So, we lost Maggie today

[tbyg52]

Actually, we had her put to sleep. (At three of the clock, Nigel.)

She had very bad arthritis, masked by very expensive drugs. I don't think she was in any pain, physically.

She had doggie Alzheimer's for several years. We were OK with it as long as she seemed happy with her life, even if we had to clean up the pee and poop.

We had a very hard time deciding to put her to sleep. She was actually mostly a pain. We adopted her with her two sisters in the early 90's. One of our vet's techs had found a mother and her puppies under a house. The mother died of heartworms and they put the puppies up for adoptions. We said when we took them, "Well maybe we should just take the two brunettes and leave the blonde - she's so pretty *someone* will adopt her." But we kept them together.

If you have a choice, don't do that. Or at least wait to see if anyone else will take her.

She was born to be an only dog. We realized that when she was too old to realistically adopt out. We took her to the ASPCA once, but turned back when they wouldn't guarantee that if she was not adoptable she would be returned to us.

I wish, if I were God, and I was sure I was right, that we could switch her with Scooter. She had kidney failure and had to be put to sleep due to the tainted dog food. She didn't want to go. She fought it to the last minute. Maybe she was right, but the vet told us the kidney function would never come back.

We put it off as long as we could, and only took her in when she looked completely miserable and ready to go. She wasn't (Scooter), as long as life was left in her. She blew out a knee (earlier) and we were advised to put her to sleep. We weren't going to, as long as she was happy with her life. We looked into carts, but she was overweight. (Our fault, and we got it off her, and thereby fell prey to the tainted food. Counterintuitive, but the way you get your pets to lose weight is by low-calorie *wet* food - fill them up with fewer calories. If you have an overweight bird - what a concept, huh? - I recommend Roudy Bush. Shout out to our Buddy!)

I meant to write more, as I feel full of universal insights, probably brought about by grief and the margaritas we had.

I watched _All That Jazz_, and I don't know if it's the grief and margaritas, or if it's really the best autogiography and comment on life and death ever put on film or paper. I had not really absorbed, before this watching, that Bob Fosse directed and wrote it himself. If nothing else, it's an heroic act of honesty.

Some days I like the peepul better than others. But I gotta live with them and hope they do right, because, really, what else have we got?

[tbyg52]

1. Shees, what, do you think I'm a Blue Meanie?

No replies, when I was hoping for comfort. Well, I guess I should learn not to have expectations - really. You just take what comes, with equanimity. That's my take, anyway. I just forget from time to time.

We gave her the best life we could, and kept her from attacking the other dogs when we realized what was going on.

And we thought long and hard whether putting her to sleep was for our own convenience or her best interests.

We feel we did the best we could do.

[Chan790]

2. I'm sorry.

It sucks having to put down any animal. It sucks knowing they're in pain, but it's the humane choice. It sucks when it's the responsible decisions like deciding that an overweight dog needs to lose weight that go wrong. It just sucks all around.

[tbyg52]

4. Oh, God, thank you. nt

[tbyg52]

3. Fine, what do I have to do? Add this?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=7908668&mesg_id=7908668

Sorry if it's just that you don't have time. I'm more upset right now than I have been in a very long time, and I was hoping for some non-discouraging words. But, as I said, that was kind of stupid of me. If you have no expectations, things go on a more even keel.

[Chan790]

9. It's been a slow Lounge day...

I don't think there are a lot of people on at the moment. So don't be discouraged.

She's not in pain. You saved her from agony, and you saved her from a pound dog life...twice. You didn't abandon her or ship her off when she became a problem. You did well by her.

[tbyg52]

13. Thank you.

I hope it's just that it's a slow Lounge day. I am the most upset I've been about any of the dogs we've lost, and frankly she was the least likable. I guess why that's why I'm so upset. I think we did the best we could, but for her who knows how your emotions affect things. We tried.

[WolverineDG]

5. Sorry to hear about Maggie

I've had to make "the decision" two times now, & even though it was the right call, I still kick myself in the ass about it.

:hug:

dg

[tbyg52]

7. Thank you so much.

I must admit to some second thoughts about posting this, since I admit that Maggie was not a nice dog and that we tried to do what was right because it was right, not because she was or wasn't a nice dog.

I must admit to some second thoughts about the general population of DU (or at least the Lounge, or at least of the Lounge at this particular time of this particular day) at this point.

Thank you very, very much. I am actually more upset about this that I was about Scooter, because I am questioning myself. But I think her mind (Maggie's) was pretty much gone.

[VenusRising]

6. My heartfelt condolences.

It's so difficult to make that decision. I hope that you have many happy memories of Maggie that will be with you forever. She'll be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

Godspeed and safe passage Maggie.

[tbyg52]

8. Thank you!

I hope she is waiting, and I hope she has learned by that time not to beat up on her sisters.

[VenusRising]

12. I'm sure she'll be perfect.

You did everything that you could do, and I really don't think you should second guess yourself. We can't always be sure of the decisions that we make, but reading your other posts, I think that you should take comfort in the fact that you have released from being trapped. Alzheimer's, from what contact I've had with it (human form, of course), is like being trapped in a cage. You freed her. Take solace in that.

:hug::hug::hug:

[tbyg52]

14. Thank you. nt

[marzipanni]

21. I'm sorry that Maggie was a difficult dog, I know how that is

because our Sally, who we adopted at 2 y.o. from the SPCA, is like that. She was rescued from an abusive person with another female dog, and they had been living with their original rescuer and his old dad, then fostered together, and were up for adoption together in front of Petco. Sally didn't really get along with dogs after that! I would LOVE to let her play at the dog park, but I don't dare to because she has attacked our two neighbors' dogs (briefly, didn't break their skin, but it's scary!)
It sounds like Maggie had a long, good life. I hope I find someone as caring as you when I get old and need help.
Do you still have the third dog?

[tbyg52]

24. We have a Sally!

She is the sweetest, most well-adjusted dog in the world!

We got her when she was in our driveway (in a rural area) when we were leaving for work. She ran beside our car (long driveway) and tripped and somersaulted and recovered and grinned at us.

When we came home, she was still there. So we said "come on in!"

We think (no proof) that she was the puppy of the feral dog we had tried to lure in a year or so before. Looked like that dog, anyway.

You have to deal with what you have. We have a dog now (Hank) that was fostered for a year and a half before we got him. He is the best dog in the world except for separation anxiety, so he has to be crated when we are not home. Not a problem at all - we just had to be told by our vet that it was what he needed.

He adores the cat that I posted the link to - they are both young and full of energy, and they play together when they have energy and nap together when they don't!

Edited for traditional stupid typo.

[marzipanni]

32. I love your Sally somersaulting story, and Hank and Tiger sound dear together

I had only read your initial post about Tiger, so I went back to read the whole thread.
I just re-looked at an ad in the next town's paper about a found Tabby kitten, and I would love to ask if I could adopt it if they can't find its owner and/or don't want it, but our Sally is a border collie-heeler and she herded our old cat to a fare-thee-well. Sally couldn't view Bitty's heels without pushing her forward with a nip, nip, nip! :eyes:

Our old boy dog and cat had a close friendship. Very sweet.

[tbyg52]

34. Our Scooter was a Blue Heeler!

Herded everything she could find.

We got her when she hung around my workplace for several days in a row. Picked her up and left her with a friend who lived nearer to the workplace than I did. Turned out to be nearly dead from some sort of parasite. Don't remember the details except very expensive.

Also have had a dog (Baby) who was bald from mange. We caught it as well! Ick! We all recovered, even though the vet said the dog probably couldn't be cured. He was.

Also had a cat (Hairy) who was eaten up with fleas and anemic. Didn't think he would survive either. He did.

[tbyg52]

38. Just realized I never answered the question about the third sister.

We still have her. She is very old and slowing down, but otherwise OK. She got stuck out in the heat a while back (apparently another dog lay down in front of the dog door and wouldn't move). Had to be treated for heat stroke (very expensive) but she survived. The vet said she probably wouldn't have if we hadn't dumped her in a (large) bowl of cold water as soon as we found her.

[Wetzelbill]

10. my condolences

I know it's hard. And she won't ever feel any pain ever again, it was the right thing to do at the right time. I once had a dog that was with us longer than my youngest brother at the time of her death. She was almost 17. When she passed away it was long overdue, she had been sick for quite sometime, I don't know how she survived so long other than she was super tough and intelligent. It's been 12 years and I still miss her. But always remember the memories. They bring so much to our lives, cherish them and remember your loved one with your whole heart and soul. :hug:

[tbyg52]

25. Thank you!

It is great to have them, but losing them is very hard.

We have a line of six urns on the shelf, plus the three dogs and one bird we buried at our previous (rural, four-acre) home.

[GCP]

11. Having an animal euthanized is a very hard thing to do

I know, I've done it with a couple of cats and a hamster (who had melanoma) and I've always bawled my eyes out coming home. You gave her a good home even though she wasn't the world's most perfect dog.
Good for you and hugs :hug:

Edited for typos.

[tbyg52]

20. Hey Godlesscommieprevert!

I'm a godless socialist pervert! (Oops - "prevert"!) (Errr, what's a "pervert"? I figure we're all perverted, one way or another, and it's OK as long as we don't hurt sentient beings or the environment. ;) )

I'm nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us — don't tell!
They'd banish us, you know.

How dreary to be somebody!
How public, like a frog
To tell your name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!

(The non-copyrighted version - ask me about my opinion of the current copyright laws! ;) )

[SammyWinstonJack]

15. I'm sorry, and it is a hard decision to make. I think you did what was best for Maggie.

:hug:

[Inchworm]

16. Sorry

My thoughts are with you.

:hug:

[MorningGlow]

17. Arf arf (s)he goes, a merry sight / Our hairy little friend

Seriously, tbyg, sending condolences and some peace of mind for you. You took care of your friend for a long time and made her as comfortable as you could. She knew that and was grateful. :hug:

[auntAgonist]

18. I'm so very sorry you have lost your pet

I know what it is to have to have your pet euthanized. You did the right thing. It's so hard to watch them suffer and to know just when the timing is right.

It's been over a year since we lost Tarn to bone cancer. Never ever a day goes by that I don't think of him. I can't even bring myself to get another dog.

:hug: for you

aA
kesha

[tbyg52]

26. Thank you!

I hope you can bring yourself to take in another pet, if you feel you can. There are so many who need homes.

My personal opinion is that breeding should be outlawed - I can't see buying a purebred when there are so many that will be put to death otherwise. Plus, mutts are the best!

[A-Long-Little-Doggie]

19. Sorry to hear about your Maggie...

It is a really tough decision, regardless of circumstances. I have had 2 of my dogs put down, one for kidney failure (at 4!) and a second for a brain tumor at 13. And I think we are putting our 17 yo dachshund down this week. He is blind and deaf, and really suffered with the cold last winter. I don't think it would be right to put him through another New England winter, but I am really having a hard time making up my mind. The only things Bandit does in his life is eat and sleep and shiver. I hate this, and I commend you for doing the right thing for Maggie. :hug:

[tbyg52]

23. Thank you, getalonglittledoggie!

We had two long little doggies who were Maggie's sisters. (We still have one, actually, Crickette.)

They were dachshund - chihuahua mixes. Not a really good mix, to be perfectly honest. At least in our experience.

Mojo we lost a couple of years ago. She was the best of the lot. Had Daddy wrapped around her little paw. I would like to go as she went. Diagnosed with a cancer that was eventually going to block her urinary tract. Spoiled her rotten until the very hour she could not pee. Had her put to sleep within that hour. May I have as good a life as she had and go as easily, I hope. And I hope the same for you all.

On a positive note - my hometown paper has endorsed Obama!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=180&topic_id=53957&mesg_id=53957

[livetohike]

22. I'm sorry for the loss of Maggie....

:hug: for you for the decision you made and also for giving Maggie a good life. I've had three dogs of my own where we had to make that decision. I hope you can look back on the memories of Maggie and smile.

[tbyg52]

29. Maggie was a good dog in her way.

I'm just sorry we didn't get her to an only-dog family in time. We were trying with our neighbor up to her last few years.....

We have six urns on the shelf. Maggie will be seven. Plus the three dogs and a bird we buried at our previous (rural) home.

[Dangerously Amused]

27. I'm sorry for your loss.

It takes a special person to take the difficult pets in... and then keep them.

I hope you and your family find peace in the knowledge that you gave Maggie a lifetime of comfort and love.

Peace to you, safe passage to Maggie.

[tbyg52]

31. Thank you.

I find a lot of comfort in DU. There are a lot of good people here. Hope for the best for our beloved country.

[Haole Girl]

28. So sorry you lost your friend

:hug:

[XemaSab]

30. I'm sorry for your loss

:(

[tbyg52]

33. Thank you all. I must go now. I greatly appreciate the comforting words you have posted.

Please, have your pets spayed and neutered, and get your pets from the shelters, not the breeders.

[jobycom]

35. I lost my Minnie today. Condolences.

And your post made sense to me. :)

Hang in there.

[tbyg52]

37. So sorry for your loss. I hope it went easily for her.

:hug:

[mitchum]

36. My thoughts are with you and everyone who knew and loved Maggie

peace,
mitchum

[Lithos]

39. Sorry to hear this

Look, not every animal which crosses our path will be cuddly or perfect in all regards. However, each one is still special and I am glad that Maggie found you. You took care of her in a way which many would or could not have done.

I have had to deal with many geriatric animals over the years and will face that again all too soon.

Many condolences to you and yours at this time.

[tbyg52]

40. Thank you. Best wishes to your human and animal family. nt

[Call Me Wesley]

41. Safe passage to Maggie.

Might she be free from suffering. Peace and comfort to you and yours, tbyg52. :hug:

[SOteric]

42. I'm so sorry for the loss of your little companion.

Some time back I had to euthanise a 20 year old cat with some of the same issues. It's hard to let go of them. Even the hard work we put into them is usually balanced with some sort of positive.

You can read about my Romeo here: http://journals.democraticunderground.com/SOteric/2

[tbyg52]

43. Thank you for the link to your Romeo! What a fine cat!

:hug: