Boy, that was hard for me, too!! What a valuable message this is, though......Thank you for doing everything you could for your Missy.....
I've always been offended at the price for euthanasia......There needs to be changes on this one medical procedure....
I'm touched by the support you received at The Humane Society.....Kudo's to them......
I'm so sorry for your loss....Thank you for taking such great care of your girl! I for one, appreciate it immensely....Blessings to you & your mom......Karla
Hello James. That's a hard story to read - and I share in your tears - but I am also pleased that you have given such useful information about The Humane Society, which others in a similar situation could find truly invaluable. So, despite your loss and undoubted sadness, I would just like to say a huge thank you for taking the time to write it.
Missy is never gone from your life. She has a warm and safe place in your heart - and the memories of her enjoying life will live as long as you. You both shared the experiences of life, love and companionship. I can tell from what you have written that you loved/love Missy so much - and if she could say it, she would say a huge thank you for giving her such a wonderful life.
This is a special time of the year when many of us expect to be sharing happy days with our best friends, which makes the loss of a special companion right now that much harder. You are in my thoughts.
Take good care of yourself.
Tony
I just want to say thanks to everyone for sharing their stories in this thread and a special thanks to Tony for giving his time and advice. It really helps with someone like me, who has never dealt with a loss of a pet until today. I sat here and read through all the similar accounts during my dog's last night, this gave me peace of mind and confirmed my fears of what was happening to my loyal JR/Scottish Terrier companion of almost 16 years, Missy.
This past year she went from having lowered appetite, to lethargic behavior, and this past week, having problems vomiting. The last 2 days she went into a constant state of nausea and restlessness. Her eating and drinking had stopped and only had a few sips of water and homemade turkey soup broth.
What sort of made my situation more difficult than it should've been is that I am living in deep poverty and only had a few hundred dollars between me and my mother, whom I live with. When she could no longer sit up on her own, we got her to an emergency vet and he told us we had to pay around $1k to test and do IV's. She had a high-grade fever at the time, so all I could do is take her back home and attempt to break it and see if she improved over the night. We ended up finding a free clinic coupon for a vet inside Petsmart this morning. They were willing to split the blood work cost if we wanted to test her, but I knew that would be fruitless at this point.
The rough part there is that was not when we said goodbye to our dog, the clinic wanted $177 just to euthanize. We had no choice but to carry her limp body back out and drive home. From there, I went searching for a place that could help us put her to rest. We found the Humane Society, which will not turn anyone away, if you cannot afford the $70 for their service. I expected a very cold and shabby clinic that processed requests, honestly, but was pleasantly surprised at the empathy and care they provided, from receptionist to the nurse who led us to the dimly-lit and peaceful room.
I couldn't go through with staying until the last second, but I did say my goodbyes, tears were shed, and I left her with a "Night-night, Missy." as I looked in eyes and exited with a feeling of emptiness. I take comfort in the fact she went without feeling unbearable pain and that she lived a really long and mostly healthy life. What ***** is that we have another 12 year old JR that I'm also very close with (I'm a bit of a recluse and I have undoubted spent 90% of my life next to them), it's probably going to be harder when I notice these same symptoms, but at least we'll have even more time to prepare.
Thanks for reading my story. --James
Hi. Could be just an upset stomach, so don't worry about it today. If he/she refuses food tomorrow, then try a little cooked chicken and boiled white rice ... if he/she is still refusing all food after the second day, see a vet. Make sure he/she has access to plenty of fresh water, because dehydration is much more of a problem.
Tony
My 5.5 yr old lab started not eating this morning, still nothing this eve?
Hi. Yes, you are right, she definitely needs to see a vet - and urgently. It could be an infection of the digestive tract, but the black stools indicate blood, so this needs investigating. Sometimes blood is released from ulcers in the stomach or along the bowel, but obviously it can also be something more sinister.
The fact she has not eaten properly for so long is also of concern. The gel like substance is probably mucous or/and bile, which is released due to infection (could be parasitic in nature).
Your husband is wrong on this occasion. Your dog needs the vet.
Tony