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Hi Rosie's Mom,

I am truly sorry for your recent losses. It sounds like you really gathered as much information as you possibly could, and you made a decision based on what was best for Rosie and put your own needs second. That was a true act of love. Knowing that Rosie would have suffered through treatment, I believe I would have made the same decision myself. I think you did the right thing. Please accept my condolences.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

A few weeks ago I was faced about whether to consider euthanasia for our beloved Dog Rosie, who would have been 13 in December. After several second and third opinions from different vets, I was finally told that Rosie had cancer. I could spend thousands of dollars trying to keep her alive, but ultimately that care would fail. In the interim, she would not have a good quality of life and had the potential to suffer, even with all the drugs. This decision was presented to me 10 months after my husband died from cancer. He and Rosie were truly buddies and did a lot together. Anyway, with a shattered heart, I made the decision to have Rosie euthanized. My daughter and I were both with her when she died. Although I can't imagine a life without Rosie, a life with her in constant pain I would never wish on anyone, let alone my "fur child."

-- Contributed by: Rosie's Mom

Hi Dawn,

I completely understand your reluctance, yet your need to ask this question. The cost of humane euthanasia generally varies according to a dog's size. Smaller dogs are a little less, larger dogs a little more. Vets also vary in their charge for the service. For these reasons, it would be best to weigh your dog, and then call your vet directly and ask about the cost of the procedure. This is always a delicate issue not only because of the cost, but because of the emotions involved, and most clinics are very considerate during these discussions.

You might also want to visit our Dog forum. We have a discussion board on euthanasia issues where you can post this question. You should get feedback from others about their recent experiences.

I'm sorry that this issue is one you have to contemplate, but I'm glad you felt you could come here to ask you question. Take care.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Its so hard to say, but what will I be expected to pay for this procedure? We are not doing well financially and now the utter desperation of losing our girl. I wish there were even some guidline I can't handle all the stress.

-- Contributed by: Dawn

Hi Joe,

I agree with you. Euthanasia shouldn't be used simply as a "problem solver".

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Dawn,

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's extremely difficult to lose a friends of 14 years, but the worst of the grief will pass and you'll eventually be able to focus on the good times the two of you had together.

Thank your for sharing with us, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Sadly enough it's been our experience (in Boston Terrier Rescue) that more and more vets are "recommending" euth'ing a dog for a wide array of issues including minor behavioural issues and housebreaking problems.

In my opinion, that's a moral and ethical issue that the AVMA should address as well as turning a blind eye to it's own guidelines with regard to shelter vets who engage in "heartsticking."

-- Contributed by: joe

I had to euthanize my 14 year old Beagle 2 days ago. I am still crying my eyes out. Mostly because I am going to miss him so much. I am just thankful that he will not suffer anymore. I guess I have to keep focusing on that fact. My vet had told me I would know when it was time and she was so right.

-- Contributed by: Dawn

Hello Ikko, and thank you for visiting the site.

I'm so sorry to hear about what your family is going through. It sounds as though you made your decision with your dog's suffering in mind, and although I'm sure it's very difficult, it was an unselfish thing to do.

Right now it may not seem like you'll ever want to own another dog again, but once your initial grief fades, you may find you still have love to give to another dog in need of a family. Just give yourself time.

Thank you for sharing your situation, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Thanks for putting up this thread. Moochie, my 4 year old mixed breed, is scheduled to be put to sleep tomorrow. He's been suffering from rashes, wheezing cough, and difficulty in walking for the past 3 months.. I feel bad seeing him struggling everyday, for he has strong will..he eats a lot, greets me when I get home from law school everyday, obeys my every command, knows when I or any of my family is down and tries hard to cope up with his difficulties.. he's the 1st dog that I owned that I didn't have any trouble having house trained. For him, it seemed instinctive..He never bit any furniture nor wires nor did he ever pooped inside my house. I feel guilty about the choice I had to make in behalf of my family.. Putting to sleep a pet you've loved and kept for so long really isn't that easy as others say.. After this experience, I don't think I could ever own a pet again.. For me, losing Moochie is like losing someone in my family..

-- Contributed by: Ikko

Hello Linda,

Thank you for coming to the website. A lot of people struggle with the decision to euthanize, and each case is unique. Ind the end, you know your dog best. If you feel she has little to no quality of life left, the decision to euthanize might be the kindest thing. My best advice is to let your vet examine your dog, and the two of you can discuss what is the best plan of action for her.

Thank you for sharing your situation during this difficult time, and please feel free to come back and talk if you need to.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kim,

The decision whether or not to euthanize a pet is an extremely difficult and personal one. You know your dog best and are the most qualified person to judge your dog's quality of life. My advice is to see if the surgeon offers any other option. Ear canal removal is sometimes the last option when dealing with chronic ear infections. I think you'll have a clearer idea about what's best for your pet after you have all the information.

Thank you for sharing your situation. I truly hope the vet can help.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I am getting ready to take our 12 yr. old golden retriever to the vet with very bad hip problem. Her foot has swollen and I am thinking she has heart failure. She is still eating and drinking, but she cannot get herself up this afternoon. So, I am thinking it is time to "let her go". I just needed to talk.

-- Contributed by: Linda

We have a german shepard with chronic and painful ear infections. She has had surgery to remove the ear drums, scrap the ear cannals so we would not have to see her in pain. She is infected again within a year after surgery. I don't want to see her suffer. We will see the surgeon angain Wed.. If a resolution, a permenant one can not be found. Should I put down my 8 year old dog?

-- Contributed by: Kim

Hello Terri,

I'm am so sorry to hear about your experience. I am amazed to hear that your vet bent the needle. It's difficult to understand how such a thing could have happened. I know it doesn't help you, but I certainly hope the vet learned how to correctly handle this delicate situation going forward.

Please know you have my condolances on your loss.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

We put our 8 year old Akita down this morning. It was a lot harder than I ever imagined it would be. He has a mast cell tumor in his abdomen that was the size of a football. The euthanasia was not as peaceful as I thought it would be. He growled, we had to use a muzzle, the vet had bent the needle and had to get a second needle. He didn't go to sleep, he was alive one second and dead the next. I feel horrible and am afraid the images will never leave.

-- Contributed by: Terri

Hello Marcello,

I'm sincerely sorry to hear about the loss of your dog, but I hope you won't feel guilty about the decision you made. It takes an unselfish heart to release a dog from suffering, especially when it results in such loss and pain for us. You were brave enough to make the right decision based on your dog's personal cir...stances and set worries about your own feelings aside. I believe you made the right decision.

Thank you for visiting our site.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I had my best frien Coco euthanized yesterday, he had osteo sarcoma, he coul not stand any more, and he was in lots of pain. I feel guilty for taking that decision, but I hope this feeling will go away soon. Coco was only 5 year old, I miss him so much.

-- Contributed by: Marcello

Hi Karin and Rick,

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog's illness and your other losses. Death can be a part of pet ownership, but it never gets any easier. Take heart in the fact that you've done what you could for your dog, and there's nothing more that could be done to stop the cancer. You've made a very difficult decision, but I believe it is the right one in this situation.

Thank you for sharing your situation, and best wishes to your family.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hello, We will be going to the vet the 4th time,to put one family member to sleep, because she has cancer wich can not be operated. She also can't hear,can't walk any more and can't see. We hate to see her suffer so much but it just hurts so very much, that last trip.

The worst thing was, when we lost our other 3 dogs in a matter of 6 month. 1 to severe hipp problem, 1 to leukaemia,and 1 had a stroke.

It still hurts after all those years (2004) We still have 3 more dogs and I hope they will go to sleep at home.

-- Contributed by: Karin and Rick

Hi Maria,

I'm so sorry to hear about your pet's passing. It is never easy to make this kind of decision, but considering your dog's condition, I'm sure you did the right thing. I too have had to have an old friend euthanized, and I completely understand your grief. It's natural to second guess yourself, but based on what you write, I'm sure you did the right thing. As for not being able to be there at the moment, you also did the right thing for your cir...stances. The vet would have handled it all in a very calm manner so that your dog would feel the least alarm. Had you been there feeling upset, your dog would have immediately sensed it and become stressed. It was better to keep the environment calm. To the best of my knowledge, the procedure is very quick.

It may not seem like it now, but the worst part of your grief will work itself out. You will always miss your dog at some level, but in a couple of months from now, you will be able to focus on the many good times you had together and think less about your dog's illness at the end.

Thank you for sharing your feelings with the rest of us.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I had to put my poodle to sleep a few days ago. He was just turning 16 and meant the world to me. I have been crying every minute and feel guilty having to make this choice. He could not walk anymore, was senile and not eating. He was really old. I regret that I was not there to comfort him but I could not bear to watch him die. I feel like I let him down. He was a loyal and loving pet. I asked my son to take him to the vet but he had to walk out of the room. Seeing this was to hard to bear. I hope the end came fast and he did not feel alone or abandoned.

-- Contributed by: Maria

Hi Imee,

I'm so sorry to hear about what you're going through. I once had to put my favorite dog to sleep at the age of ten. She was the first dog of my own that I ever had, and it was devastating. I honestly cried about her for weeks and weeks, and I wondered if I would ever be able to think about her without breaking up. Eventually, the grief lightened, and I was able to talk about some of my wonderful memories of Amanda. I've loved all my dogs, but there has never been another one like her.

It takes time to grieve for such a longtime companion. The fact that Gus was a dog doesn't mean he meant any less to you than a child could have. Right now, you are in the deepest period of loss, but I'm sure that your grief will eventually begin to lighten also, and then you'll be able to share your own wonderful memories of him with friends and family. In fact, I hope you'll come back and share them here when you feel ready.

Thanks for sharing your situation.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi kelly

My husband and I put ou dog to sleep Sat last week. His name is Gus my sweet baby. We don't have any children so Gus was our baby. I'm hurting so bad that i'm not sure if I am depressed or is this just part of grieving. Everytime I have to talk about Gus I just start crying. My house is so quiet now. Gus was about 12 or 13 (...er spaniel beagle mix). He was found by our neighbor.

-- Contributed by: imee

Hello Lori,

I'm so sorry to hear about Willow's illness. It's very difficult to let go of such a treasured friend, but somtimes it's the kindest thing to do. Suffering is quickly brought to an end, and an old friend can rest peacefully. Please take heart in the fact that you did as much for Willow as you were able. Not every dog receives as much love and consideration. She has been lucky to have you.

Best wishes during this difficult time.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I am at the cross road of making this most difficult decision - it's breaking my heart ...my 12 year old dalmation, Willow, is suffering with a liver diease ...she can't eat, she throws everything up before she can benefit from it - she has not held onto any nourishment in 5 days now & is rapidly declining ... we don't have the means to hospitalize her for all those last ditch efforts - which may not help her anyway ...she has been such a good dog her whole life - it pains me so much to see her declining so quickly - when only 2 weeks ago, she was happy & vibrant & full of life. I can't let her hang on only to starve or worse - yet at times she seems so normal and alsmost well ...she wags her tail & smiles at us ...follows us around when she can, for a few minutes. My vet will come to our home so Willow can pass peacfully on her own bed surrounded by her family ...I just don't know if I can do it ...have her die in my lap ...but she deserves that much from me - this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do & I cry as I write this ...thanks for the outlet for my tears & grief.

-- Contributed by: Lori

A thank you to everyone who writes in and tells their story. No doubt we're all heartbroken and it helps sometimes to see a different way to cope.

-- Contributed by: Lesa Claywell

Thank you for sharing your story Patsy. It takes a good deal of courage to let go, but it sounds like you did the right thing in your dog's situation. Please accept my condelences on your loss.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Two days ago we had to have our beloved yorkie put to sleep. He had been with us for 14yrs and a joy every day. He was constantly coughing and his lungs kept filling with fluid which made breathing difficult. The vet said he could no longer help him and it would be kinder to let him go. We stayed with him to the end as he had done for us and he kissed and licked us both then went. We are both heartbroken but know it was the best thing to do. The heartbreak will take time to heal but at least my little man is no longer in pain.

-- Contributed by: Patsy

PLEASE - TRY NOT TO BE SELFISH!

My 7-year-old female Golden Retriever, Mattie, started having breathing problems and stopped wanting to eat. When I took her to the vet, he did a chest x-ray on her and it looked like a "snowstorm" in her chest. You could barely see any of her organs it was so bad. He did some blood work on her and sent it off to a lab and kept her for a couple of days giving her fluids through an IV. The diagnosis was histopolasmosis, a disease that can be gotten from the soil where feces of bats, birds or old chicken coops have been, even if they have not been there for a long time. He tried giving her a strong medicine but it didn't help and she started getting worse. The disease was progressing so quickly. He offered to put her to sleep, but I just couldn't stand the thought of having her die there. I wanted her to be at home, with us, at HER home. My boyfriend or I stayed with her around the clock that night. She was extremely weak and could hardly walk or breathe, but she came into the kitchen the next morning to see me. She died just a couple of minutes later. Our hearts were completely broken. She was absolutely my BEST friend. My boyfriend and I have talked about it since then, and he really resented me for bringing her home and letting her suffer. He felt that it was very selfish on my part, and I had to agree. He understood why I did it, he just felt like Mattie shouldn't have had to suffer because of how I felt. In hindsight, the most humane thing I could have done would be to have stayed there at the Vet's office and be with her while he put her to sleep. My feelings were just so strong about having her at home, that I just couldn't do it (UNFORTUNATELY, I PUT MY FEELINGS FIRST). With all my heart, I would not have had Mattie suffer any longer than she already had. We both still miss her TERRIBLY, but she was truly a gift in our lives while she was here!

-- Contributed by: Lesa

I wish there were a pill form the vet could give the guardian of a pet whom they feel should be put to sleep. It would enable the guardian to give it in the home environment without the presence of medical personnel. Most medical personnel are very kind and loving to both guardian and pet but unless the administer is a close family friend, it is a sure sign to the pet something is amiss. My biggest concern, that of the pet knowing something dreadful is happening, would be eliminated. Yes, I understand the guardian's responsibility to do what is best in the long run for their friend but we know how smart our babies are and to think they are not fearful and read us no matter how natural we try to be, is foolish. Popping a pill in a treat, specifically designed by the vet for the pet, taken in the comfort of the pet's home with family members present, is the most humane and kind way to let them go. Yes, I realize putting this type of drug in the hands of lay people can be a liability and I do not expect in my lifetime I will see this. However, anyone that is bent on abusing drugs can apparently get their hands on them. Our faithful, and most loving friends should be able to die in peace.

Hi Sandy,

That would seem like a kinder and gentler approach to such a delicate situation. Perhaps some day...

-- Contributed by: Sandy

Today my husband and I had our beloved German Shepard, Brisco, euthanized. Brisco was a devoted friend and confidant for 14 years. He suffered from Canine Hip Dysplasia and could no longer walk comfortably. Anyone who know anything about Hip Dysplasia knows that it can be debilitating and painful for the animal. The decision to euthanize our much loved pet was the hardest decision we have had to make at this point. God speed to all our loving and many suffering animal friends.

HI Jai, I'm sorry to hear of Briscoe's passing. Canine Hip Dysplasia is incredibly painful in the end stages, and I'm very sure you did the kindest thing for him, although I'm equally as sure it was the hardest thing you've ever had to do. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

-- Contributed by: Jai

I JUST HAD MY CHANCE PUT DOWN. HE WOKE ME UP AT 3AM HE COULD NOT MOVE HIS FRONT LEGS I RUSHED HIM TO THE VET BY THE NEXT MORNING HE COULDN'T MOVE HIS HIND LEGS AND WAS HAVING BREATHING PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD HIM FOR 15YEARS I AM HAVING A VERY HARD TIME BECAUSE I PUT HIM DOWN I WAS NOT IN THE ROOM WITH HIM I SAID A LITTLE GOODBYE I COULD NOT STAND TO SEE HIM THAT WAY. NOW I FEEL SO BAD FOR NOT BEING WITH HIM. HE WAS WITH ME SO MANY TIMES IN MY LIFE WHEN I HURT.THIS IS A HARD DECISION AND I AM SORRY YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH IT. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN WITH HIM AND I WILL NEVER FEEL GOOD ABOUT PUTTING HIM DOWN

Hi Jill, I'm so sorry to hear about Chance's passing, but I think you are being too hard on yourself. You sprang into action right away and went straight to the vet. You had the vet's expert advice that putting Chance to sleep was the kindest thing you could do for him. That dog knew you loved him, I'm absolutely sure of it. I also could not be in the room when my favorite dog was put to sleep. We all have our strengths, but that wasn't one of mine. I also felt guilty, but as time passed I came to understand that if I had been in the room and upset, my dog would have felt alarmed that something wasn't right. It was actually better to say good-bye outside, and let things happen in a calm environment. You did the right thing for your circumstances. Please accept my best wishes for both you and Chance.

-- Contributed by: JILL JOHANSEN

God bless you all, I had a mixed breed (collie & ?)named Maggie we rescued from the pound in 95, they thought she was a year old or so now she would be 13-15 years old. My kids talked me into a dog, I really didnt want another one after my Doberman left me in 84. But anyway as I feared she ended up being my best friend and last night 1-15-08 about 10 PM now she's gone. I had her to the Vet and was giving her thyroid pills but last night I got her to the Vet and the older wiser Vet said she probably has Cushings Disease. So if your pets are older read up on the symptoms as there are treatments that will make them more comfortable, I thought she was just getting old. Before I left the Vet last night she suggested euthanasia but I brought her home with hope, you all know what I mean. Four hours later she passed away in my arms, I do thank God I didnt have to put her down. Thanks for listening and hug your pet every day.

Thanks for sharing Jim. All of our visitors can read our article on Cushing's Disease in Dogs.

-- Contributed by: Jim

I have a 13 year old Mastiff/Pit Bull mix named Bear. When he was a 3 y/o he had to have a total knee replacement. Now it bothers me to watch him try and get up. He almost falls back on his butt. He eats, drinks, wags his tail when I say "hello, you" to him. But I see him slowly drifting. He pee's on the floor in the house occasionally. I'm torn as I still believe that he has some time left in him. My wife is a Registered Nurse and keeps reminding me that it's the quality of his life that's important not the quantity. I don't want to be selfish and cause undue suffering. Since I have never had to make a decision like this I am lost. My wife has already setup an inhome visit from the vet to put him to sleep this Friday. Internally, I am a wreck.

Oh Joe, I am so sorry to hear about your old friend. I do think that quality of life is an excellent indicator of when it's time to say good-bye. If the vet concurrs with your wife that it is truly time to let go, at least know that you saw your pet through to the end, and did everything you could to make his life as happy and comfortable as you could.

Best wishes in these trying times.

-- Contributed by: Joe

there is no easy thing to say or comforting thing to say im wrestling with this decision also

-- Contributed by: denis

Hi Diane,

This is the hardest decision that any dog lover has to make. I've had to do it myself, and all I can tell you is that you have to weigh the health problems against your dog's quality of life. The cataracts and hearling loss are things your dog can adjust to with a little extra help from you. However, it's the rear weakness that concerns me the most.

I suspect from your description that your dog may have Canine Hip Dysplasia, and if he does it's only going to become more painful. I think you should ask your vet to examine him and give you a professional prognosis for his future. This will help you make your decision.

My most heartfelt wishes for you and your dog during this difficult time.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 14 year old male springer spaniel. He has always been healthy, except for skin problems. Within the last six months he has developed cataracts in one eye and can not see, hearing loss but the most concerning is his unsettledness. His back legs are "giving out". After he paces for five or ten minutes, then finally lays down, he struggles with getting up. Is he is pain? He eats well, has some accidents in the house with his bladder. He has never bitten anyone, until now, if we try and help him with his back legs to get up from a sitting position, he bites, does not penetrate the skin, but I am assumming he is hurting. I am thinking of putting him down. I have never had to make that decision before, but if he is in pain, I don't want him to suffer because I am selfish and don't want to see him go. I had an 11 year old springer which died naturally fifteen years ago. I just want to know when it is time to do this. He is on prednisone, 10 mg twice a day is all I can reduce the dosage to, otherwise, one 10mg tablet doesn't let him go through the whole day. What do I do? Thank you. I appreciate your help. Sincerely, Diane Orner

-- Contributed by: diane

Kimberly- I returned from my vet yesterday to learn my 12 year old dog has cancer and he is also quickly declining. I have done this before and know this, you are doing the right thing as I will be , probably later this week. But I would rather feel this pain then to never feel the love a pet can give. The 12 years of joy he has given me will far outweigh the hurt I am feeling right now.

God Bless you and our pets.

-- Contributed by: Rob

Hello Kimberly,

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog, and I completely empathize with your family's grief. As a long-time breeder, I've had to put a few dogs to sleep over the years, and it's just as hard as losing any family member. Rest assured, if your dog is that ill you are doing the kindest thing for her and being a truly responsible owner.

My best wishes for your entire family.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have to put my dog of nine years to sleep this evening at 5:40 and was looking for a little comfort, so I'm searching the net in hopes of this. This is my first and my familes first time having to deal with the death of an animal and I'm just devesated. Our dog has cancer and is quickly getting worse. Although I know this is the best thing to do for her, it hurts like a you know what. Thank you for your article, and God Bless anyone who has to go through what we will be shortly.

-- Contributed by: Kimberly
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