Pet Advice: A Moral Dilemma

[GateandGarden]

Originally Posted by xxxmx

my brother josh, who happened to be a poodle, fell down the steps and dislocated his hip when he was eleven. he didn't appear to be in pain, but he couldn't walk easily and began falling to the side. i was sixteen at the time and couldn't imagine life going on without josh in it. we took him in for an examination and decided that if during surgery the vet wasn't optimistic about his recovery, that he would be euthanised during the procedure.

i vividly remember handing him over to the vet and then running out of the office. i'm tearing up thinking about it. i knew it was the right thing to do, as he was already 'getting on in years' and i did not want him to struggle while doing the most basic of things. his whole life consisted of happily making me happy, and it was so hard watching him in that state.

although i know that my decision was a mature and selfless one that was made with his "quality of life" in mind, recalling the confusion in his eyes as i handed him over still makes me sick eight years later.

because you asked advice, i will be of service: if your rat is still getting around and isn't in pain, let him be happy until he isn't so happy anymore.

Oh gosh, that must have been so difficult for you. I know I would've run from the office crying, too. And I would've been mad at everyone else involved even though I would know it wasn't their fault. I haven't been through it but I just think it would devastate me just as you described. Thank you for sharing the picture with us. He was adorable.

[Miss Vicky]

My rat, Gucci, who for many months was paralyised in his hind legs due to a degenerative nerve disorder has just been euthanized. He had recently started to develop sores on the toes of his hind feet and had actually rubbed off the tips of some of them. I waited to euthanize because he didn't seem to have any feeling at all in the rear legs and the sores had not become infected. However, this morning I found him lethargic and breathing heavily.

I immediately called my veterinarian and took Gucci in on an emergency basis. Gucci passed quickly and quietly in my arms and his remains are to be sent out for cremation. Thanks to all who have given me support in dealing with his paralysis. He was greatly loved and now sorely missed.



R.I.P. Gucci Goo

[skcin]

Poor baby. I'm sorry, Vicky.

[GypsySorcerer]

I'm sorry, Vicki. RIP, Gucci.

[strandinthewind]

Poor little poops - RIP!!!!!

[SuzeQuze]

Aww, I am so sorry.

[estranged4life]

I know how losing something you love can hurt like a dagger to your soul, I just lost my patriach feline "Ace" last week after coming home from meeting my older sister Lesa for the very first time...And "Tweak" is very ill so she may also pass very soon.

Too much death in my life this year, A replay of 1977

[Dreammms]

very sorry

[GateandGarden]

I'm really sorry for your loss, Victoria.

[amber]

Originally Posted by Miss Vicky

My rat, Gucci, who for many months was paralyised in his hind legs due to a degenerative nerve disorder has just been euthanized. He had recently started to develop sores on the toes of his hind feet and had actually rubbed off the tips of some of them. I waited to euthanize because he didn't seem to have any feeling at all in the rear legs and the sores had not become infected. However, this morning I found him lethargic and breathing heavily.

I immediately called my veterinarian and took Gucci in on an emergency basis. Gucci passed quickly and quietly in my arms and his remains are to be sent out for cremation. Thanks to all who have given me support in dealing with his paralysis. He was greatly loved and now sorely missed.



R.I.P. Gucci Goo

awww.... Lookit how cute he was! I'm sorry, Vicky.

[DrummerDeanna]

Aww..Gucci was a cutie - I'm sorry for your loss - losing a pet is just such a heartbreaking thing.

[lbelle1214]

I'm so, so sorry for your loss! Love for a pet is very strong. I can relate. We're contemplating putting down our 12 yr old Pekanese. She's totally blind, runs into everything! Cataract surgery can only be done at Texas A&M for $3g per eye. And she's suffering from urinary incontinence. The vet tried to exam her, several times...all she did was bite him. But she still prances and bounces in the yard happy as a pup. I agree with knowing when to let go. Thank God for divine interventions when he knows our vulnerabilities and weaknesses. You have my support and prayers for comfort in your time of loss. (hug)

[Violet]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is so hard....

Carol

[LEATHER&LACE64]

Vicky, I am so sorry for your loss--he was so adorable! my thoughts are with you.