Lena

I sit here crying, as I and my husband have been discussing euthanasia for Lena. Since her diagnosis in September, she's had some good days, seemingly happy to see us and eating (I guess due to the prednisone she was prescribed). The past few days, she's had trouble getting up and down the steps to go outside. Last night, I just picked her up and carried her inside to her blanket. This morning, she's on her blanket, sleeping on and off, not paying much attention to us when we speak to her.

We had a previous girl euthanized at the vet's office and I still remember watching the light go out of her eyes. I swore I would never do that again (and would just let dogs die naturally). Then I did it again, when another dog had a snake bite that got worse and was killing her. I am so conflicted.

Please talk me through this. I want to do the best thing for Lena.
 
SevenFeathers said:
We had a previous girl euthanized at the vet's office and I still remember watching the light go out of her eyes. I swore I would never do that again (and would just let dogs die naturally). Then I did it again, when another dog had a snake bite that got worse and was killing her. I am so conflicted.
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I'm very sorry for you and your husband SevenFeathers. The main thing in such a situation is to try to determine if the doggie is suffering much, that should be obvious by their demeanor. If they are, then euthanasia is the best way. :hug2:
 
So sorry to hear this, SevenFeathers. I think that if Lena can't get up, is not eating or interacting as she normally would then at least some veterinary advice is warranted and yes, euthanasia might be the kindest option. It's heartbreaking for sure :hug2:
 
SevenFeathers said:
Then I did it again, when another dog had a snake bite that got worse and was killing her. I am so conflicted.
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If the dog is clearly suffering, than the most compassionate thing that we can do is help her to move on to her next journey.

That's how it is with dogs, they are human's friends and companions, and they would gladly stay if they could. This conflict of complete loyalty could also prolong their suffering.

And so we, as their trusted human mates should tell them that's it's ok, that they can still be with us in spirit, and since we love them very much, we don't want them to suffer. We want then to be vital and happy on their next journey. :hug2:
 
She is not clearly "suffering" but that doesn't mean she is not in pain I know. She is mostly sleeping, but has a hard time getting up and walking. If only she could just fall into that permanent sleep.

We've already told her it's OK to go. Then in a little while, she wags her tail and looks at us happily.
 
I'm so sorry about Lena. The vet told me that lymphoma typically is not painful. I guess we can't really know and may be different for each animal. My cats did not seem to be in pain, just lethargic but my one had trouble holding his bowels and it was hard for him to get up. For that reason, I couldn't let him linger as he seemed uncomfortable with that. My other cat, thankfully, seemed comfortable and was eating (on the steroids) up until a day before he passed on his own with me lying next to him. I had prayed so hard that would happen for both of them. I always pray they will go on their own time, but sometimes that's not possible. In that case, I ask the vet to give them a strong sedative and I hold them as they drift off to sleep. Once that happens and I know they knew I was with them, I let them take them for the final shot without me. I know some people may think that is cowardly, but I can't bear, as you said, watching that light go out. Either way, you can always tell they know you are doing it out of deep love for them and because they are at a point they are suffering. Praying for peace and comfort for you all.
 
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