advice for a dying doggie...

[kelly]

Hi all, I'm just making a last minute plea for any advice or guidance anyone can give us please..

We have a beautiful 8 year old bridle boy called Sam (Archers Samurai) that we adopted from Dunton a year and 10 months ago after him being returned from his first home. Last week he started to limp when we were on holiday. Took him to the local vet, who could find nothing wrong but gave him anti inflammatories. Limp got worse and leg became swollen so we came home and took him to our own vet who, with the assistance of an X-Ray,diagnosed him with osteosarcoma (bone cancer).

There's really nothing to be done that wouldn't consist of major surgery that would only drag his suffering out for a matter of weeks. He can't go for walks anymore and his legs are giving way regularly. He is in considerable pain but we are controlling it with strong pain killers for the time being. We have therefore taken the very upsetting decision to put him to sleep and our appointment is Friday night.

This brings me onto the advice needed... my 6 year old wants to come to the vets with us and my 8 year old doesn't. Is this as good idea or not appropriate? I've also heard you should take any other hounds with you, is this true?

I've spent small fortune on all the food he likes and you can't walk more than 4 paces in our front room without falling over another dog nest, so he has a selection of comfortable sleeping places! Apart from love and attention, is there anything else that anyone thinks we can do to make his last couple of days complete bliss??

We would be very grateful for any advice that you have about anything at all... thanks a lot. Bill and Kelly x

[ropers]

Our missy went the same way bone cancer is not nice just keep him comfortable and happy but he's lucky for having a home with you and enjoying the best years of his life. Greyhounds are lovely dogs I don't think I could ever have another bred take care the roper family.

[gazza56]

When we lost Millie we were advised to take our other hound to "say goodbye" as it helps them to come to terms with lost Not to sure if it helped but it certainly gives you peace of mind .Please remember that for the short time you had him was probably the best time of his life

[patshep]

So very sorry to hear about Sam. It is never easy when a much loved pet dies,even worse when you know you have an appointment on Friday. Sad though it is for you, Sam will be at peace, no more pain.

When my first Grey died at home, the children and the other dogs saw her before she was taken away, they seemed to understand she had passed on. With other pets, dogs, cats etc., the children have always been there with them at the end - their choice- upsetting though it is.

With Lily, I knew what had to be done, phoned the vets and had an appointment within the hour. The dogs said their goodbyes and my daughter and I stayed with her to the end.

[suethejam]

Thinking of you this evening - I hope that you get some comfort from knowing that you've given him a merciful release from pain, though I know, only too well, how devastating it is to say goodbye :-(

[pat]

thinking of you and hoping it was a peaceful passing, sleep well out of pain
pat