Asking for thoughts and prayers

[wondergirl9847]

I think we're about to make a very difficult decision within the next couple of weeks. My dog is about 15 years old or so and has a few problems and we will have to put her to sleep. I'm considering cremation because the thought of putting her on the curb for pick up makes me sick to my stomach. We've had many pets, but we've had Candy the longest. She's definitely been part of our family the most.

I'm just asking for thoughts and prayers because this is a very hard decision for me.

Thank you.

[GypsySorcerer]

Consider it done, Christy. I'm very sorry - it is a hard decision.

[Moony]

Many hugs your way.

Losing a pet, part of the family, is always very hard. You're doing the right thing by putting her to sleep. Letting her suffer would just be cruel.

Lots of love

Danny

[GardenStateGirlie]

I think we're about to make a very difficult decision within the next couple of weeks. My dog is about 15 years old or so and has a few problems and we will have to put her to sleep. I'm considering cremation because the thought of putting her on the curb for pick up makes me sick to my stomach. We've had many pets, but we've had Candy the longest. She's definitely been part of our family the most.

I'm just asking for thoughts and prayers because this is a very hard decision for me.

Thank you.

Hey Christy...i'm incredibly sorry to hear about Candy :( What I can tell you is that pretty much everyone I know (family and friends) have had their long time pets creamated when it came time to make the decision. It isn't unusual and I don't find there's anything wrong with that. Some have kept the ashes while others have burried them and eventually planted flowers overtop. I only know of one friend of mine that burried their pet in their backyard. For me, that would be heartwrenching (even moreso than the ashes). I think it's to your comfort level and the decision you make should be based on what you feel. All the best...

[estranged4life]

my thoughts are with ya :nod:

[Dreammms]

I'm sorry Christy! My thoughts are with you!

[strandinthewind]

Many hugs your way.

Losing a pet, part of the family, is always very hard. You're doing the right thing by putting her to sleep. Letting her suffer would just be cruel.

Lots of love

Danny

ditto :xoxo: :angel: :xoxo:

[skcin]

Christy,

It is hard, but it IS the best thing to do if your baby is suffering. Just know that.

And my mom had all of our pets cremated & buried in the pet cemetary near our house. Do whatever feels right.

[GODDESS6]

awwwww i am sorry to hear this, prayers r sent your & candy's way~

[gldstwmn]

My condolences.

[jannieC]

Hi Christy- It's a horrible decision to have to make, my heart really goes out to you. I had a dog for 17 years old and it broke my heart to put her to sleep. We had her cremated and buried her ashes. My husband and I had a dog for 12 years and we buried him in our yard. Whatever you decide to do- lots of love is sent your way (from me- a total stranger!) :xoxo:

[CelticGypsy]

So sorry to hear about Candy. Will be thinking of you and will say a prayer for you.

[laurarox]

I feel your pain, Christy. There's nothing harder than losing a pet. I went through a similar situation when my 18 year old cat was dying. In the end I chose not to put her to sleep but to let nature take its course. I don't know what the right thing is to do. You just have to do whats right for you. We buried her in the back yard in her favorite blanket. That was 10 years ago and I still pick flowers and lay them where she's buried. And as tribute to her, I promise to provide a great home to other pets for the rest of my life. :nod:

[WildInTheWind]

I'm sorry to hear about your dog. When our dog of 16 year died this fall, we had her cremated. I think it was a good choice.

[Patti]

Christy, my heart bleeds for you right now. I know what a difficult time this is for you. I have had all my kiddos cremated and either buried in my yard or in urns. But the most important thing is they are forever a part of me. My life is all the better for the time I was fortunate enough to have them with me.

Take good care and know my thoughts are with you.

[SuzeQuze]

Christy, I am so very sorry you have to go through this. I wish our pets would live 5x as long as they do because it is so gutwrenching to lose them. I have not yet had to face your situation and I dread the day. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. A bond with a pet is so very special and you will always have your memories of your dog in your heart. :angel:

[wondergirl9847]

Thank you to everyone. I appreciate it. :)

[Johnny Stew]

Thoughts and prayers are with you, Christy. :xoxo:

[Jessica Leigh]

christmas 1985... my uncle's dog since childhood was very old and sick... he was just about to come home from his first semester away at college for xmas vacation... grandma called the vet that does housecalls to put Benji to sleep... on xmas eve... my uncle cried and cried and everyone was so mad at grandma... she realized her stupid mistake and felt so bad that she went to church and slept on a pew that night (she was the church treasurer so she had a key) my parents and aunts and uncles refer to it as "the christmas mom killed the dog" really a stupid thing to do.... thoughtless....

thought a story might lighten the mood a little.... i totally understand what you are going through... my dog since childhood is very old and moving is very uncomfortable for her... she will be 15 in october.... it broke my heart the last time i was at my parents' house to see her in so much pain... i know it would be best to end the suffering but i also have feelings of selfishness where i want to keep her forever... but remember... nothing can ever take your wonderful memories away... and your dog might be happier running around like a puppy in doggy heaven. some friends of mine cremated their dog and put her in a very nice ornate box and put it on the mantle.. i think that is a much better choice than putting a dog out for the trash man... that's just heartbreaking.

whatever you do i hope you are happy and content with your choice. good luck :)

[Miss Vicky]

My thoughts are definitely with you right now. I know how it is. I've had to have many pets euthanized including a cat that I had from the time I was four until I was twenty-two. I couldn't remember a time when he wasn't part of my life. My earliest memory is of the day I adopted him from a neighbor's litter.
His remains were cremated and are sealed in a cedar box beside a framed photograph of him. Some people find it disturbing or just a waste of money but it was important to me to have him close by at all times and to know that when I move away I won't be leaving him behind. If you decide to go this route, don't let anyone convince you that it's silly or pointless.
Euthanasia can be the ultimate act of kindness from a human to a beloved pet but it's never easy. Just know that if you're ever feeling like you have nobody to talk to about it, there are many Ledgies who you can turn to, for whatever support we can provide via the internet.

[HomerMcvie]

My dog did his 5th chemo (of 6) yesterday. This is the first one that kicked his ass. He's the most hyper dog I've ever known(just LOVES to play, 24/7), and he's been pretty down for the past 36 hours. It makes me so sad.

I know how you feel. I DREAD the day I have to make your decision, although I'm fairly certain I'm going to cremate. I want him with me forever.
Best wishes to you.

[tynan88]

I've never had a pet die...I have only jsut got a cat in last couple of years but she is gorgeous and I dread the day I lose her, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Mari]

aww.. very sorry for you. Best wishes.

[face of glass]

Sorry to hear about this Christy. I too know what it's like to lose a pet. :(

[WizNicks]

I am really sorry for you! It is hard to lose a pet, especially dogs! We had to do the same with our dog about 5 or 6 weeks ago! We all loved him, but in the last days he really suffered! He couldn't get up anymore and was vomiting all the time, so we decided that it was the best for him!
I hope you do the right thing, we didn't have a choice of what we could've done with him after putting him to sleep! :xoxo:

[DrummerDeanna]

Christy - you're in my prayers :o

I am so sorry that you have to go through this - I also know what it's like to lose a pet - and I also know what a hard decision putting a dog to sleep can be. Our dogs have always been cremated, it just seemed like the best option for us.

[wondergirl9847]

Yeah, we've always either sold, given away or lost a pet. One of my cats was run over and killed too, but this is such a difficult decision. She has incontinence, has trouble with getting up and down, flinches when you touch her and the light in her eyes is gone. :( She does eat and drink, no vomiting. I've come to a decision that cremation is the way. We are thinking about doing this next week.

Here is a pic of her I took not too long ago. :)

[dissention]

I think we're about to make a very difficult decision within the next couple of weeks. My dog is about 15 years old or so and has a few problems and we will have to put her to sleep. I'm considering cremation because the thought of putting her on the curb for pick up makes me sick to my stomach. We've had many pets, but we've had Candy the longest. She's definitely been part of our family the most.

I'm just asking for thoughts and prayers because this is a very hard decision for me.

Thank you.

I'm very sorry, Christy, I know how devastating it is to lose a pet. I'm sending good thoughts and best wishes your way. :xoxo:

[ontheEdgeof17]

This is a very difficult decision. You are in my thoughts. :angel:

[strandinthewind]

Yeah, we've always either sold, given away or lost a pet. One of my cats was run over and killed too, but this is such a difficult decision. She has incontinence, has trouble with getting up and down, flinches when you touch her and the light in her eyes is gone. :( She does eat and drink, no vomiting. I've come to a decision that cremation is the way. We are thinking about doing this next week.

Here is a pic of her I took not too long ago. :)

What a cutie!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for posting.

I have put two of my little girls down. The first was EXCRUTIATINGLY painful for me to do. I had cared for her everyday for a few years and I wanted to put her down a month or so before we did, but the decision was not mine alone. The second one was hard as well, but the decision to do it and the time I knew of it was relatively brief (like four days). Plus, I did it alone as her other parent just could not deal and has weaker shoulders than I have. But, on the way to do it, I stopped by the dry cleaners, went to the store, etc. - ANYTHING not to have to go there. But, she was really sick.

In the end, you will know when it is time, though it sounds like from what you said, the time is drawing nigh.

Regarding cremation, I have done both and think cremation is better.

Best of luck to you :angel:

[all the same]

I'm thinking about you. When my family lost our last dog it was really difficult. My mother decided to cremate her and I think it was the best decision for her. She still has her ashes in a nice wooden box. It's not creepy at all. It's nice to walk by the little box and reflect when I'm at home visiting my parents. Good luck with your difficult decision. :xoxo:

[wondergirl9847]

Regarding the cremation decision, I had no other option in my mind. My dad got the dirtiest look ever when he mentioned that they pick up pets. It was dropped. He called the vet today for me to ask about pricing and how it's done. I told him for sure I wanted her cremated. I don't see how it's creepy, but everyone is different. When my grandfather passed, we all touched and kissed him, it's fine for some, weird for others. :shrug: I don't give two sh*ts what anyone thinks about any decision I make. Nobody should.

Also, regarding the thing about people saying you are wasting money, etc. For most people with pets, they are like family and are treated as such. I wouldn't put my family member to the garbage and I am not doing that to my dog.

[GateandGarden]

I just got a chance to see this thread and I wanted to say I'm really sorry, Christy. Thanks for sharing the photo, and though I know you won't I wanted to say don't let anyone criticize you for choosing cremation because as much as I can (never having had pets other than fish) I understand your decision.

[tuigirl]

I've just seen this thread as well....just want to wish you the best when the time comes to say goodbye, it's hard ( we had our collie for 14 years and had to put her down, and cremated..which really was the best thing for us..cremation, I mean....your'e right , they are like family members and should be treated as best you can afford at the end).My thoughts are with you Christy.

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

I think we're about to make a very difficult decision within the next couple of weeks. My dog is about 15 years old or so and has a few problems and we will have to put her to sleep. I'm considering cremation because the thought of putting her on the curb for pick up makes me sick to my stomach. We've had many pets, but we've had Candy the longest. She's definitely been part of our family the most.

I'm just asking for thoughts and prayers because this is a very hard decision for me.

Thank you.
Consider it done Christy

Pip

[Livia]

Thinking of you! Nothing pulls on my heart strings more than animal stories.... :(

I shared a pet cat w/ a friend of mine when I lived in LA. I left him w/ her when I moved back to TX. After the kitty died, my friend had him cremated, and sent me some of his ashes in a little, purple-shimmery cloth bag thingie. Like something you'd keep jewelry in....Anyway, I still have it...I think cremation is definitely better!

[JazmenFlowers]

I think we're about to make a very difficult decision within the next couple of weeks. My dog is about 15 years old or so and has a few problems and we will have to put her to sleep. I'm considering cremation because the thought of putting her on the curb for pick up makes me sick to my stomach. We've had many pets, but we've had Candy the longest. She's definitely been part of our family the most.

I'm just asking for thoughts and prayers because this is a very hard decision for me.

Thank you.


That simply breaks my heart and I am so sorry. I have two dogs and a cat that I love so much and I know one day I may be faced with the same decision. I can only imagine the emotions you are feeling. Take care and much love.

J

[catinthedark]

Christy, I'm really sorry you're going through this sadness. Losing a pet is akin to losing a human member of the family. And I think it's sometimes harder because it's a creature you've had to take care of. Your pet could never have survived without your care. :( I've lost two dogs, a cat, and hamsters (and yes, I even sobbed when the hamsters died).

As Lux mentioned about Australia, here in Canada animals are always cremated, too - unless you specifically request burial, in which case the vet will give you back the body (of cats, or smaller animals). I buried my cat in our backyard, but it's illegal to bury dogs. What you can do here, and maybe where you live, is request an exclusive cremation where you get Candy's ashes back. My younger sister did this with her cat, and then buried the ashes in a special cemetary for pets.

Again, so sorry about this...

[wondergirl9847]

The city of Fort Worth won't allow you to bury your pets in your yard. We are going to have her cremated and bring the ashes home (they are going to be in a cedar box with a lock) and put it in the living room with a photo of her.

I'm doing better today than I was yesterday (a mess :( ), but next week is going to be utter hell.

[seeker007nmss]

Thinking of you! Nothing pulls on my heart strings more than animal stories.... :(

I shared a pet cat w/ a friend of mine when I lived in LA. I left him w/ her when I moved back to TX. After the kitty died, my friend had him cremated, and sent me some of his ashes in a little, purple-shimmery cloth bag thingie. Like something you'd keep jewelry in....Anyway, I still have it...I think cremation is definitely better!



What I find creepy is the Freeze drying of pets. It's just creepy. :shocked: Unless they are going to the Valley Of the Kings in Egypt - I don't see the point.

[macfanken]

I think we're about to make a very difficult decision within the next couple of weeks. My dog is about 15 years old or so and has a few problems and we will have to put her to sleep. I'm considering cremation because the thought of putting her on the curb for pick up makes me sick to my stomach. We've had many pets, but we've had Candy the longest. She's definitely been part of our family the most.

I'm just asking for thoughts and prayers because this is a very hard decision for me.

Thank you.

That's really tough... I had to have my little kitty put to sleep last year after a sudden illness. It's really one of the hardest, saddest things I've had to do... especially the last hours before I took her to the vet. I had her cremated... I'm in the city so there was nowhere to bury her. It sounds weird, but she's now in a nice cedar box on a window sill in the sun... I think she would be happy there.

[bretonbanquet]

I'm just asking for thoughts and prayers because this is a very hard decision for me.

Thank you.

:wavey: I'll be thinking of you, for sure. Anyone who doesn't find this kind of thing difficult isn't the same species as me... My first dog died while I was away in Spain and I never got to say goodbye. I can honestly say I've never been sadder :distress:

In the UK, pet cremation is very normal. People either ask the vet to do it, or special arrangements can be made. The garbage men will not take dead animals as far as I know - actually it would be considered totally horrifying here for a pet to be left out for collection like that, and I never knew that was possible in the States.

Some people like to bury their animals, but it's not always legal here. We've buried our cats, and cremated our dogs... it's just the way it turned out. There is even a company near me who will cremate horses and other large animals so you can keep the ashes. Don't let anyone tell you it's wrong or weird to cremate your pets after they've gone.

[tuigirl]

I'm assuming it's possible to get individual cremations, even though they may cost a bit more, it's worth it definately.

[wondergirl9847]

We have an appointment for Tuesday, May 31st. :( We are definitely going for a private cremation, but I realize that there will be other ashes in the box, I'm sure.

[golddustwoman77]

Somehow I missed this thread before. :distress: I'm very sorry to hear about your pet. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[catinthedark]

We have an appointment for Tuesday, May 31st. :( We are definitely going for a private cremation, but I realize that there will be other ashes in the box, I'm sure.

Sniff. So, so sorry, Christy. Have a good last few days with your love.

And try not to worry about the ashes; I think vets are really very respectful of families' wishes when it comes to their pets' deaths. I'm sure if it's to be a private cremation, it will be.

[Nightbirdjel]

Please check your PMs ASAP-have some good info for you.

[wondergirl9847]

Tomorrow is the day. :( I will need all the thoughts and prayers for strength tomorrow, I can get.

Jessica...you have a PM as well. :)

[strandinthewind]

Tomorrow is the day. :( I will need all the thoughts and prayers for strength tomorrow, I can get.

Jessica...you have a PM as well. :)


Best of luck and one tiny bit of advice from my exp. If it is being done at the vet's office and not at your house, make sure you pay before hand because I had to just leave after I put Maggie down. I just could not wait there for the ten minutes it would have taken for them to make the bill. Actually, I kind of could not believe they charged me considering we spent thousands there for the combination of Maggie and Mimi's care. But, regardless of that, I just left afterward. Then, I had to call them later with the billing information. It was hell to have to do that.

Anyway, I hope that bit of practicle advice was not too much on the eve. I just wanted to try and make it as easy for you as possible because I know what it sounds like. {{{HUGS}}}

[ontheEdgeof17]

Tomorrow is the day. :( I will need all the thoughts and prayers for strength tomorrow, I can get.



You got it. You will be in my thoughts all day. Take Care. :hugs:

[HomerMcvie]

Tomorrow is the day. :( I will need all the thoughts and prayers for strength tomorrow, I can get.

Jessica...you have a PM as well. :)
Best wishes, and just know that any pain and suffering is over for her. We're all born to die, and you're doing her a service by ending her suffering.
Take care, and keep her in your heart.

[SuzeQuze]

Christy, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. :angel:

[GypsySorcerer]

Tomorrow is the day. :( I will need all the thoughts and prayers for strength tomorrow, I can get.

Jessica...you have a PM as well. :)

I will be sure to keep you in my thoughts tomorrow, Christy. ((((((hugs)))))))

[GateandGarden]

Tomorrow is the day. :( I will need all the thoughts and prayers for strength tomorrow, I can get.I will be thinking about you, Christy. *hugs*

[Nightbirdjel]

Been thinking of you and your pal all day today. Try to be strong and just hang in there. Try to focus on the happy times from the past and not the pain of today. Prayers and hugs from me to you.

[WelshWitchPMD]

I am sorry to hear about your dog, Christy. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

[MoonChilde]

I think we're about to make a very difficult decision within the next couple of weeks. My dog is about 15 years old or so and has a few problems and we will have to put her to sleep. I'm considering cremation because the thought of putting her on the curb for pick up makes me sick to my stomach. We've had many pets, but we've had Candy the longest. She's definitely been part of our family the most.

I'm just asking for thoughts and prayers because this is a very hard decision for me.

Thank you.
AWW I am sorry .Will keep you and your Candy in my thoughts and prayers too..and I would like to suggest to you a really great website. where you can post about Candy..or even chat with others who have gone through the same thing or are about to..I found it when I had to put my Buster Dalmatian to sleep 3 years ago..You will find so much support there..and everyone understands.. ..Will light a candle for your Candy tonight..
check out..wwwpetloss.com ...

[wondergirl9847]

Moonchilde, another person on another board suggested that website as well. Thanks so much!

Today, in a word....hell. How about two words...utter hell. My head hurts from crying and I feel loss. :( Although, I know she's in a better place, with a pain-free body. She loved to run when she was younger, loved to eat popcorn (LOL) and even chewed some gum I spit out once. LMAO! This afternoon, she hobbled and got hold of a black bird twice! She hated birds...as do I. LOL She was a good mice catcher and just all around great dog.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, my Ledgie friends.

Here is a picture of my gorgeous Candy Panda Bear. May God keep her and take care of her till I get Home.

[dissention]

Moonchilde, another person on another board suggested that website as well. Thanks so much!

Today, in a word....hell. How about two words...utter hell. My head hurts from crying and I feel loss. :( Although, I know she's in a better place, with a pain-free body. She loved to run when she was younger, loved to eat popcorn (LOL) and even chewed some gum I spit out once. LMAO! This afternoon, she hobbled and got hold of a black bird twice! She hated birds...as do I. LOL She was a good mice catcher and just all around great dog.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, my Ledgie friends.

Here is a picture of my gorgeous Candy Panda Bear. May God keep her and take care of her till I get Home.

Aww, I feel so bad for you, Christy. I'll keep you in my thoughts, sweetie.

[amber]

Moonchilde, another person on another board suggested that website as well. Thanks so much!

Today, in a word....hell. How about two words...utter hell. My head hurts from crying and I feel loss. :( Although, I know she's in a better place, with a pain-free body. She loved to run when she was younger, loved to eat popcorn (LOL) and even chewed some gum I spit out once. LMAO! This afternoon, she hobbled and got hold of a black bird twice! She hated birds...as do I. LOL She was a good mice catcher and just all around great dog.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, my Ledgie friends.

Here is a picture of my gorgeous Candy Panda Bear. May God keep her and take care of her till I get Home.
I'm so sorry, Christy.
And I'm very impressed at her hunting skill :o

[strandinthewind]

I am sitting here crying with you - I hate this, but know it was the best thing to do.

[ontheEdgeof17]

I teared up a bit reading that. :o


Thanks for sharing your dog stories with us. It was a pleasure getting to know your doggie.

[macfanken]

I'm really sorry... I went through the same thing a few months ago... you're right, it's hell. :distress:

[GateandGarden]

I'm so sorry, Christy. I know this day must've been very hard for you.

Thank you for telling us about her so that all of us got to know her a little bit, too. :)

[catinthedark]

Oh, I feel for you Christy. Losing a pet is so awful. Sorry again that you're going through this.

[Livia]

Hugs to you, Christy! I'm so sorry... :(

Candy's chasing birds and critters in doggie heaven...ever read that Rainbow Bridge poem? I'm gonna go find it....oh, it's on the petloss.com website....

Take care! :xoxo:

[trackaghost]

Hope you're okay Christy.
My dog had to be put down a few years back and I still tear up even thinking about it. :(

[wondergirl9847]

It's been exactly one week to the minute since Candy left. We just went to pick up her ashes. She's back home where she belongs. It still hurts. :(

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

[GODDESS6]

the pic of candy is very beautiful, we had a chow & she was the best dog, i am so sorry 4 your loss, but am happy having her home gives you some solace~
:angel: R.I.P. sweet candy :angel: