Had to put a beloved pet to sleep today

[Scottydont]

I made the decision to put one of our beloved pets to sleep today. She was a 12 year old gray tabby known as Shy. Shy has been on medication for a hyperactive thyroid for many years now. We knew it was a matter of time before she had any problems. She has always been subserviant to Bugs our Alpha cat and she has been pretty mean to her over the years. She often hangs out in my home office for the solitude and safety.

I work from home and I noticed that she was walking looking straight down at her front paws. She would not look forward. I picked her up and cuddled her and she gave no indication of discomfort. After putting her down she wanted to got outside and it broke my heart to see her at the edge of our deck with her front legs shaking reluctant to jump off. She eventually did and she sauntered off slowly to do her business. I checked about 15 minutes later finding her laying down in a flower bed, again with her head straight down rather than looking forward. We took her to the vet and nothing obvious but they offered to do about $300 bucks work of test to find out what was wrong. After the tough life she has had we thought it better to let her go. It was a very hard decision as I have a very strong belief about the responsibility owners have to their pets. It was especially hard signing a release form to authorize to euthanize her.

I will miss my little office admin keeping me company or curling up on my lap being the heat magnet that she was.

[Richard in Smithville]

I feel for you Scott. It's hard to say good-bye. The worst was thinking I saw Marty out of the corner of my eye for weeks after.

[Stormbringer]

Scott,

Been there twice in the past two years It killed me much more than I ever thought it would but you can't see them suffer.

Sorry for your loss,
Greg

[TB Roye]

Scott

I feel for you and your family. I had to put my beloved Choc Lab Toby my Senior Companion down in July due to many health issues. Beleive my it is a hard decission but it is one we can make to help our friend find peace and no pain. I still suffer from his loss but I am recovering. A moth ago LOML came saying she need another dog as she was in bad pain. As much as I did not want another dog or pet, I decided to let her get a dog with the understanding that she has full resposibility for it. She is a Shiba Inu mix (Lab?) and she is helping this old man mend a broken heart. Our grand daughter loves her and they get along great. LOML walks her every night, and I tag along some time. She is a sweet heart and like I told LOML Rose is her dog if I decide I want of my own I will get one. Give your self some time and then maybe find and new one that needs a good home. It will never replace the one you lost but can help heal a broken heart. Take care Scott

Tom

[smc331]

It is never easy - but you did the right thing. We have a 12 year old cat who is doing fine right now, but we too know how it can go. It hurts when they have to leave us, but we will always have to have the little buggers around.

[bigstick509]

From one cat lover to another.

[ironhat]

A real bummer for sure, Scott, but I also feel that you did right by her. We once had an abused shepherd who loved us for 11 years before I had to hold him in my arms as the vet gave the injection. He was always scared of the vet. Jeez, they give us so much and ask for so little. Condolences, my friend. We feel for ya!

[gwyneth]

Our thoughts are with you. It's always tough losing a family member.

[cork58]

My thoughts are with you tonight. I lost a very good friend not long ago. She was a rescue and we fell in love right away. She died in my arms and I wept. She was only 6 years old at the time. Something about a brain problem that came on in hours. I do miss my Misty, the best dog in the whole world. I have her ashes on my window wall and still light a candel every night.

Now I have another friend to deal with. Hondo. He is 49 years old this year. He has saved my life twice in the last 30+ years we have been together. I mean if it wasn't for him I'd be dead now. He gave of himself to safe me! He is blind now and when I give this old horse his grain every morning I wonder if he will be here when I get home. All I ask for is one more year wtih him.....

I know how to feel your pain.

Sorry about your loss.

Cork

[Hoakie]

Sorry to hear it man. I've lost pets before but have never had to make that difficult decision. My thoughts are with you.

[TheRic]

It's always hard to put a pet down. It's not something like to do. If you do it once it's once to many!

[Uncle Cracker]

It's tough love, Scott. Our pets depend on us to ease their suffering, even though it adds to our own. The happy memories will remain, and you never know, it might just clear the way for a new friend...

[gerti]

Scott I feel for you. Our Jack (actually Jacqueline) is 15 and also has a hyperactive thyroid, but it is covering a kidney problem. It is tough to balance the two without her loosing more weight. I think she is heading down a similar path as your Shy. We lost our other girl-cat a few years ago, still miss her a lot. And our oldest Malamute is not doing great either. Some tough decisions ahead.

[cabinetman]

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 that 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 time gone by.

All 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 are
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….”

[Ken Massingale]

Our thoughts are with you, Scott. This is one of the most difficult things we are burdened with. Find strength in that you did what was best for your pal.
k