October 22, 200718 yr Can't have guilt for a dog simply being a dog. Prayers out to you for comfort and wisdom in making this call. Hard situation for you.
October 23, 200718 yr I grew up out here in the "country" of Western KY. We lived on a small farm where our pets were allowed to roam free. I lost 3 dogs to reckless drivers in my childhood, the first at age 7. My father took me out to bury each one, and let me pick the place and say my goodbyes. I still remember each fondly and can only hope that your son will feel the same way. My prayers go out to all of your family and your dog who is undoubtedly in some pain at the moment. I'm not here to say "I've been there before", just to sympathize......
October 23, 200718 yr Suffering is the key word. Like others said, listen to your vet. We have 3 dogs and 11 cats and my wife is a member of the humane society. We lost a cat last week. My 9 year old WANTED to bury "Mickey" and wrote him a note. Very few tears. He got this way because every time a pet died we made no drama about it; we just told him and tried to explain how everyone has this happen to them. If you have to put "Josie" down, explain it to your child. Don't say the dog went away to see the world. Explain it was done because he was suffering and it was the best thing to do for the dog. We recently kept one of our dogs, Tate, for a year who went completely blind because we couldn't bear to do anything else. He just couldn't see so we tried to accomodate him the best we could. It worked out pretty well. As for guilt, I put down chicken wire for my mangy curs, and they jumped the fence. When I electrified it, they took the shock. If they are that determined they are going to get out. Good Luck.
October 23, 200718 yr Author Suffering is the key word. Like others said, listen to your vet. We have 3 dogs and 11 cats and my wife is a member of the humane society. We lost a cat last week. My 9 year old WANTED to bury "Mickey" and wrote him a note. Very few tears. He got this way because every time a pet died we made no drama about it; we just told him and tried to explain how everyone has this happen to them. If you have to put "Josie" down, explain it to your child. Don't say the dog went away to see the world. Explain it was done because he was suffering and it was the best thing to do for the dog. We recently kept one of our dogs, Tate, for a year who went completely blind because we couldn't bear to do anything else. He just couldn't see so we tried to accomodate him the best we could. It worked out pretty well. As for guilt, I put down chicken wire for my mangy curs, and they jumped the fence. When I electrified it, they took the shock. If they are that determined they are going to get out. Good Luck. Well, we broke it to him when I got home tonight. As expected he was very sad and cried a lot. I was very straightforward and truthful. The dog is still alive, and we will take him tomorrow to see her. But he knows she is going to die, and it is hard for him. He had lots of questions. Why does she have to die? What will happen to her? Will she go to Heaven? Will I ever see her there? Will her legs work in Heaven? Why can't the doctor fix her? Why can't you fix her, daddy? Why did she run in the road, etc. etc. etc. Some of them were like daggers, but I am absolutely stunned at the maturity level of this kid, and I take some small comfort in how far along my wife and I have helped him with an understanding of God, and of mercy, and of right and wrong, and of his place here. I didn't lie about anything except I didn't use any language about "euthanasia" or "putting to sleep." I just told him she would probably die. Also, I don't know whether there is a Heaven for animals or not, I really don't think that there is, but who knows. I did tell him that Josie was going to Heaven and that she would be there waiting for us. Its probably a P&R discussion but I think he found comfort in that I told him Heaven is a place where we feel no pain or sorrow.
October 23, 200718 yr Well, we broke it to him when I got home tonight. As expected he was very sad and cried a lot. I was very straightforward and truthful. The dog is still alive, and we will take him tomorrow to see her. But he knows she is going to die, and it is hard for him. He had lots of questions. Why does she have to die? What will happen to her? Will she go to Heaven? Will I ever see her there? Will her legs work in Heaven? Why can't the doctor fix her? Why can't you fix her, daddy? Why did she run in the road, etc. etc. etc. Some of them were like daggers, but I am absolutely stunned at the maturity level of this kid, and I take some small comfort in how far along my wife and I have helped him with an understanding of God, and of mercy, and of right and wrong, and of his place here. I didn't lie about anything except I didn't use any language about "euthanasia" or "putting to sleep." I just told him she would probably die. Also, I don't know whether there is a Heaven for animals or not, I really don't think that there is, but who knows. I did tell him that Josie was going to Heaven and that she would be there waiting for us. Its probably a P&R discussion but I think he found comfort in that I told him Heaven is a place where we feel no pain or sorrow. I feel so bad for your family and your son. Pet's ARE a big part of some of the BGP member's families. It hurt's alot when something like this happen's to your pet. I will keep your family and son in my thought's and prayer's. (I also think we have a dog heaven (especially for children).
October 23, 200718 yr At age 6, I watched my dog get hit by a car, run about 30 yards up in the yard where I was standing, and die at my feet. I was traumatized and thus, never wanted a dog because I felt I would have a difficult time dealing with its death. My heart goes out to your family, "Hearsay". The loss of a pet is a very difficult pill to swallow. I hope that is not the case here. I am saying prayers for your precious doggy.
October 23, 200718 yr I went through this with my dog. She broke her pelvis and her leg. She actually stopped breathing, but thank goodness I live next door to my Vet. He saved her life. Now, about 5 or so years later, she is just fine. She is a little sensitive when you pet her previously broked leg, but she is fine. Tragic for you though. But that decision is totally up to you how you handle this fragile instance. Good luck to you and your family. Prayers go out to you.
October 23, 200718 yr Hear I hate it for you and your family, I can't offer any advice but I can tell you I feel for you
October 23, 200718 yr Last fall I lost my dog of 17 years and it was very sad. So sorry for your loss.
October 23, 200718 yr Well, we broke it to him when I got home tonight. As expected he was very sad and cried a lot. I was very straightforward and truthful. The dog is still alive, and we will take him tomorrow to see her. But he knows she is going to die, and it is hard for him. He had lots of questions. Why does she have to die? What will happen to her? Will she go to Heaven? Will I ever see her there? Will her legs work in Heaven? Why can't the doctor fix her? Why can't you fix her, daddy? Why did she run in the road, etc. etc. etc. Some of them were like daggers, but I am absolutely stunned at the maturity level of this kid, and I take some small comfort in how far along my wife and I have helped him with an understanding of God, and of mercy, and of right and wrong, and of his place here. I didn't lie about anything except I didn't use any language about "euthanasia" or "putting to sleep." I just told him she would probably die. Also, I don't know whether there is a Heaven for animals or not, I really don't think that there is, but who knows. I did tell him that Josie was going to Heaven and that she would be there waiting for us. Its probably a P&R discussion but I think he found comfort in that I told him Heaven is a place where we feel no pain or sorrow. Sounds like you handled it the best it could be done. Take comfort in knowing this happened to you as a child (I suspect) and I know it has happened to many others. Know that it also WILL PROBABLY happen again in the child's life and he is stronger and better prepared for the road of life today that is ahead than he was yesterday because of the way you handled it.
October 23, 200718 yr Well, we broke it to him when I got home tonight. As expected he was very sad and cried a lot. I was very straightforward and truthful. The dog is still alive, and we will take him tomorrow to see her. But he knows she is going to die, and it is hard for him. He had lots of questions. Why does she have to die? What will happen to her? Will she go to Heaven? Will I ever see her there? Will her legs work in Heaven? Why can't the doctor fix her? Why can't you fix her, daddy? Why did she run in the road, etc. etc. etc. Some of them were like daggers, but I am absolutely stunned at the maturity level of this kid, and I take some small comfort in how far along my wife and I have helped him with an understanding of God, and of mercy, and of right and wrong, and of his place here. I didn't lie about anything except I didn't use any language about "euthanasia" or "putting to sleep." I just told him she would probably die. Also, I don't know whether there is a Heaven for animals or not, I really don't think that there is, but who knows. I did tell him that Josie was going to Heaven and that she would be there waiting for us. Its probably a P&R discussion but I think he found comfort in that I told him Heaven is a place where we feel no pain or sorrow. Okay, that was horrible to read... Poor kid....
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