afraid I agree with Soundtrack. I'm so sorry, its such a difficult decision to make and no words can ease your pain. I think you know in your heart when its time, even though it's breaking.

04-03-2012, 09:13 AM	#17 (permalink)
Herzo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Wyoming Posts: 667	I will have to agree also, dogs are very stoic and don't like to show weakness. If he can't stand up he is suffering. I'm so sorry for you to have to make this decision.

04-04-2012, 12:30 PM	#19 (permalink)
bigpawbasset Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Taipei Posts: 14	My Harley crossed the bridge today. He didn't want me to make this difficult decision, he left peacefully on his bed with me and Chian Chian my another basset by his side

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