Decision on 13 year old
07-09-2007 | 12:48 AM
#1
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Decision on 13 year old
We got a 13 year old cocker spaniel. She has come close to the end of her life span. She has trouble walking and cant get in the car without help. She just old. Had her from a pup of 3 months old. It's heart breaking for the family to see her this way and we all know it's time.The question is who should do it? On one hand we thought about the vet. Then on the other we thought it should be our job because she is family. It's got to be done by next year I would think.I am sure a few hve went thru this and just like to hear what should do. She hasn't hunted in the last 3 years because of her condition. I was thinking maybe take her out one last time and do what has to be done to her. It is heart breaking and emotional but it has to be done. How many out of respect put their own dog down rather than a stranger?? It is very emotional thinking about it. Like I said,It has to be done..
07-09-2007 | 10:53 AM
#3
Joined: Jul 2006
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RE: Decision on 13 year old
I do it myself. I tell them goodbye, I cry and I fire. I cry and I bury and Go cry. Then I know I did the best I could for them.
Vet may be easier for some, but to me it just isn't the way things should be done.
It is very hard, but I have all the respect in the world for you if you do.
Dave
Vet may be easier for some, but to me it just isn't the way things should be done.
It is very hard, but I have all the respect in the world for you if you do.
Dave
07-09-2007 | 12:21 PM
#4
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RE: Decision on 13 year old
ORIGINAL: Dryridge
I do it myself. I tell them goodbye, I cry and I fire. I cry and I bury and Go cry. Then I know I did the best I could for them.
Vet may be easier for some, but to me it just isn't the way things should be done.
It is very hard, but I have all the respect in the world for you if you do.
Dave
I do it myself. I tell them goodbye, I cry and I fire. I cry and I bury and Go cry. Then I know I did the best I could for them.
Vet may be easier for some, but to me it just isn't the way things should be done.
It is very hard, but I have all the respect in the world for you if you do.
Dave
07-09-2007 | 07:11 PM
#6
Fork Horn
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 150
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From: N. Texas
RE: Decision on 13 year old
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.
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.
07-09-2007 | 10:16 PM
#7
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RE: Decision on 13 year old
ORIGINAL: twelch
If you have kids,I would get another pup now.And let your 13 year old die on its own.
Thats me,ive never been found of killing or putting down a loved dog even if it should of been done.
If you have kids,I would get another pup now.And let your 13 year old die on its own.
Thats me,ive never been found of killing or putting down a loved dog even if it should of been done.
07-09-2007 | 10:28 PM
#8
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RE: Decision on 13 year old
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.
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.
07-15-2007 | 06:12 PM
#9
Spike
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 98
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RE: Decision on 13 year old
Hi,
I also have a 13 year old spaniel. Like yours age has caught up with her. Her last real hunting was a three seasons ago. Right now she is a few feet away from me. Her successor is on my right and a couple of pups are currently kissing her.
Like us when we get old, she has a number of problems. Fortunately, she is not in pain so we have been spared the decision so far. It is easy to say just put them down when they can no longer hunt. But she is my friend and I can not bring myself to dispose of her for the sake of convenience.
Her time will come soon. The dog who could run all day can now barely walk a couple of hundred feet. Like her predecessor, I have promised her that I will be with her when the time comes. She will not be alone and afraid. She will take her last breath in my arms.
And then when I join her, her ashes will rest with mine.
I also have a 13 year old spaniel. Like yours age has caught up with her. Her last real hunting was a three seasons ago. Right now she is a few feet away from me. Her successor is on my right and a couple of pups are currently kissing her.
Like us when we get old, she has a number of problems. Fortunately, she is not in pain so we have been spared the decision so far. It is easy to say just put them down when they can no longer hunt. But she is my friend and I can not bring myself to dispose of her for the sake of convenience.
Her time will come soon. The dog who could run all day can now barely walk a couple of hundred feet. Like her predecessor, I have promised her that I will be with her when the time comes. She will not be alone and afraid. She will take her last breath in my arms.
And then when I join her, her ashes will rest with mine.
