We RV'd because of the dog
We started RV-ing a few years ago as a way to be able to travel. Our dog was a poor boarder. So we made several trips with her, including a few long trips southwest in the winters. This summer sh...
Forum Discussion
Terryallan wrote:toedtoes wrote:
It's a very personal decision and everyone makes it differently. Heck, even the individual dog you lose will have an impact on whether you want another one or not and/or how long before you decide to go for it again.
Terryallan, I understand your extreme dislike of having to put down your pet. But, one thing to remember, is that no matter what you do, every animal out there will die. I have taken in my pets and the pets of friends, as well as strays. None were easy, but I have to believe that I made their deaths more peaceful than it would have been otherwise. I do not want to die alone and/or in pain - I don't want anyone else or any animal to do so either. If that means I have to go through it again, then so be it. I do it for them - my pain means their release.
Yes all animals die, as do humans. But I don't have to be the one to do it. None of the dogs we have had were rescue dogs. They all would have had decent homes.
Plus I am fully convinced that "many" of us who love our pets, Actually make it harder on them. We wait too late to end their suffering, because we "love" them so much, and thus cause more pain than necessary. We give them drugs when they get Diseases that would kill them if left alone, and so prolong their pain, OR we don't see that they are hurting, they can't tell us, and hide the pain well.
I am convinced that we let Muffin suffer longer than she should have, and only because WE were selfish. WE wanted to keep her with us. And I have seen many others do the same thing. We "love" them so much, We torture them.
I agree wholeheartedly with that. It is why I stop myself and ask "is this for the animal or for me". It is never easy, but when you can learn to put the animal's needs first, it becomes bearable.
I will disagree with the belief thaat because you bought from a breeder, the dog would have had a decent home regardless. I have taken in many purebred dogs as rescues - my akita spent his first 3 years in a backyard kennel, had never seen a flower until I took him in. I rescued a $1500 purebred shepherd who was abandoned when the owners divorced. And on and on. A good home is not a given based on the dog's pedigree.
I'll also add that animals forgive us a lot more than we give them credit for. Muffin did not resent or hate you for the decisions you made. We all do the best we can and our animals forgive us our failings. Forgiving yourself is the best thing you can give Muffin now.
