Had a rough day today

[mikey]

Well we had to put our 11 1/2 year old shepherd to sleep tonight. Came home from work tried getting him up to go out. I got him up he staggered about 4 ft. and collapsed. Vet said he had lung cancer wasn't getting enough oxygen to walk. It was really tough but I guess we ended up even. I rescued him from drowning in a frozen pond. Then shortly after he tore the heck out of a guy that attacked me with a metal pipe. The guy never saw or heard him coming. I really hated to do it but the wife and I decided it was best for him. We could've pumped him ull of meds. All that would've done was prolong the suffering. We did'nt think that was fair after what he had done for us over the years. His sidekick was all over me soon as I walked in the door it's like he knew and was saying he's gone let me give you a hug. Matter of fact he knocked me into the wall front paws on my shoulders and tongue in my face:). Sorry for the long post just needed to get this off my chest.

[Young Gun]

Got my dog sitting next to me right now, They are more than just pets, they are family, its never easy to have to do something like that, but like you said, it isnt fair to merely prolong the suffering. Stay strong bud

[1994 Python]

Sorry to hear. Dogs are wonderful friends. The world wouldn't be the same without them. Making the hard choice is never easy, but you will feel better with yourself in the long run.

[sunkistcamaro]

Im sorry you had to do that but it was for the best.
I hate to see any animal suffer.

[dropit69]

Sorry to hear that..i have a soon to be 15 yr old American Eskimo..and dreed the day..i got her like 6 moths after i moved into my house and have never lived alone..best dog ever..

[Mkelcy]

Mikey: As hard as the decision was, you did the best thing for your friend. I have two shepherds, litter mates, who are 6 years old. I dread the day(s) I have to make that decision. I hope I, too, can act in the best interests of my friends. My thoughts are with you and your dog.

[mattzoom]

Sorry to hear that, had to put down our Golden Retriever a few months ago that was very difficult. But the best way to heal your heart is with a new puppy. Just got one a while back a german shepard rat terrier mix with one blue eye. it helps alot with the recovery of losing a freind like that.

[Tony C.]

Mikey, I agree with what has been said about you doing the right thing and not allowing your dog to suffer. Pets are family. We had to put our 15 year old Cocker Spaniel to sleep last January and its hard to believe it will be one year since it happened (1/13/09) and we miss her very much. I was the last to see her at night and the first to see her every morning before she was gone. Hang in there and believe that he's somewhere keeping an eye out for you and your family.

[6'9"Witha69]

Dogs are wonderful pets. Even more, they ARE family. I treat my guy like a son. Sorry for your loss but good to you for doing right by him and putting him down. Too bad they can't live as long as we do.

[MonzaRacer]

heck thats not as bad as having a pet (c o c k a t i e l)die and feel like it might be your fault. Mt bird Isis was 21 when she died. she was me AND dads buddy, dad died in 01.
bad thing was I was hoping she could hold on but it may have been cause Ididnt have heat but it may just have been old age.

[wmhjr]

Been there - I feel for you.

[moreHP]

You did the right thing. Its such a hard thing to do. I know exactly how you feel and how much it hurts to lose a dog like that. As said before, they are not pets, they are family.

[mc84_zz4]

Sorry for your loss man, but you did the right thing by being responsible, he was in pain.
Our old buddy passed away a year ago, he was a 13 yr old Weimaraner, the best dog I had raised yet.
My son is 1 year younger, and he says that Bruno taught him to run, he would let my son hold on to his collar, and the dog would match his pace, so he would not fall. He would shadow my wife everywhere, and was our chief security officer.

We cried like babies for days, I swore I would not get a dog for a few months, since having an aging 4 legged friend takes a toll, but it was only 10 days and we had a new puppy in the house, I was not looking, but it just fell into place.
Our newest pup was the best medicine, she is just as crazy but totally different.
They really are a part of the family. Hang in there, it does get better.

[AintQik]

I've got a Czech Shepherd and a German who was imported from Germany to protect my wife. The Czech is getting on in years and I dread the day. They are good buds, sorry for your loss.

[shopking68]

Sorry about your loss. We have an almost 2 yr old German Shepherd, she is the best.

[Nessumsar]

I had the same thing happen to my Rotty last Tuesday. Got up to get a drink of water, was leaning against my dad (like she always does), took a couple steps away and collapsed. Carried her inside, made her a bed, and shortly after midnight she couldn't even lift her head. Had to have her put down.

I feel your pain. It is never an easy decision, but sometimes it has to be done.

Sorry for your loss.

[ITLBTU]

My beloved pit bull/austalian shepherd mix has had arthritis in his hip since he was a puppy. He now is approaching 13 and the other day my 3 yr old son asked if we will have to throw him away soon because he is old. It made me realize Brutus' days are closing in... I dread the day...

[trapin]

Very sad indeed. I'll bet he lived a good life though.

[Jim Nilsen]

Teach him that death is a natural thing and that he should be aware of life coming to its end for everything and that accepting it with all its grace as a good thing and sometimes hard.

I learned from going to the farm my godparents had that all things will eventually have to die including the people and animals, sometimes even things like trees and plants.

I was glad I learned it at 3 or 4 instead of later in my years. It always seems the ones who have to deal with it later than sooner have the most problem with it. That is why you give them the hamster to start out with and move up to the dog.

I give you my deepest regards to when you choose and how you choose to do what you think is right. It's always tough being the one to take them. When we took ours to be put to sleep she wanted to stay at the shelter instead of trying to come home with us which made it easier on the kid. The dog was beginning to suffer from a tumor and was having a harder time every day.

Take care.