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Original poster

Dogs and the rainbow bridge

129 replies

Eliza9917 · 26/02/2018 12:46

How did you know it was the right time? Did you just know?

Were you at peace with the decision once you thought it was time?

My dog has osteosarcoma (bone cancer) that has spread to her lungs. About 3 week ago the vet said weeks now rather than months. She stopped eating after breakfast yesterday and won't have anything despite us offering all sorts.

Up until now I didn't think it was time yet and didn't know how I'd make the call but now she's started the process herself I feel irs right to do it now. Obviously I'm devastated to lose her but I don't feel as bad as I thought I would about calling it. I don't want her to starve herself to death and I don't want her to suffer. I want her to have some dignity.

OP posts:
RoadToRivendell · 26/02/2018 20:03

So sorry. Flowers

EeeSheWasThin · 26/02/2018 20:08

I’m so very sorry Eliza, she looks a beautiful dog. It’s the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but I couldn’t let mine suffer for another minute.

It’s the right decision, but I won’t say it’ll make it any easier. Remember her with love Flowers

plominoagain · 26/02/2018 20:09

I’m so sorry . We lost one of our greyhounds to osteosarcoma and like you , we had to make the decision to let him go when he couldn’t put his front leg to the ground due to the pain. Awful awful day . But you did the best thing , and possibly the most important thing a loving owner can do , you eased her pain and gave her a loving end . Well done .

wishingitwasfriday · 26/02/2018 20:19

It's amazing how much our dogs fill our hearts. I'm sat with tears rolling down my face reading this thread. Our dog is in her bed snoring soundly, but she has cancerous lumps and I know that one day we'll have to make this decision for her.
I hope you can take comfort from knowing you gave her the best life you could.

SideOrderofSprouts · 26/02/2018 20:24

My heart goes out to you. We had the same with a family horse. My sil has to call the vet as she had had a stroke and it was awful. But ou were there for her in the end xx

Incrediblehulky · 26/02/2018 20:24

I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to have my beautiful old girl cat pts last week and my heart is broken. It's very painful and I'm sorry you are are going through this terrible sadness too Flowers

pinkbraces · 26/02/2018 20:29

I am so sorry for your loss, she is a beauty. Flowers to everyone going through this. They are such a massive part of our lives. It’s so hard to let them go.

MsGameandWatching · 26/02/2018 20:34

I'm sorry for your loss. You did right by your girl. I hope you're alright xxx

Am crying reading these posts. My boy was almost 15, he'd been ill for about six months but managing on medication. One day he stopped eating and that night instead of lying in his bed he went under the dining room table behind some boxes we had stored there. I knew it was his time but he was calm and quiet and I stroked him then left him in peace, I expected he'd be gone in the morning. He wasn't but I knew this was it. I rang the vet and she said bring him down, then I took him for a last walk knowing that it was the last time, then I sat and held him on the sofa for half an hour. Then I took him to the vet and she gently did it. It was all over very quickly and I was looking in his eyes as he went. I cried a little bit and the vet was just lovely then I went out to the car got in, shut the door and just wailed. I've got another lovely boy now but I still miss A and cry when I think about him even after a year and a half.

Topseyt · 26/02/2018 20:49

I am so sorry. It really is so, so hard. Even when you know it is the final kindness and needs to be done.

Well done for staying so strong. Be kind to yourself now.

Cherrysherbet · 26/02/2018 20:51

I'm so sorry op. I've been crying so much whilst reading this. We also lost our gorgeous girl 2 yrs ago to cancer. Its devastating. It was so hard making the decision to take her to the vet. Please take time for yourself, so you can slowly come to terms with your loss. It's such a shock to the system. Focus on all those precious memories x

FizzyGreenWater · 26/02/2018 20:53

So sorry OP Flowers

BrassicaBabe · 26/02/2018 20:54

So sorry Eliza. Hope it helps that people here know what you are going through. Thanks

My beautiful boy was poorly the night my waters broke. He was PTS at home the day after while I was still in hospital after DTs were born. That was 7 years ago and I still miss him x

isupposeitsverynice · 26/02/2018 21:10

imgur.com/gallery/S6zCM

so sorry for your loss Flowers

jarhead123 · 26/02/2018 21:22

Sending lots of love.

We have our first dog, we got him last year and he is amazing. Can only imagine your pain x

Original poster
Eliza9917 · 26/02/2018 21:22

Isupposeitsverynice

OP posts:
Feilin · 26/02/2018 21:24

We lost our boxer boy 4 weeks after a big fit. Overnight he became confused and cried out when out for pee which he never did. Didnt respond to name or know how to come down stairs. He was 7 . My heart was broken but he allowed us to put him on vet table he never had before . He was done and he let us know . Best dog . Hes hugely missed. Bless you and your pet.

Feilin · 26/02/2018 21:25

Forgot to say vet suspected brain tumour it explained a lot.

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 26/02/2018 21:29

Gosh she’s really beautiful.

I’ve never had a dog but just had a little cry reading this, I can hear your love for her Flowers

What was her name?

Seacow87 · 26/02/2018 21:36

Sending love. Day by day your pain will ease. Hold your happy memories close

justanotheruser18 · 26/02/2018 21:40

So so sorry for your loss. She is beautiful.
Until you meet again she will always be in your heart.

Original poster
Eliza9917 · 26/02/2018 22:29

@GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat her name is Boo

OP posts:
Worldsworstcook · 26/02/2018 22:32

You know it strange, we bicker and disagree on this site so much but the loss of a pet brings us all together and turns us all into weepy sympathetic friends

Original poster
Eliza9917 · 26/02/2018 22:33

And she really was beautiful, should have been a dog model. She's a Cane Corso. She would have been 9 on 12th May.

My heart is broken. I'm sitting here looking at her bed. We put a mattress in the living room when her leg was amputated. She's always had duvets and pillows. Her toys are still on her bed.

God I miss her so much already

OP posts:
justilou1 · 26/02/2018 22:37

Oh honey, this is such a tough decision to make. In my case, it was when it was obvious that the dog was unhappy and simply not herself. By refusing to eat, she is making the decision for you. Big hugs for you!

Aroundtheworldandback · 26/02/2018 22:53

I’m grieving alongside you Eliza, we put to sleep our beautiful little boy last week. Probably waited too long but gave him a wonderful last day out in a buggy (yes
!) with his family. I’ve now put his basket away but keeping his coat and lead.

I have a photo of him on my screensaver and somehow this helps keep him close all the time.

Thinking of you.

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