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.

[LoveThem]

39 hours.....you know you ARE allowed to cry. You are already grieving. It might help to read all the different replies here from the beginning....maybe you will find words you can hold onto temporarily..to help you.

I have been where you are...many times by myself and then after marriage..with my husband. Our tears just flow together.

What adds to the pain now is the anticipation, and knowing that there is a choice but that you know for your baby's sake, there
really is no choice. That is a real battle inside (always was for me).

I am so glad you have had her for over 14 years...just reinforces that you and your wife did everything right and took the best care of her you could think of and she knows that. She knows that. She would love you no matter what....but she feels the special love you both have for her...and that is the best feeling these babies can have.

It is a very hard decision. With the one where the vet came to our home...I was very thankful she suggested a tranquilizer first so the baby could lightly sleep and not see the tears we could not hold back. My husband held him until the vet said it was wearing off and so we had to say we did not change our minds because our boy was barely able to breathe (That was in 2002 and ironically, his twin brother, LIttle Guy, had a breathing problem in 2007 when we lost him). That's what cancer can do and it tears at our hearts what disease does to these pure souls.

I have never been able to be actually with them at the very end but knowing they were not conscious always made me feel it was as close to going in their sleep that I could do for them. I could not ..not do it, as I can't believe there is no pain when the end comes and I do not want them to feel any of it. I gave them the only thing left I could give them...and that was peace.

The reason WHY the decision is made has always helped me bear it. I had to keep remembering WHY. Doesn't make it easier...it just allowed me to actually do it. Remembering my boy came first.......before any feelings I had of wanting to keep him, knowing I would always want to keep him forever but only if he had his quality of life.

So many here know exactly what you are going through....but as one Mom said here: The pain of losing her will never ever be greater than the joy of knowing her. We only hope we have many years together and we know it will never be enough time..no matter how long it is but when it is truly their time to go....since that will be we can't cure them or help them with their quality of life, the best we can give them in return for that wonderful unconditional love they never failed to give us...is to make it as easy for them as possible to be at peace.

Hugs to you and your wife...and a special one for Gizmo...she is a very special girl and I know you would never trade almost 15 years of being with her....to avoid this time.

Just remember...you are doing it for her and why you are doing it for her.

Oh, hug her as much as you can and it is okay to cry now even hugging her and telling her you love her...she is still home.

Judy