The time has come. Helpful advice and experiences please.

Cedars said:
Thank you to some of you for all your kind thoughts - they are most appreciated at this horrid time.

The others of you are ****ing sick.
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I'm sorry you feel like that. I guess maybe you have other reasons that you arent saying. If you are sure you are doing the right thing then so be it.
 
Vizslak said:
I'm the last person in the world to query whether animals should be pts or kept suffering. I do not agree by any stretch of the imagination in keeping an animal alive at all costs or prolonging suffering as many on here know. This however, I'm sorry to say I am querying. Because I would feel awful myself if I sat back and said nothing.
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(Gah! Damn computer crashed whilst writing my post, so please excuse me if this is brief as having to retype it, which I've not the patience for doing properly, or the memory for the train of thought that I had then...)

I would have said the same (did do), until I spoke to Cedars via PM. I regret making that post now, as now I know more of the facts, then I am sure she is making a very difficult decision for all the right reasons.

Poor Cedars has spent a considerable amount of time with a specialist today, who has positively advised her to pts. I know that Cedars may be a controversial poster, but I don't think anyone can doubt how much she loves her animals.

I recently had my beloved horse pts; she was 25, had been with me for 14+ years, and I chose not to post the details of her condition, or the progress of the first vet visit, to my choice to put her to sleep, because it actually felt immensely personal. I didn't feel the need to explain, I just knew I'd sought the right vets, and we'd decided what was best for her.

I'm sure no on is more upset about poor Chloe having to pass at such a young age than Cedars is :( :( This really is a great loss to her :( Please, look at your own dogs now and imagine how the poor girl is feeling - I can't do so without crying.

Blah... I'm not going to write anything more useless on this post as I'm crying, but I can vouch that Cedars has explored most options than she feels capable of making public and I'm sure she isn't making this decision lightly.

Give her a break, guys. xx
 
At the beginning of this thread I was agreeing with SusieT but now I've just read Puppy's reply - I guess there is a genuine medical reason that it is in Chloe's best interest now.

So very sorry for you Cedars, I know what its like to lose a dog before its time and I won't pretend that its not totally gutting. Mine was PTS at the emergency vets and we brought him home and buried him the garden (large dog) with his collar, bowl and toy. My poor kids were only little and totally devastated :( I don't envy you this at all.

Can you tell us what the final prognosis was? As you know, this section of the forum shares so much experience and advice which is often critically helpful to posters (me and you included) and Chloe's case and your experience could be very beneficial to the knowledge pool on here.
 
My boy was PTS at home. The vet who had always looked after him came with a nurse. He took Jake away afterwards. It cost about £200 in total. I didn't want the body back in case we ever move and I had to leave him. I didn't want ashes because that would have just reinforced, for me, the loss and change in our lives.

My enormous sympathy. This is the hardest thing we have to do for our beloved pets. Big, big hugs.
 
Sorry to hear about your dog, it is a heartbreaking decision to make. We have had to do it twce before, once an 11yr old setter with cancer and once wth a 16yr old labx. It was making that decision, but they were old dogs, so i can only imagine its worse for you with the dog beng so young. But as they say better a week too early than a day too late. it sounds as though your vet is being honest about her prognosis, and that's who you need to listen to, not peope who aren't aware of all the facts.
 
I have sympathy with Susie T's queries. She is only trying to help too.

I've had horses and dogs for 5 decades, and on several occasions have been told that the only option is PTS. Three of those pieces of advice ( all from vets) I chose to ignore, and thank God I did.

Also, I don't understand the concern with the cost? If the dog has to be put down, she has to be put down. Charges are not a secret. Just pick up the phone and ask your veterinary surgery. They will tell you. Though another vet will certainly ask questions if you start hawking her around the local surgeries asking prices. If it's more than you can afford to have a memorial etc. then don't have one - just clip a piece of hair to remind you.

And whatever you do, if she is put down have it done at home. Yes, that will cost you extra, but you owe it to her.

I'm sorry if this sounds very grumpy and suspicious, but I don't get the scenario - at all.
 
What do I do with Bracken? Should he see her afterwards? We will be taking her in to the vet so he would need to come too if we wanted him to see her. Will he understand if he doesnt see her?
 
Could you not have it done at home? There's no way I could let it happen at the vets where they aren't thrilled to be going under ordinary circumstances. :confused:

Brig didn't even look twice when we showed him Jake. :confused:
 
You've had a rough time on here so I hope you can let it go and just be with your baby and ignore people posting their suspicions when all you asked for was an idea of what to expect and how much it will cost. Unfortunately folks for some people cost does come in to the equation and for anyone on a tight budget it's an added nightmare.

You know Chloe best and if she's happy at the vet then that's fine. All mine went to the vet and my lasting memory of one sad experience is my little Jake trying to play with the bundle of tear soaked loo roll I was holding in my hand as the vet put the needle in his vein......heart wrenching for me but a happy time for him and that's what's important.
 
Right I don't care what abuse I get but here goes from personal experience.

My bulldog was treated for bad itchy skin by the vets and RVC for full allergy testing. It cost me over £5k in total to get to the bottom of what was wrong and eventually no diagnosis could be made. Skin conditions are really hard to treat.

I know not every skin condition present will be the same but the point I am making is that investigations and trying of things takes months. In this case we have gone from a post on the 8th Sept saying we don't know whats wrong and showing pictures of a dog that IMO untrained eye shows little problem ( compared to my dog ) and today when we are PTS.

That timescale is totally false for someone genuinely trying to help their dog.

If its a question of you don't have the money to further investigate then just say so. At no time did my vet and specialists ever say PTS. Never.
 
My thoughts are with you Cedars and i you have had some helpful responses that answer your questions.

Why do we insist on critising people who just want to do the best for their animals (there was a similar horse thread in new lounge not so long ago)? Why do somepeople insist we keep animals alive despite thier lack of quality of life?

From the OP post about her dog it sounds like quality of life is lacking and it is often the braver person who makes the tough decision to PTS rather than just throw more tests and drugs at it with no guarantee of an improvement. Rather a day early than a day too late.
 
SplashofSoy said:
From the OP post about her dog it sounds like quality of life is lacking and it is often the braver person who makes the tough decision to PTS rather than just throw more tests and drugs at it with no guarantee of an improvement. Rather a day early than a day too late.
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From an outsiders viewpoint the OP doesn't give much information on this thread and makes the condition seem trivial. To be fair to the questioning posters Cedars has slightly contradicted herself on other threads. Maybe that's why people can't understand the reasoning behind having the dog put down just because it has a skin problem. However there must be other factors being considered because no one in their right mind would have a dog put down just because it is itchy, right?

Each to their own how we choose to care for our animals. I would be the one who delves into the unknown, trying everything I have in my power to seek a solution whilst still retaining a high quality of life for my dog. I'm not sure that makes me, or any of the other posters who have told of treatment routes they've gone down to make for a better life for their animals, wrong or cowardly? :confused:
 
Yes Spring Feather, whilst maintaining a high quality of life. This is not possible, and therefore on Tuesday my darling girl will leave us.

For all of those of you who think I'm some sort of uncaring *******, i was so upset this morning and so desperate for a solution that i've spoken to two other vets today who also agree, reading her notes, that PTS is the kindest decision and the one they all, universally, recommend.
 
I have followed your posts but am not in a position to judge or advise. I'm sure you know whats best for her, I'm sorry and hope its a nice peaceful day for her. I have never been through this with a dog, but when we took our family cat to the vets we wished it had been done at home :(.
 
Cedars, I've been following both your threads, but haven't posted until now. My reasons for this are many, but that's not my point now.

I'm so, so sorry that poor Chloe has to leave you so early in her life. No matter how young or old an animal is, or how healthy or infirm, it is never, ever an easy thing to have to deal with.

I've only ever been with one of my animals when PTS, and it's something which will stay with me for the rest of my life. It was not a good day, but I'm glad I was there to see him off, so to speak. He was a dear wee friend, but was so very ill, it was the really the very best thing we could do for him. He was also relatively young (11yo Border Terrier), and OH was hoping against hope that something could be done for Tugg. Sadly, that was not to be........

Cedars, I hope that the time you have left with Chloe will be as happy and as comfortable as is possible. I, for one, will be thinking of you both on Tuesday, and hope that all goes as well as these things can.

(((((Hugs))))) to you all - you are all in my thoughts. :(

C xx
 
I find some of the posts on this thread sickening.

Some of you people have no shame.

It's actually disgusting.

If it was anyone else they'd be getting "You're a responsible owner, doing the right thing" etc etc. I don't know why you think you have the right to comment on someone elses choices, you dont. plain and simple.

The title of this post says "Helpful advice and experiences", maybe some of you could do with re-reading the Helpful part of the title.

Shame on some of you.




Cedars, hope you're okay and I hope Chloe enjoys the rest of her days.

Better a month too early, than a day too late.

You know your own dog, and I know you'll do the best thing by her.

<Hugs> xxx
 
ABC said:
I find some of the posts on this thread sickening.

Some of you people have no shame.

It's actually disgusting.

If it was anyone else they'd be getting "You're a responsible owner, doing the right thing" etc etc. I don't know why you think you have the right to comment on someone elses choices, you dont. plain and simple.

The title of this post says "Helpful advice and experiences", maybe some of you could do with re-reading the Helpful part of the title.

Shame on some of you.




Cedars, hope you're okay and I hope Chloe enjoys the rest of her days.

Better a month too early, than a day too late.

You know your own dog, and I know you'll do the best thing by her.

<Hugs> xxx
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Very well said. I've been appalled by some of the things people have felt they could say/write. You know who you are and you should be ashamed of yourselves.

P
 
ABC said:
I find some of the posts on this thread sickening.

Some of you people have no shame.

It's actually disgusting.

If it was anyone else they'd be getting "You're a responsible owner, doing the right thing" etc etc. I don't know why you think you have the right to comment on someone elses choices, you dont. plain and simple.

The title of this post says "Helpful advice and experiences", maybe some of you could do with re-reading the Helpful part of the title.

Shame on some of you.




Cedars, hope you're okay and I hope Chloe enjoys the rest of her days.

Better a month too early, than a day too late.

You know your own dog, and I know you'll do the best thing by her.

<Hugs> xxx
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To be fair if you put your business on a public forum then of course you will get differing responses, especially as it is a story unfolding, with which people have tried to help.
Seeing as we do not know any details people will jump to conclusions which lead to the types of comments you are slating, but actually people are right to question the notion of putting a simply itchy dog down.
Im sure there is more to this story, that Cedars currently is unable or unwilling to share, and hope that these last days with Chloe are not too painful.
 
Lexie - I understand that, but from my point of view its obviously still raw for Cedars, and I can't see why she should be expected to fill us all in with the exact medical problems Chloe is suffering from. If anything she'd tell everyone when she was ready.

I think its a horrible assumption that Cedars and her vet wouldn't do anything in their power to save Chloe, and if anyone was implying a similar thing to you, then I'm pretty sure it would cause some upset/hurt (I know it would deeply upset me) and at a time like this, does Cedars really need this?

I don't think so.
She posted this to talk to other people who love dogs for advice on how to cope with losing her dog in the future. Instead it was implied that she's getting her dog PTS as a first option, rather than a last.

In general, I think people type what they think/feel without giving a second thought to how it would affect the OP.

If you were trying to do the best thing by your beloved dog, and received some of the replies from here, how would you feel?
My guess is upset/angry/hurt...

I just think at a time like this Cedars needs support, not this.
 
I agree. If it were me however, I would just post the whole picture to stop any further hurtful comments and I imagine receive HUGE apologies from those who jumped in feet first.
 
On a slighty different note, you need to leave time out for yourself after this all happens. You have had a lot of advice on how to deal with the whole PTS scenario but give yourself a little grace for how you deal with this after the event.

I am quite a strong individual, used to getting on with things

and made myself incredibly and horribly ill after I lost my staffie bitch. I just could not stop crying. So try to leave yourself some space just to have some time to get used to not having your dog around.
 
Regarding your question about what to do with Bracken I think you might find it easier if he stayed at home, yes he probably will be confused and will most likely search for her for a while but it is likely that if you did take him to the vets he would be just as confused as to why you were leaving her there and having him there to worry about may add to the stress of the situation, as well as possibly stressing him out as well. In time he will come to accept that Chloe is gone and will become more settled. Thinking of you.
 
Cedars said:
Have decided on the vets. She is very happy there and absolutely adores all the nurses etc. xx
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But I thought you changed vets at the last minute? Will you take her back to the previous vets to have her PTS?

Cedars said:
Yes Spring Feather, whilst maintaining a high quality of life. This is not possible, and therefore on Tuesday my darling girl will leave us.

For all of those of you who think I'm some sort of uncaring *******, i was so upset this morning and so desperate for a solution that i've spoken to two other vets today who also agree, reading her notes, that PTS is the kindest decision and the one they all, universally, recommend.
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So what was the final prognosis? I am scratching my brain to think of a skin condition that vets would recommend PTS. Simply to help other AAD posters what has led to all the vets recommendations?

We have a massive problem here with cut gorse - its seems to give dogs (especially spaniel) an awful scabby/itchy complaint and one poor dog suffered so badly because she had an autoimmune disease to boot - however, many several £'s later they finally got to the crux of the problem and the dog was saved despite several times they though she would have to be PTS.

I really do feel for you though, having lost several horses and dogs in their prime - its gutting :(
 
lexiedhb said:
To be fair if you put your business on a public forum then of course you will get differing responses, especially as it is a story unfolding, with which people have tried to help.
Seeing as we do not know any details people will jump to conclusions which lead to the types of comments you are slating, but actually people are right to question the notion of putting a simply itchy dog down.
Im sure there is more to this story, that Cedars currently is unable or unwilling to share, and hope that these last days with Chloe are not too painful.
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Differing opinions - fair enough (although I still feel people could be a little more empathic) but what I find outrageous is this demand (and that's the correct word) that Cedars either justify her decision or spill all the facts so that some self-appointed judge and jury on here can satisfy themselves that she's making the right decision!

How dare you hold her decision to ransom like this . . . she doesn't have to justify her decision to anyone - much less you or anyone else on this board.

Try this to see if it gives a different perspective . . . imagine Cedars is talking about a person - a family member, a relative . . . would you feel justified in demanding that she give you all the facts then? Imagine we were all sitting in a room, having a face-to-face conversation over coffee/tea/biscuits - Cedars has tearfully told us that Chloe will be PTS next week . . . would you really be hectoring her for "all the facts" so that you could feel better about her decision? I certainly hope not.

This decision is deeply personal . . . yes, Cedars has opened it up to some discussion by putting it on a public forum . . . but there is a time and a place for some conversations and I feel that a line has definitely been crossed.

Cedars - I agree that you need to carve out some time for you after Tuesday - take Bracken for a nice long walk, go and sit in one of Chloe's favourite spots, have a long hot bath and a good cry - anything that helps really. Try and enjoy these last days with Chloe and remember that she has no idea what's coming . . . best wishes Honey x

P
 
PolarSkye said:
Differing opinions - fair enough (although I still feel people could be a little more empathic) but what I find outrageous is this demand (and that's the correct word) that Cedars either justify her decision or spill all the facts so that some self-appointed judge and jury on here can satisfy themselves that she's making the right decision!

How dare you hold her decision to ransom like this . . . she doesn't have to justify her decision to anyone - much less you or anyone else on this board.

Try this to see if it gives a different perspective . . . imagine Cedars is talking about a person - a family member, a relative . . . would you feel justified in demanding that she give you all the facts then? Imagine we were all sitting in a room, having a face-to-face conversation over coffee/tea/biscuits - Cedars has tearfully told us that Chloe will be PTS next week . . . would you really be hectoring her for "all the facts" so that you could feel better about her decision? I certainly hope not.

This decision is deeply personal . . . yes, Cedars has opened it up to some discussion by putting it on a public forum . . . but there is a time and a place for some conversations and I feel that a line has definitely been crossed.

Cedars - I agree that you need to carve out some time for you after Tuesday - take Bracken for a nice long walk, go and sit in one of Chloe's favourite spots, have a long hot bath and a good cry - anything that helps really. Try and enjoy these last days with Chloe and remember that she has no idea what's coming . . . best wishes Honey x

P
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As you aimed this at me- why Im not overly sure, I have not "held her decision to ransom".
If I had a friend who had said, "my nan has really bad excema" then a week later was saying "we are turning the machine off" OF COURSE I would ask "OMG what on earth happened" same if I were face to face and she said "C is being PTS next week".......... same response "OMG what happened"
 
No she does not have to justify her choice to have the dog pts.

The thing that gets to me is her saying the tests to find out whats wrong are horrific. They are not.

If there are other reasons for the dog being pts fair enough, Its a horrible thing to have to do BUT why come on here asking questions about skin problems in dogs and then completly ignore any advice and also say the tests are horrific.

If the dog is being put to sleep because of skin problems that can be investigated and treated its a real shame.

If there are other reasons fo it why make such a fuss about the skin problems?

I have quite a lot of experience with skin problems and for her to say shes not having the tests because they are horrific is wrong.
 
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