Saying goodbye to pets

[MrLinus]

I can't believe I'm doing this but today I'm booking an appointment to say goodbye to my namesake, Mittens (her appointment is on Tuesday). After 15 years of life, she developed cancer of the mouth. It's gotten so bad recently that she's not eating, not grooming and blood is coming out of her mouth. This has been the hardest decision I've ever had to do because sometimes one wonders whether it's time. I do know it is because well, she's not happy no matter how much she tries. It always amazes me as to how much animal companions give to us without asking much in return -- and give it totally without judgement or much complaining.

But as hard as this decision is, I know it is the right decision for her. So I say goodbye to the kitten who was given to me to help me deal with my mom's murder and ask nothing more of me than to be loved. Good bye, little mittens.

[nihil]

Sorry to hear that MsM,

I know how you feel, as I had to have one of my guys put to sleep a few years back.............. he had cancer as well.

It is not an easy decision but in the end their quality of life must come first.

[morganlefay]

I am so sorry to hear that Ms Mittens

I have had to make that decision a couple of times now...and it never gets any easier.

Nihil is right...sometimes you have no choice...it is the best decision you can make.

OMG...I have a tear in my eye

MLF

[fourdc]

My heart is crying for you. 2 years ago I had to escort my autistic son through this process with his yellow lab. The dog was his best friend.

We all laid down on the vet clinic floor, my son hugging the dog, me hugging both of them when the shot was given. I've been through a lot in my then 47 years, but that was the worst day of my life. The decision is easy, carying it out is the hard part.

We never replaced that dog, we couldn't.

[isildur]

I lost my 14 yo Brittany this week (Remy), so I feel for you.

[JPnyc]

I don't envy you that. I came very close to having to do it but the day of the appointment the dog died on its own, just a few hours before I was supposed to go.

[WolfeTone]

Sorry to hear that, I too had the same issue to face with our little dog about a year ago. 3 months ago our neighbour was going to get their 6 month old puppy put down, we now have her and she's mad as hell and makes us all laugh.

Moral of story: it is very hard but it is the right decision - quality of their life comes first. I would encourage you to take time to heal but don't say you will never get another pet again, you've had a pet in your life for a long time and got great company from her, so it's a part of your life that needs to continue when you are ready for it.

Wolfe.

[MrLinus]

Sorry to hear that, I too had the same issue to face with our little dog about a year ago. 3 months ago our neighbour was going to get their 6 month old puppy put down, we now have her and she's mad as hell and makes us all laugh.

Moral of story: it is very hard but it is the right decision - quality of their life comes first. I would encourage you to take time to heal but don't say you will never get another pet again, you've had a pet in your life for a long time and got great company from her, so it's a part of your life that needs to continue when you are ready for it.

Wolfe.

We have 3 other cats, including a new addition that looks like a miniature version of Mittens. We just got her and her sibling about 2 months ago. There is a reason for everything, IMO. And thank you everyone for the support.

[Galdron]

We have 3 other cats, including a new addition that looks like a miniature version of Mittens. We just got her and her sibling about 2 months ago. There is a reason for everything, IMO. And thank you everyone for the support.

So sorry to hear of your poor kitty, losing a pet is like losing a family member. Sometimes i like my dog better than certain people in my family.

[thehorse13]

3 weeks ago, I lost my black lab. He was only 7. I completely understand your feelings along with the agonizing decision to let go. Think of it this way, you provided the best life possible for her lifespan. Unfortunately, pets don't live as long as humans. Your making the right choice. It takes a great deal of compassion and love to perform the ultimate act of humane treatment.

--TH13