unlucky1 0 #1 March 2, 2004 I need many shoulders to cry on. I just had to put my dog "Chief" to sleep. He was fine yesterday..we played catch. Last night he started having grand mal seizures and had them all day today. My girlfriend told me that she would have waited another day to make the decision, but once the vet saw him, he definitely said he was in pain. It took 3 of us to load him in the car for the ride to the vet (He was 100lbs).He was soooo calm on the way to the vet. He was calm on the table (from being exhausted). And he was calm when they gave him a sedative. When they gave him the pentathol, he started fighting. I feel soooooooo guilty. He was the only thing i had. He was my family. I sit here in tears, and can't get rid of the guilt. The bad thing is that i don't know if it was time. It was like walking a tightrope. If i waited any longer, he could have gotten worse, or he could've gotten better. I have soo much guilt. He died in my arms with me telling him how much i love him. Damn ! ! ! ! I can't stop crying. Please lend me your shoulders. Blue SKies Chief, John p.s. Daddy loves you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #2 March 2, 2004 (((((John))))) we've got lots of shoulders... B2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jose 0 #3 March 2, 2004 Sweet jesus guy.....I cant tell you enough how much I know what you are feeling right now. I had a dog with siezures as well and the whole thing just plain sucked. If you really would like to talk to someone that can empathize with your situation, give me a PM and well exhange phone #'s. Im sorry my brother.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aprilcat 0 #4 March 2, 2004 He was in pain and you did what you could to spare him. You did the right thing. And I'm so sorry for your loss.~~April Camelot II, the Electric Boogaloo! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #5 March 2, 2004 I am so sorry you lost your baby. You have my shoulder to cry on. I have lost animals, I know it's hard. Take care of yourself. ((hugs)) Angela. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
misskriss 0 #6 March 2, 2004 I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to make the difficult decision to put a pet to sleep one time and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. You did what was best given the circumstances. Your pup was in pain and I'm sure the Vet knew what he was talking about. Try not to feel guilty even though I know it's easier said than done and lots of hugs for you. Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,452 #7 March 2, 2004 He trusted you to take care of him. We had one die years ago after a couple of days of seizures; after the first few, he didn't recognize us any more, and just walked around howling. He trusted you to take care of him. You went looking for people to help you put him into the car to take him to the vet. The vet's job is to know a lot of these things. You did everything you knew how to do. Pentothal does cause dogs to fight sometimes; some vets give multiple sedatives for that reason. You held him and told him you loved him. You played with him. You earned his trust. You took care of him. And now you're supposed to cry for him. It sucks, but it's much better than having him be in pain. Take a shoulder; I have two of them. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
themitchyone 0 #8 March 2, 2004 John- Don't feel guilty. He knew you loved him. I'm so sorry for your loss. -Michele"If the Bible has taught us nothing else, and it hasn't, it's that girls should stick to girl's sports such as hot oil wrestling and foxy boxing." - Homer Simpson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
unlucky1 0 #9 March 2, 2004 thanks... i can't stop crying. He was the only member of my family. I'm bawling now. I am absolutley devastated....HOw do you get rid of the guilt? The vet tells me it was time...but the gf tells me that it was way too soon. She loved him too. But, she makes me think that i did do it too soon. How long before the healing begins? He was such a good dog. All he wanted was to play and be hugged...a 100lb lap dog. bummer.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian425 0 #10 March 2, 2004 HUGGS to you. I had to do the same thing with my dog. It's terrible. You did the right thing. You would not want him to suffer. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #11 March 2, 2004 Oh, man. That was rough. I am soooooo very sorry. But you know what, the Vet isn't going to euthanize without a reason. Chief was hurting, and now, he's running in the fields and playing. Chief was suffering, and now he's pain free and loving you. Guilt has no part of your life; you did right by Chief, you've always done right by him. Why would this be different? 11 months ago, I had to put down my Bitch Kitty, and she was suffering and so very very tired. But I know she is far better now, and not in pain. I see her in my dreams, I feel her near me, and I know she is better now. As much as it still hurts, it was the right choice. And I say the same to you. What I know is that while Chief is not there to pat, he is there to love still. While he is not there to touch, he is with you always. While he is not there to walk, he is there to walk by your side forever. He is not gone - he has simply come inside you. He is not dead - he lives in your heart. And when you see the patch of sun he used to lie in, squint your eyes; you'll still see him there, when you look from your heart. I am so very sorry. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dove 0 #12 March 2, 2004 I have known many people with dogs who have started having seizures (myself included) and I can tell you that if you would have waited, you would have only prolonged the pain. You did themost humane thing possible. So you shouldn't feel guilty. And all you can do about your own pain is give it time. Dogs are as much a part of our lives as family. They ARE family. I am so sorry for your loss. But how lucky your pooch was to have lived a happy life with you. Fall in dove. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pajarito 0 #13 March 2, 2004 I'm sorry to hear about that. You shouldn't second guess yourself. You loved your dog and he was in bad pain. You loved him enough to do what you did. My sympathies. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
unlucky1 0 #14 March 2, 2004 Thanks for all the shoulders. I really need them. I appreciate all of your kindness and prayers for Chief. I think I will go cry myself to sleep... Damn! I'm really fucked up! Blues, John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeyRamone 0 #15 March 2, 2004 John, I am sorry for you loss...I put down my Lab 3 years ago. It was the hardest decision i have ever made. I feel your pain. Be strong you did the right thing. We now have Cabo Wabo who just turned one. Nice to have another lab around. It took me 2 years to move on from the first one. Be strong and let the tears fly. Tim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flygirl03 0 #16 March 2, 2004 oh, im SO SORRY cry all you want ... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ earthbound misfit Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee03 0 #17 March 2, 2004 John, I'm sorry. I wish there were something I could say to take the pain away. Like many, I have been through this, and it takes allot of time to get over the pain of losing a dog. Their love is unconditional and complete. They take whatever amount of love you will give them, and give you, it return, all the love that they have. Chief was suffering, he was in pain, and you showed how much you loved him, you released him from his pain. You had a special relationship with him, know that now, he no longer sufferes, he is no longer in pain. I believe, as MissKriss said, he is in a special place now, and one day, you will be reunited with him again. Take the time, and heal. You have the memories of the good times you had with him. You did the right thing for him. God Bless you.-------- To put your life in danger from time to time ... breeds a saneness in dealing with day-to-day trivialities. --Nevil Shute, Slide Rule Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #18 March 2, 2004 QuoteHe trusted you to take care of him. ...Echo that, and you did the right thing. Take care. Edited to add: The same thing happens to horses when you put them down...as soon as they get the meds, they try to jump up...it is just an initial shock to the system, not your pal getting better. Have peace knowing that you gave him his.~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #19 March 2, 2004 That sucks! I know I have cried like a little girl over the loss of a dog or two in my time. When they are part of your family it's a rough thing. However.....you did what you could to ease his pain. He'll remember when you see him again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shark 0 #20 March 2, 2004 John, so sorry for your loss. Blue skies, Chief. All dogs go to Heaven Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #21 March 2, 2004 I've done nothing harder than being present to put my own dog down. He was 16. I don't know if I'll ever bond with a dog again. That was 8 years ago. They spend their life giving to you asking nothing but love and kindness in return. They never question you, they never seek to hurt you, they never judge you, they just love. When you loose a human friend or family member it's hard. But for some reason the unwaivering faithfulness of a dog or cat makes it that much harder. John, what keeps us from being savages is our ability to return the unfailing love a pet gives us. Part of that is why you made the decision you did. Your dog's love, and your love in return is why you helped your friend stop suffering. It is in fact a tribute to them that you were strong enought to carry out that last act of love. I feel for you. I know of nothing that heals the pain other than tears and time. Let both flow, and be healed.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #22 March 2, 2004 QuoteThen you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... No matter what your spiritual outlook or opinion is that's just beautiful. Thanks.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooked 0 #23 March 2, 2004 I am truly sorry and am feeling your pain in losing your dearest friend, Chief. I faced this same decision almost a year ago. You did the only thing you could possibly do to ease Chief's pain and suffering. The Vet would not have euthanized him if it wasn't necessary. Chief knew you loved him and the comfort of your arms and the love in your voice made it a peaceful transition for him. My Vet sent us a copy of the "Rainbow Bridge" after our loss, they really do care about the health and well being of family pets. It's been almost a year for me, and I still relive the day of 'Toby's" passing. It's still very difficult sometimes. Peace to you, you did what was right. You definitely have my shoulder to cry on. Jan -------------------------------------- Sometimes we're just being Humans.....But we're always Human Beings. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpinjackflash 0 #24 March 2, 2004 <<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I Lost my best friend years ago in much the same way. I cry just thinking about it to this day. Nothing can quite fill the emptiness when they leave. Warmth and Peace Your Way, JackIt's a gas, gas, gas... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RkyMtnHigh 0 #25 March 2, 2004 John...so very sorry to hear about the news I am so close with my lil Yorkie "Kozmo" and I dread the day when I have to say goodbye. My heart goes out to you Mega >>>HUGS<<<< of comfort to you. _________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites