I am NOT killing my Dog for anyone!
I know my Dog is old. She is 16. She will be 17 later this year, if she lives that long. I get so tired of people giving me the "look". Like they know! For whatever reason some people think skinny = suffering. WRONG! I know this animal better than ANYBODY! She has been my constant companion for more than half of my life!
I will NOT let her suffer. I will NOT let her live in pain. She still has quality of life left and that's all that matters!!!!!
LET ME REPEAT- THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amazingly she still plays. She's still interested in playing fetch with her stuffed toys. She still greets me at the door when I first come home. She's still wagging her tail. She still "jumps" for a scooby snack. She still barks when Austin is play fighting with me. She still comforts me when I'm upset. Her mind is completely intact…… oh but no, she should be put down, right?
I KNOW she will not eat DOG food anymore. I don't care as long as she is still interested in eating something. For the first time in her life I give her whatever she wants. Today it is sliced deli turkey. Last week it was Wendy's crispy chicken sandwiches. No matter, she eats.
I know she is skinny! I see her everyday. If I hear anyone say -she should be "put down" because she is skinny then they are NOT my friends or family! They are just STUPID!
So, why do I feel the need to justify myself on public blog? Because I'm sick of the judgmental looks. People act as though I should Kill her just because she is skinny! and I'm sick of it. Like it's the humane thing to do within their moral minds. You don't live with my dog! You don't see her everyday! and YOU don't take care of her! She's OLD people! She's OLD. She is NOT suffering. She's NOT a "vegetable"! She is skinny and OLD.
I know, she may die tomorrow, or she may die next month, or I may have to make the decision. The decision of whether her life is not quality and determine the MOST APPROPRIATE action with the help of my veterinarian. Will I eventually have to "put her down"? Quite possibly, I know. And I know it could be soon, very soon. Either way, it is MY decision.
January 21st, 2008 at 2:24 pm
You tell ‘em, Gypsie!!! I think that people that say things like that don’t understand what is like to truely love you pet and that your pet means more to you than it being just a pet that it is a member of the family. Fanny was the same way…she was 20 and she was really thin but she was still just as bossy as she was when she was younger. Anyway! I totally agree with you!!
January 21st, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Wow. I totally agree with you. I have had my cat for a long time (and never used to want a cat, used to hate em, ha) and I have called him my little constant. And he is, no matter what i’ve been through, he was there. So I totally understand how you feel. Whatever anyone else thinks doesn’t matter. Of course you wouldn’t let your pet suffer. Like you said, you know her better than anyone. So don’t worry about them!
Something funny was said on this subject not too long ago. Someone said about the family pet (I won’t say who)…”We really should put her down, she’s old, she can’t hear, can barely see, she has arthritis”….and the kid looked at the parent and said….”so does our grandmother”……..Good point kid. I mean, you wouldn’t put the family member down for that right??
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Thanks ya’ll. You guys are really sweet. Thanks for saying what you said. As you can tell, I’m a little bitter about some things that were said, and I really should not have let that person’s comments bother me. It’s just becoming really hard as she gets older and older and I know I don’t have much longer with her. She really is a huge part of me, and our little family.
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:15 am
Hey hun, I am so sorry for what you are having to deal with. You already know she’s old, she’s been with you all her life, and you know her. I think she deserves to be pampered and pampered by her best friend and mom. I hope she enjoys her deli meats! What a lucky girl she is to have such a great companion. I’m shocked someone would believe you’d let her suffer. IF something happens you’ll address that when needed and in the way a loving and responsible pet owner would. Love you -
January 24th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Gypsie, What can I say. There are alot of ignorant people in this world with no heart or soul. As you know, I was just recently down that road and as you are a wonderful mom I know without a shadow of doubt that you and Austin are and will continue to do the best for her. She is a lucky dog to have you as her mom. And unless you have been put in the same situation their opinions shouldn’t and don’t matter. I’m here if you need me, just pick up the phone anytime, day or night. Give Roxy a scooby snack for me.