Man's Best Friend

[DonRickles]

This might be looked at as somewhat of a selfish, self absorbed post with humans sickening around the world. Please forgive me...

We are facing the end of a life, a wonderful life filled of unconditional love. We're a family that just loves dogs, we've been owners, breeders, and simply all around dog people for all of our lives (myself and my wife, now my children). Oldly we've paired two Dobermans with a Beagle three times now!

This is not unfamiliar territory, as we have been here before, but it really doesn't get any easier. To me it's actually harder now then in my younger years....

Our 10 yr. old Dobie, Koki has lost its ability to use his hind legs, and his front legs are weakening. Yes, this is a common issue for large breed dogs (he's 100+lbs.). At his age going the medical operation path is not really the best option for his condition, (wobblers disease/neurological) is the veterinarian's diagnosis. Now the meds have also made him incontinent, so diapers and mats are being used, in addition to me carrying him in and out.

Thing is, he's is not in any pain, hasn't changed his personality, he's generally happy and hasn't lost his appetite or thirst. This has me so torn and upset I just can't say...In all my years keeping dogs only once was I forced to put one down. Herein, lies the problem....

Anyway, thanks for listening, it really does help me to write this....

To my buddy boy, my athlete, my best friend Koki Boy!

[gnuyork]

That's a tough one (fellow dog lover here), but if he's not in pain, maybe just keep close eye on him... I'm sure I'm no help, but just wanted to chime in...know what you're going through.

[Brew]

So sorry. I just went through this exact problem with my black lab. It's such an awful choice. I personally could not watch the most athletic dog I've ever had live so.

Best wishes.

[Patton250]

Koki looks very happy in this picture. What a blessing to have such a wonderful friend. I’m sorry that with everything else that’s going on you have a tough decision on your hands. Let us know what you decide to do. We’ll be here for you.

[pickettt]

Sometimes we love them so much that we want to keep them around FOR US. Your dog relies on you to make the best decisions FOR HIM, whatever that may be. Do what you do for the right reasons, and there is nothing to ever second guess.

[crew]

Owning a good dog is one of life’s great gifts.
I wish you well as you make decisions in the best interest of Koki.

[Jona]

I feel for you, as I am an animal lover. I never had a dog but several pussycats. I've lost a few over the years and it doesn't get easier. I find that getting a new pet asap lessens the hurt as you then have another one to love.

[Floorguy]

Don, I’m so sorry to hear this! I hate when I read such sad stories about pets. My 11 year old pit had an issue with her hind legs and had trouble walking and getting up. The vet told me her hips were going do to her age.... Putting an old friend down is one of the worst feelings in the world! So I tried pet CBD oil for my pit, and she is a new dog!! She gets it every morning and since then, for the last 6 months she has been fine! Not saying it’s a cure all, but it’s worth mentioning! Hope this helps...

[nda]

Poor old sausage.... pets are family members. I recall this cartoon summed it all up for me

[Randy63]

Originally Posted by DonRickles

This is not unfamiliar territory, as we have been here before, but it really doesn't get any easier. To me it's actually harder now then in my younger years....

I think it does get harder with age. It has for me as well.


All the very best to you and yours.


Randy

[Pw92676]

Sorry to hear this.
I love dogs too and emphasize with you.

[Oscarpapa]

So sorry for your predicament, terrible dilemma but I think you have to in the end become a benevolent God and send/release him onto the next stage of his journey.
The cartoon back up I found very moving. Best.

[FiftyTwoEighty]

@DonRickles From another life long dog owner/lover. It's never easy and a day we know we will face. They are family. I wish you well in your decision.

Originally Posted by nda

Poor old sausage.... pets are family members. I recall this cartoon summed it all up for me

^Pretty much dead on. Almost an exact play-by-play of when we had to put down one of ours. Our Girl told us when it was her time.

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by nda

Poor old sausage.... pets are family members. I recall this cartoon summed it all up for me

Dude, this is going to make me cry, dammit.

[Michigan_State]

Originally Posted by gnuyork

Dude, this is going to make me cry, dammit.

I feel you. OP, sorry to hear about Koki. Cherish the time you have, putting down a dog is tough as nails. I still miss our great dane, with the day had never come.

[037]

Originally Posted by gnuyork

Dude, this is going to make me cry, dammit.

Ugh. Same here. I miss my pup.

[JasoninDenver]

My thoughts are with you, your dog and your family.

I am also watching my 10 year old big black dog wither away by the hour right now and hoping that it is just an infection and will respond to meds before the labs to determine leukemia come in with bad news.



I fear this will be the end for my friend as well. I will not let him suffer at all. At least I can take comfort that he had a good day in the snow on Sunday before everything went south for him.

[Blansky]

Heartbreaking.

Losing pets is the worst. We always have 2 dogs and have for the last 30 years. Also a few birds.

[DonRickles]

To everyone, no one excluded. I thank you, for the kindest words! It is quite comforting to share and know others can also feel the emotions of these losses....Some great advice along with heartfelt similar stories here, I do agree with every word typed.

Koki seems to still be enjoying his time here. So, for the moment he can stay.

He will not recover and he has had a wonderful spoiled rotten life, lol. He's spent every day of his life here, in this house. This guy was one of 11, and the largest of the litter. My huge "4 year old, single minded, funny, muscular athlete". He loved to dance and would stand on with his arms on my shoulders!
And don't put your hands on my wife! He's the jealous type and loves his mommy!

That little red egg in the picture has been his most favorite toy. Only once did I witness him tire while playing ball, this was against a 10 yr. old kid.

So, my sincere thanks to you all.
Keep my Koki boy in your prayers....

[Travelair007]

I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. Such a beautiful puppy and I can see the personality right through the picture.

Cherish the time you have! We don’t deserve these creatures.

My pups says hi and wants to know if he can have a go a that red football.




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[Cazador60]

A Dog does not live as long as a man and his natural law is the font of many tears. If a boy and puppy might grow to manhood and dogwood together, and together grow old, and so in due course die, many a heartache might be avoided.
But the world is not so ordered, and dogs will die and men will weep for them so long as there are dogs and men.

Ben Ames Williams, Bird Dog Book, 1989

[Recondope]

What a good looking boy! So sorry to hear about your puppers. I've loved and had animals a majority of my life, it is always tough to see them ill. Wishing Koki the best.

[Doc Savage]

Originally Posted by gnuyork

Dude, this is going to make me cry, dammit.

Too late. Dang, that really brought on the feels.

Don, my family went through the same exact process with our dog 6 years ago. We had to make the decision for her, and we were at peace with it. Here's hoping you find peace and comfort during this very difficult time.

[Knappo 1307]

Love your Buddy, he looks like a great friend...

[GreatHarry]

Originally Posted by gnuyork

Dude, this is going to make me cry, dammit.

It DID make me cry.....

That & Don's story.

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by GreatHarry

It DID make me cry.....

That & Don's story.

My eyes literally welled up and I had to fight it. I'll break if I read it again.

[AG23]

So sorry to hear that Don. All the best with the future decisions. We had to put our 13 yo Weimaraner down in September and it broke my heart. She had been arthritic for a while- CBD oil made a huge difference- but got old suddenly and probably had cancer.

I didn’t think we’d get another dog for a year at least, but the kids were at me 2 weeks later and we got him at the end of January...

Not sure it’s safe...


[IMG][/IMG]

[dberk]

So sorry to hear this. I spent a year fighting cancer with my 13 year old lab Sadie. It's been 2 years now since I had to let her go but sometimes I still get choked up when I think about her. The day I finally realized I had to let her go was the one time in my life when I truly believe God spoke to me. That day I feel God whispered in my ear and said Dave, you know what you have to do. That's how I got the courage to let her go. I've had dogs die of natural causes but this was the one time I had go do this and the hardest most lonely thing I've ever done. You will know when it's time too. Enjoy what you can and keep the memories. Peace to you and all who love him.

[swils8610]

So sorry. We faced a similar situation a couple of years ago with my yellow lab Sampson poor guys body wore out. He also couldn’t use his hind legs. His front legs were getting weak. We knew it was time. My GSP died in her sleep last year. I’m a bit ashamed to say that I’ve grieved the loss of my dogs more than some people I’ve known.


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[Gecko10]

God's love warped in a furry bundle.