| Author | Message | ||
     Stalker |
Damn.. Im crying like a little baby now. Go to the vet and be there with your buddy. Just hold him and let him know everything is cool, and you will meet up later. Tough $h!t man, I feel for ya! | ||
| 86129squids |
Crap. I realize, once again, that one of the heaviest burdens of being human is the awareness that life has to end someday. Whether it's a human member of our family, or a pet, it's gonna happen. I've lost both of my parents- dad, suddenly, at a distance, a month after serious heart disease manifested itself. He'd even gone back to work, with well over a dozen meds trying to stabilize things- he managed to switch from Pall Malls to Marlboro Lights... Mom, a lot closer, within less than a week of several factors cascading towards her end. In both cases, it was horrible, but real, in my face, and after the fact. What I'm having trouble with is planning this. As I type these words, he's snoozing, relatively peacefully, with his head on my thigh. I'm gonna try to call in either the local vet who's seen him regularly, for a house visit, or a good friend who's a mobile vet, to get this done at home. I'll probably fire up the grill, cook some meat, give him a big belly full of tastyness, then let him go to his final rest. Sorry to all of you who've read/followed this thread, maybe had to relive a memory or two- it's kind of like watching a train wreck as it happens. Still, in a small way, this is what makes us human... thanks again for all of your comments and support. I am humbled to count each of you as friends and peers. | ||
| Satori |
Mr Hardin, I dont envy your situation, Loki has had a wonderfull run, and obviously has been cared for. Your plan for giving him a good send off sounds great. I myself am looking at having to do the same in the near future, with 2 wondrefull dogs that are 13. Its hear breaking. but it is part of life. Good luck to you. I wish you and Loki the best. | ||
| Blake |
Brad, Great idea asking your vet to make a house call. Mine did. What a HUGE blessing that was. Before you do, if your buddy is still able to enjoy some things, then go all out, cake, ice cream, steak, whatever. Take him for a guided tour of the back yard, even if you have to carry him. Let him sniff, sniff, sniff, everything. Spend some time on the couch with him doing whatever he wants or just holding and petting him. My best buddy Roger, the Border Collie, had suffered his 4th stroke type episode, was confused and in pain, couldn't even stand up. He'd started intermittently wailing from his confusion and frustration. That's when I called our Vet. Then I picked up my old canine friend and reclined on the couch, holding him so he felt safe and secure lying on his side atop me, something I had done ever since our first night together when he was just six weeks old, 16+ years earlier. He fell asleep. I told him what a great companion he'd been and how much joy he had brought to my life. The doc arrived about an hour later. Michele spread Roger's favorite blanket on the sofa, and I carefully laid him on it, still sleeping. He never awoke. Michele and I wept together. I dug a grave and laid Roger to rest under the Crepe Myrtles in the back yard complete with a marker. Being able to avoid the stress and public venue at the veterinarian's office was a HUGE blessing. I can't imagine having had to cart him to the vet's office. He hated the place. (Message edited by Blake on March 26, 2011) | ||
| Mdoughten |
my wife and i have just dealt with this very hard time ourselves. smokey was 14. a little dachshund. a very good friend. his quality of life was all but gone. couldn't hear thunder, couldn't see, incontinent, hip giving out. we didn't want him to go, but knew he was just give out. it was a very hard thing to do. he's been gone for about 2 months now. we still miss him bad. i'll be thinking about you today. take care matt | ||
| 86129squids |
Yeah, Blake- Loki knows when he's at the vet, hates it... We live close enough to walk there, the vet is just up the street from where we'd pick up the greenway and run out about a 5-6 mile loop- I'd ride my old skateboard that I've had since I was 11 years old, Loki on a retractable leash- sometimes, if there were few people out, I'd let him go off leash. If you've never seen a Basenji run, your list of beautiful sights to see is 1 short. We'd get to the street we needed to cross- get over to the other side, then turn right to the greenway- Loki learned quick that if we went left, that was the WRONG/vet way, and he'd drop anchor. Unbelievable how a 20 something pound dog could become unmoveable. Those days, running down the greenway with my buddy, were a big reason I chose the house/location to buy and put down roots. I'm trying to plan this for next Friday, with 3 days off afterward- gotta rewind my mind after I come unraveled... Again, thanks for all your kind words, advice, and support. This being the better part of a week out as I'm planning it, the days are gonna get a lot tougher. Any wild Jedi mind tricks you can come up with, I'll be happy to consider. | ||
| Birdy |
I feel for you and know that pain. I'm not a cat person but ended up with one due to it needing a home. At 21 years old I had to have her put down. I sat in the parking lot crying so hard I couldn't see to drive home for 1/2 hour. It's never easy to let them go but it is the greatest show of love we can show. When we let go knowing how much they are hurting even though we don't want to. (Message edited by Birdy on March 26, 2011) | ||
| Firebolt32 |
My Dad had to do this not too long ago with his Shepard...Sandy. Sandy was 16. She was blind, deaf, lost all her teeth and could barely walk due to her hips. He still tells her good night and hasn't touched her food dish. He's also had her tattooed on his fore arm. It's tough...I've been there as well. Hold your chin up... Remember them times when Loki pissed you clean off, made you laugh and made you cry. | ||
| U4euh |
Sorry for your situation, but feel your agony. Had three dogs Nakita(dobie), Mercedez(dobie), and Dominique(pit/lab). Dom came to us at 6 weeks old and Nakita was quickly adopted as his "mother". 5 ears down the road we got AJ.om and AJ were like two peas in a pod, then Dom developed cancer. Within a year we were at the spot your in now. The final decision maker for me was when he started waking up in the morning and refusing to ring his bell to let us know he wanted to go outside, instead he wanted to stay in bed & sleep. So we made the hardest choice we ever had to. They dont make house calls here so we took his favorite blanket and toy with us, we all laid on the blanket together and I let him rest his head on my lap as the vet made the final injection. It was quick, it was the most painful thing I have ever done, but in my heart I knew his pain was gone and he was in a much better state. The following week I came home and Nakita had passed, to this day I still maintain it was from a broken heart. Then AJ got severely depressed. So we went out and bought Devlyn(AMPT). He has completely filled in the holes in our hearts, not covered, but filled. I tell this sad story only in hopes that you know it does get better. I am welted eyed after reading everyone else's drama and thinking back to that sad day, but going through this really makes me appreciate the newest family member we have now. I think what you have planned for Loki is the most respectful thing you can do for him. I also agree with Blake, let him enjoy a final run around the block and a few treats that he wasn't allowed to enjoy before. | ||
| 86129squids |
Today's been kinda hard. I've always tried to take Sundays off to have at least 1 whole day off with the GF- after sleeping in good, we traditionally get up and fix breakfast/brunch, with both dogs supervising, waiting for us to sit down and start passing out treats. Today, Loki managed to get lost, wandering around in my tiny house- we got him and brought him back to the table, and he figured out to stay put, got his treats... I always fix one extra egg, which leaves enough to divide between the dogs after we're done- some eggs, some pig meat, which they love... I had to put it out of my mind that this will probably be his last Sunday breakfast with us. Tomorrow I've got to talk with my vet, my vet buddy, get their best advice and decide on a plan of action. I believe the weather should improve somewhat over today, which has been wet, cold and gloomy- I'm gonna have to go riding for a few hours late tomorrow afternoon. Wish me luck. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Sorry to all of you who've read/followed this thread You get a big 'thank you' from me. I don't envy your situation or the memories of those who have been there before, but I know that after reading your first post I decided to go home for my lunch break to hang with the pup. | ||
| 99savage |
Like the name "Loki" - The god of merriment & mischief. Dogs never think about the great beyond - They live in the moment - The squirrel to be chased - The spot to be counter-peed - and - As they get older the sun beam to sleep in. To him this is just one more sleep - If you are holding him, it is fine with him. | ||
| 86129squids |
Savage- thank you. I know you're absolutely right, that what the vet will come and do tomorrow won't even register- except maybe the first small pain prick of the needle... I'm still fighting to wrap my head around this. No, more so it's just losing the fight to wrap my heart around it. Tomorrow should go like this: I'll sleep in a bit- for years now I've slept with Loki at my side, this will be our last waking together- then get up and have breakfast. If it's cereal and milk, he gets a drink of the leftover milk- if I cook eggs and pork, he and Chloe get a little feast. Chances are I'll do the latter. If I don't get the burial site done today, I'll have to finish it tomorrow. Then I'm planning to take both dogs to Cherokee Blvd, where they have a riverside park that's always been a "dog park", long before "dog parks" in the modern sense came along- Loki knows it well, it's where I've trained him on and off leash. He knows the drive to it well, should be able to tell by smell where he's at. When we get back, gonna grill some steaks, let him have a good medium rare one, lean but hopefully with a good bone... Shortly after all this, around 5 the vet should be here. After that, all bets are off. Wish me luck. | ||
| Oysterman |
I wish there was a magical phrase or anything at all I cud say that would take away the pain... I know it sounds cliche', but try to focus on all the good times, that's always helped me. I've been following this thread, been all twisted up trying to figure out what to say. From the sounds of it Loki lived a wonderful life and was truly blessed to have you as a friend. I've never met either one of you but your thoughts here have deeply touched and moved me. You'll be in my thoughts.... Be Strong.... Good Luck..... | ||
| 86129squids |
The damndest thing about it all is the second-guessing. Pro's for going forward, putting him down: He's well over 17 years old. Drinks water like there's no tomorrow- the last trip to the vet, well over a year ago, was told that his kidneys were marginal. He's also likely to have an "accident" and whiz anywhere- I've resigned myself to getting new carpets when he's gone. Can't see very well. Gets disoriented, even in the house- he goes around in a tight circle, going nowhere, from time to time. Has tremors, but has had them for quite some time now. Can't walk too well on hardwood, after waking up maybe not at all. He's skin and bones, just pitiful looking. Extremely needy- has to be RIGHT beside someone almost all the time. Cons, to postpone it and keep him around longer: He's still eating well, bowel movements still good Enjoys getting his treats, especially when we're cooking Still likes to go out back on the deck and lay in the sun Still knows when we get home, always gets up from his favorite chair to see what's going on Still able to jump up into and out of his chair, just not 100% successful Still sleeps well with us OK. Objectively I can see which side carries the most weight, but what's so tough is how gradual the bad stuff has manifested. Heck, I've had him well over 17 years, none of this stuff has SUDDENLY appeared in him. Just lately has he gotten the stand-in-place and be disoriented thing- that's probably the worst so far. He's a Basenji, a sighthound, after all. I know that there's no way for all this to get "better". Damn this slow, slippery slope. The final word will be what my vet tells me, tomorrow afternoon. | ||
| Blackm2 |
Brad, I have had to to this several times and on the verge of doing it again. It NEVER gets easier. There is usually a time when they let you know, other times it is a bit more complicated. If they are in pain, are consistently incontinent, or can't walk is usually a good indicator. I am a big proponent to having it done at home if possible, less stress on the dog. In my opinion, your "pros" are things that really can be dealt with. We have an old mix that does a lot of what you listed, maybe just a little less blind. We also have 2 sister German Shep's that are 8yo. One has a progressive neurological disease called Degenerative Myelopathy that one year ago began as a dragging rear leg. It has progressed to where she can't walk anymore. I have to carry her out to do her business(with a towel strap under her belly)and her walks are done with a "wheelchair" cart for dogs that we picked up about 6-7 months ago. She shows no signs of slowing, she walks 2 miles every night(in the cart) and will drag herself around the house if she wants to go somewhere. I know there are times she gets depressed, you can see it. However she lives for us, and there is no way I could give up on her. I want her to die at home because she literally trusts no one else but my wife and I. Taking her somewhere would be super stressful for her. So I don't mean to take away from your situation, just wanted to say that it just boils down what you and the dog can handle. Oh, the other old mix dog of ours, was actually my brothers, and he was gong to have him put down 3 years ago just because his young children would bother the dog and subsequently he would growl at them. Best of luck either way you decide. 17 years is a good long life for any dog. | ||
| 86129squids |
Allright. I believe I'll have to wait until the vet gets here, does a once AND twice over, then I'll make the decision. Pulling a Band-Aid off slowly can't compare to this- let's try waxing my entire hairy carcass, wrapping in Ace bandages, then pulling them off. I came home from work tonite, to the same scene I've been used to for years, nothing changed- Loki snoozing on his chair, until he notices me home, then he's awake... He gets up, follows me into the kitchen to see if I've brought any treats home (I failed to tonite)- then he goes and starts eating a decent bowl of food. After that, I took him outside for a whiz, then back in- he sometimes makes it back up the stairs, and there's just two. Back in, he's ready to go to bed- so I put him in bed. Overall, his daily routines/behaviors haven't changed much, but I hate seeing him totally disoriented. A sighthound gone blind is pitiful. Still, he's a good dog. He still does well with the daily routines, but sight and mobility are fading fast. Second guessing. Not sleeping for a while. | ||
| 86129squids |
OK folks... The vet came, even brought an assistant, gave my buddy a good looking over... We decided that even though he is losing his sight, sometimes losing track of where he's at, he's still got a little ways to go yet. He still has a good appetite. He still gets up and down from his favorite chair fine. He still gets around the yard OK. He's not suffering. He's just old. I've struggled with this all week, wondering if it's time for him. After the vet's exam, I'm relieved to have him for just a while longer. I know that the inevitable is coming- just not today. For all of you here that have posted and given me your best $.02, your words are priceless. When the day does eventually come, both for Loki and my GF's beautiful mutt Chloe, I will return to this thread... Thank you. | ||
| 86129squids |
Funny, I've never watched this vid, but it's great... "Never A Dull Moment"... I've said for years that will be engraved on my headstone, as MY epitaph. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG3EHbVWfxk&feature =fvwrel | ||
| Xl1200r |
I was kind of thinking, from some of what you were saying, that it wasn't quite his time yet - but I didn't to get your hopes up falsely. I'm glad to hear he'll be around at least a little longer. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Brad- glad to hear it. You certainly did everything you could to make the right decision. I think you should go ahead cook him that steak to celebrate. Here's to all the good pets we have and have had  | ||
| 86129squids |
We did burgers, dogs, and cheddarwursts on the grill, with taters, onions and peppers, plus some white beans for sides. Ahh- he's napping, I'm finishing my beer. This has been a memorable, good 4/1. | ||
| Blake |
>>> We decided that even though he is losing his sight, sometimes losing track of where he's at, he's still got a little ways to go yet. Outstanding! I was hoping that would be the verdict. Maybe some diapers for the tee-tee? | ||
| 86129squids |
Diapers- naah, just eternal vigilance and our best sense of when it's time to go out- a Basenji in diapers would just be absurd. This is a breed that has a proven addiction to eating bath tissue and Q-tips- Loki rarely does it anymore, but sometimes he'll stuff his head in the bathroom trash can for a fix, for old times sake... Got a beautiful sunny day here, my old buddy's been out on the back deck soaking up the rays... Good times! | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Glad you are getting some more time with Loki... now that this thread has taken a uptick  | ||
| 86129squids |
Mark, I remember that pic, but still wonder- is that a "threadbooger"?! Glad to see your new buddy is doing well, adding to a strong "pack"... OK all- I'd posted earlier a Youtube vid, "Breed All About It" on the Basenji- if you got to see it and dug it, below is another that I've bookmarked and go to occasionally: http://www.basenjirescue.org/ DISCLAIMER: These dogs are INCREDIBLY easy to fall in love with, but NOT at all "easy" to live with- IMHO the polar opposite of something like a Cocker spaniel. Too smart, very mischievous, quick as lightning, known as the Houdini of the canine world... click on link if you dare. Loki has DEFINITELY lived up to his name, more than I can tell. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
click on the pic... its a video... | ||
| 86129squids |
LOL- Mark, the best thing about that vid is the fact that you had Dr. Philofhisselfly on the boob tube... Hope you had a beer in the other hand! Good stuff! | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Dr.Phil is the wife's doing... we just got a DVR... I've had me fill of Dr.Phil... and Teen Mom... Dr.Drew... Sex in the City... | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Brad, I know what you have been going through by following this thread and I haven't chimed in with my thoughts yet because I don't know if there is a correct answer, I've never had to have a dog put down yet, thank God. But when the day comes for my best friend, I'm going to leave the decision entirely up to my vet. I don't think I could ever make the call on my own. Enjoy your pets as long as you can! Isn't it funny that we call them pets, because there are actually family, at least mine is to me. |
