bonniebroad

How can I tell you all how much it means to me to come to this Board, and find all these outstretched arms and warm hearts waiting for me??? So many prayers and kind thoughts for us ... I thank you so much, and will never forget the comfort you have given me at this awful time.

My husband and I have cried and paced and slept very little as we've tried to find a way to let our sweet little boy go, in a dignified and loving way.

After talking with the Vet, who will not advise one way or the other but who just offers options, and from hours of research on the Internet, I know this is probably the worst cancer a dog can have ...

My Vet says a younger dog might survive six months after this major surgery (but all the veterinary school sites say this cancer is so lethal that most dogs die anywhere from 20 to 60 days after the surgery , the reason being that 80% of them have already had the tumor spread by the time it's found); Trissie is 16 - 1/2 years old already, when the average lifespan of a Cairn is between 13 and 14.

I think, at his advanced age, his time after surgery (if he makes it through) would be very short. He would have to recover from that surgery, then the rest of the time would not be a good walk in the park for him, as anyone who has lost a loved one to this horrible disease, knows. We would be fighting more of the same, almost certainly, until the end, and I don't want to put him through that. Maybe I'm wrong ... but it's how I feel.

At the moment, we have him reasonably comfortable with pain-killers, and are cuddling him 24/7. But we risk his having a major bleed anytime (from the pockets of blood in his abdomen), and I don't want him to go that way. I want him to fall asleep in my arms as he joins Gabriel and Hannah, our first two Cairns, on the other side of The Rainbow Bridge.

We will give him every bit of love we have for another couple of days, and then I think it will be time to let this magnificent, charming, little love of mine go home ...

Barbara

Bonnie, you are being so wise and rational while feeling this great sorrow. You will do the right thing for Trissie.

mclaurie

Bonnie, you and Trissie and your whole family are in our prayers and thoughts. May Trissie's time with you be filled with peace, love and no pain.

AnnMarie_C

Bonnie, my heart breaks for you and tears well in my eyes. Bless you for finding the courage to do what is best for Trissie. I am so sorry for the pain and sadness you must be feeling--if only there was something I could do for you. Please know I am thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. AnnMarie

ncgrrl

Bonnie,

I am sorry to hear about Trissie. You show wonderful compassion to one who needs the best at this time of life. Please give Trissie a hug from me.

Malesherbes

Oh Bonnie I am so very very sorry. This is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever make. From our past experiences, we've known when the time is right and if it is any comfort to you, the actual process is one of the most peaceful you will ever witness. We held and loved ours as it was done...she was so peaceful and there was virtually no noticeable transition. I'm so sorry though for what you have to go through...so many of us have been there and know what pain you are feeling!

lucygirl

oh bonnie, I have a lump in my throat as I read about your Trissie. I think your decision, although difficult, is a kind one. I'm so very sorry--i do understand how you feel. Trissie is as lucky to have you as you are to have him. Take care.

virginia

bonnie, thanks for taking time on this grim day to let us know what is happening. i am so sorry for trissie and your family. it is at least a little reassuring to know that you have the option and will not have to see him suffer. my prayers will include you both for these next days.
jw, my vet suggested hamburger boiled to remove the fat and make it more easily digestible and rice which can be made in quantity and stores and reheats nicely as a change from pasta. boiled chicken works well too.

OneWanderingJew

Oh Bonnie. I know what you're going through. We had to put my sweet Shayna down last August and it about broke me. I felt like you, she needed to be in my lap when she passed and that's just what we did. When I had gotten her years before, she rode home on a towel on my lap and that's how she left this world. I'll never stop missing her but the pain lessens with time and for me getting a new kitten a month or so later helped tons. Bueller doesn't listen (wonder how we got his name??) but is the damn cutest thing!

I'm going to try to picture Trissie and Shayna and your other pooches all playing together.

Again, I'm so sorry.

cmcfong

Bonnie, I am so sorry. I have walked that road with my several of my beloved pups and have to go that way again soon. I know how hard it is. I do believe it is a blessing that we can make theirs a peaceful transition safe in our arms. I worried terribly our precious Wilbur (he really did look like a Wilbur) would fail while we were not with him to comfort him. I was grateful for the privilege of giving him a safe and painless passage. I am sure he is up there barking at the moon and waiting for me. My heart is aching for you. Peace.

orangetravelcat

I am bawling my eyes out as I read this. I am crying for Trissie, and for Bonnie, and for every cat and dog I have had to have put to sleep, and for every furry friend in the future that I will some day have to make the tough decision for. Pets bring us so much joy, which is why they also bring us such sadness. You are doing the right thing for Trissie, Bonnie. And one day you will reunite at the Rainbow Bridge.

LoveItaly

Bonnie, my prayers and thoughts are with you as you share these last hours with your dear Trissie. Peace be with all of you.

laclaire

Bonnie- I just read this thread and my heart goes out to you and yours. We are a family of pet lovers, and when big decisions like this come along, you just have to be strong enough to say that it is time and feel like you are doing the right thing.

If it is any consolation, I have had to put down 2 dogs and a cat. It is as terrible as any death, but I have never regretted the decisions. Each were made considering the animal's individual pain and situation. Then I considered my family's well-being.

16.5 is a long and wonderful (I have ready carefully and you are a fabulous pet owner) life. I send you along as much support as I can muster.

Diana

Bonnie, I can only add my thoughts and prayers for you at this difficult time, but you are making the RIGHT decision for Trissie.

When there is good reason to think that a beloved pet might benefit from further treatment or surgery, by all means, that's the route one should go.

But if prolonging the inevitable - and usually sacrificing quality of life is the result - well, difficult decisions must be made.

You are showing your love and care for Trissie by making sure you are doing what is best for HIM.

I'm sorry. We lost our Doberman Sasha in 2003. We just now were able to get a new Dobie puppy - Kyra - but we'll never forget Sasha.

We'll all be thinking of you...

ellen_griswold

Bonnie dear, can't get you off my mind and praying you're doing okay. Again, there are few words at times like this but know we're all thinking and praying for you.

And while one pet will NEVER replace another, i do hope you'll consider getting another one soon. Its amazing how a new little fur-baby helps us recover from a loss. Blessings and hugs.

happytourist

I've had to put two dogs to sleep in the last few years, a 15-year-old Briard and a 14-year-old Yorkie. I worried for several years about how I would know what to do when they reached the final stage, but the answer is: the dog tells you when it's time. When they have no joy in life anymore, when the risk of pain outweighs the value of their quality of life, before their organs completely shut down and when they still can feel your love...it's time to say goodbye. I miss my dogs every single day, but I know we did the right thing when we did it. The very last thing I ever wanted is for them to suffer any pain. We held them as they died and they went in peace.

Floridafran

Bonnie,

I've been following this thread, hoping you'd have better news. The warmth of the people on this Board never ceases to amaze me. So many of us have been where you are now and understand what you are going through. And because of that, we're sending love and comfort your way, as best we can.

Trissie has obviously been a well-loved, beautifully cared-for companion. Rest assured you have been the light of his life, just as he has been yours. Keep that thought in mind when the time comes to, as my vet told me, "let him go." It will be last loving gesture you can do for a long-time, trusting friend.

Fran

greekartist

Dear Bonniebroad:\
Having a loving and precious pet is like a double edged sword. With the joy they give you and then, as now, with the heartbreak you have. I've been in this moment and each time I remembered that you must think of the animal and it's suffering and give him the gift of releasing him from his pain.
We at least can give this to our pet
for the years of love they have given to us. Don't inflict surgery on a dog this age. Think of him and do the right thing. God bless and know you and Trissie are in my thoughts and prayers tonight.

bonniebroad

Well, it's Thursday morning, and my darling little boy has crossed over that Rainbow Bridge, on this beautiful Spring day in Raleigh. You will always be in my heart, Trissie

I will always remember how wonderful you've all been to me at this sad time. I wish many, many happy and healthy years for all of you and your beloved little creatures. Thank you so much ...

travel_addict

I'm so sorry, Bonnie! I just read your note and started crying, then my little puppy Sasha came over and gave me kisses. It was as if she was telling me Trissie was ok now.

My thoughts & prayers are with you!
heidi