Posted by Dinah on October 4, 2001, at 8:53:32
In reply to Re: Any dog advice? Husband in denial » kazoo, posted by Marie1 on October 4, 2001, at 7:35:15
Gracie,
I have had a great number of dogs over the years, and have had to make this decision more times than I want to remember. I've had regrets in both directions. I've finally come up a way to decide that works for me. I observe the dog and see its attitude toward pain. I have had dogs who are utterly miserable with pain and it is absolutely clear that euthanasia would be a blessing to them. I have also had dogs in a great amount of pain who got great enjoyment from their food or from following their beloved master along as best they could and from being loved and petted. For these dogs, the final stage of their lives were a blessing to them and to me. I put up with the incontinence and injections and in one case, daily drip, as the price I gladly pay for their years of companionship. By the way, in the case of the two gallant dogs who had a daily injection or daily drip, they both fought death mightily, and both enjoyed every last minute they had, especially all the extra attention. Their eyes lit up with every kindness and caress. In fact, Lucky with her poor bloated body, danced as she followed my mother, and never seemed to even realize that anything was wrong.
So perhaps there is no one correct answer. Perhaps if you discuss the pros and cons in a compassionate manner with your husband, he will come to see the right answer for his beloved friend.
Dinah
poster:Dinah
thread:12039
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010927/msgs/12098.html