Posted by Racer on June 11, 2007, at 22:03:25
In reply to Re: Letting my animal die on his own timetable » Racer, posted by crushedout on June 11, 2007, at 17:49:23
I don't know, honey -- it's a hard decision no matter what, and no one else can do more than offer thoughts on it. It's what you decide that's going to count.
For me, I thought about how my beloved would be feeling -- confused, hungry, weak, frustrated by his inability to do things, etc. That was what decided me. I couldn't stand that his last hours/days might be spent that way. I thought about how I'd want to go, myself, and what I'd want in his position. I will admit that my fear that I was keeping him with me despite his suffering was the deciding factor for me. I couldn't bear the thought that I was being selfish with him, holding on to him beyond his time. That was the final answer for me.
Of course, it also helped that I knew I could trust my vet. I'd taken him in before, thinking I wouldn't be bringing him home, and she just laughed at me, "I'll bet you think this is serious, huh?" So, I knew that if it wasn't time, she'd know and tell me. And that she'd tell me if it was time. I also knew she liked him, and would do what's best for him. That sort of vet is priceless.
I don't know what to tell you. I can empathize with your pain, and I wish there was a fix for it. The only fix, though, is knowing that you will always have the love you've shared with him. It's small comfort, but it's real. I promise you that. I didn't think it would be, but it is.
Peace to you both.
poster:Racer
thread:762359
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070525/msgs/762506.html