Rider.T.B.Love Loc: Maryland

His Name is Austin, he is a 13 year old miniature pincher, i met him when he was 6 weeks old and he has been my "son" ever since.
He is my joy , makes me smile and laugh he makes me feel better when im sad or upset.
i have no idea what im gunna do with out him :cry:
unfortunately old age is getting the better of him and its time to make the dreaded decision on when to end his pain.

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

Know exactly what you mean... A little tip... If he has arthritis hampering his movement, go get some Cosimine ( same that humans use ) to help... It really does help a lot....

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Awww...that's a tough one....I know how you feel.

Rider.T.B.Love Loc: Maryland

he does have arthritis and some neurological issues and possibly some thyroid issues too. this week he started haveing trouble walking his toes bend under and he walks on his nuckles he trembles like he is cold. i dont want my boy to be in pain. but i have that "what if he can get through it" in thye back of my head.
hardest thing i have ever had to think about by far

mollymolly Loc: In the heart of the Everglades.

mollymolly Loc: In the heart of the Everglades.

Sorry, I forgot to reply. I have been through what you are going through 3 times in the past 6 years and it does not get any easier. The one thing that you must keep in mind is that no mater how much it hurts, you must do what is best for your friend. My vet always told me that they[ my dogs ] will let me know when it is time, and they did. I just make sure that I cater to them for a few days, take them to their favorite spots, give them their special treats etc..Whenever you and your Dog decide that it is time, come on the forum for our support. Also, read The Rainbow Bridge, the unedited version. It will bring you peace.

tramsey Loc: Texas

I do not envy you one little bit.
MollyMolly hit it right on the head: special places, special treats. When it's time, take him to the Vet and after the injection, just hold him and reassure him. Have the long version of The Rainbow Bridge printed so you don't have to hunt and print afterwards. Read it a bunch and then come on the Forum. I hope it all goes well. My prayers are with you both.

Sdaupanner Loc: South Dakota /New England

I know the feeling but I wish you the best I had a Golden Retriever 15 years ago and he had hip displacer first thing in the morning I would give him his two baby aspirin and he would be better all day but then he let us know he was ready and it tore my heart out.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

I agree. I have had to make the same decision a couple of times. Follow what everyone has said and make the best decision.

Nickey Loc: Arizona

Your story of Austin brought back memories of my Patches.The vet is right, he will let you know (he's eyes will) when the time is right. In my case, my Patches let me know the day after my birthday. I remember that day. She would barely move,would try to follow me a few steps and that was it, he would stop, fall short and just followed me with her eyes that showed pain. A different demeanor from the day before. That's when I made that heartbreaking decision. On the way to my vet, I talked to her about what was going to happen. Patches knew. I was crying yet her tail was wagging, and she had those eyes that were trying to comfort me instead. In the end I brought her lifeless body back home with me, placed her on her favorite spot in the yard where she would get her daily early morning sun. That spot became her final resting place. On that spot now rest a large rock (Patches loved rocks), and I plan to get one of those memorial plaque mounted on that rock. A friend suggested planting a tree on that very spot. Might consider that too. All dogs go to heaven... and my Patches is running there pain free, with a rock in her mouth. Last thing you want to do is prolong Austin's suffering. Listen to him... Godspeed.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

I do feel your pain, my first-ever dog was a half-rottweiler/ half-lab mix. I had no idea how attached one could get to an animal, but she was a joy to me. After 12 truly wonderful years, she developed cancer and her abdomen filled with fluid. We had it drained (5 liters' worth) and the vet told us that it would happen again. We decided at that time that when it happened, we wouldn't wait until it was hard for her to breathe, but would euthanize her while she still had some quality of life.The day came, her abdomen started to distend and we took her to the vet. My wife could not bear to see it happen, but I HAD to be with her when it did. I got on the floor with her and she looked me in the eyes until she took her last breath (sorry, had to stop for a moment). I cried like I had never cried before (obviously, I still tear up), but I would not have missed being with her at the end. I felt like she needed me there to help her with my strength.

charlie Loc: Minneapolis, Minnesota

I too have made the hurt-in-the heart journey to the vets office 3 times. mollymolly gives good advice. May you find peace in your decision.

SunnyB Loc: Stilwell, Ks

He is handsome dog

mjz Loc: Northeast Pa.

I am so very sorry. I feel your pain. I have said goodbye to two of my beloved friends by making the decision. It is the most difficult time. I agree with others who say, they will tell you. Some say a day early is better than a day late. Unfortunately I understand that statement also.
Plan your special time with Austin, thank him for all the wonderful years you had together, and let him know he will be going to wait for you while being pain free and happy. I believe all animals go to heaven. He will be waiting for you. In the meantime cherish the memories, and know he will be with you in spirit. God Bless. ((((hugs)))

picturedude Loc: Yosemite natl. park, Ca.

I just had to put my 16 year old "Best friend" down about a month ago. It was very hard to do, but it was the right thing. When she was laying on the vets table she didn't resist at all. I was standing next to her the whole time. She looked up at me the final time with a look that said "Thank you", she then laid her head down and went to sleep. Knowing she is out of pain helps ease my pain of losing her.