04-24-2014, 03:38 AM
Earlier this evening, Darin and I had to have our oldest dog, Dakota, put down. She was 18 years old, and suffering with debilitating arthritis, and aggressive cancer. In her final weeks, she lost the ability to walk, and the tumors, which were surrounding her windpipe, began constricting her breathing.
We sat on the floor with her, and held her as the vet installed the catheter and administered Propafol, followed by pentabarbital. She went quickly, and painlessly while we cried.
Euthanizing a beloved animal is the hardest part of having pets; Especially one who has given so many years of joy and companionship. It is, however, a burden that cannot be ignored. When the animal is suffering and in pain, we have to put that ahead of our own grief and do what needs to be done.
I hope each one of you has the opportunity to raise and love a pet. The grief and anguish that comes at the end pales in comparison with the years of happiness and love the animal brings.
Goodbye, Dakota. We love you.
We sat on the floor with her, and held her as the vet installed the catheter and administered Propafol, followed by pentabarbital. She went quickly, and painlessly while we cried.
Euthanizing a beloved animal is the hardest part of having pets; Especially one who has given so many years of joy and companionship. It is, however, a burden that cannot be ignored. When the animal is suffering and in pain, we have to put that ahead of our own grief and do what needs to be done.
I hope each one of you has the opportunity to raise and love a pet. The grief and anguish that comes at the end pales in comparison with the years of happiness and love the animal brings.
Goodbye, Dakota. We love you.