Our dog is dying

[Mackey]

Buttercup, our 7 year old Golden Retriever is dying. The vet says it looks like lymphoma.
She hasn't eaten in about a week and has very little energy. It looks like she won't be
able to walk soon. It's hard to tell if she's in pain, but she doesn't wag her tail
anymore. She tries to be near us and still likes to be petted. My daughter Lauren
(pictured below after learning about Buttercup's condition) says the dog is still telling
her that she loves her by placing her paw on her.

It's tougher than I thought something like this would be. In a way it's nice to be able to
say goodbye, but it looks like soon she'll be making messes (she's a house dog) and be in
pain. I just have to decide when to have her put down.

It's a struggle trying to figure how to take care of all this
and hurt my girl as little as possible.

 

[MrsGungho]

as hard as it is, you will know when it is time.

I am sorry. It's 3 years ago this month we had to do the same for the same reason with our Honey. There isn't a day goes by I don't miss her.

 

[chachi73]

sorry to hear it. gotta be a tough situation that I too will have to deal with in the near future with ours. Hang in there bro.

 

[Mackey]

as hard as it is, you will know when it is time.

I am sorry. It's 3 years ago this month we had to do the same for the same reason with our Honey. There isn't a day goes by I don't miss her.

Thanks.
That's about what another "dog person" at my wife's work told her, "you'll know when it's time."
It's hard for me to see my daughter so upset. It's really breaking her heart.

"Butter" this evening (10/01/2012) - not feeling well

 

[XMil]

Sorry you have to go through this, for some of us, it is as bad as losing a human family member.

 

[remauto1187]

Sorry you have to go through this, for some of us, it is as bad as losing a human family member.

+1

You will notice the dog suddenly become full of energy like a puppy and want to play then she will be gone in a matter of days. Thats how it usually goes with cancer.

Best of luck to you and your family.

 

[Fenway]

Sorry to hear it. My family has owned many Goldens. Great dogs but they don't live very long unfortunately. Best wishes

 

[Bunnykid68]

Sorry to hear that.

 

[mrjarrell]

Sad news, indeed, Mackey. Hard to say goodbye to family members like that.

 

[indyjohn]

So sorry. I did this in October of last year with my 17 year old Beagle. Toughest thing I had to do in a long time.

 

[Sailor]

We lost our golden to cancer a few years ago. He was 13. I feel for you and your family.

 

[femurphy77]

I had to go thru the same wrenching decision this past January. Very tough decision but I've seen what humans go thru when this disease hits and I couldn't put my yellow lab thru it. She was a pound puppy and the greatest dog I'd ever had. Be strong for your friend and family.

 

[s&wluvr]

I put my Golden Retriever, Maggie, down about 4 years ago. It was one of the hardest things that I have ever gone through. I now have 2 rescue Goldens, the oldest being about 10 years old, and he is beginning to show the "signs". Cancer is a major killer and reason for a Golden Retriever's short life. Seems to be pretty normal. And they are such wonderful companions. My heart goes out to you.

 

[Blackhawk2001]

I'm truly sorry for your impending loss. We've had five cats die of one thing or another over the years, including two in one week. It's never an easy thing to lose a family member; especially one who loves so unconditionally. God Bless you and her.

 

[TheRude1]

Also lost a friend to cancer about a year ago, its never easy

Be strong !

 

[Mosinowner]

I love golden retrievers. I have had 2 goldens. One died in december 2009. The other is still alive. I loved my first till the end.

 

[churchmouse]

I am sorry for what you are going through. Been there, done that. Un-able to get another pet as we do not want that pain again.

 

[SirRealism]

I'm sorry to hear about this. It's so hard to lose a friend like that. It sounds as though Buttercup is lucky to have a family like yours. As others have said, I think you'll know when it's time.

 

[gungirl65]

I am so sorry to hear your news, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Letting go is never easy. My usual pet death routine is to sing Amazing Grace to the animal before and after passing. I also find comfort in reading Psalms 23 to the pet before and after passing as well. I do this whenever I need comfort or help dealing with the impending loss. I think the singing helps comfort the animal as well.

Here's a thought from Billy Graham regarding being reunited with our beloved pets.

BGEA: Will there be animals in heaven?

My intent is to offer comfort, not to offend anyone. Please disregard this link if you find it or the subject matter offensive.

 

[gungirl65]

Here's a couple links with info regarding when it might be time to say goodbye

When to Put a Dog Down - Saying Goodbye

ASPCA | End-of-Life Care FAQ