My heart goes out to Sterling, you and your family. Quite possibly the hardest loss I've ever dealt with was putting our beloved chocolate lab, Coco to sleep at 15 years of age. The vet told us we would know when it was time and she was right---I received a call from my Mom one afternoon that I needed to drive down because "it was time". Coco stayed strong until the end and I still fondly remember her almost every day. Just remember that Sterling will live on through the joy he gave you!

At this point it's hard to tell if he's in pain. The "blockage" clearly bothers him.....he paws at his nose constantly...and the "sneezing" thing is all day long....We have seen his vet and the emergency vet. I imagine we could go see another vet or two.....but I just am not sure.

 

Really sorry to hear this. 5wide said pretty much what I am thinking.

Give yourself a break. Decide right now that you do not have to decide today. Trust your instincts that you will know when it is time. Until then, enjoy your loyal friend.

In the last couple of days, I have done a lot of reflecting, and Tuesday we're going to see yet another doctor just to see. One thing, I have really appreciated the last couple of days, more than probably the last 5 years. I guess reality checks are good. Our huge problem will be how to let our 6, 4, and 2 year old say goodbye.

I hope to goodness that this does not sound dismissive, but the kids will bounce back if the parents are strong. The 2 yr old (and maybe even the 4 yr old) will not remember the heartache later in life. I have had to put 2 dogs down. Yes I (the strong man of the house) cried at the vet's office, but I didn't let the wife or kids come. In fact, I took the dogs when they were out of the house so they didn't have to see us leave. Our vet was fantastic. He said basically to put yourself in the dog's mind. If there is nothing that can be done then the animal would rather die with dignity and not cause even more stress on the family by "hanging on". I basically felt like I did what I had to do. And as difficult as it was I know I did the right thing and I would do it again - and if my dog could thank me I think he would. Believe it or not I am tearing up as I type. :cry:

Weimeraner's are special dogs that require a lot of dedication and time from their owners. I think that makes the bond between dog and owner strong and makes losing one even worse. I had several dogs in my life and many have passed away, I've never missed any dog as much as I miss my Weimeraner... Good luck with your decision, as long as you know you’re doing the right thing for your dog it will make dealing with the loss a little easier...

Rockpride - my thoughts and prayers are with you on this decision. The loss of a family pet is very hard. I knew (for myself) that when the time came to take our little dog to the vet, I just had to be there myself to know she was treated with respect. Everyone is different on how they choose to handle this.

....it is with a heavy heart to let you all know that we put Sterling to sleep this morning. The blood had gotten much much worse. He started to get an asymmetrical appearance to his eyes, and he had started to limp with his right hind leg.....it was one of the most awful things that I have ever gone through. We were lucky to have him for 10 wonderful years.

....it is with a heavy heart to let you all know that we put Sterling to sleep this morning. The blood had gotten much much worse. He started to get an asymmetrical appearance to his eyes, and he had started to limp with his right hind leg.....it was one of the most awful things that I have ever gone through. We were lucky to have him for 10 wonderful years.

What you did was the greatest act of selfless love a pet owner can do for their pet. May God give you peace, and fill your heart with happier memories of your beloved friend.

RP, I literally am crying to hear this. I'm so, so, so sorry for you and your family. But you did the right thing. The humane thing. Take comfort in knowing he's not suffering any longer.

Sorry for your loss RP

I feel for you, the death of a pet is not a moment I look forward to.

I don't know you, RP, but I shed a few tears for you and your family while reading this. I hope that time will heal your hurt and that you will find another pet to share your home and hearts with.

Sorry to hear that RP. Being a dog lover, I can sympathize with you. I've got a white German Shepherd that is almost 8 years old and I dread when that day comes. But, we go into owning a dog knowing the reality, so I choose to appreciate being lucky enough to have one that lives a full life. And, I feel better knowing my dog will have lived his life being treated like a baby.

 

Best of luck in dealing with this.

So sorry for the loss of a loved one. Yes, our dogs are part of our family, and when we lose one it hurts deeply. I had to have a dog we had for 12 years put down in my arms, I know your pain and suffering. Sympathy to all.

I'm sorry to hear about this Rockpride. I have lost many dogs throughout the years and it is very very hard. I've never had to make the choice to put one down but I imagine it is an extremely hard decision to make. My prayers will be with you and the rest of your family.