Pet Euthanasia

**timappelgate** · 10-18-2011, 12:53 PM

There's my guy! He's 13 and I dread the day I have to be called about my parents taking him in. He is always the first one I greet when I go home to visit.

**Max57** · 10-18-2011, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by Clone5

Really? Losing an animal is worse than losing someone you know? Im not judging, just surprised many people feel that way.

Trust me ... I've lost pets and I've lost family members. There's no comparison. I respect the opinion of those who state that but my guess is they've not suffered the loss of someone close (child, spouse, etc.)

**Senolcyc** · 10-18-2011, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by Max57

Trust me ... I've lost pets and I've lost family members. There's no comparison. I respect the opinion of those who state that but my guess is they've not suffered the loss of someone close (child, spouse, etc.)

People who say their pet is just like a child have never had a child. It is one-trillionth the same, if that.

**SerenityNow** · 10-18-2011, 01:07 PM

I've never lost an immediate family member, so I certainly would never compare the two. My thought is for most people, there is room enough in our hearts for people and pets, and losing a pet can be amazingly hard for even those with children.

I would never judge either, and my hope is I will never have to compare the 2.

**Jonecy** · 10-18-2011, 01:16 PM

People always want to compare things, but IMO, there's no reason to compare something like this. Losing something or someone you love is really hard, regardless of what it is. The closer you are to that someone or something, the harder it is.

**psychlones** · 10-18-2011, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by cyclonefreak5

Over the past couple of weeks, the health of my 13 year old golden retriever has been deteriorating and he is going downhill fast. He can hardly stand up nowadays and we're planning on taking him to the vet to be put down soon. I really don't know what to expect from the whole thing. Anyone that has been through it before have any advice?

I decided to make my first post here after registering 5 years ago, because I thought this thread deserved it and I could actually contribute to this topic.

I didn't read the entire thread, but I did want to mention the option of having your pet put down at home rather than taking him to the vet. We just had to have 13 1/2 year old mutt (meant in the best sense of the word) Tucker put down last month, and yes, it was very, very hard.

We have two vets we work with, and one of them does home housecalls for treatments as well as for times like this. We were able to let Tucker rest peacefully at home without having to put him through one more tough trip to the vet. Some people might not like to associate their home with their pets' passing, and I respect that. But for us, it was a comforting option, and I just wanted to make sure others knew that was an option.

Regardless, you have my sympathies...

**CRcyclone6** · 10-18-2011, 01:38 PM

had to do this to our cat and dog within a year of each other. very hard to do. we had them both cremated and placed in a nice urn with their collar. try and think of the good times.

**TXCyclones** · 10-18-2011, 01:39 PM

Worst day of my life - and I've lost one parent and other loved ones. While I knew it was the right thing to do I felt like I'd murdered my dog. It is stunning how quick and how peaceful the whole thing was. But tears were streaming down my face, my wife was crying, the vet nurses were crying, and the vet had a hard time keeping her composure. Its been probably 8 years and I still feel like crap that I did this to my dog. Be prepared.

**CycloneRulzzz** · 10-18-2011, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by burn587

There is something about your pets, they never lose their innocence in our eyes, and I think that is what makes it so hard. Our pets never do anything to deserve their ultimate fate in our eyes, and definitely never deserve the suffering they endure. All they ever did was be a faithful friend and source of affection. The comparison to children is quite appropriate as we unconditionally love them.

People are different. People change, have flaws, screw you over, generally lose their innocence.

Not saying it's right, but I definitely understand being more broken up about losing a pet than losing an acquaintance.

Originally Posted by bugs4cy

I think a bond with a pet can be tighter than that with a human because pets just love us, no matter what. There's no judgment or pettiness, just love.

Both of these are so true. Unconditional love.

**mike4cy** · 10-18-2011, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by Senolcyc

People who say their pet is just like a child have never had a child. It is one-trillionth the same, if that.

Yep it is not the same...because they are completely different. Loved ones fill a different void in our hearts and lives than pets do.

You can't compare the love for a pet and love for a spouse or child. I would do anything for my baby girl, just because the same is not true for my dog does not mean I won't be beside myself when he is gone.

**Hawkcigar** · 10-18-2011, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by burn587
There is something about your pets, they never lose their innocence in our eyes, and I think that is what makes it so hard. Our pets never do anything to deserve their ultimate fate in our eyes, and definitely never deserve the suffering they endure. All they ever did was be a faithful friend and source of affection. The comparison to children is quite appropriate as we unconditionally love them.

People are different. People change, have flaws, screw you over, generally lose their innocence.

Not saying it's right, but I definitely understand being more broken up about losing a pet than losing an acquaintance.
Originally Posted by bugs4cy

I think a bond with a pet can be tighter than that with a human because pets just love us, no matter what. There's no judgment or pettiness, just love.

Originally Posted by CyclonesRulzzz

Both of these are so true. Unconditional love.

I agree and it depends on the relationship you have... I've lost a parent (my dad) and two dogs. I've had a much harder time losing the two dogs, especially the last one. Of course I was a lot closer to the dogs than I was my father. Not saying it's that way for everyone but it is for some.

**westlbcyclone** · 10-18-2011, 07:07 PM

My dad is actually the vet in my hometown, I have never actually had to put one of my own animals to sleep, but have been in the room for several. It sucks every time. Your call on whether or not to be there, but from others I have talked to being there helped more than not. I will also say that if it is an animal that has been going to the same vet for a long time, it is hard on the vet too. Thoughts and prayers...

**snowcraig2.0** · 10-18-2011, 07:15 PM

My girl is the one in my avatar. She is 11 and has had hips and joints. She has one torn achillies as well, which the vet said would be impossible to fix. Luckily, she is actually doing quite well though all things considered, and her internal organs seem to be all good. However, I know that the day is coming that I will have to say goodbye to her. I got her my senior year of college. She lived with me on Knapp st actually. I can't even fathom how hard that day is going to be.

Count me in the crying at work crowd.

**isuno1fan** · 10-18-2011, 07:17 PM

This thread is precisely why we only have fish in this household. Lot easier to flush one down the toilet than deal with putting a "family member" down.

**ManBearClone** · 10-18-2011, 07:29 PM

I had to put down my 18 year old cat this year. Really struggled with whether I wanted to be there when they did it. In the end I was present and glad I was there for her. It was really pretty peaceful. Actually for me making the call that I was coming in was the toughest part. The only regret I have is not keeping the ashes. Wish I would of planted a tree or bush over them or something. I think that would of been cool.