Header Promotionwell last night my parents got a phone call they've been expecting all week but even knowing it was coming doesn't make it easier.
History, mom and dad's (and mine too even though I don't live there anymore) older shih tzu, Wicket (almost 11 years old) has had horrendous allergies and problems for several years. he's been on all kinds of medications and special diets in the he's been especially bad this year and mom told me I'd not even recognize Wicket if I saw him he's in such bad shape. All the hair is gone from his hind legs where he's licked it all off, his ears are scratched bloody and raw and hairless and almost all the hair is gone from his face where he's been scratching and rubbing. And even the pads of his feet are in such bad shape it puts him in a lot of pain to even walk. Poor dog is absolutely miserable.
Well before leaving for vacation, mom took Wicket to an animal dermatologist and a couple skin samples were taken to be biopsied. He's got a really bad bacterial infection too and they can't seem to get anything to work to eliminate it. The vet was supposed to call Monday but didn't. Mom and dad have suspected for a few weeks now, ever since Wicket got so bad but they got a phone call last night when we were on our way to dinner that confirmed their fears. Wicket has skin cancer. And the vet said the pathologist who did the biopsies says she has never seen a biopsy as bad as Wicket's were.
They could do chemo for him but the vet said that won't eliminate the cancer but it may extend his life a little longer. But there's nothing they can do to improve Wicket's quality of life. And it's really bad for him right now. Mom and Dad asked for a few days to think about it (mom already had an appointment scheduled for this coming Monday) but they'll give their answer on Monday. They've already talked about it though and Mom told me about it earlier this week. They decided if it turned out it was skin cancer they were probably going to have Wicket put to sleep.
Mom had the phone on speaker in the car so we could all hear what the vet had to say. I was crying on the way to dinner, as was Mom. We both know what this phone call means. More than likely Monday will be the day.
We've never had to make a decision to put one of our pets to sleep (well it's Mom and Dad's decision, not mine but you know what I mean) before since our last two dogs died quite suddenly. Our first dog suffered kidney failure while we were on vacation and was already long gone when we got home two weeks later (he died within the first couple days.) Our second dog they never figured out what happened to her but within 2 days she went from healthy as can be to unable to stand up. and all they could determine was it was internal bleeding. So it's pretty upsetting to make such a decision.
But he is truly miserable and in so much pain now with all his problems and barely able to walk it hurts so bad. So as heartbreaking as it is, Mom and Dad made the decision they feel is best for Wicket. So Monday our sweet little dog will be put to sleep. They still have another dog, Bandit and that poor guy is going to be lost without his companion anymore. I did't ask them if they are going to get another dog or not but I don't know if they will. If so, it won't be for a while. I don't know as they would want to go through training and housebreaking a puppy again.
What a way to end a vacation...
href="http://community.eharlequin.com/category/tags/d2k-paranormal-junkies">The D2K Paranormal Junkies
~eHQ April 2008 Member of the Month~
Oh, Kelly, I'm so sad for
Oh, Kelly, I'm so sad for you and your family. It is very hard to say goodby to a pet. We have had to make the decision for an ill dog and it was incredibly difficult, but we knew that it was not fair to the animal that was in pain. (((hugs))) as you get through this loss.
Nancy
Oh, Kelly, I'm so sad for
Oh, Kelly, I'm so sad for you and your family. It is very hard to say goodby to a pet. We have had to make the decision for an ill dog and it was incredibly difficult, but we knew that it was not fair to the animal that was in pain. (((hugs))) as you get through this loss.
Nancy
Oh Kelley
I feel so bad for you all. I lost my Shih Tzu two years ago and it was so hard. You're right the other dog will be lost without his companion...my Java was. I didn't get another dog for well over a year, but Java took right up with him when I did.
Your family is in my prayers.
Hugs,
Chy
"Love, true love, is all about giving of yourself, without regard to what you may or may not get in return." --Kate McCabe (A Texas Wedding Vow)
sorry to hear
i lost my dog about a yr as matter of fact on 8/23/08 it will be yr, and it was so hard for ginger she alwas there for me i miss her so much, it reall helped that i ready had other dog, the ,moment i told ging she can go her body started to go cold and the dr could not find a place to put the needle in. its is hard to let go but sometime it right thing. they we alwas be in your heart. sorry for your loss
My best friend is a person who will give me a book that i have not read yet.
Abraham Lincoln
It's so hard...
...to lose a beloved pet. I had a miniature Collie growing up, and she was the smartest and best dogfriend I ever had. We'd take walks and she'd look up at me as if she understood every word I spoke. As if everything I told her was of the utmost importance. I trusted her and loved her. And so I know a tiny bit about what it feels like to lose an innocent loving animal that is a part of the family.
I hope you don't mind if I share this timely email I got from a friend only a few days ago. It's a story someone else sent her (I've shortened it), but it's so precious and sincere. And it pretty much sums things up. I hope it'll give you a little comfort, because it brought both tears and hope to me.
A Dog's Purpose
(from a 6-year-old)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their
Little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker.
I examined Belker and found he was dying. I told the family we couldn't
Do anything for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure
For the old dog in their home.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any
Difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's
Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter
Than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up,
'I know why.'
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life
-- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your parents at this time of your grief, Kelley.
"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
- Mark Twain
Hugs, Kelley. It is hard
Hugs, Kelley. It is hard to lose a beloved pet since they truly are members of the family.
J
Oh, Sweetie, I'm so sorry.
It is a hard decision.
Penn
Join the 2008 Book (Reading) Challenge!!! It’s for a good cause and it’s FUN!
Come find my teammates and me at The DFWPlus Blog!
Kelley, my heart goes out to you and your family at this time.
Pets are more than just animals, they are part of the family and saying goodbye is so hard. When I was in my teens we had to have our dog put down and I was a mess... but then I started to remember all the special things about Benji and it's those memories that I still hold in my heart.
Amanda, that story is truly beautiful... and so ~ perfect!
Thank you for sharing... it'll be something that I'll keep for when our Mitka is no longer part of our family. He'll be 13 this October and my oldest daughter, who's in Cairo, is so worried that he'll die while she's overseas. I sure hope not ~ that would be even more heartbreaking.
__________________________________________________________
kalyko ~ Reading: One of life's little joys and a much needed reward!
Kalyko...
...I went back in and edited the story just a tiny bit because I got to thinking that it might be a bit overwhelming for Kelley. Goodness knows I certainly don't want to heap more tears on her. This is such a hard time for her. But I'm glad the story touched you... I hope it does for Kelley too. Animals are so precious and innocent. We love and take care of them and they give us their staunch loyalty and companionship.
I hope everything goes well for your DD and Mitka, too.
"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
- Mark Twain
We have had to make that choice twice with our cats
I think the only one that is harder to make is taking a loved one off life support. However Wicket sounds like he is in a lot of pain and his quality of life is not there anymore. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. May you have many wonderful memories of Wicket
When I get a little money I buy books, and then if any is left I buy food and clothes..-- Erasmus
Kelley
I'm so sorry for you and your family. It's never easy to lose part of your family.
The D2K Paranormal Junkies ~ 2008 Book Challenge Blog
Oh Kelley!
Many, many hugs! I'm so sorry.
The D2K Paranormal Junkies 2008 Challenge
((((((((((((((((((((Kelley,Mom &Dad))))))))))))))))))))))))))
I really can relate to your feelings as I had to make the decision with our black lab,Snoozer,he was only 9 at the time. Our other dog,Madchen missed him terribly and not long after,a stray Golden Lab wandered into our lives,so Jurgen became ours,not replacing Snoozer but as added love for us.
Our 16 yr old cat just passed away and we are still missing her terribly but remember all the joy she brought to our lives. Will be holding all of you in my thoughts especially Monday,let the tears flow as they will,but the smiles will be there in time as you think of Wicket and his special place in your lives.
Cheryl
Cheryl http://peacefulpond.blogspot.com/
Hugs to you Kelley and to your mom and dad - it's never
easy losing a family member
Sadhbh
Dream Team 2008 Challenge blogs
No more excuses, just READ!
thanks everyone for the kind
thanks everyone for the kind thoughts and words. I was tearing up reading everyone's comments. Our pets are parts of our family and even there I haven't lived there for 5 years, I'm still upset about it and I'm sure going to miss Wicket when I go home at Christmas. If I had to make a decision like that about my cats I'd be torn up. They are my babies.
href="http://community.eharlequin.com/category/tags/d2k-paranormal-junkies">The D2K Paranormal Junkies
~eHQ April 2008 Member of the Month~
I am really so sorry. I
I am really so sorry. I don't have a lot of words other than to say I am so sorry.
My dog is not well so reading this, I'd just say I feel for you and my heart really goes out to you in ways I cannot express with words.
Merri
Hildie's blog: http://blog.hildie.net
thanks Merri. My parents
thanks Merri.
My parents were heading hom today and should've gotten there a few hours ago and their plans tonight are to just huddle up with Wicket and give him lots of attention and affection before they have to do it tomorrow. Mom said if they can do it tomorrow while she's there for his appointment already scheduled, she's going to stay right by his side until his final breath. But if they can't do it tomorrow evening she doesn't know what she'll do. She will probably be babysitting my younger nephew all day Tuesday and unable to get there.
And I'm gonna snuggle up with my kitties tonight becasue just the thought of possibly eventually having to do that with one of them makes me cry. So I need some good attention and snuggling with my babies tonight.
href="http://community.eharlequin.com/category/tags/d2k-paranormal-junkies">The D2K Paranormal Junkies
~eHQ April 2008 Member of the Month~
Kelly
(((Hugs)))
I'm so sorry that you had to say goodbye to Wicket. I have had many beloved pets through the years. It never gets easy to say goodbye especially when you have to make a decision to put them down. Again, I'm so sorry. Have a good snuggle with your babies.
Margie
Yeah
and your babies probably need snuggling up to anyway. Are they still mad at you for leaving them? My kitties get a bit uppity for just a bit. The dog's too dumb to notice, he's always hyper.
The D2K Paranormal Junkies ~ 2008 Book Challenge Blog
pets
thanks Margie. It's always tough having to say good bye to our furbabies. I'm going to call Mom tomorrow night and see how she's doing.
Deb - oh yeah they always need snuggling. Aker always hides when I first get home and won't come out for at least half an hour. I guess that's his way of telling me he's mad at me. But he always gets over it when bedtime rolls around and claims his usual spot at my side. Sheba used to be mad at me and wouldn't come near me until I went to bed. Then I'd fall asleep and she's get even with me for leaving by walking across my head repeatedly to wake me up in the middle of the night. Amun loves attention so he's usually at the door the second I walk in.
href="http://community.eharlequin.com/category/tags/d2k-paranormal-junkies">The D2K Paranormal Junkies
~eHQ April 2008 Member of the Month~
That's
pretty funnyand each cat has it's own way of doing things. Boo plops his 28 lbs on my chest most evenings after first getting his rear out of my face. We call him ton-o-kitty.
The D2K Paranormal Junkies ~ 2008 Book Challenge Blog
wow that's a big cat! Sheba
wow that's a big cat! Sheba is my largest and I'd say she's probably 14-15 lbs. She's due to go see the vet this month so I'll find out then but she feels like she's gained weight int he past year. She's lazy though so I'm not surprised. Aker looks heavy but he's actually not. He's just fluffier I guess.
href="http://community.eharlequin.com/category/tags/d2k-paranormal-junkies">The D2K Paranormal Junkies
~eHQ April 2008 Member of the Month~
He's big
but he's fat too!
The D2K Paranormal Junkies ~ 2008 Book Challenge Blog
Condolences! Wicket will be
Condolences! Wicket will be better off, but it's a hard decision to make.
"Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
March's Member of the Month!
My dogs...
notice when we leave. When I was gone for the week to my parents', the older dog was a little more settled as he's used to one of us staying with him and only freaks if we both leave. But boy, did I get a welcome home! LOL!! The younger one, though, he hadn't ever had one of us leave him and he was fairly calm till he saw my dh doing laundry and then he started looking at dh suspiciously with this sort of "uh oh" expression. And they stayed GLUED to me for a couple days after I got home.
The D2K Paranormal Junkies 2008 Challenge
(((Kelley))) So sorry for
(((Kelley))) So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your parents during this sad and difficult time.
"It's not denial. I'm just very selective about the reality I accept."
Jana's Off-site blog
September's Member of the Month
thanks FF and Jana. It's a
thanks FF and Jana. It's a little easier for me not sitting there seeing him and knowing it's his last day but it's still upsetting. I'm gonna call Mom tonight I think and see how she's doing.
href="http://community.eharlequin.com/category/tags/d2k-paranormal-junkies">The D2K Paranormal Junkies
~eHQ April 2008 Member of the Month~
Farewell Wicket... 1997-2008... We miss you already.
well Wicket is gone now. Mom called the vet this morning to tell them their decision so the vet decided he didn't need to come in for his scheduled appt. That vet was at an animal hospital where my SIL works and they suggested Mom and dad take him to their regular vet to have it done. So 6:00 tonight was when they did it. My older sister is furious with Mom and dad and when they askedher if she wanted to be at the vet she said "I want no part of killing him." She's pretty selfish and was thinking of herself, not how much Wicket was suffereing so I'm not at all surprised she responded that way. But she'll barely talk to Mom and Dad since they "killed" Wicket. My broterh went with them to the vet too.
So for his last moments Wicket was surrounded by his family and in a familiar place. Mom said he was acting quite unusual today and she figures he knew somethign was coming though he didn't know what exactly. Dogs can sense things so I think he knew too. And Mom said he was very quiet. He never made a sound or anything. He immediatley went to sleep after the first shot and never moved when they gave him the second injection which is what stops his heart. She said it was like he went after the first shot and didn't even need the second one. They all stayed with him a little while afterwards before coming home.
BAndit is very subdued and not doing much of anything. I'm sure he misses his buddy and he's going to need lots of loving for a while until he accepts that Wicket is not coming home again.
href="http://community.eharlequin.com/category/tags/d2k-paranormal-junkies">The D2K Paranormal Junkies
~eHQ April 2008 Member of the Month~
Kelley....
That makes me cry just to imagine. It's so hard to lose a beloved pet and then to have someone condemn and criticize only makes it worse. All of you are in my prayers.
The D2K Paranormal Junkies 2008 Challenge
Kelley,just think now Wicket is running and playing
without pain. I am so sorry your sister had to be like that,none of you need that negativity. When you get time,go to RainbowsBridge.com,a great site. Has been alot of comfort to our family when we have lost our furry kids. Cheryl
Cheryl http://peacefulpond.blogspot.com/
That's my sister though
That's my sister though Debbie, She's as selfish as they come about a lot of things. I'm selfish in a lot of ways too, but I also know when to be unselfish. And Wicket was just suffering too much. But she doesn't see it that way. She can't grasp the fact that letting him live longer would just be torture for him.
href="http://community.eharlequin.com/category/tags/d2k-paranormal-junkies">The D2K Paranormal Junkies
~eHQ April 2008 Member of the Month~
Thanks Cheryl. I'll have to
Thanks Cheryl. I'll have to go check out that website when I get a chance.
href="http://community.eharlequin.com/category/tags/d2k-paranormal-junkies">The D2K Paranormal Junkies
~eHQ April 2008 Member of the Month~
I remember when my parents
I remember when my parents had to put down my dog - I say my dog as I was 14 when they got him and I felt like he was mine. It is a hard decision, but in the end the best one when one is in so much pain. You have my sympathy.
Cady
TBR--The Born Readers
It's not an
easy decision but dogs live to give us dumb humans happiness so I'm sure he was sad that he couldn't. I hope your sister will mature and realize what she's doing to your parents. They made the best decision they could and hopefully she will see that in time. So sorry for all of you even your sister. Some people lash out when they're hurting and hurt the ones closest to them. Misery loves company kind of thing. I've put quite a few animals down over the years and it doesn't get any easier but you know it's right when all they have is pain.
The D2K Paranormal Junkies ~ 2008 Book Challenge Blog