you are not a murderer. She is in PAIN, she hurts, she IS
suffering. She doesn't understand. This is not good
for your dog. It's time to release her. It is better for
her to not be trying to make you feel better. It's
better that she doesn't suffer anymore.
You WILL get through this. It IS the best thing for her.
She has tried for you, but her body just can't do it anymore
and YOU HAVE to help her.
((((((Melanie))

You are doing the right thing by letting her go. She has no quality of life now, and is certainly suffering.

My heart goes out to you. We had to say goodbye to our precious Yorkie (Bandit) in January. We had him for 15 years, and he was truly our baby. It was so hard to make the decision to let him go, but we did it out of love for him.

I will be thinking of you in the morning, and please try to think of her crossing the Rainbow Bridge and frolicking with all the other furbabies. Hugs!

Do not think of yourself as a murderer. Think of yourself as her hero. We have the ability to be kind to our animals and put an end to their misery. When it becomes obvious she is not going to get any better, it is the kindest thing to do. I wish we humans had the same option. Just the same, it is devastating and hurts like heck but know in your heart it is the right thing to do. If I could give any advice at all, I would advise you hold her and be with her when the vet gives her the needle. You may think it a difficult thing to do but you will see how peaceful it is for her.

What you are doing is the most selfless thing a person could do for a pet they love so dearly. I agree with georgysmom.....hold her, be with her...and it is so very peaceful. You've done all you could, but, it's just her "time". Your cherished memories will someday bring you joy for having had her in your life. I believe with my whole heart that someday you will be togethr again. All pets go to Heaven....because that is why it's called Heaven! Sending thoughts & prayers for tomorrow.

THE LAST BATTLE
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close,we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

This is going to sound harsh and I'm not sorry for how it sounds.

This dog is clearly suffering. Vomiting a huge amount of blood (which, from what it sounds like, she has already done this several times), lifeless, so much pain, yelping, needing to have her pain eased.

"I am going to let her be in peace" - huh?? She is long past being in peace. She was vomiting blood days ago, you were having to clean her bottom because she was defecating and urinating on herself, not eating or drinking.

This situation breaks my heart. You are dragging out and prolonging her misery because you are selfish and not thinking of her. She has no dignity left - that was stripped from her days ago.

I'm a pet owner. I haven't loved my pets any less than you love yours. I've made the loving decision to not let my pets suffer, like you are doing.

Someone suggested posting on the Pets' forum. Don't do it. The people who post there would be shocked at what you are doing to your dog, and won't hesitate to tell you.

You need to do the right thing and end her pain as soon as possible. Waiting to get home from work is giving her more time to suffer.

Frankly, this sickens me. I can't imagine someone who claims to love their pet would stand by and watch them deteriorate and languish in agony.

I'm sorry, sephia, I rarely get into it with another poster, but your opinion at this point in time and your harsh words to admonish someone who is clearly suffering about losing her beloved pet & the anguish she is going thru about this horrible decision, is cruel beyond words.

You & I would have had the vet come to our home immediatly to put our pet down, but, sometimes people are in denial & cling to every last bit of hope for a miracle that probably won't come.

Compassion, not guilt or critisizm whould have been more appropriate & supportive of what is to come tomorrow. Just saying..... Peace

I am sorry but I agree with Sephia. The time is past. Please don't make that poor dog suffer another moment. If you are near an animal ER they will help the sweet thing pass on in peace. Ours don't charge for the visit. only for the drugs used and sometimes not at all. Some animal shelters have 24 hour service. If it were one of mine I would do anything to bring my pet peace. I'd be driving her however far I had to.

The dog is bleeding out. Hopefully she will go into shock soon and feel less of her agony.

It is not humane to make her wait. Dogs live in the now. They don't understand tomorrow. Do the right thing.

I don't understand a vet who would tell you to just keep on doing what isn't working. Doesn't sound like he has much compassion.

I don't shed tears but my heart is aching for this poor defenseless beast.

I love my dog more than anything in this world.. We were trying one last thing more meds to see if they would work.. I have spent almost every last cent I have on her, I do not have the money to take her to an ER tonight..My vet does have compassion, I will not longer post here, you do not know how much I love my dog. I am not selfish nor do you have to pity my dog, My dog was well taken care of for the 7 years she has been here. We are heartbroken, I was doing what the vet asked, to try one last thing. Thank you to the ones who are offering support. To those that blasted me and say I dont love my animal.. Shame on you.. Thank you for hurting me more.. You will no longer see any posts from me. We were trying to figure out what wrong with her and trying to treat her and make her well. I hate that she is suffering and I am thinking of her. She is like my baby, but with no family here and being out of work for the last week to take care of her I have No money. Think what you want of me, but I know and she knows We love her with all our hearts...

All I was trying to say is it really necessary to kick a person when they're so down.

And, yes, I too would be at a 24 Animal Emergency hospital right now. But what we look at as compassionate, she is having to deal with feeling like a murderer. Pets don't come with advance directives, so they have to rely on us to make these excruciating decisions. It's a no win all around. My heart goes out to both.

No one kicked anyone or blasted anyone. But someone has to do what's right for the animal. In this case one the animal's well being trumps the owner's emotions.

There will be plenty of time for condolences later. The dog is suffering NOW.

OMG, the heartless of some people shocks me. A pet is like a child. Wouldn't you try everything in your power to try to save your child?

Melonie, your Sweetie's body is wearing out, it is plain. But obviously her heart is strong because of all of the love she has in it for you. I 've been there with 3 dogs and a cat, all much loved furbaby-children. The only thing that got me through it was knowing in my head, even though my heart was breaking, that it was time and the thing to do. My heart breaks for you, and tears are running down my face as I type this. Please, don't let the callous ones keep you away. i'll be thinking about you all day today. (((((HUGS)))))

I'm so sorry for your loss, Melanie. And I'm sorry you got such negative responses when it's clear you're trying your best to care for the dog you love.

The heartless people here shock me too. I completely agree with Sephia and Wildchild. This dog should have been put out of her misery days ago. You sympathize with Melanie, but you have no thoughts about the absolute suffering and misery this poor dog has gone through? Yes, heartless...a whole bunch of you who stick your heads in the sand and think it is okay to let an animal suffer...because you "love" it.

I'm so sorry,Melanie! There is nothing wrong with having HOPE and I'm not sure in the same situation..that i wouldn't make the same choices you have. Don't let other peoples opinion(s) cause you to leave the KT! It's very obvious you love your Sweetie!! (((((Melanie and Sweetie)))))

I'm very sorry Melanie. I've been there before and it's awful. You'll be numb for a while but it will get easier.

I can see both sides. It's so difficult to give up a pet, especially if you hold onto the hope that maybe this medication will be the one that works. You don't want to give up too soon in the hopes that if you wait longer you might be able to save the pet. I don't think that's selfish.

On the other hand, animals aren't capable of thinking ahead. They don't think "Maybe I'll feel better tomorrow" or "maybe this medication will work." All they feel is the pain they are in at that very moment and unfortunately it sounds like Sweetie has been in pain for a while now. The difference with humans is that they can be kept pain-free and comfortable, and they can understand what's going on when you try different medications. Animals can't. You have to be brave enough to do for them what they cannot do for themselves, even if it breaks your heart.

I'm glad you love her enough to help her.

((((((((((Melanie))))))))))) Losing a pet is one of the hardest things to do in life. Some will find it easier to put an animal to sleep than others. I can understand her loving and her grieving. When a Vet says to try one more thing, of course, some people will jump at the chance. Melanie is simply trying all that she can to save her beloved Sweetie. My husband did the same thing with our beloved dog Cindy. We did give Cindy lots of pain meds along with other meds but it cost us over ten thousand dollars. It was a lot of money for us at the time since we are both disabled. DH simply loved Cindy far too much to give up trying and unfortunately we never did find out exactly what was wrong with her. I was ready to say goodbye to Cindy far sooner than DH. I was used to death as an ex-NICU nurse. His grief was beyond words. I still catch him in tears half a year later.

We are all different in our beliefs and experiences. Now is not the time to be critical of one another.

I'm not critical of her loving her pet. Do you really think those of us who would opt to put her down don't love ours?

Do you think we don't grieve at the loss of a pet?

I understand not having money to have the dog in the hospital and I know her vet gave her some meds for free...but I think he surely failed to give her good information. When a dog's jaws are locked...like she said they were...in another post, and you can't get anything in her mouth....and she is vomiting blood and you post about this over and over on a forum and you get all the hugs and support that people can give....almost any person with any experience with animals at all, you'd think her vet...would have told her, that dog is not going to make it. I think he did her a terrible disservice by not telling her this sooner.
It is not a matter of my beliefs. It is a fact. The dog has been in misery, and I am sorry Melanie was mislead into believing this dog had a chance to survive. It is a further disservice to the animal to make her wait any longer. Humane societies and SPCAs would put her down for free.

We are all different in our beliefs and experiences. Now is not the time to be critical of one another.

There are people who believe that it's ok to fight dogs. they will tell you they love their dogs too. Darn right there is a time to critical of one's "belief". this is one of them. The dog is suffering, has been suffering.

Thank you Marilyn for stepping in and saying your piece. We all know who the real animal lovers AND caregivers are around here.

I am so spitting angry over this. Not even so much at Melanie for being emotional and letting it lead her into poor choices (she's a wreck) but those who encourage her to do the wrong thing with their misguided selfish support. That vet is a pure excuse for humanity. This is a pet. Not a med school experiment.

((((Melanie))))

Good grief, Wildchild. You really equate fighting dogs with someone keeping a beloved pet alive a couple days longer than you might, because she's hoping against hope that he'll get better? And not just because she wants it to be so, but because the vet is telling her there are still things to try? (I would have words for the vet, too.)

We all love our animals. We all try to do what's best for them. We'd probably all agree that it's best to kill them to spare them pain if they're not going to get better. We're all just trying to figure out when that point has come.

As far as I can tell, it's impossible to get that point exactly right, so you either have to act a bit sooner to make sure the animal has no unnecessary pain, or you have to act a bit later to make sure you allow every chance for life. Both sides act out of love. If you deal with animals all the time, like Marilyn_c, it's likely you'll get closer to the magic moment, but I doubt you'll ever get it exactly right even then.

I've been in a similar situation, with a cat who was (in retrospect) clearly dying, and a vet who was suggesting various last-ditch efforts. From this side of the decision, I know I let that cat go too long, but from that side, I made the best decision I could. My cat had some unnecessary pain, and I sorely regret that, but we're never going to eliminate all end-of-life suffering. I've also let a cat go "too long," only to have him rebound. (That was three years ago, and he's sitting next to me purring right now.) How are you supposed to know?

And the vets are human, too, and I don't think that most of them are urging patients to keep their pets alive only to make money. I know mine wasn't, because she barely charged me.

It wasn't an analogy that would compare the two. It was an example. Citing different beliefs is disingenuous.

Melanie--just sending hugs to you.

I fully get how agonizing it is for Melanie right now. I've been there with my pets. The most loving gesture you can do for a suffering pet, and Sweetie is clearly suffering, is to ease that pain. There is most likely no turning back for Sweetie. The poor dog is probably starving to death, along with getting dehydrated. Dehydration in an animal is extremely painful. From everything that Melanie has described, it's time.

Melanie - I meant no personal harm to you. I know you love Sweetie with every cell in your body. Please grant her one last gesture of love and help free her from her pain. Being able to do this is to really love your pet. If money is the issue, please PM me and I will financially help you. You let me know which vet and I will contact them directly and cover any costs. I want to help both you and Sweetie. I know how much you love her.

And to those who are encouraging Melanie to hang in there in the hope Sweetie will magically turn the corner and return to good health - shame on you. You are condoning the suffering of this poor animal. You all should be supporting Melanie and being behind her as she does the right thing for Sweetie, rather than supporting her as she prolongs the inevitable.

I would rather let my pets go one day too early than one day too late. I could never live with myself if I let my pets suffer just because "I" couldn't let go.

Melanie, I hope it was a peaceful end for Sweetie, but I question your vet. Are you certain he is the best around? Would he do an autopsy to see what happened to this poor dog. It sounds like she was poisoned. He should not have encouraged you to keep on treating the dog. Believe me, I totally "get" how you love her. I love everyone of my two dogs and five cats, but I just question a vet who would not give you better advice. I had a beloved cat, Pumpkin, a big fat yellow cat. When he was 10, he wasn't feeling well so I took him to the vet. He said tests were inconclusive but gave him 30% of making it and offered to euthanize him then. He was weak but not bleeding or vomiting. Long story, he lived to 16 and every Xmas we sent the vet a Xmas card.

melanie i just wanted to say that i am thinking about you and sweetie. sweetie will be at rest and waiting across the bridge for you.. (((melanie & sweetie & family))) ~ liz

Melanie, I'm so sorry for your broken heart.

Sephia, I hope you were not refering to me "as one of those who are encouraging Melanie to hang in there in the hope Sweetie will magically turn the corner and return to good health"--because that is NOT the case at all.

And, wildchild, for you to say "We all know who the real animal lovers AND caregivers are around here" is a sweeping generalization.

You don't know me or what some of us caregivers and pet-parents have had to do for our loved ones--human & fur-kids. I had to make the decision to stop compressions for my Dear Father who had terminal cancer, but died from a heart-attack and I had to make the decision to choose no heroics for my Dear Mother with Alzheimers, but developed pneumonia. I was their in-my-home caretaker for 7 years. They both died in my arms. I lay in my Mother's hospital bed with my arms around her as she took her last breath, praying to God that I had made the "right" decision to let her go naturally.

I have had to make the decision for two of beloved dogs to be put down & last February I had to put my sweetest kitty down at 20 years of age. My eyes were the last thing they saw, as the needle let them gently slip away. I NEVER waited until it was too late. I feed 2 stray kittys every morning, the birds, racoons, possums, skunks, & occassional deer at my open-all-night-animal-buffet. I love animals & I hurt for people going thru "Stuff" too. Money is tight too, so I understand finding vets that are compassionate as well. I know this post isn't supposed to be about ME, but rather someone else's pain.

But, I am beyond dissappointed & hurt by those people who were so quick to jump in and critise someone who needed support in their time of need and deep confusion.

The ONLY thing I WAS trying to say last night as kindly as heather said was "Now is not the time to be critical of one another". Melanie was going through enough pain as was her beloved Sweetie.

May God Bring All who need it today Comfort & Peace.

Next week we can all talk about how Thankful we are to have each other at the KT.

That vet is not as suggested a poor excuse for humanity. Vets must weigh what is best for both the animal and the human it is bonded with. They know enough not to make the decision for the human client. They make decisions about treatment options and recommendations based on their findings. None of us were there, so our fault finding is based on heresay or our own past experience and philosophy. I too had a vet who tried everything possible before admitting when directly asked that there were no other options. Through out the treatment, the cat was kept comfortable. There were occasions when I felt putting this cat to sleep was the way to go. She said no and in retrospect was astute. I consider my vet compassionate and I really feel that Sweeties vet was also.

I'm sorry for what you are going through, Melanie. Most of us at KT have gone through this too. I lost my precious Chihuahua on October 1, 2009 to kidney disease. He started losing weight rapidly and I, like you, hoped the vet could cure this. He was our first dog, and without children, he was our baby.
So the vet tried to save him, but after spending $1000 in one week she finally said that it was time to let him go. Did she really think she could save him or was money the motivating factor? That is what hurts me now. Did I let him suffer for her bank account? I have a lot less faith in vets now and will always question their opinion.
Please let Sweetie go as soon as you can, she shouldn't have to suffer anymore.
It will always hurt, no matter which way you go. I'm still crying everyday for my boy.

This is such a tough situation! My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Melanie. But having a dog vomit that much blood is HORRENDOUS and shocking- it should NEVER have been allowed to go home. I can't imagine what would make a dog DO that, poor thing! I would have let my dog go had they suffered like that since it would be obvious to me that the dog was suffering. But I can understand having hope... We have lots of animals at our house, a Husky, a Border Collie, two cats, rats and fish, so we're familiar with the bonds our furry friends attach to our hearts.

Many Blessings,
Haley

Dear Melanie,I am so sorry about what you are going through now. Not much else hurts this much. You and Sweetie are in my thoughts.

Elisabeth

I'm so sorry, Melanie. What an awful thing to go through.

Melanie, I am so sorry for your loss, but glad that Sweetie is at peace now. Please post and let us know how you are doing. It doesn't matter what people here are saying, you did the best you knew how. I think all the faux veterinarians should keep their opinions to themselves--they are only opinions. While you may think you have all the information, you do not as Melanie was obviously very distraught when she posted.

If you don't feel comfortable posting here, Melanie, please email me and let me know how you are. I really do care.

Its amazing that some think they are the experts on how everyone should act, think and feel.

Hugs to you Melaine I know you need it today.. I have been there and know how much you are hurting.

If I were Melaine, in pain and truly just needing kind thoughts and reassurance and found some of these insensitive replies (regardless how true or necessary you might think they are), I would be absolutely devastated on top of being heartbroken over losing something so dear to me.

Melanie, I'm so sorry you are going through this. You and your Sweetie are deep in my thoughts. My heart aches for you.

Jodi-

I agree with Jodi. There is a time and place for everything and Melanie needed our support. I think we let her down. Only she should decide when to give up hope and put her dog down. I hope we didn't make her feel guilty for all the poor dog's suffering. It's easy to say what we would do as our emotions are not involved.
Donna

Mel, I was sad to see this post from you today even tho your precious Sweetie needed to be at peace, poor thing.

Bless your heart...you did what you thought best. I believe Sweetie felt your love until the end.

As you grieve, take some comfort from your other pets who are feeling the loss of Sweetie.

Melanie...I went through the same thing.
Foxy was sick, vet tried everything...but we both saw she was failing.
I prayed that she would go quietly in her sleep, and lift that decision from me. She could barely walk.

Didn't happen.

She stayed in the lower level of our house (split level) where the floor was tiled, and she could look out to her beloved yard.

One night, the sound of her crying woke me up. She was under our bed...had crawled up 2 flights of stairs to find me.

I stayed with her until morning, I could her eyes begging me to help her go. She was ready...and so was I.
I called the vet(they knew her time was near), and took her right over.

That was a year ago, I still miss her....but I know I took the hard decision to relieve her of her pain.

Don't second guess yourself, or let others make you doubt your decision. The communication between a beloved pet and owner is a mystery...but you have to trust it.

Hugs