Mindy10

To NITSCHEMOM. I want to post a poem that someone sent to me when I was trying to make the same decision about Bobo. I did end up putting bobo down. I believe that one day you just wake up and you knew its time. He was going down hill with doggie demential for 6 months. The last week of his life he did not know me. Then he started to get lost under tables and chairs. One night when I heard a big crash and ran downstairs and he got under the table and knocked the lamp off. I was so afraid he was going to get hurt. Thats when I realized it was time and he had no quality of life. Here is the poem. I hope If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

DeeLind7

Mindy, nice poem. It made me cry.

Bigboy

What a lovely poem Mindy if you know what I mean! Did you compose it your self? I am sorry to hear about Bobo but You did what was right by him RIP and Run free at the bridge ATB

__________________
" Iam chillin with the forum! "

Thanks Monkey! I been fleeced Thanks Skunkstripe. Dave

ATB!

Bigboy

What a lovely poem Mindy if you know what I mean! I am sorry to hear about Bobo but You did what was right by him RIP and Run free at the bridge Could a mod kindly move this to Mindy's new thread You know when it's time as I feel that's where it belongs thank you! ATB

__________________
" Iam chillin with the forum! "

Thanks Monkey! I been fleeced Thanks Skunkstripe. Dave

ATB!

nitschkemom

Thanks you for the wonderful poem, and all of the kind words of support. I know that I probably should now be posting on the 'memorial' page instead of here, but can't bring myself to do that quite yet. Took my wonderful boy to the vet after so much agonizing. Had prepared myself and my children that he would probably be not coming home, as he was in so much pain ( this poem from you Mindy helped me come to terms with that decision - thank you again) My beautiful boy who hadn't taken more than two steps without falling in over two weeks, bounded out of the car without a misstep. The doctor wanted to try a chiropractic adjustment to see if that could help, so for almost two hours my husband and I tried that. I was a mess. If it could have truly helped him, I would have done it continuously for two years, never mind two hours. But I knew that if it did not, I did not know how I could put myself, husband and kids through bringing him back again to be put down. Long story short, the vet also explained that the adrenilin he felt coming to the vets itself ( not wanting to look weak infront of other dogs, anxious about the place etc) may have been what temporarily gave his system the 'boost' to get out of the car and walk in on his own. She suggested that I be calm and tell him that it was ok to let go, I would be ok, etc. Through a breaking heart, I did that, patting him, and talking softly. He looked at me, licked me, and put his head down. I knew it was time. My vet also suggested that I go home and journal all about him - the wonderful joy he brought into my life , and how he changed our family. Haven't been able to do that yet, though I know I will. He was the best. I hate my house without him here. I know I will eventually get another dog, but never another doberman. He was so wonderful it would never be fair to another dobe - I would unconsciously compare and the new one would always come up short. I guess I feel safe starting here, telling you, this forum of strangers who understand. ( My sister in law actually had the nerve to tell me 'it was a DOG not a person who passed" - Honestly I loved him much more than I care about many people I know...)
Thank you all for your support.
I also know that I feel ignorant not acknowledging that this was Mindy's original post and her pain and dilemma with her friend. You need to do what you know in your heart of hearts is best - no one else no matter how well meaning knows your pain, and who your dog is, what is best for him/her. The quality of the life matters. I could have 'upped the pain meds", carried him when he fell, etc etc, but that would be for me not him.
God bless you in your decision.

DeeLind7

nitschkemom, wow. So, so, sorry for your loss. It's always a difficult decision, but at least you made the decision that was right for your dog, and not for you. May he RIP.

Bigboy

You know that doesn't matter it may have been some one elses thread. You had to do what you had to do. Your sister obviously doesn't realise that dogs can bring us so much joy! They are often better thewn humnan beings and that's a fact When you feel ready you will do your own memorial thread!! It takes time to decide when is the right time there is no rush. Just remember the good times you had! Rip and run free at the bridge for ever! ATB

__________________
" Iam chillin with the forum! "

Thanks Monkey! I been fleeced Thanks Skunkstripe. Dave

ATB!

DeeLind7

Bigboy, well said. Our dogs are our children.

Little Lucy

RIP beautiful boys

__________________

SunnyHedgehog

I'm brand new to this forum and sought you all out for guidance with my older dog. I hope I am not hijacking Mindy10's post and that this is an appropriate place for my question.

I have a Mini Pin (Rocky) who I adopted a little over 5 yrs ago from a rescue organization. At the time, they estimated he was around 10 yrs old, but he was in good health and calmer than younger dogs of his breed. He was a great companion to me as a single woman and we enjoyed some great times together (teaching him to climb stairs, taking him out to chase ducks and squirrels, going to the dog park, doggie play dates w/ neighbors, etc.).

Unfortunately, he's been deteriorating more and more over the past 2 yrs. He's become incontinent and has been acting out (defecating in his sleep area and kicking it around, tearing up toilet paper roll and trash). He is losing his eyesight and hearing and is arthritic. I've given him treats w/ glucosamine and chondroitin, which seemed to help for awhile. However, now he repeatedly injures himself by jumping onto and off of high steps and curbs during walks (which makes me wonder if he lacks depth perception); tangling himself up in his tie-out cord and nearby bushes; and mysterious scratches and limps that seem to appear out of nowhere.

My new hubby and I went out of town recently and left him at a doggie daycare/boarding place that he's been to many times. They all know him and he generally enjoys the time to interact w/ other small dogs. This time, though, they told me he was very antisocial and spent most of the time wandering around by himself. Then on the last night he defecated in his sleep area and kicked it around (like he had done at home) and somehow injured a paw. The woman at the daycare was very concerned about his behavior.

Now that my husband and I are expecting our first child in a short while, I don't feel we can take care of Rocky any longer. He has accidents so often that we are forced to keep him in a crate all day long after spending probably $1,000 on carpet cleaning. He still has accidents once or twice a day, which means we have to wash him and wash out his crate every morning when we take him out. My husband has graciously helped out even though Rocky is really my dog. I try to help out as much as I can, but it's hard on my back since I'm so far along in my pregnancy. Of course, once the baby arrives, neither of us will have the time or energy to do this everyday.

I don't want to put him down, and I was wondering if there was some sort of pet convalescent home (or farm?) where he could live out his remaining days in peace. I can't seem to find anything like that here in Georgia (U.S.) and we have to make a decision very soon. I do not want to pawn him off onto someone who doesn't have the patience to take care of him. Any thoughts or recommendations?