Ch. Sweet Sadie Sunshine 04.04.07 Options

[Sadies_Daddy]

New member here -

Last nite I had to authorize the euthanasia of a very special family member - 8 year Sadie, a brindle boxer.

Two nites ago, Sadie started to have issues sleeping and seemed to be up all nite and couldn't get comfortable. The next morning while I was walking her she seemed like it was the last thing in the world she wanted to do.

I asked my wife to make sure during the day that she kept on eye on her, thinking she might have the flu or something. However, just before I left Sadie urinated on the floor and it was dark brown in color and very pungent.

Naturally, I thought this was the onset of a UTI. My wife took Sadie to the vet. After many tests and a lot f confusion we determined Sadie was probably suffering from Autoimmune Hemlolytic Anemia - her body was attacking her red blood cells.

Sadie was transported to a critical care facility and over nite took a turn for the worse. The blood transfusion and immunosupressive therapy didn't stablize her. The vet said it could take up to a week of work to get her better and then there were no guarantees. She would only ever have a 50 50 chance of survival and then chances are we would be right back here again a month.

I am feeling pretty low that I authorized the death of someone very dear to me. I came home last nite and wanted to be greeted by a short snubby tail wagging and her contorted into a "bean".

I haven't thrown anything out. I am not sure I can as I don't want to say goodbye. All of us at home feel quite upset and wish there had been other alternatives, but neither us nor the doctors saw any.

I miss my Sweet Sadie Sunshine.

Thanks for listening.

[mikebrowne]

So sorry about Sadie. Euthanasia is a very difficult decision no matter how logical it appears.

I've assisted in a few as my father was a veterinarian and have been brought up with a healthy view of it.

Just a week ago we had to say goodbye to our dear Moosh that way and all my experience didn't make that much of a difference. I still feel sad.

What the vet and my Dad both said did make a difference. They told me that it was the absolute kindest thing we could have done for her any more.

Watching her relax after months of pain reaffirmed what they said.

The painfully agonizing alternative for my dear girl is too horrendous to contemplate. I know we did the right thing and you saved Sadie that suffering too. You're wonderful parents for taking care of her. Your pain shows just how much you love her.

Take care of each other.