My parents keep telling me that our dog of 13 years needs to be put down soon. She's a happy loving Golden Retreiver and the only thing wrong is that her hips aren't so great and she can't see as well as she used to. But she is still eating and drinking just fine!

Why are they telling me this only a year after we lost Midnight?! I can't handle losing two pets in one year! It's not fair! It makes me wonder how long my precious baby Dinah has and she's a healthy young 10 year old cat! I hate thinking this way! All day I was scared since Gracie was getting declawed and all I could think is "What if she dies from the anasthesia?"

I'm still mouring my Middy and what if I lose my doggy too?

I dont know what to think. My parents are making this so dramatic and a big deal, and I hate it! They aren't thinking of how I still feel after midnight dying so unexpectedly, they're just making me more depressed.

I'm sorry if I seem angry but it's really hurtful and rediculous losing 2 pets in a year. I'm supposed to be starting college and starting a new life, how can I enjoy my new life when Im worried about losing another baby?

I recommend taking her into the vet and having a geriatric profile run on her - bloodwork, electrolytes, throid test (goldens are very prone to hypothyroidism), etc. There are great glucosamine supplements that can do wonders for arthritic hips.
Maybe your parents are just trying to prepare you for the worst. Hopefully she checks out ok at the vet, but I really think you need to prove to your parents that she's ok, even if it has to come out of your own pocket.

If your Golden Retreiver is loving and happy, and eating/drinking well, there is no reason to put her down. Many dogs can't see well towards the end of their lives, but since they depend more on scent they get along fine.

I feel strongly that you should make the same choice for your animal as you would for yourself. Would you, (or your parents) choose to die because they were have some hip and vision problems? Probably not. So, to kill your animal under these cir%%stances would be cruel and immoral. You should explore with your parents why they feel so strongly about this, given the dog's relative good health. Perhaps with you going to college - if you are leaving home - they may be hesitant to take on the care of this elderly dog. Again, not a reason for euthanasia.

You must be 17 or 18 now and hopefully have a good enough relationship with your parents that you can let them know how strongly you feel, both emotionally and morally. This dog, whom you have known for almost your whole life is worth making a stand for. Would she do less for you?


Good luck,

Daisy's Momy

Thanks guys for all of the great advice .

I think my parents think she's much worse than she really is. I don't really beleive that they would just put her down to make it easier on them, but that they think she's in real pain. She just lays around all day and sleeps. Because she's old.

I'm staying here for college, so I can take care of her, and I told them that. My mom said it could be years before we ever needed to put her down, but shes trying to "prepare me" for when Nikki really does get sick. I personally don't think it's a great theory, but my puppy will be around for awhile as long as I can help it.

They're just trying to see whats best for my puppy. They really love her alot too.


Thanks again for all of the great advice

I'm so glad to hear how your parents feel. They would have to be good people to have raised a person as thoughtful and good as you.


Daisy's Mommy

Thank you