Yesterday, Sunday 10 April 2011, we (my parents and I) had to take our 13 year old boxer Shiba to the vet. She had been having attacks since the Saturday afternoon and we didn't want something else to happen to her or have her suffer.
When we arrived at the vet she examined Shiba and said that it looked like she had a swelling in the brain, or that her organs are starting to fail and therefore she was having the attacks. This was a big shock to us as we hoped that she would be able to inject Shiba or give her some medication and she would be right as rain again. There were a few options but because Shiba was already 13 years old the vet said it would be best to have her put down because we didn't want her to suffer.
It was a horrible moment for our family. Shiba had been with us since she was 6 months old. Having been abused by neighbours of her previous owners, these owners asked if we would have her because they didn't want her to be abused any longer. Sure, she was a very naughty pup, she even once ate a very big that only a small piece of the bark was left, but she was a sweet girl, always love able with these huge brown eyes. I also remember that when she use to wag her tale her whole body would wiggle along, like she was dancing. I really miss her and our two dogs that are left also miss her a great deal.
My question is, did we do the right thing? How do you really know? I think we did the right thing, but how should I know for sure. Have any of you experienced the same thing? Please let me know and maybe we could help each other.
I just wanted to post his because I wanted to say that pets are such a great part of my life, and I know they are to many other people as well. Even when bad things like this happen, I do not regret having pets, because they bring such love into the home and I cant imagine my life without them.
Tell me about your pets, how do you feel about all of this?
4 comments:
I for one certainly do think you did the right thing Niecole! It's very hard to lose a pet - you always wonder if they'd rather live and of course you want to hang on to them too, but at the end of the day I think taking away their pain is kinder. 13 Years is a good long life for a dog, especially a large one (I've heard that smaller dogs live longer), and you gave her a loving home, after saving her from a cruel one.
So miss her and remember her fondly, but although you had to make a hard decision, know that you did it out of kindness for the dog you loved.
Thank you so much Lauren. Your words are so kind and I do believe what you say is true.
Thank you for just responding and being there. My tears are still very close (or "vlak" as they say in Afrikaans.
I do believe she had a good life and now she's with her big brohter and little sister (my one dog Konjak and my cat Kieter) in heaven.
You absolutely did the right thing. Throughout the years I have lost 7 animals (dogs/cats) and those first few I waited a little too long to make the decision and it was for me - not for them. It doesn't matter how many times you go through it, it never gets easier. They become part of the family.
I also work for a vet and I can assure you that your decision was best one for Shiba.
*HUGS*
Thanks Karen!
That really means alot to me.
I said to my parents yesterday that a vet must have the toughest job, no ordinary doctor ever has to do what they have to. The vet where she was taken to was really really nice and friendly and she took great care of Shiba.
I just cant stop thinking about it, its very raw still but I know deep down that it was for the best.
I totally agree with you, my cat also had a tumour and I took her to the vet, they confirmed it and I didnt want to let go of her, in the end it was so bad that she couldnt eat anymore or even just walk proparly, and I had to make the choice. Its one of the most difficult things to do, but I think that its the best for such a great friend, not to have them suffer.
Thanks so much you guys
Post a Comment