Losing My Dog In A Few Weeks, Degenerative Neuropathy - She'll be euthanized soon Options

[Gizmo]

I ran across this website after searching for some help and I am amazed by the compassion and support that everyone so freely gives to each other. Thank you for that. It is very nice to see such supportive and kind people.

My wife and I are losing our beautiful girl, Gizmo, in a few weeks. She is in no pain but she has terrible neuropathy that gets worse by the day. She can’t really move around on her own at all and we know that her time is here.

We are keeping her here for a few weeks – my wife is home all day and she can take care of Gizmo during the day. Since she isn’t in pain and still seems happy (and still has an incredible appetite) we don’t want to lose her too early. We’re also clinging to the unrealistic hope that continued acupuncture treatments might finally start to show some benefit. Unfortunately, though, my wife will have to return to work soon and we won’t be able to be there for Gizmo, so we’ll have to say goodbye.

I am terrified. I see the unbelievable strength of each one of you – you all are strong enough to do the right thing for your pets and you’re strong enough to lower your heads and fight through it, and I honestly don’t think I can do it. I am so disappointed in how I’m handling this. I think I’m making it worse for my wife, not better, because I am absolutely falling apart at the seams. I have moments where I can deal with this, but most of the time I am an absolute mess. I feel pathetic – I am not strong for Gizmo or my wife and, as such, I know I’m making this whole process more difficult on both of them. It just adds to the overwhelmingly terrible feeling of this whole ordeal.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions for helping me accept what is going on. I need to be strong for both of them. I know I’m being challenged right now and it’s terrible to know that I’m failing that challenge.

Also, please say a prayer for Gizmo if you’re so inclined.. I love her more than I could ever express.

[Lynsey]

I am so very sorry about your dog. I lost my kitten four months ago, and was feeling particularly sad this evening so I logged in to read some stories. Sometimes it helps to know that others are going through the same thing. Poor Purdy was in intensive care for three weeks before she passed away, so I know how distressing it is to see your beloved pet suffer.

Many of my family and friends were frustrated with the fact that I could not cope with her passing. I was off work for five weeks. However, we simply cannot help the way we feel. Some people are simply just better than others at putting on a brave face.

I don't know if you are religious, but I read this book and it helped me a little.
http://www.amazon.com/There-Eternal-Animal...3203&sr=8-1

Some poor animals never have somebody to love and care for them, remember that your dog was lucky to have you. Grief never leaves you, but it becomes more bearable with time.

Best wishes, Lynsey.