Comments on: Denali: More Than Just A Viral Video

By: somethingwagging

somethingwagging — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 12:07:07 +0000

Gunner is very lucky to have you loving him and caring for him so well. You’ve given him a great life and continue to enjoy your time with him. That’s a wonderful gift for both of you.

I’d like to kick back against the “you’ll just know” crowd. Because sometimes you don’t. You have to make a decision and hope it’s the right one. And you may question yourself for years to come.

It’s the cost of doing something important. It’s the cost of love. And as hard as it is, it’s a price worth paying.

I wish the very best to you in caring for Gunner and continuing to make the best decisions you can on his behalf.

By: Barb Comstock

Barb Comstock — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 19:33:03 +0000

Because we are the human element of the relationship, it is our responsibility that we accept to house, feed, comfort and care for our canine companions. Because we exempt them from a natural way of ending, our responsibility also includes easing their exit from life, which may include euthanasia or simply holding on until the end. As a former veterinary technician, I can tell you euthanasia is the absolute suckiest part of the job… Clients ask when the time is right, but, I’m sorry, every situation is so different, there is no universal answer. I can tell you to let your dog tell you. When they are in pain that you can’t relieve. When incontinence becomes distressing to them. When they lose interest in food, in walking, when they want to hide, when the joy leaves their eyes, you will know. I can say, from my experience, we tend to keep them with us way longer than they wish – they feel our sorrow and hang on way past what nature intends.

By: Teddy

Teddy — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 14:08:57 +0000

It’s one of the hardest things ever. I’ve had several dogs in my life. When I was a child, my parents had to make the dreadful decision. I’ve only had to make the decision once. My dog, Guinness, was diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 2011. I took him to specialists who told me that Guinness had about a year to live if we did chemo treatments, and only a few months if we didn’t. They told me that dogs don’t seem to be affected the way humans are when it comes to chemotherapy. Their moods are similar and their appetite remains.

Guinness was fine for a few months, but December rolled around and other tumor showed up on his leg. We were at my parent’s for Christmas and Guinness wasn’t putting weight on his leg. We came home the day after Christmas and immediately brought him back into the specialists. They said that they could do surgery, remove the tumor, do more chemo, and manage the pain, but that Guinness probably only had 6 months left. The year that they had initially given Guinness had dropped to a total of 8 months.

So, for the next 6 months (maybe), Guinness would have to have surgery, be in pain some pain no matter how well it was managed, have to have several chemo treatments, and have a tough time walking on his leg for about 4 weeks after surgery. The questions rolling through my head were…will another tumor show up? How long will he be in pain? How much of the last 6 months of his life will he actually be able to enjoy? Would I want to live like that for the last 6 months of my life?

It was clear to me that Guinness deserved better, and to be in a better place. It was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make.

As Mike G. said, it will be clear to you when it is time. Enjoy the time you have with Gunner while you have it!

Teddy

By: Mike G

Mike G — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 03:33:22 +0000

Having gone through this, with our beloved lab, Yukon, I know how difficult it is. For some, perhaps one of lifes most difficult decisions (all pet lovers will understand). Trust that you will know clearly when it’s time, although difficult enjoy your remaining time together.

By: scotth777

scotth777 — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 00:01:58 +0000

you JUST know when…you just know. its been a good life!