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110%er [3668]
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I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 12:21 AM
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But my girls don't remember life without my boy Topher... He's 15 and going down fast. I don't want to put him to sleep. His mind still seems good. I think he had a stroke today. Back legs do not work. 15 years old, not ready to give him up. Love my boy. He's seen some games! Going to be hard
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Game Day Hero [4534]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 12:26 AM
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Been there, and it's no fun. Saying it's just a pet is silly; they become part of the family, are patient with the little ones and know when we have had a bad day. Most of us understand how you feel.
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Paw Warrior [4889]
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I have been there and it rips your heart out,
Jan 8, 2022, 9:30 AM
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He was part of almost every facet of our family.
The wife could not stand not having a dog in the house so we adopted a senior. He is almost 15 and we are facing the same thing as before. It is so very hard. Steel yourself and prepare your heart. Prayers for your family
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Dynasty Maker [3117]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 12:27 AM
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Prayers for you. It’s a tough decision to make.
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Clemson Sports Icon [55403]
TigerPulse: 100%
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If he’s in pain you’re doing him a disservice.***
Jan 8, 2022, 12:50 AM
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Paw Warrior [4845]
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Re: If he’s in pain you’re doing him a disservice.***
Jan 9, 2022, 8:20 PM
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I hate to say it at this time,so i won't...service to your family
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Paw Warrior [4794]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 1:11 AM
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A lot of us have been there. It's not an easy decision to make, because they are a part of the family and love us unconditionally. For me, I didn't want to see her in pain and suffering. It was very tough around the house for a good while afterwards, but I know we made the right decision. Prayers for you as you go through this.
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National Champion [7153]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 1:14 AM
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As hard as it is to say goodbye, letting them go is the hardest, best decision. Sending prayers for you and your family.
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Orange Blooded [2104]
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As pet lovers we all feel for you…
Jan 8, 2022, 1:17 AM
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But consider the animal. Quality of life. Hard call that all pet owners must face when making the “needle in the paw” decision.
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Top TigerNet [30648]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: As pet lovers we all feel for you…
Jan 8, 2022, 1:23 AM
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I had to put my black lab down and it hurt so bad I refuse to get another. I know what you are going through. Hang in there.
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Heisman Winner [81458]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Exactly where I am
Jan 8, 2022, 8:28 AM
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and it has been over 15 years. That last one will never be replaced…. literally.
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All-Time Great [95423]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2018
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One of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make . . .
Jan 8, 2022, 1:50 AM
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You’ll do what’s best for all involved and we’ll be praying for you as you struggle.
I know you have a picture of your boy to share with us . . .
We are here when you need us.
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1st Rounder [681]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 1:58 AM
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Sorry. I’ve been there recently. I took a day off work and did a lot of things I knew our sog loved before we put her to sleep. One of the best days of my life. Very happy I did that. We rode around the neighborhood it’s the window open as I held her. We went to the park for a bit. She could appreciate these things only for a bit. But you could tell she appreciated it. We spent most of the day just loving on her. I was really glad I took the time to send her out the right way. All the best to you.
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Oculus Spirit [43175]
TigerPulse: 100%
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dang, that made me tear up
Jan 8, 2022, 4:48 AM
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and I don't tear up easily. I though about me and boy doing that. He's getting old, maybe a couple of years left.
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Ring of Honor [23895]
TigerPulse: 100%
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The same here and same situation
Jan 8, 2022, 7:33 AM
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our German Shepherd is as big a part of our family as anything. My wife and she are joined at the hip. I have never seen anything quite like it. Brucie is almost 10 and 90% don't make it until 13. In fact, we are putting her in a kennel today for 7 days (going on vacation) and my wife is an absolute wreck.
I am going to be torn up when she passes but my wife, I can't even imagine. I don't want to.
I guess the moral of the story is to enjoy each day with them, you never know how many you got left.
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CU Guru [1538]
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much more than a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 2:15 AM
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you just don't want him to suffer and be in pain. Its incredibly difficult, but he will still be there in spirit helping you out along the way. Prayers for yall
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Clemson Icon [24158]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 2:54 AM
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Oculus Spirit [43175]
TigerPulse: 100%
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It's tough. Hang in there. Pets are family.***
Jan 8, 2022, 4:44 AM
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Tiger Spirit [9263]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 6:48 AM
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Top TigerNet [30983]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 6:50 AM
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A family pet is still family.
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Ring of Honor [22331]
TigerPulse: 100%
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What breed?
Jan 8, 2022, 7:24 AM
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There are some that have a hereditary condition that effects hind legs. Irriversable
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110%er [3668]
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He is a Shih Tzu.***
Jan 8, 2022, 8:33 AM
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Rival Killer [2812]
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Re: He is a Shih Tzu.***
Jan 8, 2022, 8:55 AM
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I have a Shih Tzu too. He is the oldest of my dogs. He is 14 almost 15.
Prayers up Brother. ????
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Ring of Honor [23895]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 1995
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I think we all know how you feel. Thoughts are with you
Jan 8, 2022, 7:27 AM
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through this difficult decision!!
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Rival Killer [2812]
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Re: I think we all know how you feel. Thoughts are with you
Jan 8, 2022, 7:40 AM
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I know it is hard and most of us have been there but that still doesn’t make it easy for you. I am another one that doesn’t tear up easily but I have more than one now writing this. They are FAMILY and love us unconditionally, just give her some extra loving back.
My prayers are with you and your family brother. ??????
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Orange Elite [5374]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 7:45 AM
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They’re family and not pets. Seeing their health degrade knowing what will follow in heartbreaking for all in the family. Prayers to you and your family.
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Orange Phenom [14755]
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We had a cat that had two spinal strokes...
Jan 8, 2022, 8:19 AM
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We first learned of these spinal strokes when our cat (about 10 years old at the time) couldn't move her hind legs one morning. We lived in Nebraska at the time and ended up taking the cat to specialist that after running scans and tests told us our cat had a spinal stroke and that there wasn't much (medically) they cold do and that the cat had a 50/50 chance of recovering on her own. Sure enough a week later the cat was able to stand on her own and eventually fully recovered.
Move forward 5 years when we lived in Florida and the same cat had another spinal stroke. This one seemed to be a lot worse because the cat was older (15 years), couldn't mover her back legs, and was struggling to move her front legs. We immediately took her to the vet and he was really leaning us toward putting her to sleep. A vet technician quietly pulled us to the side and recommended we take the cat to another vet in the area that specialized in (wait for it...) animal acupuncture.
I know what you are thinking because I thought the same thing - acupuncture on a cat?? I was very skeptical but since the treatment only cost $25 we decided it was worth a try (if it failed we would go ahead and put the cat to sleep). So that same day (the day of the stroke) we went from our normal vets office to the vet acupuncturist and got her a cold laser and acupuncture treatment. Within 4 hours of that treatment that cat was able to stand on her own. Darnedest thing I had ever seen... Maybe it was just "lucky" timing but it really appeared to us that the acupuncture and cold laser treatment worked because 8 hours earlier that cat couldn't hardly move much less stand. We continued to take the cat for these acupuncture treatments and after a couple of weeks the cat was back to a normal state (for an old cat) where she could walk and jog without issue.
I guess the moral of the story is - pets can sometimes surprise you and if one vet tells you it is "hopeless" it is always worth a second opinion. By the way - that acupuncture vet had a bunch of animals (dogs, cats - you name it) that she was rehabilitating. We talked to numerous other pet owners that was having their animals treated and they all said the same thing - their pets were noticeably better and that there must be something to this acupuncture treatment.
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Heisman Winner [86300]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2003
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It sounds like you already know what the right decision is,
Jan 8, 2022, 8:39 AM
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but your heart won't let you make it, yet.
Topher has loved you and your family unconditionally for 15 years. And, in all that time, he has depended unconditionally on you to do what is best for him. He still does. It will be VERY hard, but letting a beloved pet suffer just so we can see them here awhile longer, even though they can never be running and playing again, is not the right thing to do.
Sounds like it is time for a very hard family discussion. Prayers for your family, and I do believe beloved pets have a hereafter as well.
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Legend [6693]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 8:40 AM
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My dog is family. He is like a brother.
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Paw Master [16293]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 8:42 AM
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I feel for you and your family. I traveled down this path 6 months ago. It is so very hard.
Dogs are one of the best investments on the planet as you get massive dividends of unconditional love.
We could learn a lot from dogs. They don't pretend to be more than they are. They find contentment in simple things. They are forgiving of those they love and those that love them and they are usually slow to retaliate.
I truly hate this for you.
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Heisman Winner [86300]
TigerPulse: 100%
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You are so right about dogs. Youtube is seemingly full of
Jan 8, 2022, 8:51 AM
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videos about dogs that have been abused, and / or abandoned to the point of near death by "humans". And yet, in every case where they are rescued, and nursed back to health, they still rebound and give that unconditional love you spoke of. "Humans" would never be capable of that.
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Legend [6693]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 9:45 AM
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My dog turns 12 today.
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Rival Killer [2610]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 10:13 AM
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You’re right. But there is no such thing as “JUST” a family pet. I have a 8 year old Golden that’s like a son to me. Love him.
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110%er [3668]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Appreciate the kind words and advice. Waiting at the vet currently.
Jan 8, 2022, 10:17 AM
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Hope it's something simple. He seems a little better today.
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Ring of Honor [22212]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 10:17 AM
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No that’s family, once you’ve had them that long no difference. It took me 15 years to get another dog when my childhood dog passed and now that dog is just like one I’d my kids
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Ring of Honor [22212]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 10:17 AM
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Sorry to hear that as well and hope he pulls through
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Game Day Hero [4163]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 10:18 AM
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When the time comes to let him go, consider using a mobile vet to do it at home, especially if he stresses going to a clinic. Did that in 2008 and was an easier situation. Will also have it done when our soon to be 16 year old Jack Russell is ready. Appears he may have a couple years life span yet. Vet stated his last blood work up looked like that of a 3 year old. Best wishes for a satisfactory outcome for your situation.
Message was edited by: BerlinSPY73®
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Orange Immortal [68102]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 10:19 AM
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Sending prayers your way--I know how tough this decision is for you.
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All-In [34487]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2019
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Sorry to hear NBTF,
Jan 8, 2022, 10:22 AM
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my two dogs are sitting at the edge of the the couch staring at me right now. This kind of thing reminds me to enjoy their presence while they are still spry and healthy rather than focusing on my computer so much. Prayers up for your sweet pup
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Tiger Titan [50797]
TigerPulse: 79%
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I’m so sorry. Prayers for Topher and all of you.***
Jan 8, 2022, 10:31 AM
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National Champion [8074]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 11:06 AM
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Key word is “family”!!! A family pet is a huge part of a family. They are like the glue that holds each individual together….always happy to see you no matter what.
It is one of the few truly tough decisions in life. We have 2 dogs and when we got them both I knew I would be the one to take care of them. I walk them both multiple times every day and sometimes think about the time they get to “Topher” age!
Prayers for you and the family!! I do not know you but I can imagine that Topher has had a great life helping take care of his family over the last 15 years ??
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All-In [11091]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 11:16 AM
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have gone through the same just a while ago.best thing to do is get another dog as soon as you can.that's what we did.the pain of loss eases as you open a new chapter.you never forget the ones that are gone,but the new one helps a great deal to fill the void.
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All-In [11091]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 8, 2022, 11:18 AM
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forgot to add.they are a LOT MORE than family pets.we've always considered ours as family members.
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Orange Blooded [2127]
TigerPulse: 100%
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My boxer, Sugar Ray, died Dec. 26.
Jan 8, 2022, 11:17 AM
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I thought I was ready. I wasn't. At certain times of the day, I still think that it's time to take him to outside or that he needs fresh water, etc.
They definitely become family.
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Orange Immortal [62866]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 9, 2022, 8:58 AM
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I had to do what I said couldn't on August 6, and it was the hardest thing that I've ever had to do, but, that minute came to where I had to do what was best for him, and not what was best for my heart. It has been 5 months, and I'm still shedding tears over not having him with me. It's hard, but if we truly love them, we use that love to do what will be best for them. I was where you're at right now just 5 months ago, and I really hate it for you, God Bless!!!
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Orange Phenom [14613]
TigerPulse: 100%
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I had to put one down last year
Jan 9, 2022, 9:02 AM
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Same kind of deal I guess... back legs went out on her, but she was in terrible pain all of the time. Vet thought she had a tumor on her spine based on how quickly things went.
You will probably know when it's time to make the call.. I certainly did. It's definitely tough though.
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Game Changer [2028]
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Game Changer [2028]
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TigerNet Immortal [174362]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 9, 2022, 1:18 PM
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Feel your pain!
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All-TigerNet [5671]
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 9, 2022, 2:55 PM
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Feel for you brother. We had to put down our beautiful Ryman English Setter last Spring. BRUTAL. Still brutal.
Hard to know when to pull the plug. Putting down my pets has always been very hard. I've cried more over them than most ppl I know who have died. Try some of the suggestions on this thread and don't give up. You'll know when the time is right. And...they ARE family....don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise.... : )
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Athletic Dir [1155]
TigerPulse: 79%
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If it’s both legs,
Jan 9, 2022, 3:24 PM
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Could be inflammation from arthritis in the back is pinching the spinal cord. If he’s otherwise healthy, I’d ask vet for a cortisone shot and course of prednisone.
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Paw Warrior [4836]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 9, 2022, 8:35 PM
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Sending prayers for you and your family. I had to put my two pups, ages 15 and 16 down last summer within two months of each other. Once one was gone, the other went down hill fast. Miss them every day. One thing is for sure, I think they’ll be waiting on us in Heaven. After all, it wouldn’t be Heaven without dogs.
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Ultimate Tiger [35810]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I know it's just a family pet
Jan 9, 2022, 10:07 PM
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I had a 15 year old and he quit eating. When a dachshund quits eating, something is wrong. Tried everything to get him to eat. Wouldn't touch any food for several days. Took him to vet on Friday. Vet thought it was time. We wanted to keep him with us over the weekend. On Monday morning, I thought something might be wrong inside his mouth and that is why he quit eating. I held his mouth open(not easy) while wife sprayed inside with throat spray. Waited a little while. Brought him some boiled chicken. He ate it. Brought more. He ate it. Took him to vet for the appointment to put him down. Told her what happened and that since he started to eat, I did not want to put him down. She checked his mouth but saw nothing. She agreed that I should not put him down if he would start eating. He lived another year.
Also had another dog that went down in rear. Put on heavy dose of pred and took to a vet that specialized in acupuncture. Dog recovered and lived 6 more years.
Putting a dog down is hardest thing I have ever had to do. I don't think I ever get completely over it. I showed dogs for 20 years. Had Best In Show winner and top dog in breed. But it was still a pet and lived to be 16 years old. Lost the last one 2 years ago. Not in a position to get another one now, but wife and I miss them terribly. Tearing up just reading all the comments.
I know I will see my dogs when I get to Heaven. God said the Lamb would lie down with the Lion, so there are animals in Heaven. Heaven would not be heaven without our pets.
Prayers for you and Topher and the family.
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CU Medallion [19052]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Family MEMBER.
Jan 9, 2022, 10:20 PM
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Replies: 53
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