[QueenAngie]

Have you gone through this?

Have you ever had to help with this?

Saying a teaful goodbye ........to a family pet.

Well.......

I help with my elderly parents. Today was a big family reunion
with my elderly Dad's two older sisters (91 from Conn. and 86 from IL)
and their assorted children and grandchildren.

We received a frantic phone call before 0900 this morning
that their beloved Mitzi (pomeranian and 15 years old) was
severely ill this morning. Could we take her to the vet?

We had planned to be there before 1000 anyway, to help
prepare for the big dinner at 1230.

Sis from WI, and I race over there. Mom is in distress over the doggie.
We got an emergency vet appointment for 1015.
Very loving and caring vet.
Took several xrays of the chest and abd.
Tumor of the heart and lung that could only been seen on a chest xray.
Showing that the tumor is cutting off the tube to the lungs.

In the meantime, I am on the telephone w/ my Mom's doc to get her
a pill to help calm down because she was so upset over knowing
her dog's goodbye would be the last one. It did calm her down.

Very gently the dog was put to sleep. I said a prayer and we told
Mitzi we loved her. We cried.

I have been a nurse and seen people pass on to Heaven with comfort measures.

Never have I done this with a pet.

Two of our other sisters were there for the dinner and
"Bless their hearts" had a nice big glass of wine poured for
Kris and I.

The dinner went off as planned at 12:30, Kris and I were 3 minutes
late, but no problem. Fixed our makeup, Kris changed her clothes.

I later told my Dad, "This is the hardest thing he has ever asked me to do."

Having all those people around for the day gave them plenty of
other things to think about.

I can only hope that both my elderly parents can sleep tonight.
When it gets quiet, that's when this will actually seem real to them.

Have you ever done this before?

[MissyChrissy]

Oh Annie I'm so sorry-I'm sorry for your parents especially. You're so right, it's hit them hardest once all the activity is done & they're alone with themselves, minus their doggie.

Just last fall, I had to put my precious lab to sleep. Oh...I still ache over it. It was my fault too...she got out & I didn't know it. She was hit by a car. I live close to Cornell in Ithaca, NY, which is an EXCELLENT (top of the nation) veterinary school, and I drove her there thinking if anyone could save her, it would be them. But they couldn't this time. They've helped other pets of mine, but it wasn't meant to be I guess.

Anyway, I'll never forget it. She was laying on a cart/table, and I put my chin right down on it, touching noses, and looking right in her eyes while she went to sleep. I'm crying now just remembering.

I would hate to find out if there is a deeper, greater pain than knowing your own negligence caused the death of such a loved one.

Losing a pet IS losing a family member. The only condolence there is to be had is knowing they're in a happy place, and not suffering.

[AudreyOka]

My mom is a cat person. We've had to put cats to sleep over the years and yes it's hard

It's been a few days since you posted this...how is your mom doing?

[QueenAngie]

Mom is at peace with this decision.

That really surprises me because I thought it would be the opposite.

I was over at their apt complex today after I'd dropped off DS#2 going to Florida w/ the church youth group. They were having dinner in the diningroom. I had allready eaten w/ DS#2 and just visited. The waitress was taking their order for dinner and she asked about the little doggie.....not realizing Mitzi was gone.

Mom explained that Mitzi had gone to doggie heaven. She was very calm about the whole thing.

So, I'm glad she is doing well with it.

[JeanLynn81]

Oh gosh Angie I am really sorry you had to go through this. It is very tough. I had a cat from age 3 to 20 (yes she was 18!). She followed me everywhere, slept with me every night. This was my precious baby, and sometimes seemed like my best friend. She even stuck through my teenage years and loved me when no one liked me. When I was 20, she went for a vet visit-and sadly we found out she had lung cancer. We took her home, spent the next week loving and doting on her. Putting her to sleep was one of the hardest things I've ever done and it still hurts sometimes.

Your poor parents will be in my prayers. It must be heartbreaking for them. to you too. You are a good daughter to them.

[Beaglesfly]

Someone pass the kleenex, I'm bawling my eyes out here.

I don't know why your story touched me so much, but it sure did make me cry.

I've lost pets over the years, but I've never personally had to take one into the veterinarian's to be put to sleep. Our last dog (a beagle, of course) died while I was at work, and it was somehow easier....I guess not having to have seen it.

Okay, gotta go compose myself here. I'm at work while I'm reading this. Thank God there's not usually anyone else around, they'd think I was a little bonkers.

I'm glad that at least your mother was at peace. It can be such a devastating loss for an older parent as they can be exceptionally close to them.

[oweirdo]

Ditto! The girls are asking why I am sad.
I have never had to put a dog to sleep. Had a few ran over, one was 15 or so, she ran away one day we assume to die or thats what mom told me. But never had to put one down, had to be so hard.

[KittyMcBnMe]

Oh Angie, I am so sorry. Loosing our pets is no different than any other family member. Animals are part of our family. I am glad that your Mom is ok with the decision. Don't be afraid to talk about it with them and remind them also of the fun and love that they shared with their puppy (yes, I believe that they will always be puppies - even at 15!) Time will heal! We've got a BIG God! Besides, I am one of those people that believes that St. Francis is taking care of all our animals that have gone on. With our love!

[babsandwoo]

Angie big ((HUS)) all round, it is horrible to have to put a pet to sleep, but there is small comfort in that they are no longer in pain and are totally at peace.

lots of love and hugs to you all

Sara XX

[QueenAngie]

Thank you for all the hugs and support!