Prayer Request

[KDENISE977]

I have an 8 year old boxer gal, she's been my best friend, my beautiful child, and by far the best dog anyone could ever ask for... I came home yesterday to find he paralyzed from the neck down. I raced her to the doggie ER in Waldorf and she stayed overnight,(still cannot move neck down) they then recommended her to a neurologist in Vienna VA, EVERY one was thinking it was a slipped disc, CT came back at 3 p.m.... vet/surgeon says it's not a slipped disc, more likely a cancer in her spinal cord... or lymphoma... my question isn't what to do...my question is..HOW does anyone deal or go one with this, I've never lost a dog or had to put one down? I have all of the "sensible" answers, I know I wouldn't ever want her to suffer or feel any pain or be scared any more than she already has been for the past 24+ hours... but... how do i see her, and allow them to euthenize her?? I don't think I have the strength??

 

[cattitude]

I would get her to a better hospital. I would recommend Dogs & Cats in Bowie. They are wonderful. At least get a second opinion from them before you decide.

If you decide not to take her elsewhere and decide to let her go, if you need someone to be with you, I will come help you as long as it is in the evening.

 

[cattitude]

Curious..did they rule out degenerative myelopathy?

 

[KDENISE977]

I'm not sure exactly what they ruled out, she is at a neuro surgeon right now who was recommended and I was told was the best in the area?? They have done all kinds of imaging and CT scans??

 

[PrepH4U]

It is very hard place to be, I am so sorry! Just know it is a very hard thing to do BUT you will find the inner strength to do what you know is right. My thoughts are with you.

 

[KDENISE977]

Veterinary Surgical Centers - Neuro


that's where she is.

 

[TurboK9]

I have an 8 year old boxer gal, she's been my best friend, my beautiful child, and by far the best dog anyone could ever ask for... I came home yesterday to find he paralyzed from the neck down. I raced her to the doggie ER in Waldorf and she stayed overnight,(still cannot move neck down) they then recommended her to a neurologist in Vienna VA, EVERY one was thinking it was a slipped disc, CT came back at 3 p.m.... vet/surgeon says it's not a slipped disc, more likely a cancer in her spinal cord... or lymphoma... my question isn't what to do...my question is..HOW does anyone deal or go one with this, I've never lost a dog or had to put one down? I have all of the "sensible" answers, I know I wouldn't ever want her to suffer or feel any pain or be scared any more than she already has been for the past 24+ hours... but... how do i see her, and allow them to euthenize her?? I don't think I have the strength??

If you like,, if you need to end it for her, I can meet you at your vet, and we can walk in together, and I can tell them for you. I know how hard it is, and I would never willingly leave anyone to do this alone.

If they can't fix it, or you simply cannot afford it, well, quality of life and all...

You need me you PM me.

 

[cattitude]

I'm not sure exactly what they ruled out, she is at a neuro surgeon right now who was recommended and I was told was the best in the area?? They have done all kinds of imaging and CT scans??

Ah..okay. I was thinking the results came from Waldorf prior to her going to VA.

It is NEVER easy and I've been with each of my pets at the end. I'm glad that I'm able to comfort them and love them. You have to do it for her. I cannot offer any advice, except that if you have somebody that can go with you for support. It is a very unselfish thing we can do for our special friends. This poem is a favorite of mine. While very sad, it's very true.

I'm so sorry you have to go through this and if I can help you, talk to you, etc. please let me know.

If It Should Be
Author Unknown.

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

 

[KDENISE977]

Just when I think I am all out of tears I read all this and I am a sobbing mess again, right now, just waiting for the 8:00 phone call, I'm so afraid I'll go down to VA to be with her and it'll be worse because I cannot stop crying, my heart is so broken. I know I HAVE to be with her, I just don't know how to do it.

 

[ginwoman]

Kdenise-I am so very sorry you are having to deal with this. I hope and pray the best for you and your baby. My heart hurts for you.

TurboK9 and Cat that's really nice that you offered to go and help if needed.

 

[Baja28]

Just when I think I am all out of tears I read all this and I am a sobbing mess again, right now, just waiting for the 8:00 phone call, I'm so afraid I'll go down to VA to be with her and it'll be worse because I cannot stop crying, my heart is so broken. I know I HAVE to be with her, I just don't know how to do it.

Take Turbo up on his offer.

 

[cattitude]

Just when I think I am all out of tears I read all this and I am a sobbing mess again, right now, just waiting for the 8:00 phone call, I'm so afraid I'll go down to VA to be with her and it'll be worse because I cannot stop crying, my heart is so broken. I know I HAVE to be with her, I just don't know how to do it.

Would you feel better bringing her home first? Just a thought...my vet will come to the home.

I know the heartache you are feeling. I'm so sorry.

 

[TurboK9]

Denise,

I remember Caber's last night.... They had him in one of those cramped kennels at the vet. He was on IV's, and so lethargic he couldn't stand. As they opened the cage door his head flopped out, those beautiful black eyes more mournful than I had ever seen, and yet, still they locked onto my face when he realized I was standing there.

I had tears running down my face... Bent and scooped him up, turned and walked through the facility, out the lobby, and onto the grass out front. I sat there with him draped over my lap, and stroked his head an neck, and cried, and talked to him. As people came and went and paid notice, I'd talk to them too, and tell them of somt of the sillier, goofier stories... and laugh. Alone, I'd cry a little more... I was out there until 2:30 AM. Luckily it was a 24 hour animal hospital. Finally, knowing it had already gotten too late and that my humans were likely frantic, I carried him back inside and told him I was going to take him home that next night, and let him sleep on the bed, one last time.

The next night, while on my way to pick him up, he passed. I got the call when I was only a few minutes from the animal hosptial, and had to pull over and cry again. I have to wonder what people thought when they saw the big tall man weeping on the hood of his car on the side of University Avenue.

Go. Just go. You don't need to know what to do, how to do it, or what to tell the vet or what to ask. But if you don't go, you'll regret it. Just go and cry, and hold her, and stroke her head and neck, and talk to her, and maybe tell some people there some stories of silly things she's done, and laugh a little. It won't make things all better, but it will make you feel, and allow you to feel her under you hand and give you at least one last, precious, sad but so precious, memory of her, worst come to worst.

And if you need me to carry her outside, just ask.

 

[tuffenuff2]

Our black lab Blade was diagnosed with cancer AND allergies. We removed the lump but couldn't get rid of the allergies. Cancer came back but he then developed a tracheal collapse. We had no choice but to to do the right thing- the dog couldn't breath- he had the big C. We took him to the vets in Bowie to consult about radiation etc. that's when the trach. came on. Money wasn't an option. He was one of the family!!! Brought him home for the weekend and realized we were just trying to keep him for us! Please do not give up on your dog but just know that you will know when and if the time is right. Our vet was awesome when we took him in. Funny thing is that our son had just started working there and I asked the vet not to let him know that Blade was there-in storage for the pet crem.people. Only you can make the decision as to the right to do. I waited two days too long Friday-Monday trying to come to terms with putting him down and all I did was make him suffer two more days. It is so hard and I cried for days. I hope everything works out for you and yours.

 

[tuffenuff2]

You can also check out www.rainbowbridge.org.if things don't turn out well.

 

[frequentflier]

Just when I think I am all out of tears I read all this and I am a sobbing mess again, right now, just waiting for the 8:00 phone call, I'm so afraid I'll go down to VA to be with her and it'll be worse because I cannot stop crying, my heart is so broken. I know I HAVE to be with her, I just don't know how to do it.

 

[bresamil]

I've only had to put down one family pet and that was twenty years ago. It was heartwrenching then and I'm crying now thinking about it. Still, it was our only choice and what was best for him.

I will still pray this is not a choice you'll have to make and they will find something to help your pup. If you must make that difficult choice, take someone with you. You will be in no shape to drive and you'll want to hold her on the way home.

Catt/Turbo - God Bless

 

[tuffenuff2]

You will get through it. It is hard but just think of the joy your pet has given you. Think of them as a family member at this time and you are guiding them by holding their hand or paw.

 

[dawn]

 

[KDENISE977]

I have considered bringing her home first, but she would be in a miserable car ride home for over 2 hours... I have prayed all night for the strenght to do the right thing, she isn't showing any signs of improvement and is still paralyzed from the neck down and the cancer is too far along for any treatment, all I can do now is make sure she isn't scared or in any pain... I've never done anything this hard. I love her so much and am not sure how my life will ever be the same. Thank everyone for all their kind words, I know things will get better, it's just such so amazingly awful and heartbreaking right now. I cannot stop crying, my husband is worse. I know our other boxer Remi is so confused, he's never been without her. Leaving to go say good by to the first love of my life.