ORIGINAL: springerDIVA
Gosh, this always brings back memories and makes my eyes tear up. I have had to do this twice too oftenin the last two years and our 14 & 1/2 year old is showing some signs of the final twilight. Each trip out I try to take her off for just one more hunt.
We take ours to our vet. We have a local pet memorial park that offers graves and crematory services. We keep the ashes. I am taking my old boy's ashes toour favorite pond later this year. That way when the pins come in whistling he'll be there for them. That's where it all clicked for him and it's a special place. My best girl's ashes well they're staying with me...
I worked for a vet when I was in college. I saw more grown men cry over old hunting companions than any other situation. I would not do this myself. There's too much emotion involved and that could make it worse.I have been with all of ours when they have gone to sleep. It doesn't get any easier.
As for getting a new pup. I knew in February of last year that my 9 year old had possibly one more season in him. Vets couldn't confirm. As long as he was happy and responded to meds we agreed to try for one more season. A breeding I had hoped to see came about did in fact take. After much discussion and serious thought, we agreed to get one of the pups. My old dog perked up for a bit after the pup came to the home but sadly, we didn't get another dove season by 6 days. I have to say our now 14 year old perked up a bit too after the pups arrival. We didn't get the pup for them, we got him because we had at the time a 13 year old, a 9 year old(who'e time was limited)and an 8 year old. We knew by the time this pup hits his prime we'd be down to one dog, figuring at that we'd be down to at least to two dogs.
It's a hard choice but thankfully we have this option to our pets. My vet lets me/us stay with them. I have known vets who make house calls for these situations.
My husband says he will not get another pup for himself until our now 9 year old female (his baby girl) is gone. Our friend is the same way with his spaniel.
When the time comes if you need references on working spaniel breeders let me know. I'm sorry you have to face this decision.
Thank you.. I will be getting another spaniel when she is gone though. They are the easiest dog I have found to train.. Very obedient sheis also..She learned the rules quite fast at a young age. Something I was surprised about really.