Death and Dignity - Page 2

You are such a kind man to take in and love these old dogs and give them a few happy weeks, months or years. Our first ever GSD way back 2 plus decades ago was diagnosed with CDRM (DM) when she was 5 and she was treated every which way for the next 3 years. The steroid treatment made her deteriorate more quickly than if we had not treated her. She was 8 years old and my husband could not part with her, she was just a head and a tail by this time, it was terrible to see her wag her tail when the youngsters played near her. I made an appointment to take her to the Vet's with my husband, but I knew he would cancel, so I took her the day before and I have never had any regrets. I got to stay with her and say goodbye and now my husband regrets he did not say goodbye because he was afraid. When her friend our old longcoat's time came my husband made the decision with me that it was time and he was given sleep in our home and we were with him, he was 12 years old and had DM also. I remember watching a Wildlife Programme many years ago and what was said stuck with me till this day - animals who are dying or in pain will make no noise as their instinct tells then that they will become prey for another animal, so they remain silent - I believe that our dogs still have this deeply rooted instinct to survive or to die in peace. It is the most difficult decision to make, but I believe we need to give our old friends the dignity they deserve. Just a pity humans cannot have that choice, although I know from experience that it is done in a more subtle way for us if we are lucky. You have a big and kind heart and your heart will tell you what is best - god bless you and Norris, he has know love to the end. By the way 53 is not old, there are many more good dogs out there waiting for someone like you to love them. Give him a hug from me. xxx

You are a person with a golden heart. Norris is very lucky to be able to spend his little time left with you. If I were in your case I would try to get a new dog. That usually eases the pain a little bit and hopefully you can move on faster with a new friend you're taking care of. Goodluck and may God bless you both.

To see these noble dogs get sick is a heartbreaker. My second Shepherd, Dana, had DM. At 12, the decision was made because she lost control, and her back legs could not support her anymore. You could see the confusion in her eyes, as if she was saying, "What is wrong with me?" "Help me!" It broke my heart. She was the one that told me it was time. Their eyes don't lie to you. It is hell when they get old. You have given Norris happiness. When the time comes, you will let him go with love and dignity. Gods Peace. Dawn Bonome

RIP Norris. Ask for Alex, she will show you the way. She is also waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge. Sunny

He was a good boy..........RIP, Norris, and introduce yourself to Dylan too when you get to the bridge. He's waiting there with Alex and a lot of other good dogs whose memories will will live on forever in our hearts. I think Blitz will be my last dog.

RIP Norris.

I feel so bad for you and wish I could help in some way. I wrote two letters last night, but couldn't send them. Nothing seemed enough. From your posts, I know how much this hurts. You did a wonderful thing taking Norris into your home. This poor dog finally had some comfort and happiness in his last days. I'm sure he knew this. I am so sorry, L.

Well he is now resting in peace. This is a very sad story. God bless you. This story brings back to memory my favorite dog. I would not let her suffer and had her put down. I was there with her. What a sad day. There is nothing more a can say.

You will make the decision when a dog is unable to maintain or ever regain a reasonable QUALITY OF LIFE. Sometimes the dog may make this decision for you--or he will "tell" you when it is time. I feel that the dog retains a certain dignity when you are there with him to physically stroke, comfort, and re-assure him when he is about to "check out". This may happen at home--so long as the dog is not suffering with pain or in acute distress. This is how my favorite partner left me on September 18, 2003. It seems like only yesterday. I am very troubled when I hear of owners so lacking in courage and compassion that they casually drop the poor dog off at the vet's and allow the him to die with strangers in unfamiliar surroundings. Equally upsetting is learning of owners of large kennels who find that a kennel gate will not budge because the dog is wedged behind it on the hard concrete run after having died alone sometime during the night. Very sad...... You did a noble thing with Norris.

Do Right, I commend you for doing the the best thing possible. Not one (1) of my lost GSD's was ever able to die a peaceful, natural death, and it was always a very emotional event to determine when the quality of life diminished to to the end that the dog had discomfort or loss of his dignity, and then hold the dog in my arms while the veterinarian administered the anaesthasia. My wife always accompanied me, and we always tried to have some members of his immediate family nearby. I always thought that was important, all the while knowing that they never fully understood what was happening. But it was easy to see that for many days they were aware that someone was missing. It has never been easy, even with a dog that I did not own for many years. I don't think that it ever will become easy. Do Right, you set an excellent example for a caring owner. Bob-O