This has been a painful week for me. My buddy, Dakota, needed to be put to sleep. On Monday I was putting my stuff in the car for my trek to the office. Monday and Tuesday were the only two days I'd need to be in the office this past week. When I went outside, he was trying to find a spot in the bushes. It seemed odd at the time. He sometimes lays in the bushes when it's very hot out, but this seemed different. In retrospect, I believe he was looking for his final resting place. I got him into the house, and he laid down. When I arrived atwork, I asked my wife to make an appointment with the vet for Tuesday. My middle daughter and I share the job of feeding the dogs and the cats. She feed them that morning. When I finally arrived home at just shy of 8pm, he was still in the same place and hadn't eaten at all. A deep feeling of dread came over me. I tried and tried to get him to come up stairs, but he wouldn't move. Finally I picked him up and carried him to the second floor in several mini carries. Found out the next day that he was 105lbs. 20lbs over his usual weight. That night I slept on the floor of our bedroom with him. Not much sleep, but enough. Tuesday I took a personal day to take him to the vets. My hope was that they would give him some antibiotics, and he'd be fine. Getting him down to the car was another minor workout. Fortunately our backyard is level with the second floor. I was able to get him to go out on his own power and down to the car. This gave me a little bit of hope. After lifting him into the car, we drove with the windows down to the vets. At the vets, I had to carry him up 5 steps, and the made it the rest of the way into the office on his own. We waited a bit as we were late. I didn't leave enough time to get him into the car, and make the appointment on time. Finally they gave us a room, and weighed him on the way to the room. Once the doctor came in, I explained his behavior, and he indicated to me that Dakota might need to be put to sleep. However; he said he could run blood work and perform X-rays. Which I asked him to to both. The doctor explained that he could do the X-ray right away to give him a better idea. Not 5 minutes after he left the room, he came back and said I need to see this. Dakota had a tumor that took up about 2/3 of his left lung. There was significant scaring in the lungs, and the doctor pointed out that the kidney had a large tail on it. To this the doctor explained that there was little that could be done, and that anything he could do would still leave Dakota in significant pain. My best course of action would be to put him to sleep to save him for further pain. The doctor let me say my goodbyes, and I opted for them to take care of it. I couldn't be in the room when they injected him. I'd have lost it. Maybe that makes me less of a man, but I couldn't do it. Before leaving the doctor told me to tell the kids that Dakota was staying overnight for observation. Then tell them in a day or two that he didn't make it. This way the kids would not blame me for putting Dakota to sleep. We all took it pretty hard. Here are some pics from over the years:
So sorry, I am sure he was a joy in your life. I dread the day when I have to put my buddy to rest. Greg
Oh my, that made my eyes get wet. Been there, done that. So sorry for your loss. You know you did what had to be done. In a few days, you will come to accept what has happened. I hope your kids understand. I keep going back and looking at your pictures. He must have been a very loving pet. RIP Dakota
rest in peace and know as hard as it was it was right. so tough to lose the family that speak in their own way. brings back the wonderful memories and companionship of those pets we have had. thoughts to you and your family.
Very sorry for your buddy 33.Dakota was a cool looking buddy to have. I did the same thing when I had to have Murphy put down as the vet had to go out to the truck where he was laying in the backseat to give him the needle.
Sorry for your loss. You gave him a good home/life. I am sure he and you did a lot for each other. Neither of you could have asked for more from a friend and he was very grateful to you. Your kids will get through it when they see you stay positive. Have a better day man.
33, so sorry for your loss. We all become so attached to our furry kids. inevidably we come to the crossroads where we have to part company. All part of life, painful as it is. Remember the good times and that you made his life great for your time together.
Sorry for your loss Bro, I understand your feelings and have gone through it myself with my pups over the years. We treat them like they are family members, becasue they are. We don't like to see them in pain and for some reason dogs tolerate pain much better than humans do, who knows how long Dakota was in discomfort/pain before showing signs that you could notice.
33, Sorry about your loss. As others have said, us that have had to go thru that know what your feeling. It seems to me that when we are outside like most of us are, the fury friends are the companionship that we all desire. Unconditional love is what my wife calls it. Just reading your post reminds me of the last days with my best friend. It was time and you know you did not want any suffering, too good of a dog for that.
Sorry for your loss 33, sitting here with tears as know just how it feels. Just no substitute for a canine friend, they love unconditionally. You did the right thing as hard as it was.
Sorry for your lost. Not the easiest thing to go through but sometimes necessary. Remember the good times and don't re-think your decision. Dakota was lucky to have you as an owner.
So sorry to hear this. Know that he lived the best life with you and he is in a better place. Like Reverend Graham said to a 5 year old girl when her dog died, "If you'll be happier being with your loved dog in Heaven, he'll be there!" R.I.P Dakota
Sorry to read this boettg33 ... at least you've got really good memories to hang onto and Dakota is no longer in pain.
Condolences from us here. Take comfort in that he was loved well and brought so much to you and your family.
