Monday I broke down and took my dog, Kasey, to the vet. I knew what the vet was going to say before I had even walked through the door. Kay stopped eating about a week ago. She would eat a little people food, but she wouldn't touch anything else. She was having trouble with going to the bathroom too. Bless her heart she would go to the door and wait for someone to let her out, but when no one was at home, she'd have accidents. But always right by the door. I never scolded her because I knew she was trying so hard to be good.
So the vet confirmed what I already suspected. Kay had cancer. She had a massive tumor on her belly - he said he was actually like breast cancer, but it had spread. He said he was having a little trouble finding organs because there were so many tumors. He also said I was lucky she had lasted as long as she did with no pain. But the reality was she had only days, maybe 2 weeks to live.
I had my mom and brother take me to the vet because in my heart I knew I would not be bringing her home. I made the hardest decision, but the one that was best for her. My heart broke, but I stayed there with her because I couldn't bear to leave her to die alone. It went very quick. For those of you who have never put an animal to sleep, I want you all to know it's very peaceful. She sat down, then laid down and she was gone. It took about 2 minutes. And I know now that she isn't going to suffer like she would have suffered in the days to come.
But it's still hard. 3 days later, and I'm bawling as I type this. It helps to talk about her, and to cry. But I miss her so much. She was always on the couch when I'd walk through the front door, so now coming home my eyes go to the couch and she isn't there. I'm also having to help one of my 3 cats adjust. She has been crying and whining a lot. She has actually been sniffing around the house - like a dog - and rolling on the couch where Kay used to lay. I know she misses her Kay like I do.
It's amazing what will set me off too. We didn't realize until last night that we still had Kay's food dish in the kitchen with food in it. That led to tears. I got her unused food together this morning to take to animal control tomorrow and that also led to tears. I'm sure you think I'm babbling, but like I said talking and writing about it helps me. For those who have lost a pet, you have my deepest sympathies. This was the first time I was around when I lost a pet. The other 2 dogs I've had died while I was away - one because we gave her away to have puppies and the other I was away at college.
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Comments: 37
*tearing up*
I am so, so sorry to hear about this. I am sending big (((hugs))) your way. No matter what, all of us who share a home with a pet have to deal with it. And it won't ever be easy.
oh i am so sorry.. RIP Kasey..
I am so sorry to hear that. She sounds like she was a wonderful fur baby and she was so beautiful! I found out my dog has cancer this week too but it is skin cancer and he is having surgery tomorrow. Pets are like family members and it is so painful when they are sick or when we lose them.
Having had to do this myself not so long ago my heart goes out to you, and I am crying too. It is one of the most aweful and heartbreaking things to have to do, but we do it out of love. It does get a little easier over time but I still cry very often. I know how much you are hurting right now. (Hugs).
I am so sorry. {{{ Hug }}}
I am so sorry for your loss. This happened to Jennifers aunts cat yesterday. She stopped eating and they found cancer in her belly and had to put her to sleep. She was 19 years old. Her aunt hasn't quit crying.
Big hugs, I know how hard this is to go through
I'm so very sorry.
Having to have my cat put down was so hard for me as she was like my own child,she was here with me she slept with me on the other pillow.I had to leave her for about 2and a half months when i fell and was in the hospital and thenI went to rehab. when i was finally able to come home durning the day time she was always right beside me .Then she got sick very sick and i wasnt able to go with her to the vet but my son in law took her in .I sat that day and cryed .I still miss her everyone has tryed to give me a cat and i say no thank you no other cat can take nikki's place.
Bless your heart. I'm sorry. I do understand. I had to have my son's dog put down when he was away visiting his dad over 6 years ago. But when I see a similar dog walking by, it still tears me up.
I remember when our dog Penny died in 2000. We had an appointment for the vet to come and put her to sleep in our home, but she died the morning of the appointment. While we totally understood why she needed to be put to sleep, we were also quite relieved that nature did it for us, if that makes any sense.
We have had to put animals down before, even harder when you are the one who has to do it. Sorry for your loss..
im sorry
i am crying just reading about your pup
they are so like family
hugs
I happened across this in the People feed, and just wanted to stop by and offer my condolances. I've had to put a number of pet ferrets to sleep, and I know how hard it is. The first time is the hardest, but you did the right thing. The best gift we can give our pets is a painless death. I run a ferret shelter, and many people give up their ferrets rather than take responsibility for their pet's last days. You showed how much you loved your dog, and I know your dog appreciated it. Hugs.
I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with you.
I'm so sorry Sandra!
{{{{{{Hugs}}}}} I am so very sorry Sandra!! I have lost a pet like this too and I know how very heartbreaking it is!!!!
I am so sorry...losing a pet is heartwrenching...hugs
So sorry Sandra - big hug for you... Your pup is in a better place, and no pain now - you were kind for sure...
My deepest sympathies go out to you and the family Sandra, I know how hard this is from too many experiences myself.
It is so hard to loose a pet, I know! Big hugs for you, this is a tough time to go through, but you did make the best decision~
I know exactly how you feel. A few years ago, we had to put down our best friend, Ralph. He had been a member of our family for almost 12 years. He was having Grand Mal seizures that phenobarb couldn't even control. He had lost use of his back legs and was incontinent of bowel and bladder. It was not easy caring for him because he was 130 lbs. (Black Lab/Border Collie/Great Dane mix) We had to borrow a litter from the vet just to get him in. My husband couldn't stay, but I managed to stay with him until he was gone. I cried off and on for days.
I still miss him, but I know he is much better off. Hang in there, honey!
I am so sorry for your loss. You made the hardest decision you will ever have to make, in my opinion. You gave Kasey the longest and best life possible. You have my deepest sympathies.
I had a Chocolate Lab and a Golden Retriever before Rocky. The Chocolate got cancer and we finally had to let him go. The Golden didn't last even six months after that. It was heart breaking. My heart goes out to you. We never had children so they were our children. I told my husband we weren't having anymore dogs, but here we are with Rocky. He's a wonderful dog, too.
so sorry to hear this Sandra. hugs
My heart goes out to you. She was a beautiful dog. ((Hugs))
I hope you don't mind Sandra, I created a photo in memory of Kasey. You can delete it you don't like it.
That is so sweet. Thank you so much! It's beautiful
I'm so sorry to hear this. We lost our cat in November, and I think the hardest part for us was the fact that he died alone (in the vet hospital overnight). I'm so glad that you got to be there with your dog. I know it's still incredibly hard, though.
I am sorry to hear this. But please know you did your pet great comfort by being there when your pet died. When "Bones" died. He wanted me to hold him. I did. He died in my arms. I truely miss him and always will.
I'm sorry for your loss. Sounds like you made the right decision though.
So sorry for your loss! My dogs are such a part of me and so I can imagine how hard it is. :(
Awww, I'm so very sorry to hear this!! I know how hard that is and what a hole it leaves, our pets truly are like our children. I know my baby kitty, Smokey, is absolutely my whole world. You of course did the right thing and the only thing you could do, that's the deal we make with them when we allow them to adopt us, to love them forever and never let them suffer. I truly do believe they wait for us beyond The Rainbow Bridge and that they never truly leave us. My deepest sympathies to you all..
I am so sorry losing a pet is so hard!
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I know that my mom had to have her dog Jazzie put to sleep and it is very peaceful. You just have to keep a midset that she is not suffering now and she is in a better place. *big hugs*
I'm sending lots of hugs. We had to put our 16 year old Silky Terrier named Chip down in the spring. I/we still find things that choke us up. I understand completely what you are going through. I am so very sorry for your loss.