For those thinking of pet euthanasia...with apologies...

[WillParkinson]

I know this is a sore subject for many here at DU. I'm currently working on some stuff for Northwoods Humane Society and came across this. I don't know if it will help anyone with their decision but thought it may provide information you could use.

Please accept my apologies if it brings up any bad memories or thoughts as that is not my intent.

http://www.thepetcenter.com/imtop/euthanasia.htm

[demnan]

1. The last one I went through

the Vet was very inadequate and could not find a vein on my sick old cat who kept struggling. She eventually just injected him in the stomach but by that time I was crying hysterically.

If the vet had known what she was doing she could have made this difficult time a better one for me.

[WillParkinson]

3. I'm very sorry...

As I said I meant no harm. I just wanted to try to help someone with their decision.

[beyurslf]

2. I nearly had tears in my eyes reading just thinking about losing

my "baby" someday. She is 6 months old and it already worries me that someday I may have to make this choice. (And I say "baby" because she is a 40 pounder already...quickly on her way to 80+)

[WillParkinson]

4. I understand...

Misty is my baby. I can't bear the thought of life without her. Yet I know that some day I may have to decide whether it's fair to force her to continue to live for my sake.

[MuseRider]

5. In the last 20 years together

my husband and I have had to do this many times. We started together with a total of 3 older dogs. We continue to keep 3 at all times. We have never had a dog die at an early age so we have had lots of years with them each before this time comes. I have held each one and sang their special songs to them as they have died either from natural causes or by euthanasia. It is so important to have a good vet and establish a close relationship. Ours will come to our home but if in the office he gives us his own office space to spend our last moments with our friend. It is always followed by hugs and phone calls and a card. This is an important topic because we all face it and nothing is more difficult. I admire you for the work you are doing and for your adoptions. This is a difficult topic but the more you get the info out and the more you work on it the better for our wonderful friends. Thank you.

[WillParkinson]

6. Thank you...

As I said I know it's a difficult decision. In the last few weeks here I saw several people struggling with it. I only wanted to try to give some information and, perhaps, some solace. I meant no disrespect to anyone and hope that no one takes offense at my post.

[MuseRider]

10. I can't imagine

anyone would take offense, it is part of life and something that comes to us all. I find the more I know the better I am prepared to deal with a situation (part of the reason I am on DU). It is a public service you are doing and a good service for all the critters out there who unfortunately do not live as long as we do and depend on us to care for them properly in every situation.

[mikita]

7. thanks for this link

I know I'll be facing this issue with my geriatric best friend, Boots, and I found the information about at-home versus hospital euthanasia very helpful.

Thanks for addressing this difficult topic. I've always felt that at least we are able to help our animal friends -- something we can't always do for our human friends.

Mikita

[Rainbowreflect]

8. Two years ago I had my beloved Golden Mickey put to sleep.

He had cancer & there was nothing the vet could do.
Our vet was wonderful. His clinic is only open for an hour on Sundays for people to drop off or pick up their animals. He opened an hour early so we could come in with Mickey. We went into a comfortable waiting area. By this time Mickey had spent so much time with the doctor he liked & trusted him. I was able to sit on the floor with Mickey's head in my lap, pet him and talk baby talk to him while he went to sleep. I'm so grateful I could be with him up to the end. I love and miss him so much.
I am not makin a comparision of people to animals, but in August of this year my husband and I had to make the decision to have my sister-in-law taken off life support. We were able to stay with her. They played beautiful soft music, we talked about all the happy times we spent together and how much we loved her as she slipped away.
I felt both experiences were a beautiful part of the circle of life. The chaplin at the hospital my sister was at said that everyone celebrates the begining of a new life on this earth, but we should also celebrate the end of this stage of life.
Ok, now I will go have a good cry.

[MuseRider]

9. Now you did it! You made me cry.

I had to make the decision to take my brother off of life support just a year ago. It is always the hardest thing to do, both ways you are causing the death of someone you love but it is always for the better but it sure does not feel that way at the time or for a good long while after that time. It is the humane thing to do for them. Having been an ICU nurse for years I have learned that the best thing we can do for ourselves at these times is to be a participant in the dying process as difficult as it is. I too held my brother and spoke to him, I suppose I will eventually feel better about it but it is still too soon. I am sorry for your losses, take care. Peace.

[Rainbowreflect]

11. MuseRider, let me share something that was said to me while we

were making the decision about my sister-in-law. We were told keeping he on life support was not prolonging her life, it was only prolonging her death. Please believe you did not cause your brothers your brother's death, you gave him the most difficult, kindest, most compassionate gift anyone could give someone the loved.
I pray you find peace. Loving is what makes life worth living, but it does cause alot of pain. :hug:

[MuseRider]

12. Thank you.

That was a gift from you. I needed to be reminded of it. This is a difficult time of the year and that little reminder has just made it easier. I love the people here, you are so kind. Thanks. :hug: