I need your prayers!

I had to put one of my kitties down a couple of weeks ago.  He was a fluffy white bobtail named Romeo.  He was very pretty but not too smart.  He was a loverboy so that's why we called him Romeo but Peter Cottontail fit him just as well.  He was bunny-soft, too.

Same illnes**** Romeo.  His kidneys started failing.  He had gone from 9 pounds to 6 in a very short time.  We decided that it was more humane to put him to sleep than to make him suffer.  He was suffering, too.  He was not happy and you could tell.  The vet said if it were his cat he would do the right thing by Romeo and put him down.  It was tough and I still wrestle with all that happened thinking I waited too long and he suffered more than he needed to.  My wife and I still see him out of the corner of our eye and hear him yowl in the night even though he's in an urn on the mantle.

Then I remember the good things.  Romeo was a stray.  He walked in to our lives and home one day and stayed.  We took care of him.  We fed him.  We gave him a warm place to sleep.  He would likely have died out there in the world but we made sure he was as healthy as he could be.  We had several good years with him and he wanted for nothing.  How many Saturday afternoons did I spend with Romeo in my lap snoozing away?

Java is *NOT* just a dog.  She is a member of your family and your best friend.  What makes it hard is the fact that dogs and cats have about 1/6 of our lifespan at best.  We will lose our friends from time-to-time but both the owner and the pet have immensely enriched lives because of the companionship.  You've treated Java like royalty and she's lived the good life.  Do the right thing by her and not by you.  She deserves it.

Thanks Debra and Winne!  I won't allow Java to suffer, I suffer more when she's not feeling well than she does.  She's not just a dog to me, she will always be my baby girl.  I don't have, now will I have, children, but my fur babies have sure made up for it.  I won't say that she doesn't talk back, because she does when she's feeling sassy, but she loves me no matter what I do to her (ie. give her meds she hates) or what I look like. 

Winne!  I didn't even recognize you.  Looking great there guy!

Hugs,
Marsha

I'm sorry to hear about your puppy being sick.  He is your baby and part of your family, of course you are going to be sad.  I know how hard that can be.  I have 2 dogs and sometimes they get on my nerves, I still love them!  They are like little kids!
You all are in my prayers! 
Hugs
Kim

First let me say it is not "wrong" to feel the way you do.  Animals are fabulous, wonderful creatures that we are blessed to have in our lives.  I have had to make this decision about 2 of my cats within a couple of months of each other and it was painful.  In fact, it still is.  I miss those little fur babies!  I also don't have and won't have any children so my kitty is it!  I still have one and she's 16-1/2 so I'll likely be facing this decision again soon.

Just love her as long as you can and you will know when the time is right.  And remember the love and care you have brought to her and how much joy she has given in return.  Maybe God needs another angel baby!

I have furr babies too and they are not "just animals".  They are part of my family.  What makes our furr babies unique is that they love us unconditionally, they wag their tails when we get home and want to sit in our laps, lick our faces and cuddle.  A lot of family members (humans) don't do that!!  I will pray that you can make the right decision and that Java won't suffer long.  You will get through this!!!  (((hugs)))

Debbie

Hi Marsha:

I've always referred to my pets as my 4 legged children. And they ARE my children. I completely know what you're going through. Maybe it's because I've worked so many years in the veterinary world that I seem to be able to handle it better than most when it comes time to do the right thing for your pet...it's not easy and I do cry, but mostly I am just thankful that they are no longer in pain. THAT is one thing I could not let them continue to do for me. Our pets love us as much as we do them, I truly believe that. Honestly I think you will have peace when Java is no longer in pain. You will miss her! No doubt! Please please please don't think about pushing people or other pets away! I would wait awhile and grieve, because you WILL, and when the time is right, you will know there is a little adorable face that NEEDS you, and you will be happy to open up your heart for another love. Pets just try to please us and it's my belief that keeping a loved pet around simply for our own inability to let go is not fair to them. And I don't mean that in a mean way--it's just my opinion and I always have to think that I'd rather euthanize them peacefully than find them dead when I wake up.....and euthanasia always wins out. She will thank you for it. I don't know if you've ever had to euthanize a pet but trust me, it is SO wonderful. We should be so lucky. Bless your heart and hers as well. A doggie prayer is sent up.

Hang in there.
Lisa

I will hope that your precious furbaby gets well.  I know you will do the right thing if and when it comes to that.  Just know that we all understand how hard it is to say goodbye to a beloved family member- whether they are furry or not.  Hugs going your way.

 I am so sorry you are in that situation. I will keep you and Java in my prayers.
 I got my first schnauzer when I was about 7 and had her until after I was married, in the end she got very disabled but my family just could not make that decision. I really wish we would have I think it would have been the right thing to do. I know that does not make it any better, sorry. 

Marsha your Java is NOT just an animal she is your baby and your love, I know each of my animals are to me I will pray for you and her both that you have the strength and love in your heart to do the right thing and that it is doen as peacefully and humanely as possible. God Bles syou for having to deal with this.