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View Full Version : I need help. I think me dog is dying and I can't help her.


emeeshaw
Mar 27, 2012, 03:04 PM
My dog's name is Little & we have been by each ether's side for almost 16 years. We recently moved and since then her health has rapidly declined. She has become confused, weak, stiff and now she's lost control of her bowels. I've always been able to take her to the vet and now I can't. I understand how old she is and have been trying to prepare myself for when she's gone. What I can't do is just watch her suffer. Now she's laying outside and I can't get her to get up to come inside. She's pooped and needs to be cleaned up but I'm making her more uncomfortable trying to move her. I'm alone and can't pick her up by myself. The concrete is cold I know it must making her more painful. I could only get her to drink a little broth but that's it. I don't know what to do.

Wondergirl
Mar 27, 2012, 03:14 PM
Can you call anyone to come over to help with her?

LadySam
Mar 27, 2012, 03:16 PM
Is their a neighbor that can run over and help you?

LadySam
Mar 27, 2012, 03:17 PM
Is she at able to use her front or back legs?

Alty
Mar 27, 2012, 03:24 PM
I'm so very sorry. I recently put our 16 year old black lab down, and his issues were very similar to what you're facing right now.

First, to get her off the floor, get a towel. Lift her back legs, put the towel under her stomach, and try to lift her. She may have the strength to get up if you help. Most times dogs lose mobility in their back legs first, so she may still be able to use her front legs, with some help. Trust me, if you do this, you will be strong enough to get her inside.

Second, I think you already know this, but I'm going to confirm it for you. Sweetie, it's time. This is never an easy decision, but it is time.

A lot of vets will work out a payment plan, especially for this sort of thing. I don't think you should spend thousands trying to fix the issue. It can't be fixed. It's old age.

If you want you can PM me, let me know where you live (if you're comfortable doing that), and I may be able to help you find a vet that will euthanize (if that's what you're considering), and cremation, or burial, whatever you want.

But I do think it's time. You know she's in pain. Dogs tend to hang on longer because of us. They don't want us to hurt, no matter how much pain they're in. Give her the peace she deserves.

I'm writing with tears in my eyes. I'm so very sorry that you have to deal with this. We have wonderful people on this site. We can help you through this, so I hope you come back, and I hope everything is okay.

You're in my thoughts.

emeeshaw
Mar 27, 2012, 03:25 PM
The neighbors are either not home or couldn't lift. I don't want to leave her for very long. I got some towels under her belly and managed to scoot her onto a rug but she wasn't happy and growled at me for the first time. I can't stand this. Why won't vets help when someone can't afford them? Does she want me to just let her go? I don't know what to do

emeeshaw
Mar 27, 2012, 03:30 PM
Im in loma linda calif. I have tried several vets. Not one of them will make an exception. I ve been offered care credit application to pay for services but won't be approved. She is having to pay for my financial situation. I love her so much and I've failed her miserably

LadySam
Mar 27, 2012, 03:32 PM
Try to stay calm, I know that will be difficult. Did you manage to get her in the house?
Be very careful please, if she is in pain she may actually bite you.

Alty
Mar 27, 2012, 03:33 PM
The neighbors are either not home or couldnt lift. I don't want to leave her for very long. I got some towels under her belly and managed to scoot her onto a rug but she wasnt happy and growled at me for the first time. I can't stand this. Why wont vets help when someone can't afford them? Does she want me to just let her go? I dont know what to do

What can you afford? I may be able to find a vet in your area, or another service, that will be able to help, but I need a price you're comfortable with, I need to know where you live (don't post it on the public forum, just send it via PM, and I'll post what I find). I don't want to put you at risk by asking you to post personal info on the site, and if you're not comfortable sending it to me, I understand.

I recently went through this, and I was shocked at the prices charged by different vets. We ended up paying $150 for the euthanasia, but we lucked out on the cremation, as my husbands cousin is in the business, and he did it for free.

But, depending on where you live, and the laws in your area, you should be able to bury your pet in your backyard.

I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm being very heartless in my answers. I feel like I am because I'm pointing out the money aspect, what to do, how to do it, and I'm not acknowledging how very hard this time is for you. I know it's not about the money, even though most of us can't afford to spend thousands to relieve our pets pain. I know what you're feeling now, most of us do, we've all lost beloved pets. They're family.

Whatever we can do for you, let us know. I wish I could help you with the finances, but our family is on a very tight budget as well, so that's simply not possible. But I can do some research, and I can help you find someone to help ease your girls suffering.

On a side note. The growling and the biting, that's pain. She's in pain, so much pain that she's going against her natural good nature, and she's lashing out. She has no other way to tell you how much it hurts.

It's time. I think you know it too. Let me know if you want my help. I'm here, even if you just want to talk, or want a shoulder to lean on. We all are. Okay?

LadySam
Mar 27, 2012, 03:33 PM
Have you tried calling the local humane society or animal shelters?

emeeshaw
Mar 27, 2012, 03:36 PM
God I can't even afford euthanasia. My beautiful little girl has to lay here like this I don't know what to do someone tell me what to do pease

Alty
Mar 27, 2012, 03:38 PM
Im in loma linda calif. I have tried several vets. Not one of them will make an exception. I ve been offered care credit application to pay for services but won't be approved. She is having to pay for my financial situation. I love her so much and I've failed her miserably

You haven't failed her! Don't ever think that.

You're here, and you're doing the best you can. She loves you and you love her. Trust me, she knows that.

Do you have aspirin in your home? Baby aspirin is safe for dogs, not that that's a big issue right now. It may help ease some of her pain. How much does she weigh?

Now, let me do a search. It may take a while, so give me a bit, and check back often to see if I'm posted. I know the others will be doing their best as well. Lady Sam is wonderful with animals, and there should be more dog experts on very shortly. I'll PM a few of them to let them know we have an emergency and we need all hands on deck.

Right now just be with her. Let her know you're there, pat her, tell her you love her. She may very well end this on her own. But one thing you must never do is feel any guilt. Vets are too blood expensive! Right now most people are in financial distress. There's nothing you can do about that, and you're doing all you can for your dog. So chin up, give her comfort. We're here to give you comfort, but you have to be strong for you dog. If you need to cry, or be upset, come here. But when you're with her, just give her the comfort and love she needs. That's the best you can do for her.

emeeshaw
Mar 27, 2012, 03:43 PM
I'm signed on Google chat but never use it so I'm slow. If anyone canchat. <removed> I guess is my user

LadySam
Mar 27, 2012, 03:47 PM
50-100 pound dog can have 1 regular strength aspirin 325 mg better if its coated and given with food.

emeeshaw
Mar 27, 2012, 03:47 PM
I've been giving her 200 mg/day aspirin for the past couple days but she won't eat anything. She's not panting anymore. She just seems like she wants to be left alone. What does that mean?

LadySam
Mar 27, 2012, 03:50 PM
I don't have Google chat, but will help you here the best I can.
Did you manage to get her indoors? Do you know personally any of the technicians, receptionists, etc at your vet clinic?
And have you contacted the humane society r shelter?

LadySam
Mar 27, 2012, 03:52 PM
The staff at your clinic if you know them and can contact them will be invaluable right now in that they will know exasctly who you can call for help with her.
People call me after hours all the time, trust me they will not be bothered or offended

Alty
Mar 27, 2012, 03:52 PM
ive been giving her 200 mg/day aspirin for the past couple days but she wont eat anything. she's not panting anymore. she just seems like she wants to be left alone. what does that mean?

It means that she's tired, in pain, and probably doesn't understand what's going on.

Just be with her. Even if it's just you sitting next to her. Keep her warm, put a blanket on her, talk to her. She may be ready to do this on her own. Just keep her comfortable, and let her know that you're there for her.

Are there family members that would be willing to pitch in? Even if everyone just gave a few dollars, as much as they could afford, it may be enough to help.

Are you married? Is someone going to be with you later?

Alty
Mar 27, 2012, 04:02 PM
I think your best bet may be San Bernardino Valley. They're the closest Humane society to you. I've written to them, and I'm waiting for a reply.

If they can help, and I'm hoping they'll offer it for free, or at least accept a payment plan, can you get to San Bernardino Valley?

emeeshaw
Mar 27, 2012, 04:08 PM
I moved to California from Utah recently to be closer to my mom. No, I'm not married. I was planning on it not too long ago but the one I was going to marry shot himself awhile ago. So I came back here to calif. But, haven't really made any friends yet. So tto answer the question about talking to my vet staff- we don't have one yet. In fact both of my dogs are late for their shots and check up. Pretty ugly situation, huh

Wondergirl
Mar 27, 2012, 04:12 PM
The Humane Society of S.B. has volunteers, one of whom will probably come to your house to help you. Did Alty give you their number?

Alty
Mar 27, 2012, 04:14 PM
i moved to california from utah recently to be closer to my mom. no, i'm not married. i was planning on it not too long ago but the one i was going to marry shot himself awhile ago. so i came back here to calif. but, havent really made any friends yet. so tto answer the question about talking to my vet staff- we dont have one yet. in fact both of my dogs are late for thier shots and check up. pretty ugly situation, huh

Can your mom help? Not only right now, getting the dog comfy, but financially?

Times are tough. The majority of people in the US are suffering right now. You're not alone in that, so don't beat yourself up about it.

I'm still waiting for the San Bernardino humane society to write me back. Sadly I don't know California, or any part of the US, that well. I live in Canada. If you were here I would be at your house in a second. Well, maybe more than a second, but I'd be better able to help. As is, I have to do this via the internet, fb, and email. It's taking longer than I'd hoped.

How is she doing? Is she warm? Is she comfortable?

How are you doing?

I don't have Google chat either, but I promise you I'll be here as long as I can be. We'll figure something out. I put in a SOS to all the rest of the animal pros on this site. I know they'll be working on this too. We'll come up with something, or die trying.

You just hang in there.

LadySam
Mar 27, 2012, 04:14 PM
Yes, pretty tough situation, I'm sorry to hear that, it must things that much harder on you right now.
Just hang tight, Alty has a call in to someone close by. How is the situation with your girl at the moment? Is she calmer at all? Comfortable?

Alty
Mar 27, 2012, 04:15 PM
The Humane Society of S.B. has volunteers, one of whom will probably come to your house to help you. Did Alty give you their number?

I didn't, because I haven't gotten a reply from them yet.

I was hoping to get a concrete reply stating they'd help,before I gave the OP any hope that this would be the solution.

Aurora_Bell
Mar 27, 2012, 04:16 PM
I wish I could offer more advice. I can only offer my deepest sympathies. I wish there was more I could do. I am so sorry. I recently watched my dog deteriorate to the point of having no other choice than euthanasia. It's never an easy decision, and my heart goes out to you. It's very frustrating knowing that the vets there won't offer you help. I agree, I think your best bet is to contact the Humane Society and see if they can offer any assistance.

Wondergirl
Mar 27, 2012, 04:18 PM
Phone number is (909) 386-1400. ‎ ·

Alty
Mar 27, 2012, 04:19 PM
Yes, pretty tough situation, I'm sorry to hear that, it must things that much harder on you right now.
Just hang tight, Alty has a call in to someone close by. How is the situation with your girl at the moment? Is she calmer at all? Comfortable?

I did contact them, but they're taking their own sweet time answering me. It's driving me nuts. Just tell me, one way or the other. Will you help, or not? It's not a hard question. :(

Oooh, if I were in San Bernardino right now, h e double hockey sticks would be raised. This is an emergency! It's not an email you answer tomorrow.

Sorry, just letting off some steam. It's just ticking me off. This is the humane society. They should give a damn about this! :(

mogrann
Mar 27, 2012, 04:19 PM
Give her lots of love and talk to her. It will help you calm down which may help her. She can sense your emotions. Let her know you love her and it is okay to go. Just keep talking to her. Does she have a favorite toy? Give it to her to snuggle with. Favorite blanket wrap her in it. Make her as comfie as you can. That is all I can suggest hugss if okay.

LadySam
Mar 27, 2012, 04:21 PM
The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley > Home (http://hssbv.org/)

Is the one you are referring to Wondergirl?

Wondergirl
Mar 27, 2012, 04:23 PM
Yes.

LadySam
Mar 27, 2012, 04:24 PM
did contact them, but they're taking their own sweet time answering me. It's driving me nuts. Just tell me, one way or the other. Will you help, or not? It's not a hard question.
I know, I'm on the other coast and I want to help.

Wondergirl
Mar 27, 2012, 04:26 PM
It's 4:30 there. Office is probably still open. Can the questioner (emeeshaw) call, local call for her?

Aurora_Bell
Mar 27, 2012, 04:28 PM
Our office closes at 3:30, it just depends on staffing, remember it's all volunteer based. Try calling Alty.

Wondergirl
Mar 27, 2012, 04:32 PM
I just called that number. Emeeshaw should call it. There are two choices (euthanasia and an emergency) on the menu that will benefit her in her situation. I'm guessing, if they are anything like our shelter, the voice mail is regularly checked, so someone will call her back today yet.

Alty
Mar 27, 2012, 04:43 PM
WG, if it's anything like our humane society, she can leave all the voice messages she wants, and she'll never hear back from them. I left multiple messages 2 years ago about a dog in our local humane societies care, and I have yet to get a reply. :(

There is another option, one I didn't want to post, because it won't be an easy choice. The OP could relinquish the dog to the humane society. They'll assess the dog (if they run things like we do in here) and then, when the dog is deemed unadoptable, they'll euthanize her. The downside is that her dog could spend days in a cage before they make that decision. Also, once they do make that decision, she won't be allowed to be there when they euthanize.

I just talked to my husband about this, told him all the options, what's going on. He gave a suggestion, one I'm not eager to share, because I know I couldn't' do it, but it is a humane choice, if the OP is capable of doing it, or finding someone to do it. A bullet in the brain. Quick, painless. Not something I could do, but it is an option. One many people choose.

I'm hoping the OP comes back, tells us how she's doing, and how her Little is doing.

I really wish I could do more.

Wondergirl
Mar 27, 2012, 04:48 PM
I don't know emeeshaw's location, but would have left a message with my number if I thought that would have helped. Our shelter calls back in a timely manner. She should call and leave voice mail on the emergency menu number (#5).

JudyKayTee
Mar 27, 2012, 04:53 PM
I just talked to my husband about this, told him all the options, what's going on. He gave a suggestion, one I'm not eager to share, because I know I couldn't' do it, but it is a humane choice, if the OP is capable of doing it, or finding someone to do it. A bullet in the brain. Quick, painless. Not something I could do, but it is an option. One many people choose.

I'm hoping the OP comes back, tells us how she's doing, and how her Little is doing.

I really wish I could do more.


Actually this is illegal in my area - you are not allowed to shoot a household pet, no matter how quickly and painlessly you do it.

In my area - and I realize the OP is not in my area - the Police will come to your assistance. When my Rott was so sick and I was alone the State Police drove her to the emergency clinic for me because I couldn't lift her.

LadySam
Mar 27, 2012, 04:55 PM
I'm sad to say that very thing passed through my mind too. Not something I could do either.
Maybe we will hear back from the Op. My heart really goes out to her and her pet.
My thoughts are with you emeeshaw and Little.

Wondergirl
Mar 27, 2012, 04:56 PM
And if she is in a suburb, residential area -- no way could she shoot a gun.

LadySam
Mar 27, 2012, 04:59 PM
Also true, we are pretty rural here. I here talk of it often. But what burns me up about it is that those people were not in this situation.

Alty
Mar 27, 2012, 05:02 PM
I got a reply!

Here it is;


We can definitely help her. We do not charge pet owners for providing this service. If she can make a donation, either at the time of service or later, that is all we ask. None of us want to see her pet suffer. So, as long as she can transport the pet here, and provide proof of ownership (licensing, previous vaccine history, etc) we can provide a peaceful goodbye for her. We are open Mon - Friday 8:30 - 4:30 and Saturday 8:00 - 12:00. No appointment is necessary, she can come when she is ready.

The address is;

374 W. Orange Show Road, San Bernardino, CA 92408

The phone number is;

+1 909.386.1400

They will help you with this Emeeshaw! Call them!

Aurora_Bell
Mar 28, 2012, 04:31 AM
Great work Alty!

Alty
Mar 28, 2012, 03:13 PM
Great work Alty!

Thanks Bella. Now I just have to hope that the OP comes back, reads what I wrote, and calls the humane society. My part was the easy part, waiting to find out how things are going, what the OP decided, that's the hard part. :(

Wondergirl
Mar 28, 2012, 03:16 PM
Hey! I actually called them yesterday.

Alty
Mar 28, 2012, 03:18 PM
Hey! I actually called them yesterday.

I'm sorry WG. I didn't realize you got a response from them. I didn't see you post anything about it. Did I miss it? I know you called, I just didn't realize you had talked to anyone.

JudyKayTee
Mar 28, 2012, 03:19 PM
And I asked my local Police and, yes, they will assist in getting a dog out of the house and to the humane society. That, of course, doesn't help someone who isn't here... but it's a thought.

Aurora_Bell
Mar 28, 2012, 03:40 PM
Great work all around ladies. You should all feel very proud for offering the best advice possible. THIS is what this site is about. :) Love n hugs all around.