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When do you say "When"...... by sireena at 4/4/2015 7:05:42 PM It's been a long time since I've blogged...I just need to vent! Several weeks ago, my sweet Charlie hurt his back. He's a long haired dachshund and this breed is very susceptible to spinal injuries due to the length of their bodies. He was given a cortisone shot, placed on steroids and kennel rest for 3 weeks. He seemed to be getting better but then a week ago, he somehow hurt himself again and this time was worse. The vet said we could do surgery (the x-rays showed where two of his discs were nearly touching) but the odds were 50/50 that it would work and there is no guarantee that he wouldn't have the same issue with another disc in the future. The cost...$6000.00. So...another round of steroid therapy, pain killers and very strict kennel rest. The only time he comes out is when I bathe him which is a real challenge. I came up with a method to keep him dry when I'm at work by turning the kennel upside down with the tray propped up underneath it with puppy pads for absorption. So when he relieves himself, it falls beneath him into the tray. I'm not sure if he has control of his bowels and bladder or not at this point as I'm not carrying him outside. He screams when I pick him up and there are many stairs to get to the yard. I think at this point his back legs are paralyzed and it's likely permanent. The kids don't want to hear that...they want a miracle. While I understand how they feel, the boys don't live here and Kay is so busy that they don't "feel" the full impact of this on Charlie or me. I'm doing all the cares for him which consumes A LOT of time. He's not crying just due to pain at this point, but he's so stressed out and sad, that at times he's just screaming. I can usually calm him down by sitting with him, stroking his head and talking to him but I have to work...often I'm gone 10 hours a day. I feel guilty but I can't quit my job! Today I ordered a "play yard" type fence on Amazon that I can set up in the kitchen so he can at least "scoot" around and if he has an accident, it's ceramic flooring so cleaning would be easy. Here's the thing...if he could talk, I think he'd say forget it...I have no quality of life. Is it selfish to keep him alive if he's suffering...whether it's physically or mentally? I'm so torn and tired. It's so hard to watch/hear him so unhappy. My daughter is with her dad this weekend. I went in to her bedroom to take some of her laundry in about an hour ago and her hamster was dead in the cage. Seriously? Venting over.

Comments
charli2858	4/4/2015 7:16:54 PM It is a sad and hard situation. I have been there twice.... the second died in my arms after i told her it was alright to go, the vet couldn't take her for hours and she was suffering. I like you felt their suffering trumped any feelings i had, i couldn't bear the suffering and i know it was the right thing to do. It is harder with children but i think they will agree once they are through the emotion of it, why would they want their dear friend to suffer?
ezzgoingru	4/4/2015 7:43:24 PM Tough decision, our pets become part of the family. I've been watching "cats from hell" on animal planet for a couple of hours today. I feel sorry for anyone in pain... animals or humans!! I gotta agree with charli on this... he doesn't need to go through the pain, and I realize you also are feeling pain from seeing him suffer. Hate to say that he probably needs to be put out of his misery... sorry you have to deal with this, sorry the hamster died as well...
keithcowboyup online now!	4/4/2015 7:50:46 PM I am so sad for you ....... you know how I feel about dogs. I am very saddened for Charlie. I have no advice Im sorry. At this point it is between you & Charlie. He knows your love & he knows he's loved. I don't care who out there thinks Im crazy .......... but talk to Charlie ..... THEY DO UNDERSTAND US !!!!! .... take a couple days & just let him know whats goin on, how you feel, etc. Believe it or not, once its all out in the open between you two ..... he WILL decide for you...... whether you see it in his eyes, how he lays in your lap, the extra kisses, whatever ..... he will let you know. I am going to give my two extra hugs & kisses tonite. You know how to reach me if I can help in any way.
thepatriot1776	4/4/2015 8:14:59 PM You must think of him and do the right thing. I feel your pain
sillylaugher61	4/4/2015 8:17:23 PM Having all 3 of my pets die in 8 months, i feel for both you and your pet! you would think that somebody would have developed something for dogs with this issue. I have closed the pet door. I wish all the positive for both!!!
murda_vs_rapist	4/4/2015 8:47:21 PM My Aunt went through something similar. I understand not wanting to let go. But they had to take her dog's eyes out and sow her eyes shut. And now they playpin her. My heart breaks seeing her so miserable and she cries alot. As bad as the kids or you might not want to say goodbye. I think it's more cruel to let them suffer. And you suffer as well through time,money and up keep. It's unfair for everyone. Sorry for what you and your family are going through. It's so sad
cafe_express	4/4/2015 9:24:20 PM Dear Sireena, ---------------I had to put my dog down due to a broken leg. She was alert but I knew she would never walk again. That was 3 years ago and I the vet said to me, she was in severe pain and it was the only humane thing to do. While we never want out loved ones to leave us, it would be cruel to leave this animal in this condition. God be with you as you do something so very difficult. My prayers are for you and your beloved Charlie. Do one last picture with him, so you can make a memory. I never realized how important pictures were until I lost my beloved dog.
skywatcher58	4/4/2015 9:30:20 PM Im so sorry but its time to put your pet to sleep. Our furry family members trust us to protect them. Im truly sorry.
earldirt	4/4/2015 11:21:30 PM So sorry to hear of your and Charlies delima Rox.....The right decisions are always tough .
purplerider1200	4/5/2015 7:02:02 AM I feel for you. Keeping him around, for you is difficult. You know sooner or later you'll have to let go. Since I've done it, I found comfort in rescuing another dog. Nothing better than giving your love to a new dog that had none before.
beachlover83	4/5/2015 7:23:29 AM Tough decisions since they involve so many emotions as he is part of your family. I think you know what you need to do which is the best thing for him, even though I understand how hard that is! Prayers for you as you go through this experience.
cafe_express	4/5/2015 8:57:25 AM I agree with the above poster "Keith" as I talked to every dog, I have lost, about them crossing over and looking for people they knew that had passed on before them. I told them I would look for them when it was my time to go and wait for me there. If you believe in that afterlife, as I do, his little soul will be blessed and healed. Maybe God will see fit to put his little soul in another dog for you and be waiting at the rescue in a few months.