Is it time to put my Sheltie to sleep?

[Corinna]

Prayers and thoughts going out to you and Sasha> I know how hard it is I had to put my Alert dog down becouse of cancer. He was a springer and only 8 years old,. I miss him so much not only as my life line but my best freind too. But I picked a "good" day when he wasn't cranky and the weather was nice.The vet had a nice park like place and we did it out on this park so he wasn't upset by being at the Vet. It was nice to be able to be in control of how and when to let him go. I too had him cremated ,hubby is making a very speacil wooden box for his ashes. (hubby is a woodworker) Also see about having a paw print made. Its really nice.

[CWEST11334]

After talking with the vet, and discussing all possible options, we had Sasha put to sleep. The vet felt that while some actions might address the pain issues for a short period of time, that there was nothing that could be done for the mental issues, and that it would only prolong her suffering, something that we did not want.

The night before, however, I came home and made her a special dinner (Wet Dog food, which she loves, Steak, and one of her favorite treats, bananas).

I feel strongly that she knew what was coming, because that night, she visited all her most favorite places to lay in the house. She also spent some time on the porch outside "sniffing" the night air.

When it came time for bed, she came over to me and allowed me to pet and cuddle with her. She also went over to my wifes side of the bed and allowed my wife to pet her and say good-bye...as well as her son.

In the morning after she had a good breakfast, and then we prepared to take her to the vet. Surprisingly, she did not put up any fight at all in going...probably because she knew where we were going and she knew that she would be feeling better afterwards. She spent an hour on the outside porch again, watching the leaves fall and "sniffing" the air...and it was a beautiful October day...so it was perfect for her to enjoy.

At 11:15, we got into the car....I lifted her in and had no trouble...I had expected that she might not recognize me due to her having her moments and she might nip at me but she allowed my lifting her 45 pound body into the car with no trouble.

At the vets, I also lifted her out...we then went in and saw the vet. On the vets table, it almost seemed like she had run a marathon between the car and the entry to the clinic. She started falling asleep several times, only to "wake up", raising her head and "smiling" at us. It kind of felt like it was her time to go...that she might go on her own...but that she was waiting for us to give her permission to go trying to insure that we would be all right. The vet listened to her heartbeat and said it sounded irregular...and that she had labored breathing (which could explain why she was so sleepy).

We said our good-byes, and I petted her head as the vet administered the drug....10 seconds later she was gone...Both I and my wife cried like babies, and it took a while for us to leave...we couldn't resist giving her body pets...even though she was gone. We decided we'll have her creamated and will get her ashes in 1 to 2 weeks. When we got home (we both took the day off) our other dog Pansey, a llapso Apso (sp?), was looking for her big sister Sasha, so since it was such a nice day we decided to take Pansy for a walk, one of her favorite things to do...both as a way of getting out of the house and enjoying the dog that remained (not to mention Pansy loves walks!).

Today we spent some time washing Sasha's bedding and vaccuming the house with deoderizer, since it was further apparent that Pansy was still looking for Sasha.

The question now is, should we look for another dog, both for ourselves and for Pansy? It will be impossible to replace Sasha and the special place she had both in our hearts and home....or should we wait?

Comments? If we were to get another SMALL dog, any votes for the type of dog?

[Flatcoatluver]

I am so sorry about your loss. It's so hard sometimes. I think maybe in a couple of weeks you should adopt a dog, I'm sure you can find a small dog, too.

[cyber-sibes]

So sorry for your loss, even when we know it is the kindest thing to do, it's hard, isn't it? i hope you find having Sasha's ashes a comfort. When my Rosie was killed by a car, my husband surprised me with having her cremated, and we buried some of her ashes under a little blue spruce tree, along with some treats. We read poems to her and prayed. It's been 1 1/2 years and I love to go out to Rosie's tree and talk to her. We waited several months before looking for new companion. When it's the right time and the right dog, you'll know it.

[K9karen]

I'm so sorry to read about your beloved Sasha. I believe that they know when it's their time to cross to Rainbow Bridge. My Cody boy, for the first time ever, willingly walked into the exam room on his last day. What a wonderful instinct. As horrible as it is, to watch a sick pet suffer even more is selfish. You did the right thing. Sasha did what she was meant to do on earth and is now happy and healthy and keeping an eye on you.
I hope you consider adopting. I think as much as you plan to get a certain breed or size, your heart will tell you which dog is right for you, the instant you see it. Out of all the lovely, wonderful dogs at the shelter, when Logan and my eyes met, it was electrifying!

[lv4dogs]

I'm so sorry. It's never an easy thing to do, even if you know it is for the best.
Rest in peace sweet Sasha. My condolences to you & your family.

When it's time to add a new addition you'll know it. You'll never replace her but you can help fill that void in your heart & share the love with another dog. My suggestion is if you think you're ready (or when you are) visit some local shelters. I'm sure that will help your decision, especially if you find the one there.

[ehricma]

I'm so sorry for your loss. We just went through a simular situation with our 14 year old "mutt" this past summer. It's a hard decision, but we must always do what is best for our dear friends. Sasha will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge! We already had another dog and had just gotten a new puppy a couple of months before we lost our old dog. The puppy certainly kept us all busy! I personally recommend getting another, if you feel that you're ready. Everyone has to grieve in their own way, so listen to your heart! My thoughts are with you...