Euthanasia?
- Thread starter Gilda0
- Start date
Maia
Jedi
Our Odie was put to sleep on July 12, 2010 at a little before noon.
At noon my husband called me and told me he had taken him to the vet and had him floated down very slowly and then he was peacefully laid to rest. We had talked about this off and on for a few weeks as Odie was 18-20 years old (we had had him for 15 years).
In honor of his life, not considering his cast off shell, his body like common garbage, we had his body cremated and he will be buried with my ashes.
My husband handled this difficult task. We had spoken about it and yet I resented the day he did this out of the blue and I was not present at Odie's final moment.
But, my husband stayed with Odie till the end and told me, "If you had come along, Odie would have known and been very frightened" and my husband was right.
Up until a week before July 12th, Odie never went to the bathroom in the house and he could barely manage stairs.
For a whole month, I watched as my husband carried our 72 pound English Pointer up and down the stairs each time he had to go to the bathroom.
Finally it got to the point when Odie no longer knew when he had to go at all.
The day before he was put "asleep" he looked up at me as he was going in the house and his eyes said, "I don't want to live like this, I have no dignity and I am in pain". He would wimper as he walked or got onto the couch.
Now, I recently had gum surgery. The medicine I am on caused me to one night gush out feces like water before I could make it to the toilet one morning. Like my dog, Odie, I am a very clean person. To be covered in filth like that was beyond horrible.
I called the doctor and he said to take another medicine that stopped this problem for me but, within that brief moment, I knew, I realized that what my husband had done was right.
If I ever get so old that I poop in my pants, I can no longer feel when I have to go, If I am in so much pain that simply walking hurts and pain medicine can no longer relieve it, if I can no longer care for myself, please please please somebody give me a shot that slowly floats me down and than stops my heart.
Let me pass with dignity.
We have three sons. If you tell any one of the three anything, they all talk together so you cannot keep a secret.
Our youngest son is autistic and trained Odie. He had a special bond with him. He could not accept euthanasia as an option. We talked about this for weeks before hand.
I normally do not lie but Sean could not accept Odie being put to death by a vet. It would have destroyed him psychologically.
The story we have told them (and this is the only lie we have ever told all three of our sons) is that Odie passed away in his sleep on the couch the morning of July 12, 2010.
It has been more than six months now and my heart still aches physically every time I see his picture hanging on our wall.
His ashes are in my bottom drawer. It costs more to have a dog privately cremated, but like a member of our family, he will be buried with us. I refuse to have my beloved companion put in a garbage bag and thrown out like garbage. His shell, his body out of respect will remain with and be buried with our family.
I watched as our previous dog, a 12 year old shepherd husky, St. Sinbad, was laid to rest with a shot. Sinbad was a 92 pound shepherd husky who one morning his back legs gave out completely as well as he had had a stroke.
The vet said he could not save him, his heart would not make it through hip surgery and his brain was gone. It would be more merciful to lay him to rest. To free his soul, and I believe dogs have more souls than most men I have met.
Our vet, who we knew to be a good, moral and compassionate person said it was time to release Sinbad’s soul from his body.
I was there and this is what I witnessed. I held his head in my lap, I kissed him, and kept my head next to his. We, my husband, my oldest son (who isn’t austistic and I) told him he was a good dog and that we loved him and that he would be at peace and to please not forget us. To please connect with us again if possible. We told him he would go to sleep and when he woke up he would be well again and he would no longer hurt.
The vet gave him one shot to float him down gently, get him high and then, after a minute gave him the second shot that ended his life on this dimension.
Sinbad looked at peace. I gave his body one last hug and said a prayer that his soul would find peace and safe journey.
I cry as I write this. Sinbad’s ashes are also in my bottom drawer and it is because of Sinbad’s death that two days later, Odie’s life was spared.
Odie had been tied to a tree for 4-5 years and his owner was going to take him to a kill shelter. My son asked if we couldn’t “try Odie out”. I wanted another Shepherd Husky, and Odie was an English Pointer with spots. But, I figured at least Sinbad’s death would mean one more dog would be spared the gas chamber or kill needle so I said yes to bring Odie home and not let him be taken to a kill shelter.
I felt this simple act would give Sinbad’s death meaning.
Euthanasia is a serious choice. It is death with dignity.
In both cases my two dogs were in pain, they both were at the point where they could no longer function or have a happy quality of life. One was only 12 the other was at least, according to the vet a remarkable 18-20 years old.
It has been six months since Odie’s death and as I write this, I cannot stop crying, my heart physically still aches. As stated before, Odie’s ashes are next to Sinbad’s and when it is my time to take leave of this existence, their ashes will be laid with mine.
In order to again give meaning and honor to Odie’s death we are adopting another dog that was on death row.
She is a 5-6 year old dog named Lucy from a rescue shelter that pulled her off the “kill line”.
Because of Odie’s death, another dog will not die – it will, to us give meaning and honor to a most wonderful entity’s death.
As stated before I was mad that my husband took Odie alone and handled this – but after pooping myself that one night, I began to think. When I am really old and can no longer care for myself and others must change my diaper, personally I would rather be floated down and then out. Personally, I would rather die than be left to lay in my own filth, not knowing when I had to go and to have my dignity taken away. I am a very clean person. I cannot stand to be dirty at all. The night that I had no bowel control really made me realize the full extent of what loss of dignity can mean and yes, an intelligent dog/cat does have dignity I believe. I know both Odie and Sinbad did.
I was in nursing and watched a woman 40+ years ago take two years to die from breast cancer. When we gave her a pain shot once, the head nurse said there was so much Demerol in the syringe that it could drop a healthy horse dead within seconds, the shots didn’t even phase her that is how much pain she was in. The lady was 36, 5’7” and weighed, after death 64 pounds. The medicine never even began to take the majority of the pain away, she would lay in bed screaming for us to please end her life.
Please let me go with some dignity and stop the pain if I am suffering.
I would suggest you remain with your dog when this is done if you possibly can. Make sure to talk to the vet beforehand and specify to float your beloved one down slowly first.
I would also suggest, if you can afford it to have your dog cremated or bury your beloved companion (I hate the term pet) in his/her favorite spot. Keep the collar and his/her blanket. Odie’s and Sinbad’s are next to their boxed urn folded neatly.
Lastly, If you have the time, the money and can possibly, take in another dog or cat that is on death row, do so, in honor of your previous companion’s death, another innocent life will be spared.
Here in America we kill an average of nearly eight million dogs and cats a year because people support puppy mills, pet shops and breeders.
By saving a healthy dog/cat that otherwise would have died simply because there are not enough homes and people will not neuter or spay their animals you will in a small way give meaning and honor to your beloved one’s death.
My heart goes out to you. This is never an easy decision. My last memory of Odie was kissing him good bye and telling him I would see him after work.
My husband said that as he was floated down, he told Odie, “Mama, Sean and I love you very much, you are a good dog and soon you will feel no pain, you will once again be free.”
Below is a poem attributed to Anne Boleyn. Now some historians say she did not write it. However the meaning is significant.
Death is simply passing from one dimension into another. Einstein said that energy, (the life force) never dies it just changes form. In this case your dog’s misery will end, his / her soul will be set free and his / her body put to quiet rest.
O Death Rock Me Asleep
a poem by Anne Boleyn
Death, rock me asleep,
Bring me to quiet rest,
Let pass my weary guiltless ghost
Out of my careful breast.
Toll on, thou passing bell;
Ring out my doleful knell;
Let thy sound my death tell.
Death doth draw nigh;
There is no remedy.
My pains who can express?
Alas, they are so strong;
My dolour will not suffer strength
My life for to prolong.
Toll on, thou passing bell;
Ring out my doleful knell;
Let thy sound my death tell.
Death doth draw nigh;
There is no remedy.
Alone in prison strong
I wait my destiny.
Woe worth this cruel hap that I
Should taste this misery!
Toll on, thou passing bell;
Ring out my doleful knell;
Let thy sound my death tell.
Death doth draw nigh;
There is no remedy.
Farewell, my pleasures past,
Welcome, my present pain!
I feel my torments so increase
That life cannot remain.
Cease now, thou passing bell;
Rung is my doleful knell;
For the sound my death doth tell.
Death doth draw nigh;
There is no remedy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuxNhr3VRXc&feature=related
At noon my husband called me and told me he had taken him to the vet and had him floated down very slowly and then he was peacefully laid to rest. We had talked about this off and on for a few weeks as Odie was 18-20 years old (we had had him for 15 years).
In honor of his life, not considering his cast off shell, his body like common garbage, we had his body cremated and he will be buried with my ashes.
My husband handled this difficult task. We had spoken about it and yet I resented the day he did this out of the blue and I was not present at Odie's final moment.
But, my husband stayed with Odie till the end and told me, "If you had come along, Odie would have known and been very frightened" and my husband was right.
Up until a week before July 12th, Odie never went to the bathroom in the house and he could barely manage stairs.
For a whole month, I watched as my husband carried our 72 pound English Pointer up and down the stairs each time he had to go to the bathroom.
Finally it got to the point when Odie no longer knew when he had to go at all.
The day before he was put "asleep" he looked up at me as he was going in the house and his eyes said, "I don't want to live like this, I have no dignity and I am in pain". He would wimper as he walked or got onto the couch.
Now, I recently had gum surgery. The medicine I am on caused me to one night gush out feces like water before I could make it to the toilet one morning. Like my dog, Odie, I am a very clean person. To be covered in filth like that was beyond horrible.
I called the doctor and he said to take another medicine that stopped this problem for me but, within that brief moment, I knew, I realized that what my husband had done was right.
If I ever get so old that I poop in my pants, I can no longer feel when I have to go, If I am in so much pain that simply walking hurts and pain medicine can no longer relieve it, if I can no longer care for myself, please please please somebody give me a shot that slowly floats me down and than stops my heart.
Let me pass with dignity.
We have three sons. If you tell any one of the three anything, they all talk together so you cannot keep a secret.
Our youngest son is autistic and trained Odie. He had a special bond with him. He could not accept euthanasia as an option. We talked about this for weeks before hand.
I normally do not lie but Sean could not accept Odie being put to death by a vet. It would have destroyed him psychologically.
The story we have told them (and this is the only lie we have ever told all three of our sons) is that Odie passed away in his sleep on the couch the morning of July 12, 2010.
It has been more than six months now and my heart still aches physically every time I see his picture hanging on our wall.
His ashes are in my bottom drawer. It costs more to have a dog privately cremated, but like a member of our family, he will be buried with us. I refuse to have my beloved companion put in a garbage bag and thrown out like garbage. His shell, his body out of respect will remain with and be buried with our family.
I watched as our previous dog, a 12 year old shepherd husky, St. Sinbad, was laid to rest with a shot. Sinbad was a 92 pound shepherd husky who one morning his back legs gave out completely as well as he had had a stroke.
The vet said he could not save him, his heart would not make it through hip surgery and his brain was gone. It would be more merciful to lay him to rest. To free his soul, and I believe dogs have more souls than most men I have met.
Our vet, who we knew to be a good, moral and compassionate person said it was time to release Sinbad’s soul from his body.
I was there and this is what I witnessed. I held his head in my lap, I kissed him, and kept my head next to his. We, my husband, my oldest son (who isn’t austistic and I) told him he was a good dog and that we loved him and that he would be at peace and to please not forget us. To please connect with us again if possible. We told him he would go to sleep and when he woke up he would be well again and he would no longer hurt.
The vet gave him one shot to float him down gently, get him high and then, after a minute gave him the second shot that ended his life on this dimension.
Sinbad looked at peace. I gave his body one last hug and said a prayer that his soul would find peace and safe journey.
I cry as I write this. Sinbad’s ashes are also in my bottom drawer and it is because of Sinbad’s death that two days later, Odie’s life was spared.
Odie had been tied to a tree for 4-5 years and his owner was going to take him to a kill shelter. My son asked if we couldn’t “try Odie out”. I wanted another Shepherd Husky, and Odie was an English Pointer with spots. But, I figured at least Sinbad’s death would mean one more dog would be spared the gas chamber or kill needle so I said yes to bring Odie home and not let him be taken to a kill shelter.
I felt this simple act would give Sinbad’s death meaning.
Euthanasia is a serious choice. It is death with dignity.
In both cases my two dogs were in pain, they both were at the point where they could no longer function or have a happy quality of life. One was only 12 the other was at least, according to the vet a remarkable 18-20 years old.
It has been six months since Odie’s death and as I write this, I cannot stop crying, my heart physically still aches. As stated before, Odie’s ashes are next to Sinbad’s and when it is my time to take leave of this existence, their ashes will be laid with mine.
In order to again give meaning and honor to Odie’s death we are adopting another dog that was on death row.
She is a 5-6 year old dog named Lucy from a rescue shelter that pulled her off the “kill line”.
Because of Odie’s death, another dog will not die – it will, to us give meaning and honor to a most wonderful entity’s death.
As stated before I was mad that my husband took Odie alone and handled this – but after pooping myself that one night, I began to think. When I am really old and can no longer care for myself and others must change my diaper, personally I would rather be floated down and then out. Personally, I would rather die than be left to lay in my own filth, not knowing when I had to go and to have my dignity taken away. I am a very clean person. I cannot stand to be dirty at all. The night that I had no bowel control really made me realize the full extent of what loss of dignity can mean and yes, an intelligent dog/cat does have dignity I believe. I know both Odie and Sinbad did.
I was in nursing and watched a woman 40+ years ago take two years to die from breast cancer. When we gave her a pain shot once, the head nurse said there was so much Demerol in the syringe that it could drop a healthy horse dead within seconds, the shots didn’t even phase her that is how much pain she was in. The lady was 36, 5’7” and weighed, after death 64 pounds. The medicine never even began to take the majority of the pain away, she would lay in bed screaming for us to please end her life.
Please let me go with some dignity and stop the pain if I am suffering.
I would suggest you remain with your dog when this is done if you possibly can. Make sure to talk to the vet beforehand and specify to float your beloved one down slowly first.
I would also suggest, if you can afford it to have your dog cremated or bury your beloved companion (I hate the term pet) in his/her favorite spot. Keep the collar and his/her blanket. Odie’s and Sinbad’s are next to their boxed urn folded neatly.
Lastly, If you have the time, the money and can possibly, take in another dog or cat that is on death row, do so, in honor of your previous companion’s death, another innocent life will be spared.
Here in America we kill an average of nearly eight million dogs and cats a year because people support puppy mills, pet shops and breeders.
By saving a healthy dog/cat that otherwise would have died simply because there are not enough homes and people will not neuter or spay their animals you will in a small way give meaning and honor to your beloved one’s death.
My heart goes out to you. This is never an easy decision. My last memory of Odie was kissing him good bye and telling him I would see him after work.
My husband said that as he was floated down, he told Odie, “Mama, Sean and I love you very much, you are a good dog and soon you will feel no pain, you will once again be free.”
Below is a poem attributed to Anne Boleyn. Now some historians say she did not write it. However the meaning is significant.
Death is simply passing from one dimension into another. Einstein said that energy, (the life force) never dies it just changes form. In this case your dog’s misery will end, his / her soul will be set free and his / her body put to quiet rest.
O Death Rock Me Asleep
a poem by Anne Boleyn
Death, rock me asleep,
Bring me to quiet rest,
Let pass my weary guiltless ghost
Out of my careful breast.
Toll on, thou passing bell;
Ring out my doleful knell;
Let thy sound my death tell.
Death doth draw nigh;
There is no remedy.
My pains who can express?
Alas, they are so strong;
My dolour will not suffer strength
My life for to prolong.
Toll on, thou passing bell;
Ring out my doleful knell;
Let thy sound my death tell.
Death doth draw nigh;
There is no remedy.
Alone in prison strong
I wait my destiny.
Woe worth this cruel hap that I
Should taste this misery!
Toll on, thou passing bell;
Ring out my doleful knell;
Let thy sound my death tell.
Death doth draw nigh;
There is no remedy.
Farewell, my pleasures past,
Welcome, my present pain!
I feel my torments so increase
That life cannot remain.
Cease now, thou passing bell;
Rung is my doleful knell;
For the sound my death doth tell.
Death doth draw nigh;
There is no remedy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuxNhr3VRXc&feature=related
truth seeker
The Living Force
That was lovely, Water Bearer. Thank you. 
M
morganlefay
Guest
Thank you for that Water Bearer. It is beautiful. My heart is touched.
MLF
MLF
Nawd
Dagobah Resident
Thank you The Water Bearer, for sharing. Reminds me of my beloved dog of age 18. She was with me since I was three years old, and died years ago, when I was 21. We at that point, had spent most of our lives together. I still love her and remember her. Your words brought up that long ago memory, and although we didn't cremate her, her physical body was buried in my mom's backyard. Every time I visit, I pick flowers for her. Even now. In fact, it's been about a year, I should revisit.
It's a final act of kindness, as we are their trusted companions too, and if we were suffering so, we would wish someone to do the same.
((Hugs)) and thanks for sharing.
It's a final act of kindness, as we are their trusted companions too, and if we were suffering so, we would wish someone to do the same.
((Hugs)) and thanks for sharing.
Gilda0
The Force is Strong With This One
The Water Bearer:
I have a small translator on my computer so I can follow the posts on the forum.
Thank you very much. Your message prepared my soul and I am accompanied by all of you. I'm saying goodbye to me and my girlfriend 2D.
Thank you very much everybody.
---
Portadora del Agua:
Tengo un traductor pequeño en mi computadora, así puedo seguir los mensajes del foro.
Muchas gracias. Tu mensaje prepara mi alma y me siento acompañada por todos ustedes. Yo ya me estoy despidiéndo de mi amiguita 2D.
Muchas gracias a todos.
I have a small translator on my computer so I can follow the posts on the forum.
Thank you very much. Your message prepared my soul and I am accompanied by all of you. I'm saying goodbye to me and my girlfriend 2D.
Thank you very much everybody.
---
Portadora del Agua:
Tengo un traductor pequeño en mi computadora, así puedo seguir los mensajes del foro.
Muchas gracias. Tu mensaje prepara mi alma y me siento acompañada por todos ustedes. Yo ya me estoy despidiéndo de mi amiguita 2D.
Muchas gracias a todos.
Slow Motion Mary
Padawan Learner
I live in a rural area and have always been close to nature. The life/death cycle is always near and seen on a daily basis. I am undecided on euthanasia for a human; however, I think it is a kindness for animals. We had a litter of puppies and one failed to thrive. My daughter cuddled the puppy in a towel against her chest all night until he passed. We left the towel around the puppy, placed him in a box and buried him deep, then planted a young wisteria over him. I have lots of shrubs with various animals buried beneath, mostly in urns. We have had to put down animals ourselves. We have had to raise animals when their mothers deserted them. I am hopeful one action cancels another one. Most of our animals are strays or dumped. I have read all the posts and have an unusual question which I have been unable to answer myself. Last summer two kittens, both male, showed up at our house. They were beyond "imprinting", so I socialized them by bringing them in the house for awhile (they were partly feral). I named them Yin and Yang because their personalities were polar opposites. Yang is obsessed with me. If I am outside he wraps around my legs while walking, attacks my hands while gardening, will allow petting and picking up but it always devolves into him biting and scratching me. Last week he sunk a claw into my wrist and drew blood, narrowly missing my artery. If I am leaning over he jumps on my back and sinks his claws in. If I am inside, he sits at the door or the patio doors and watches me, and he will do this all day. He also learned he could get up on the roof and watch me through the greenhouse panels. My friends have advised me to get rid of him. If I take him to a shelter, his end will either be euthanasia if someone doesn't adopt him, and I really can't take him there anyway because if he is adopted, his behavior will probably be the same and he will be euthanised or worse. I thought about euthanising him myself. An alternative would be to put up with it and let him mellow out as he matures. He is not fixed, maybe that would help? What to do with an animal whose behavior is so awful?
Maia
Jedi
Slow Motion Mary, I would never attempt to kill (and that is what euthanasia is) a animal myself.
When Sinbad was put to sleep (killed) it was done by a qualified vet and we discussed it being done by first floating the him down, (getting him high/calm).
My son has a cat, Jack Cat that lives with him in his townhouse and Jack has his front claws declawed (he was shredding the curtains and furniture) and neutered.
Jack is around 18-20 and going strong, happy and full of spunk.
But, he is kept indoors because he now has no front claws to defend himself...............although he did get loose for two weeks when he lived with us, came back, knocking on the front door and two pounds lighter. He's now 26 pounds vs. 28 pounds and he is not fat, just a big boy.
Euthanasia by many pet centers are now done by gas - it is cheaper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8hGYmx2wsc
WARNING THE VIDEO LINK BELOW WILL SHOW YOU THE TRUTH - GASSING IS STILL USED, IT'S CHEAPER - If you are a breeder, petshop owner or buy from either you are a part of this problem.
SPAY-NEUTER-ADOPT.
Listen to the dogs begging for their lives...............bear witness to man's inhumanity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp9L10A-FNg&feature=related
If you really want to do this cat a favor, adopt him/her, have him/her neutered/spayed, front declawed, keep him/her in the house or walk on a harness leash everyday.
Do not take to a pound..........they have enough animals, so many that they are killing eight million a year in the USA alone.
Cats can be trained. Yes they can. My son has taught Jack to come, sit and not get on the counter.
Euthanasia should be as a very very very last resort. When a old sick animal has no chance for a quality life with dignity. not for simply scratching. My own opinion. Declawing is not nice but it's better than euthanasia and many places gas. Watch the video, witness the truth.
When Sinbad was put to sleep (killed) it was done by a qualified vet and we discussed it being done by first floating the him down, (getting him high/calm).
My son has a cat, Jack Cat that lives with him in his townhouse and Jack has his front claws declawed (he was shredding the curtains and furniture) and neutered.
Jack is around 18-20 and going strong, happy and full of spunk.
But, he is kept indoors because he now has no front claws to defend himself...............although he did get loose for two weeks when he lived with us, came back, knocking on the front door and two pounds lighter. He's now 26 pounds vs. 28 pounds and he is not fat, just a big boy.
Euthanasia by many pet centers are now done by gas - it is cheaper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8hGYmx2wsc
WARNING THE VIDEO LINK BELOW WILL SHOW YOU THE TRUTH - GASSING IS STILL USED, IT'S CHEAPER - If you are a breeder, petshop owner or buy from either you are a part of this problem.
SPAY-NEUTER-ADOPT.
Listen to the dogs begging for their lives...............bear witness to man's inhumanity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp9L10A-FNg&feature=related
If you really want to do this cat a favor, adopt him/her, have him/her neutered/spayed, front declawed, keep him/her in the house or walk on a harness leash everyday.
Do not take to a pound..........they have enough animals, so many that they are killing eight million a year in the USA alone.
Cats can be trained. Yes they can. My son has taught Jack to come, sit and not get on the counter.
Euthanasia should be as a very very very last resort. When a old sick animal has no chance for a quality life with dignity. not for simply scratching. My own opinion. Declawing is not nice but it's better than euthanasia and many places gas. Watch the video, witness the truth.
Slow Motion Mary
Padawan Learner
Thank you for your reply, Waterbearer. It's not fun putting down an animal yourself or at the vet's, and our animals are only euthanized if they simply are not going to make it and are suffering. And I know cats can be trained. When I've had other indoor cats I have trained them to use the litterbox, not get on counters or tables, etc. While I was thinking about this, my husband and I went for a walk and my older dog accompanied us as well as the cat in question, Yang. He follows me like a dog! My other cats are fixed, so I decided I would have him fixed and then "wait it out" regarding his behavior. I sure don't want to euthanise him simply due to behavior, but I have never encountered such behavior before. Having said that, does anyone have any suggestion on how to proceed?
