|
|
Post by Sonny Werblin on Apr 16, 2020 8:25:35 GMT -5
I never had a dog growing up. Neither did my wife. But when the kids were little, I gave in to the pressure and we got a dog. I can not imagine ever having a better dog. At different stages of their lives, he was a best friend to each of my kids going absolutely everywhere with them. All of the neighbors know and love him. Shit, people would drive to the house to visit him. I always scoffed at dog-people saying their dog was part of their family, but now I get it. Tragically, rather than get to enjoy his golden years lying on the porch with my wife and I and stuffing his face with treats, he started to have difficulties getting up and walking a few of months ago. No problem. He's an older dog. They get arthritis. And, they make a lot of wonderful supplements and medications for that. After his condition only worsened while on supplements and meds, we learned he has degenerative myelopathy. Think Lou Gehrig's disease for dogs. Now, he can barely walk and he constantly falls. He cries in frustration at not being able to be at our side if we leave the room. Today we are bringing him to his "final" vet appointment. I am beyond upset at the prospect of losing my dog and totally pissed that I even have to make the decision to put him down. I feel the same obligation to protect and provide for that dog like he's one of my children. And I am helpless. Absolutely helpless. What I wouldn't give for him to get to have one more healthy day to play in the yard.
When people encouraged us to get a dog, they NEVER mentioned THIS day. People deserve to know. A dog will give you tons of happiness and become part of your family. But, he's going to die and it will not likely be a peaceful in his death sleep. And you may in fact be the one who has to make the decision for him as to when his suffering is to the point that death is preferable. But, Jesus! The dog can't talk and there will always be that kernel of doubt as to whether you are doing the right thing.
|
|
|
|
Post by vonrotten on Apr 16, 2020 8:28:48 GMT -5
Sorry for that, Sonny. I don’t relish the day we have to make that decision for our cats.
|
|
|
|
Post by Big L on Apr 16, 2020 8:36:42 GMT -5
Sorry to hear. Had a similar pet situation last year.
However, I was able to find a measure of peace knowing that i was there at the end for my pet and it was the first time in years he was pain-free.
|
|
|
|
Post by shakin on Apr 16, 2020 8:45:09 GMT -5
sorry man. most humans don't deserve dogs. and countless too many dogs never get the chance for a forever home with such a wonderful family as yours.
|
|
|
|
Post by bxjetfan on Apr 16, 2020 10:18:39 GMT -5
Sorry for what you're going thru. It's so hard. Take comfort in the fact that you gave your dog a great life and remember all the great times.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hotman on Apr 16, 2020 10:51:52 GMT -5
Fuckin dammit I knew what this was gonna be from the first sentence. It's the only bad thing about having a dog. You must get another one. It will never be that one but it will be it's own. And you're doing the right thing as much as it completely sucks. Give them the best meals of their lives and let them sleep easy. It's better than losing them to a car :/
|
|
|
|
Post by cgjet on Apr 16, 2020 11:06:24 GMT -5
I never had a dog growing up. Neither did my wife. But when the kids were little, I gave in to the pressure and we got a dog. I can not imagine ever having a better dog. At different stages of their lives, he was a best friend to each of my kids going absolutely everywhere with them. All of the neighbors know and love him. Shit, people would drive to the house to visit him. I always scoffed at dog-people saying their dog was part of their family, but now I get it. Tragically, rather than get to enjoy his golden years lying on the porch with my wife and I and stuffing his face with treats, he started to have difficulties getting up and walking a few of months ago. No problem. He's an older dog. They get arthritis. And, they make a lot of wonderful supplements and medications for that. After his condition only worsened while on supplements and meds, we learned he has degenerative myelopathy. Think Lou Gehrig's disease for dogs. Now, he can barely walk and he constantly falls. He cries in frustration at not being able to be at our side if we leave the room. Today we are bringing him to his "final" vet appointment. I am beyond upset at the prospect of losing my dog and totally pissed that I even have to make the decision to put him down. I feel the same obligation to protect and provide for that dog like he's one of my children. And I am helpless. Absolutely helpless. What I wouldn't give for him to get to have one more healthy day to play in the yard. When people encouraged us to get a dog, they NEVER mentioned THIS day. People deserve to know. A dog will give you tons of happiness and become part of your family. But, he's going to die and it will not likely be a peaceful in his death sleep. And you may in fact be the one who has to make the decision for him as to when his suffering is to the point that death is preferable. But, Jesus! The dog can't talk and there will always be that kernel of doubt as to whether you are doing the right thing. My daughters Boxer is going through this right now. We tried laser treatments along his spine and he got a shot of steroids. He currently has bounced back the last few days but I'm afraid its temporary. Discuss all options with the vet. We know my daughters Boxer is not going to get better but we bought him some time. You have our family's thoughts at this difficult time. |
|
|
|
Post by 2milehighJet on Apr 16, 2020 11:56:19 GMT -5
sorry Sonny.
|
|
|
|
Post by 32Green on Apr 16, 2020 14:12:06 GMT -5
Awful. I had two dogs growing up, my first disappeared and we found him a month later on the side of the expressway near our home. It devastated me. The second was a big old mutt, we all loved him. One day my father came back from walking him with tears in his eyes and carrying him like a baby. He hadnt been feeling well and we had no money for a vet so it wasnt even a consideration to bring him to one. Fucking gut-punch seeing my dad so helpless and sad.
After that, I kind of shied away from any attachment to a pet. I just couldnt go through it again.
I have to agree with the other dudes by saying you should be happy you gave him a good life in a loving home. So many pets never experience that. Losing them can be much worse than losing a person because they are so innocent and unconditionally loving.
Hope you can find a way to get by this, it will get better.
|
|
|
|
Post by porgyman on Apr 16, 2020 15:29:45 GMT -5
Sonny, I’m so sorry for your impending loss. They are definitely family members.Try to remember the good times. It will eventually bring a smile to your face.
|
|
|
|
Post by crossfire on Apr 16, 2020 15:40:42 GMT -5
I love dogs. I’m the guy you invite to your house and I end up sitting on the floor petting your dog before I meet your guests. And I’ve been through the brutal pain of losing them. Their love is unconditional. There is an old joke about putting your wife & dog in your trunk for 20 minutes & then opening it to see who is actually happy to see you. There is just nothing like a dog. Putting them down is awful. But you & your family were blessed to have him as a part of your lives. And he was blessed to have your family for all of his life. You were his life. Sorry that today sucks more than being a Jets fan but you were given a gift and today you found out what the price for that conditional love was. You said somebody should have told you. Well, I’ll tell you now that he was worth the pain and you just wish you could do it all over again. ![]() |
|
|
|
Post by crossfire on Apr 16, 2020 15:43:50 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Sonny Werblin on Apr 16, 2020 17:01:18 GMT -5
Thank you for all the heartfelt sentiments. It is done. My family is heartbroken, but we will recover.
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." (A.A. Milne)
|
|
|
|
Post by Jetworks on Apr 16, 2020 20:22:55 GMT -5
Thank you for all the heartfelt sentiments. It is done. My family is heartbroken, but we will recover. "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." (A.A. Milne) Beautifully apropos. I think there are some real gems shared by others in this thread, so I have nothing to add other than I am sorry for your loss, and as profound as it is, remember that the loss is only so bad because the time shared before was so great. |
|
|
|
Post by westcoastoffensive on Apr 17, 2020 2:28:42 GMT -5
But I thought you said your dog didn't bite! ...that's not my dog good luck Sonny; go get one from dog jail now  |
|
