may need some help

[gatiger]

I know lots of you guys have pets, I have had dogs but really aint an animal person, anyway we found out today my wife's dog has cancer. Vet says it has metastisized into her vascular system and its just a matter of time. My wife, God bless her, loves this dog maybe as much as me, and I'm kinda swingin in the dark on this one. Y'all are the best friends I've got and if you can offer me any advice, I would appreciate it.

 

[Doug]

Gat, I know you have read my post and seen the pictures of my dogs. Remember my female had to have four tumors removed about 1 1/2 months ago.
I've had six boxers and a bulldog. All are died of cancer. I've used two different vets always hoping for the miracle pill. Never happened. I've been given the option of sending one of my boxers to Auburn Veterinary School for treatment. But there was a big uncertainty as to its success. Much of what I heard from vets is similar to what humans with cancer are told..
It is a hard choice. The Auburn route is very very expensive. We're talking thousands of dollars.
My family has always chosen to keep our beloved pets as pain free as long as possible but when the time comes we have to say good bye and let them go. I tear up just writing this.
I know you are a man of faith as I am. I do believe and get comfort that we have a loving God and a Savior in Jesus and that they will some day allow us to see our pets in a big green pasture and we will play and wrestle and play chase the ball all we want to.
It hurts to loose them but think of the joy they have brought us....

 

[JenniferG]

Sorry about what's going on Gat. Our pets become like kids, even if we don't like them. They are part of the family, some times the best friend, some times the annoying in-law. Either way, a loss of them effects the balance in the family. I bet you hurt to see your wife sad as well. I'll say a prayer for your family. Remember, women don't always want you to fix it, just know it. We all feel, but women like to talk more. SORRY. Listen, love her even when she cries or whines or when you don't know what else to do. When our cat had tumors we initially considered spening alot to try and save him. The chances would have been small. Then we realized that as much as we loved the guy, everything has an end and that we had given him a good life and that the kindest thing to do was not let him suffer. Plus we could not put what really was an animal before things like the mortgage payment. Not sure if that is where you are yet. What a blessing that you acnnbe there for each other and that you are looking for a way to help your wife. Though it is sad now, you two will be ok. Time and God heals. best wishes, Jennifer

 

[Doug]

Now that's some good advise Jenn..Us males just do communicat so differently...We look for solutions when all we need to do is hear...

 

[JenniferG]

What? i didn't hear you.

 

[Skeet]

Gat, my heart goes out to you both and to your "baby". I've had a dog around all my life (not the same one). Some have died naturally (my golden lived to be 17) and some had to be put down. Vets are great at helping you make the call, in my experience. I've spent thousands of dollars on one of our dogs and she lived a few years longer. Others there has been no choice as nothing would help. I think, for me, it comes down to their suffering. If they can have good life then it is one thing. If they cannot get up, or eat, or do the things they enjoy, then it is time to put them down. If that is the choice, I suggest you take the dog and your wife (and lots of Kleenex) to the vet and allow your wife to say her goodbyes (you're right, Doug, now I'm crying) and hold her dog while the medicine takes effect. It's hard but it is the right thing to do. Our pets are always there for us and it is only right to hold them and comfort them right up to the end. Okay, now that I can barely type for the tears... I really feel for your wife and the dog. God keep you all and bless you even in this difficult time.

Oh, and I always get another dog soon... have to have one around me all the time!

God bless you,
Skeet

 

[Newwoman]

Gat,
I would do anything in my power to stop what you and your wife are going through but none of us can do that for you.
Jennifer was right Gat we often just want you to hear our pain and hold us or tell us how much you love us and that someday it will all be okay.
When we lost our boxer Henry at 10 years of age it was very hard. He started having seizures on a Friday and we called all the daughters to let them come say goodbye and spend time with him. On Saturday we took him to our vet and he confirmed what we already knew and that was Henry was quickly dying. The vet gave Henry the shot and I got down on the floor with Henry and held him as he took his last breath. Henry was really John's dog but he couldn't stay in the room as he was dying as it was just too painful. As I walked out of that office a puppy boxer was just entering the office. We miss Henry to this day and it's been 7 years since his death.
You can't change what is about to happen but you can let you wife see your pain and allow her to share hers. You will both make it through this and be closer for doing so I promise.
We are here to listen and care.
Prayers to you and yours,
Cathy

 

[Jamie]

Gat, your friends here have given you such good advice that there is little more I can say other than to tell you I have been in the same place with more than one family pet. It is so difficult. My heart is with you and your wife. She needs you now and you are such a compassionate person, you will do the right thing. As others have said, just holding, crying, listening....all that is important. Each person grieves the loss of a pet in their own way. My husband needs to hold our dogs as they go. I just cannot do that and have to say goodbye and leave before that time so I can not have that picture in my mind. My beloved pets are always in my heart. I keep photos out and remember the good times. As far as getting another dog, people are different that way too. I NEED - really NEED to get another immediately. I mean on the way home from the vet. That helps me grieve and recover in the joy of a new life becoming part of the family. Some people just can't do that right away and need time to grieve before getting another pet. You will have to find out what works best for your family. Just know that all of us are here for you. Let us know how you are. We care about you!!

 

[Nursepair]

Gat, not much more I can add, but I feel for you both. I know this will sound weak to some, but my budgie had to be put down because of a kidney tumour a week and a half after my surgery. Kevin had to take him to the vet, I couldn't have done it even if I was fit. I really miss him, I used to talk to him all the time, especially when Kevin was away on business. We haven't even been able to bury him with his mate who died last year yet as the ground is still snow covered and frozen about 4-6 feet. He is in a tin in a tin cupboard in the garage, still frozen. Sounds awful doesn't it? But I have always buried our birds in our back yard.

Anyway, just to let you know I care.

 

[Jamie]

Oh, Sue. That is such a difficult thing for you to have gone through and to still be going through. My heart and hugs go out to you. I am dreading that day that is probably coming soon with our dog, Toodie. She's Momma's dog - a fluffy white American Eskimo. She's 12 years old now and has awful problems with her hips. While she doesn't seem to be in any pain (the vet thinks she is not too), she just doesn't have good control over them and has trouble getting up and down most of the time. But, bless her heart, she still plays with her toys every day and "attacks" them to show off and cheer up her parents. We love her dearly, but know the time probably isn't very far off. We've had 4 of these Eskimo dogs and the oldest one lived until 12. We know we're on borrowed time here. Once you are able to have a proper burial for your sweet pet, hopefully you'll get a little closure. Anyway, just so you know.....I'm sad for you.

 

[Josephine]

Tough choices - animals are so short lived anyway. Comes to it, you can spend silly money and still only buy a matter of months or even only weeks. I've always been very pragmatic about my creatures and when the time comes, it comes. Maybe because I'm a nurse and have that harder shell, I don't know. But I have seen enough of the suffering we impose upon humans by cancer treatments to want to put my poor sweethearts through it.

However, my sister is the total opposite. No matter what her animals suffer from, she'll not accept euthanasia, not no way!

I'm sorry for your situation, gat. Truly sorry. Having a long term companion diagnosed with something like that is a real bummer and I hope and pray you find a treatment and/or an option that makes it easy as possible on both of you.

Blessings

 

[gatiger]

Thanks to all of you. I had to be the one to tell Ann, she didn't know until last night. She cried, I cried, our oldest daughter came over to help; she cried. It is better today. We don't know how much time Lucy will make it, but we've decided to enjoy her for whatever time is left and when she starts showing signs of suffering have her put down. The vet said 'coughing' would be the thing to watch for. Thanks again guys, I love you all; God bless y'all.

 

[Jamie]

Gat, your family has already been through a lot to reach this point. Although very difficult, I believe you have made a good decision. Take some pictures when Lucy is having a good moment or does some of those things that you love so much about her. The photos will ensure that she stays in your heart forever. Bless you all! I'm crying with you and send you all a big virtual hug.

 

[beachcomber]

May I add my sympathies and best wishes to your family? Do enjoy her now and as long as she is happy and not suffering you can cherish this time with her. When the time comes to end her suffering you can do that in a loving and peaceful way as I had to do with 2 beloved pets in the past couple of years.
I love and received comfort from the "Rainbow Bridge" story about our beloved, departed pets waiting for us, healthy and whole again near the Rainbow Bridge and that someday they will meet us there and we will all be together again. When the time comes-- google for it and give a copy to those who are grieving.
My thoughts are with you all.

 

[jb94102]

i know how your feeling we had to put down our babygirl (min schnauzer) 2 yrs ago due to cancer as well it was i would say about one of the toughest things we had to do it hurt so bad but in the end we feel we did the right thing she suffered long enough and it was time .We still miss her so much she was 13 yrs old and like one of our kids i still to this day think of her and can tear up.I wish you luck and may GOD bless you all and lead you to the right decison. .............. JIM

 

[Skeet]

This is the official thread of tears and love. If you need a good cry, this one will do it for you. Gat, I love you and pray that your precious baby has many good days and weeks left. My golden was 17 and she was blind, deaf, and incontinent, but still going strong otherwise. I knew the time was coming so I prayed hard that she would just live a good life and then fall over dead - no suffering, etc. God answered that prayer and one morning she walked out of her dog house and fell over dead. She had a great life and lived far beyong expectations. It was hard still. We called the pet crematorium and they came to get her... they treated her with utmost respect and care... much like a human funeral home does. That really helped me. They also donated money on her behalf to a vet program and sent us a card about it. Every year for several years they sent a memorial card to us. It so warmed my heart. YOu may want to see if there are any places like that around you. I've also buried pets in the yard, but then when I moved I felt sad to leave them. I opt for cremation now. They go where I go. And someday we'll all run and play in heaven where I will never tire of throwing the ball for them to fetch and bring back! God bless you during this difficult time and grant you wisdom and peace. You have a huge heart and I feel the love you have for your wife and family. They will need you and I know you'll be there for them. Know you are all loved and covered in prayer.
Blessings, Skeet

 

[Josephine]

I had all my past 3 cats dealt with my a pet crematorium. Great service.

 

[Doug]

Probably one of the best threads we've had..Shows character!!

 

[referee54]

I haven't read the other threads, but here is what I would do---and you folks know that I love dogs---I have four---two of which are rescues, and I help transport rescued dogs to get to therir new homes. gatiger---I would do whatever I could to make the doggy as comfortable as long as I could. I would also make sure that it had as normal of a life for as long as I could--whatever it takes. But, the issue then becomes what next...I have had to put two dogs down, and my Jeb, who is 11, may be going to the Rainbow bridge in the next six months or so. When the dog's quality of life ceases to be normal, and as soon as the dog's is in uncontrollabe pain, it is time to do the UNSELFISH ACTION. Why don't we have the dog PTS sooner---because we are, at times, selfish---we want to spend more time with the pet---we love them. The reality of it is, if we really love them (and we do) we need to recognize the hard facts that the dog's life is now in a downward spiral, and, since we love them, we have to do what is necessary (but painful to us) to eliminate the dog's pain. I wept unctrollably in front of my students the days the I had to put down Sandy and then Maggy---but I knew in my heart that I did the right thing. They are waiting for me now and the Rainbow Bridge; someday we will be together and we will play together again.

 

[Doug]

RAINBOW BRIDGE
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....