Well I guess this is not really a shock. Everything/one gets old.

Eve has been hobbling. Thought it was long claws, vet gave her a semi anaesthetic and cut/cauterised them.

Shortly afterwards she’s hobbling again.

Back to vet.

Did tests, bad news.

Eva has altered liver and pancreas function, and xrays show a tumor behind her shoulder.

Vet thinks she has tumors growing beside those organs that are playing up.
So with a prognosis of a 13 y.o. doberman with cancer, she got a shot of cortisone with a life expectancy of anywhere from “little” to 18-24 months at the outside. A 30kg dog generally wouldn’t make 15 y.o. though even if healthy..

The vet (who says he is an aggressive surgeon) won’t operate, says the risk of damaging other bits is too great. There is no radio/chemo for dogs afaik. And if there were would you want to subject an elderly dog to that?

Got home from work Saturday morning and neighbour tells me that she has been crying at night. Very unlike her.

She hobbles badly, keeping off the affected limb.

So here is my dilemma. Do I dose her full of painkillers so she can live long enough so her major organs shut down, or has a stroke/heart attack, or do I get the vet to let her go now?

This is tearing me apart.

Have an appointment with the vet in 2 hours to discuss this. I won’t take her down, I just want to talk to the vet.

Am I being a utter bastard in thinking that I’m doing the right thing by sparing her the downward spiral? She’s my best mate.

If I were in pain and had an outlook like this I’d be cold tomorrow.

CollieWA said:

Well I guess this is not really a shock. Everything/one gets old.

Eve has been hobbling. Thought it was long claws, vet gave her a semi anaesthetic and cut/cauterised them.

Shortly afterwards she’s hobbling again.

Back to vet.

Did tests, bad news.

Eva has altered liver and pancreas function, and xrays show a tumor behind her shoulder.

Vet thinks she has tumors growing beside those organs that are playing up.
So with a prognosis of a 13 y.o. doberman with cancer, she got a shot of cortisone with a life expectancy of anywhere from “little” to 18-24 months at the outside. A 30kg dog generally wouldn’t make 15 y.o. though even if healthy..

The vet (who says he is an aggressive surgeon) won’t operate, says the risk of damaging other bits is too great. There is no radio/chemo for dogs afaik. And if there were would you want to subject an elderly dog to that?

Got home from work Saturday morning and neighbour tells me that she has been crying at night. Very unlike her.

She hobbles badly, keeping off the affected limb.

So here is my dilemma. Do I dose her full of painkillers so she can live long enough so her major organs shut down, or has a stroke/heart attack, or do I get the vet to let her go now?

This is tearing me apart.

Have an appointment with the vet in 2 hours to discuss this. I won’t take her down, I just want to talk to the vet.

Am I being a utter bastard in thinking that I’m doing the right thing by sparing her the downward spiral? She’s my best mate.

If I were in pain and had an outlook like this I’d be cold tomorrow.

Say your good byes, give her the biggest cuddles and get a lot of your crying done, then take her to the vet for the long sleep. If he refuses to operate you know you’re on the right track. I had to do this to my last hearing guide dog. It’s not easy to part company but it’s not your fault she has these health problems. Sorry Collie, crying here. Tell her everything’s going to be alright, OK?

:(:(

As sad as it is, in that situation I think I would be sparing her and saying goodbye early. It doesn’t sound like she has much chance of having any significant periods of good quality of life in the future – but perhaps think about getting her on some pain killers for the short term while you come to terms with the situation?

I tend to find that these decisions don’t come through logic – a point comes where you just know/feel what has to be done :(

Collie I really feel for you—but it is cruel to let her suffer—beter to break your own heart and have her put down—I love animals so much and it always broke my heart to have to do this—but it is the less selfish way—Yes Collie it is time to stop the suffering for her— ((hugs))

CollieWA said:

Well I guess this is not really a shock. Everything/one gets old.

Eve has been hobbling. Thought it was long claws, vet gave her a semi anaesthetic and cut/cauterised them.

Shortly afterwards she’s hobbling again.

Back to vet.

Did tests, bad news.

Eva has altered liver and pancreas function, and xrays show a tumor behind her shoulder.

Vet thinks she has tumors growing beside those organs that are playing up.
So with a prognosis of a 13 y.o. doberman with cancer, she got a shot of cortisone with a life expectancy of anywhere from “little” to 18-24 months at the outside. A 30kg dog generally wouldn’t make 15 y.o. though even if healthy..

The vet (who says he is an aggressive surgeon) won’t operate, says the risk of damaging other bits is too great. There is no radio/chemo for dogs afaik. And if there were would you want to subject an elderly dog to that?

Got home from work Saturday morning and neighbour tells me that she has been crying at night. Very unlike her.

She hobbles badly, keeping off the affected limb.

So here is my dilemma. Do I dose her full of painkillers so she can live long enough so her major organs shut down, or has a stroke/heart attack, or do I get the vet to let her go now?

This is tearing me apart.

Have an appointment with the vet in 2 hours to discuss this. I won’t take her down, I just want to talk to the vet.

Am I being a utter bastard in thinking that I’m doing the right thing by sparing her the downward spiral? She’s my best mate.

If I were in pain and had an outlook like this I’d be cold tomorrow.

Oh Collie I feel for you. I know she is your best mate and I know you will decide in her favour. She has had a good life and now it seems it should be over to save her any more pain.

This may not be the time to mention this but I have to. The Channel Seven Sunday Program last night was about a cancerous tumor treatment that they have been using on dogs with incredible success. Made from the seeds of the Blushwood tree. I don’t know if Eva would be eligible but ask your vet anyway. I have no idea of the cost of this treatment or the process but I had to pass it on to you.

Sorry to hear about this Collie, If I was in your Position i would end up getting her put down, Yes its heart Breaking but in the end it would be the best thing to do.

What everyone else has said.
Don’t let her suffer if she’s in pain, she wouldn’t expect you to.

Crying too :(

I’m so so sorry collie, I know what she means to you.
I can’t tell you what to do but I think you and the vet will decide together what is best.
There are cancer treatments available but it might be worse than the disease.

You could try the pain killers and see how she goes. You’ll know when she stops enjoying life. Our old cat has stage three renal failure but hasn’t gone downhill like the vets predicted, she’s fat and happy still, on meds.

Well thanks for the kind thoughts everyone. It helps.

I think I know how today is going to end, it isn’t easy. But we’ll see what the vet says.

CollieWA said:

Well thanks for the kind thoughts everyone. It helps.

I think I know how today is going to end, it isn’t easy. But we’ll see what the vet says.

Yes, see what he says, now that he’s had time to think about it too…

Off to see him.

The vet said that by far the best option for Eva was euthanasia.

The vet nurse mentioned that new cancer treatment but said it was at least 6 months away for dogs. So unfortunately it’s not going to help Eva.

I’ve been lying out in the carport with her and she is making all sorts of noises, indicating she is in pain.

As much as this thing cuts me up, it is right.

Appointment at 4:30pm. (bit over 3 hours).

We’ll be thinking of you both, Collie.

She’s had a good innings and you’ve taken such good care of her – so sad to say goodbye but at least she won’t be in pain for long :(

CollieWA said:

The vet said that by far the best option for Eva was euthanasia.

The vet nurse mentioned that new cancer treatment but said it was at least 6 months away for dogs. So unfortunately it’s not going to help Eva.

I’ve been lying out in the carport with her and she is making all sorts of noises, indicating she is in pain.

As much as this thing cuts me up, it is right.

Appointment at 4:30pm. (bit over 3 hours).

;(

Thanks Bon.

G’day Collie. Sad news mate.
You’re doing the only thing you can do.
Quality of life is the deciding factor and it’s a tough time and it sux.
At least you can be comforted in the knowledge that she’s had a cracker of a run and a good master.

It is the kindest and best thing to do Collie—you will always miss her and it will break your heart but you will know that you have done the unselfish thing.

Chin up collie. Have a good cry and then remember the good times. I’ve lost a few good dogs over the years too so I know just how you feel.

Have you thought about whether you’re going to bring her home? I always found it strangely comforting to have them buried at home.
I really wish we were close enough to help.

No, there is a place they bury them behind the pound, or else there is a cremation service. Pretty exxy though at $300. Not going to make a bit of difference to me.

I don’t want a fancy burial for me even, my body is just meat after I die. Throw me in deep water with a few bricks attached I say.

Been out patting her but it’s obviously hurting her to stand. She is panting heavily and it’s cool here.

I will miss her a lot, she is a very devoted dog and could do some clever stuff.

I’m sure I’m doing the right thing but it’s odd that I have requested and will aid in her death.

I’m rambling. I’ll go away for a while.

CollieWA said:

No, there is a place they bury them behind the pound, or else there is a cremation service. Pretty exxy though at $300. Not going to make a bit of difference to me.

I don’t want a fancy burial for me even, my body is just meat after I die. Throw me in deep water with a few bricks attached I say.

Been out patting her but it’s obviously hurting her to stand. She is panting heavily and it’s cool here.

I will miss her a lot, she is a very devoted dog and could do some clever stuff.

I’m sure I’m doing the right thing but it’s odd that I have requested and will aid in her death.

I’m rambling. I’ll go away for a while.

You ramble all you need to. You’re like a brother to us and your pain is our pain. Though I don’t think I have ever even seen a photo of her I will miss her too.

CollieWA said:

No, there is a place they bury them behind the pound, or else there is a cremation service. Pretty exxy though at $300. Not going to make a bit of difference to me.

I don’t want a fancy burial for me even, my body is just meat after I die. Throw me in deep water with a few bricks attached I say.

Been out patting her but it’s obviously hurting her to stand. She is panting heavily and it’s cool here.

I will miss her a lot, she is a very devoted dog and could do some clever stuff.

I’m sure I’m doing the right thing but it’s odd that I have requested and will aid in her death.

I’m rambling. I’ll go away for a while.

Collie you ramble all you want.
Of course you will miss her, those of us who love animals get so utterly attached to our pets it’s like losing a family member. I’d be an absolute mess. The pain is horrible and the grief is real.
I hope you’re ok.

I like this, and wholeheartedly agree.

“ It is always difficult to loose someone we love, but the death of an animal companion often touches us even more profoundly than the death of a human being.
Our animal companions at times grow more dear to us than our closest human friends.
They love us so unconditionally and with such great presence, that their passing . . .can leave a profound emptiness . . .
in the very deepest recesses . . .of our heart and soul.

The love of an animal permits us to unfold, to open up, drop our defenses and to be naked, not only physically but psychologically and spiritually as well. With an animal we let ourselves be seen instead of hiding behind our personalities, our cultures, our jobs, our clothing or our makeup. They know us as no one else does, in our private joys, angry rages, deepest despair, in sickness and in health. All the while their calm steady presence companions us with an unwavering love like few others on this earth. Our animal companions see through us to the very soul of our soul, encouraging the unfolding of a sacred trust. If there is such a thing as a soul mate, then surely this is it.

These two cats will be my last pets. I really don’t want to go through it all again, financially or emotionally.

Well it was very quick.

It is done.

8^(

I’m going for a little think. Be back in a couple of days.

veg gardener said:

CollieWA said:

The vet said that by far the best option for Eva was euthanasia.

The vet nurse mentioned that new cancer treatment but said it was at least 6 months away for dogs. So unfortunately it’s not going to help Eva.

I’ve been lying out in the carport with her and she is making all sorts of noises, indicating she is in pain.

As much as this thing cuts me up, it is right.

Appointment at 4:30pm. (bit over 3 hours).

;(

Did ANYONE watch the show re trial drugs and animals and cancers yesterday > ??

Sorry to hear about your loss, I still kick myself every time I loose a pet and go and get another, I feel their loss more than family most of the time !!

CollieWA said:

Well it was very quick.

It is done.

8^(

I’m going for a little think. Be back in a couple of days.

hugs, might join you :(

bubba louie said:

These two cats will be my last pets. I really don’t want to go through it all again, financially or emotionally.

I have 2 dogs and a pussy and 2 galahs, ones the 4 legged are gone and I cant look after the 2 legged ones they will be up for adoption if Chris cant look after them , or chooses not too, plus it is not fair on the animals if ‘we cant’ look after them as our circumstances change in life !!

CollieWA said:

Well it was very quick.

It is done.

8^(

I’m going for a little think. Be back in a couple of days.

My condolences, Collie.

Dinetta said:

CollieWA said:

Well it was very quick.

It is done.

8^(

I’m going for a little think. Be back in a couple of days.

My condolences, Collie.

Take care.

The Estate said:

bubba louie said:

These two cats will be my last pets. I really don’t want to go through it all again, financially or emotionally.

I have 2 dogs and a pussy and 2 galahs, ones the 4 legged are gone and I cant look after the 2 legged ones they will be up for adoption if Chris cant look after them , or chooses not too, plus it is not fair on the animals if ‘we cant’ look after them as our circumstances change in life !!

We’re still trying to get back on top after all the vet bills.

I’m too upset….crying heaps…….

Bye Eva and thank you for being Collie’s wonderful friend………..hugs to you both.

Vale.

:(

bubba louie said:

The Estate said:

bubba louie said:

These two cats will be my last pets. I really don’t want to go through it all again, financially or emotionally.

I have 2 dogs and a pussy and 2 galahs, ones the 4 legged are gone and I cant look after the 2 legged ones they will be up for adoption if Chris cant look after them , or chooses not too, plus it is not fair on the animals if ‘we cant’ look after them as our circumstances change in life !!

We’re still trying to get back on top after all the vet bills.

As I was going out the vet asked if I’d like to go out the side door.
I said no I need to pay his account.

He said “No you’re right.”

I said ok I’ll come back tomorrow.

He said “No jobs’ right. No account.”

So the consultation in the morning, the putting her down and the disposing of the body were all free.

I was expecting a couple of hundred at least there.

Thoroughly decent of him…..

Dinetta said:

Thoroughly decent of him…..

agree here !!

He sounds like the right man in the right job.

Not much to say this morning.

Sounds like the vet I used to have—he did the same thing—I guess they know that you have spent a lot of love time and money and done the right thing by you much loved pet.

Sad but the best option IMO.
sorry for your loss collie.

Yes very decent of him.

Like my avian vet when I bring a ‘lowly’ chook to him, he has all the time in the world for it, and refuses to charge me.
So I buy my all chooks worm stuff and drops from his practice, and Max’s flea drops.

I’m so sorry I didn’t see this yesterday Collie, I would have been wishing you strength.
A couple of months ago I thought I faced the same decision and cried for about a week straight, Kuges bounced back but I know exactly how it feels to be faced with the question of “How do you know when it’s time?”

My deepest sympathies for your loss, have shed tears here for you.
Rest easy and painfree Eva.

A little poem…

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep,
I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly, as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour your tea,
You were thinking of the times your hand reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore,
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care,
I want to reassure you, that I’m not lying there.

I walked you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said “Its me”

Its possible for me to be so near to you everyday.
To say to you with certainty “I NEVER WENT AWAY”

The day is over, I smile, watch you yawning
& say Goodnight, God-Bless, I’ll see you in the morning…

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and I’ll NEVER leave your side.
- Anon

I am so very sorry to hear about Eva, but I believe you made the right decision and now she is no longer in pain. Big (((HUGS))) for you Collie.

A little poem…
+++++++++++++
Nice one HFB.
Might stash that one away for the looming inevitable..

Longy said:

A little poem…
+++++++++++++
Nice one HFB.
Might stash that one away for the looming inevitable..

Read back through this thread and find HP’s verses. Hers were good too. Appropriate poems can say what we find so hard to put into words in situations like this.

I couldn’t get through HFB’s poem at work today. Just came back to read through it now sniffles

Waaaaaaaaahh, why can’t doggies live forever? :~(

pomolo said:

Longy said:

A little poem…
+++++++++++++
Nice one HFB.
Might stash that one away for the looming inevitable..

Read back through this thread and find HP’s verses. Hers were good too. Appropriate poems can say what we find so hard to put into words in situations like this.

Oh, they’re not my words but a site I kept for when a pet dies, for my kids. I don’t want them to ever feel guilty that they may grieve harder for a pet than a human.

bon008 said:

I couldn’t get through HFB’s poem at work today. Just came back to read through it now sniffles

Waaaaaaaaahh, why can’t doggies live forever? :~(

Same here, tears flowed reading Hortys post.
Yes I wish they lived longer.

Well thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts.

DON’T READ THIS IF YOU MIGHT BE UPSET BY IT, PLEASE.

Before I took her down I put a doona in the carport and lay in the sun.
I was feeling terrible about what I was about to do.

But Eva wasn’t able to comfortably lay down next to me, something she would normally seek to do.

If I sat on a chair she was standing for ear tickles but was obviously uncomfortable.

She was making little grunting noises and it looked like her abdomen was twitching while she was panting. This was panting on a day of about 18C. I think panting is a sign of pain. She wasn’t able to use one leg and it obviously hurt her to walk.

Sitting in the waiting room was surreal. Everyone but me had the expectation of their pet getting better.

When I finally went in it was over very very quickly. I want to use that stuff if I ever need to go. Before the needle was even empty she was sagging.

I now think I made the right choice. I’m also glad I spent the time with her because I saw just how uncomfortable she was.
It’s very sad to have to have done this to her, but I know it was the right thing to do FOR her.

CollieWA said:

Well thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts.

DON’T READ THIS IF YOU MIGHT BE UPSET BY IT, PLEASE.

Before I took her down I put a doona in the carport and lay in the sun.
I was feeling terrible about what I was about to do.

But Eva wasn’t able to comfortably lay down next to me, something she would normally seek to do.

If I sat on a chair she was standing for ear tickles but was obviously uncomfortable.

She was making little grunting noises and it looked like her abdomen was twitching while she was panting. This was panting on a day of about 18C. I think panting is a sign of pain. She wasn’t able to use one leg and it obviously hurt her to walk.

Sitting in the waiting room was surreal. Everyone but me had the expectation of their pet getting better.

When I finally went in it was over very very quickly. I want to use that stuff if I ever need to go. Before the needle was even empty she was sagging.

I now think I made the right choice. I’m also glad I spent the time with her because I saw just how uncomfortable she was.
It’s very sad to have to have done this to her, but I know it was the right thing to do FOR her.

Not upset so much as relieved Eva isn’t in pain anymore. You absolutely did the right thing, you helped her when she needed help.
I’ve had to be the strong one and hold the pet 3 times for the green needle. I want that stuff too if ever I’m on the way out and I have pain.

CollieWA said:

Well thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts.

DON’T READ THIS IF YOU MIGHT BE UPSET BY IT, PLEASE.

Before I took her down I put a doona in the carport and lay in the sun.
I was feeling terrible about what I was about to do.

But Eva wasn’t able to comfortably lay down next to me, something she would normally seek to do.

If I sat on a chair she was standing for ear tickles but was obviously uncomfortable.

She was making little grunting noises and it looked like her abdomen was twitching while she was panting. This was panting on a day of about 18C. I think panting is a sign of pain. She wasn’t able to use one leg and it obviously hurt her to walk.

Sitting in the waiting room was surreal. Everyone but me had the expectation of their pet getting better.

When I finally went in it was over very very quickly. I want to use that stuff if I ever need to go. Before the needle was even empty she was sagging.

I now think I made the right choice. I’m also glad I spent the time with her because I saw just how uncomfortable she was.
It’s very sad to have to have done this to her, but I know it was the right thing to do FOR her.

I’ve sat in a waiting room with tears pouring down my face in the same situation with a cat, but like you say, it’s very quick and you stayed with her.
I’ve known people who just handed them over and left because they whimped out. I think that’s so cruel and selfish to abandon an animal at the end when they could get comfort by you being there.

Eva was a very lucky girl.

I am a strong believer in euthanasia (sp)

I did the same with my dearly loved Lab—I rubbed her tummy while the vet gave her the needle took seconds and she was at peace—if only we were able to do the same for ourselves when the time came.

Happy Potter said:

bon008 said:

I couldn’t get through HFB’s poem at work today. Just came back to read through it now sniffles

Waaaaaaaaahh, why can’t doggies live forever? :~(

Same here, tears flowed reading Hortys post.
Yes I wish they lived longer.

As soon as I saw there was poetry, I skipped the post…

Happy Potter said:

pomolo said:

Longy said:

A little poem…
+++++++++++++
Nice one HFB.
Might stash that one away for the looming inevitable..

Read back through this thread and find HP’s verses. Hers were good too. Appropriate poems can say what we find so hard to put into words in situations like this.

Oh, they’re not my words but a site I kept for when a pet dies, for my kids. I don’t want them to ever feel guilty that they may grieve harder for a pet than a human.

To be clear, I didn’t write the poem either, but it was anonymous so had nobody to credit it to…hence the little possibly missed ‘anon’ down the bottom. HP, yours was lovely too.

CollieWA said:

Well thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts.

DON’T READ THIS IF YOU MIGHT BE UPSET BY IT, PLEASE.

Collie my dear, we read that KNOWING we’ll be upset by it, because how can we possibly hope to offer support and solace if we don’t take a little of your grief into ourselves?

From what you have written, I KNOW that you have done the right thing. It sounds like she was in distress. Sometimes releasing them is the greatest gift we can give our four legged friends for the great and constant friendship they have offered us.

bubba louie said:

I’ve sat in a waiting room with tears pouring down my face in the same situation with a cat, but like you say, it’s very quick and you stayed with her.
I’ve known people who just handed them over and left because they whimped out. I think that’s so cruel and selfish to abandon an animal at the end when they could get comfort by you being there.

I sort of think that too, but what if you are so upset that you are no comfort to the animal and actually make it MORE distressed. I can see both sides, but I have already decided I will have a vet come to my house and I will be there ‘til the end.

pain master said:

Happy Potter said:

bon008 said:

I couldn’t get through HFB’s poem at work today. Just came back to read through it now sniffles

Waaaaaaaaahh, why can’t doggies live forever? :~(

Same here, tears flowed reading Hortys post.
Yes I wish they lived longer.

As soon as I saw there was poetry, I skipped the post…

Wuss! :P

hortfurball said:

bubba louie said:

I’ve sat in a waiting room with tears pouring down my face in the same situation with a cat, but like you say, it’s very quick and you stayed with her.
I’ve known people who just handed them over and left because they whimped out. I think that’s so cruel and selfish to abandon an animal at the end when they could get comfort by you being there.

I sort of think that too, but what if you are so upset that you are no comfort to the animal and actually make it MORE distressed. I can see both sides, but I have already decided I will have a vet come to my house and I will be there ‘til the end.

I don’t think I was allowed to go in with my rattie when she was put down :(

I have been there for any animal that has been taken to the vet and put to sleep. It breaks my heart to say goodbye to them, but I know its the most loving way I can say thank you to them for their years of faithfulness to us.

When Zhilla our little siamese cat was put to sleep (just over 12 years ago) she hated our kids…… hated them with a passion…..

Well she crawled into bed with them the night before she went to the vet (appointment had been made she was 18.5 years old) and gave both kids a cuddle and kiss before she came back to our bed.

Even to this day it makes me cry when i talk or think about it……we always thought she’d out live the kids at home …just to piss them off..lol.

Collie, I know how hard this must’ve been for you. Keep in mind you did the absolute best for your baby and kept her from more pain and suffering.
Cry as much as you need to, it will help with the grieving. As sad as you are now, you must remember the joy she bought into your life and how much better it was with her.
Won’t be long and there will be another cheeky little one to take her place and give you as much joy as she gave you.
They’re all as unique as we are and have so much to share and give to make our lives so much more fullfilling.