OT: Decisions. Decisions.

Well, this has been a particularly bad time. For those of you who are animal lovers, I know you can relate. My cat is 17 years old and I have had him since 6 weeks. He is now in Renal Failure after not having illness ever before. The only options for him to survive include daily fluid IV's and lots of pills. Now I live in Germany where animals are like people and just as valued. But I have to say: I think I would rather allow him to die rather than submitting him to daily IV fluids, shots and pills. Oh, did I say that the cost is unbelievable and I would have to do the IV fluids myself? OK, so I have decided that 17 is old enough and it is time to say goodbye to my child. Tough decision. Has anyone else had to face this issue? I am struggling with what to say to the Vet so he will understand why I am doing this. Vet is German and I have already spent about 800 dollars in past month trying to keep Mack( The cat) alive. Any suggestions? Thanks, Jacqueline

I don't think it would be kind to Mack to keep him alive, regardless of the financial situation. No cat that I've ever had or known would bear the indignity very well of pills, IV's and shots. I would hope that if/when I got to that point. someone who loved me would just hold me close and let me go. Pam

Jacqueline, I am sorry to hear that you have to make this decision. I know how you feel I have had many "furbabies" in my life and this decision is the hardest thing to make. I usually ask myself " will this make him feel better ? " Is he suffering ? " Why am I doing this is it for him or me ? " It does hurt but I know that in the end he/she will be better off not suffering. What does 17 years (human) mean in animal life ? I know dogs is 7 years for each one of our so 17 years would be 119 human years ! I would definaltely say Mack has had a very good life ! Maybe tell the vet that by prolonging his life he is suffering more. I wish you luck. And you will be in my thoughts. Sandy

Hi Jacqueline, I'm so sorry that Mack is so ill. I've had pets die in my lifetime, but none, yet, as an adult where I had to make that "tough" decision. For me, I don't think that I could watch my pet suffer. I think at 17 years old and after a good, long life, it may be time to let nature take it's course. Just tell your vet outright, I don't have the money, I don't think it's fair to prolong it's life. Time for God, nature, whatever, to take over. Now it's time for you to give Mach up to a higher power to take over and wi**** a peaceful, painfree death and raise it up. There's a time when modern science cannot do anything more. If it were a young cat, I'd say, yes, try everything possible, but do you think that Mack has had enough? Maybe he's ready to move on, also. I wish you well. It will be a tough time for you and make sure you stay good and kind to yourself. Come here to share with us, so that you don't slide back into bad food choices during your grief. Take care... Paula

Hi Jacqueline, I had a similar situation wtih my cat. I did do the IV fluids but don't remember any pills being offered. He was pretty far gone before we realized what was going on--I still feel guilty about that. I never thought I'd be giving a cat an IV either. Anyway it really wasn't that hard and for a time it seemed to make the kitty more comfortable. You don't have to find a vein or anything. I respect your decision however...I have a 17 year old cat right now with thyroid issues..... Be sure to give yourself permission to greive. Somehow in our society it is hard to admit the deep feeling we have for out pets. And others don't always respect our greif. Best of luck Courtney

I have had to that so far with 2 of my ****z tzu (SP) It is so sad. But you know it was time. I tried and payed so much money to let them live one of them had a bone diease. And became paralized in her back legs. She lived like that for over a month. She would scoot all over the place on 2 legs. She lost her bladder then we had to put her to rest. I cried so hard. It was so gloomy. We do love our animals. I have found once your morne the loss of a pet another pet is nice to get. They really do need caring owners like us. Hugs Barb

THe most loving humane and caring decision a pet owner can responsibly make is to stop the suffering of their pet. We are put in charge of these beautiful creatures and it is our responsibility to them. I've had a sister and 2 friends who've had to make this tough decision and although WE suffer because of it-- the pets suffer more by being forced to live a life of medication if we DON'T give them the dignity to stop it. Please know you are not alone and that you are loving your pet more by allowing him to go over the rainbow bridge. Thinking of you, Shellie

Jacqueline, I too have been there. We just put down our 14 year old black lab. It was so sad, but eventually my youngest son looked me in the eyes and told me - mom its time. We had talked about it for a long time. He couldn't walk up and down the stairs. He just slept the day away, but every time we made a vet appointment it seem like he would turn back into a pup. It is a tough decision but only you can make it. Be happy in what ever you do. If you do decided to put him down realized how lucky Mack has had it. let us know what you decided. donna

My heart goes out to you, and I will say a prayer for you at this sad time. I can relate. I have a 9 year old Yorkie that has to wear diapers in the house due to his being incontinenet,,and I keep wondering how much longer it will be before I have to make this decision. He is my "lil buddy" and it will be so hard. But, like so many others have said,,the most important thing we can do as pet lovers is to make the decision to end their suffering. Its so hard to love sometimes.......

I had to put my 19 year old dog to sleep and it was the hardest day of my life, but I owed her a good death. She had already gone blind and could not hear for the last year of her life, but the vet says she is was not suffering and they have other senses to make up for the ones she lost. She was my best friend and when the time came I owed it to her to let her go. Her quality of life was not good and she lost that light in her eyes. I took her in and it was painless. They gave her one shot to relax her and one to stop her heart. I did it for her. My selfish self said to keep her here because I could not let go, but my love for her won out and I let her go in peace. I would not care what the vet thinks ....do what is best for Mack.