Forum Discussion

dpgllg's avatar
dpgllg
Explorer
Jul 21, 2018

It's now time

On Monday I will be taking our 14 year old cocker spaniel in to the vet for the final time. This has been such a hard decision as there are moments that he is alert and seems to know what is going on and other times when he cannot get up without pain and does not eat.

He is deaf but does follow hand signals very well. I have had to put him on a run because he would wonder off and be found scared and confused sitting in the middle of the street. He has a tumor that the vet said is cancer and he has lost about 12 pounds and you can see his spine and all of his ribs. I have fed him high calorie food with supplements but the weight continues to fall off of him.

He has been with me through all of my major health problems (heart attacks and strokes) and has been such a comfort for me during those times. We have 2 other cockers that will be lost without him. They are 2 and 3 years old and respect that he is the alpha dog.

My daughters and their husbands are coming over today to dig his grave in my chosen location and as of now we will laying him to rest on Monday.

I will miss him so very much

Dave
  • Unfortunately as a dog owner it's one of the most difficult things to do. I offer my sincere condolences.
  • joelc's avatar
    joelc
    Explorer III
    I lost my best friend several years ago. It was very hard for me too, but I think he knew what was about to happen. He will be with me for ever. I take his ashes where ever I travel, and hope that someday we will be buried together. He meant more to me than any other companion I have had. Your's is the same way. You have that special bond and understanding that will last forever. When you get another dog, it won't be to replace him. You will know what I mean later. I have a lock of my dogs' hair and picture memorial in my wallet. Kiss him and hug him good-bye!
  • My sincere condolences. Our fur babies are part of the family and to lose them is really an emotional time.
  • I am so very sorry. As I sit and read this with tears in my eyes, I know and feel your pain. When our furkids no longer have any quality of life left, it becomes our responsibility to let them go... our feelings do not enter into it, but our love for them to end their suffering does. My cocker who had been through so much with me had congestive heart failure and made it 10 months with meds... finally decision day came. My heartache was tremendous, but I stayed with him till last after last breath. Still hurts... 3-1/2 yrs. later.

    Wishing you the strength and courage to do for your baby what is best.
  • I keep telling myself that I will not get any more dogs because they don't last long enough. I hope that my current dog is my last but I am sitting here petting him knowing that there may be another to follow. I wish that I didn't like having a dog to walk with so much. My sympathy goes out to you. give him a big hug before he goes to sleep.
  • Anyone that has to free a pet from suffering knows your pain. Simply, there are no words to help your emotional pain. Unconditional love goes both ways. Sorry for your heartache.
  • Spoil him this weekend, and know that we are all sending you a cyber ((((HUG!)))) because putting a beloved pet to sleep is so hard....
  • Im very sorry about this. Pets are like family or even better. I hate having to do this but its the right thing to do as you no. Take care Dave.