I lost my parents a little more than a year ago. Since then, I’ve been taking care of Bailey, their golden retriever. He is almost 15. I take him for daily walks, and he’s by my side constantly when I’m home. He’s been slowing down, but he loves those walks. I’ve been out of town on business for the last 2 weeks, so during that time my roommate has been taking care of him. She has been calling, saying that he’s acting strange – not moving from his blanket, not eating, not interested in going outdoors or for his walks, not going to the bathroom. At first, we thought he was moping because I was gone, but it was getting progressively worse. She took him to the vet, who says it’s time to put him down. That’s so sad to me, but I want to do what is best for him. I plan to have him cremated and spread his ashes in the same mountain spot that my parents chose for themselves. I’m hoping to get some ideas on ways to make this easier, both for Bailey and for me. I feel like I’m losing not only a good friend but another piece of my parents. I’m flying home Friday to take him in to the vet.
I don't want to give you any false hope but there are ways to make their lives more comfortable, both through drugs, and hollistic treatments.
In saying that though, 15 is old for a Golden, so you may be right, it may just be his time.
It's always hard putting a beloved friend to sleep, especially under your circumstances.
The idea of scattering hsi ashes with your parents is lovely, I'm sure they all would like that very much.
Here is a piece of writing that helps me when I lose a friend, heck, it even makes me cry now, but always in a good way.
J-Lo I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. I'm in the same boat right now, but keep putting it off. Our oldest dog is 14 and every day he seems to be struggling more.
One thing that I decided to do (when I finally accept that I have to do it) is to have the vet come to our home. My dog hates the vet clinic and I don't want his last moments to be in a place he hates.
Another thing I would do is ask the vet for a sedative that you can give him before the trip. This will help relax him so that it's not as stressful to him. That is if you decide to go to the vet clinic.
Be with him. I know it's hard but the comfort you can provide him will make all the difference, not only to him, but to you.
Bring his favorite toy or treat.
Most of all, realize that what you're doing is an unselfish act of love, that you're doing what's best for him. It's not easy, in fact, it's very difficult, but you're doing it out of love so never second guess yourself.
It’s acute kidney failure, which the vet said explained why he wasn’t going to the bathroom and also not getting off his blanket or going outdoors. He said the toxin buildup is causing his legs to be extremely stiff, and also he is experiencing pain. I know putting him down is the right thing. He’s had a great life. My parents (and now I) had a beautiful full acre yard, with a creek running thru it. He loved to romp out there. They took him camping a few times a year, and on daily hikes in the mountains behind our house. He’s such a beautiful dog and I will miss him, but I know it’s time.
Thanks for the tip of having the vet come to the house. My parents have used this vet for over 25 years, and when I asked he agreed to come out. He will handle the removal and cremation, and then I can pick up the ashes from his office the following week. My roommate, who is the sweetest girl, offered to drive up to Lake Tahoe with me to spread his ashes. Rainbow Bridge was very touching. After reading it, we came up with the idea to take a hike after spreading his ashes, a tribute to my parents and Bailey. I know it will be difficult, but I did that after spreading my parents’ ashes and felt comfort from being out in nature and doing an activity that we had so often done together.
Thanks to both of you, for the ideas and for making me feel better.
hey j-lo,we had a lab for 17 years.
god ,i loved him.
finally i had to admit he was too old and so uncomfortable and in pain i had to let him go.
the vet came to the house,sam was in his basket,i held his head and just telling him everything was ok,he was wagging his tail at the vet,who was so lovely and kind.
when he died i wept.
we buried him at my parents house and planted a cherry blossom tree.
We had a black lab from the time I was 3. Abby was also beautiful. I loved to watch her run and jump as she was very graceful. When I was 12, my parents brought home Bailey. Abby passed away while I was at college, so I didn't have to witness it. It still hurt, though.
I'm so sorry - this is just so difficult when you love a dog but we all have to go through it at one time or another. One of the very last things my late husband said to me was, "Promise me one thing?" I was prepared for just about anything - although we had talked about everything imaginable (or so I thought) and I said, "Sure," and he said, "Always take care of Andi."
Andi was - and still is - his dog but I know the day is going to come when she's old and feeble and possibly sick and it's going to be terrible for me.
Everyone has a story.
Anyway, have you ever read this?
"Heavenly Father, Creator of all things -
Thank you for having entrusted me with a loyal pet.
Thank you for letting him teach me unselfish love.
Thank you for the memories that I can recall to brighten my days for the rest of my life.
We get attached to our pets, but yours is more than that. Yours is the last living connection ( besides relatives) to your parents. I'm sure they loved Bailey and treated him like another son. We always wish if they have to leave us, that GOD will take them naturally, without us having to make the decision. But it's not always that way. If you have to do it, do like the experts here say, as they are the best at this sort of thing. Try to be in the room with him and pet, brush, and hold him so he won't be scared or feel alone.
I think it's a great idea to spread the ashes where your parents are, so they'll be together again.
My father died in 2000, and he didn't have a dog, but I am still having a hard time getting rid of his belongings. Not anything really valuable or special, just the little things. You see, they're a part of him just the same.
My father died in 2000, and he didn't have a dog, but I am still having a hard time getting rid of his belongings. Not anything really valuable or special, just the little things. You see, they're a part of him just the same.
May GOD bless you at this difficult time.
I have still not opened my husband's wallet - it is where he left it, as he left it. Funny how possessions become part of a person.
My sympathy (and I realize it's been quite a while) on the death of your father.
I have still not opened my husband's wallet - it is where he left it, as he left it. Funny how possessions become part of a person.
My sympathy (and I realize it's been quite a while) on the death of your father.
And mine to you.
Life is strange that way. When we sold his car I insisted that the person who bought it lived in another town. I didn't want to keep seeing his car riding around town. I was always happy to see it from afar, at his favorite stores, and at home. It was too painful to have it around.
And it was a silly CAR! So I know how the OP must feel with Bailey.
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