Need some help here

[Don Hardcastle]

Not sure how to handle this one guys. I posted before that my 13 yr old son's Bull Mastiff has lymphoma. Our goal was to try to get her to make it until Christmas. Not sure that is going to happen.

My wife has been taking Shelby to work with her every day. Fortunately Kimberly has a job that will allow that. The dog has dropped probably 15lbs since she was diagnosed.

The last 3-4 days, the dog almost refuses to eat. I fixed some boiled chicken and rice tonight. She ate about a cup. She has some labored breathing when she is laying down.

I know what has to be done, but how do I tell my son that 7 days before Christmas. I know, I know, explain to him that she is not suffering and all that crap, but it doesn't help.

She still seems happy and not in any pain. Just very very lethargic. We just don't want him to wake up to her being dead.

Don

 

[goodluck]

very tough situation sorry to hear it, very hard to deal with a mate on there last few days.

 

[SnapAttack]

Shooting from the hip Don but there's a saying "If I say it he can doubt it, if he says it, he must believe it to be true".

Point is. My 9 year old had a bearded dragon lizard he raised from a hatchling. I know it's not the same bonding as a dog but... she got sick after 8 years and after discussing it with him... HE decided to let her go.

Maybe with all the options presented your son might just surprise you and do the right thing.

 

[Devil Dog]

Tough call Don........but I think you know the answer. Best Wishes to you and your family. Do what's right for the dog. Tough and harsh lesson for your son, but it the right thing to do.

DD

 

[fsusux]

I must agree with Snap...

You need to make it his idea. That'll make it a lot easier pill to swallow for him. At 13 he's aware of the cycle of life and what it means to be in pain. Help him to see that he must make the decision to end Shelby's suffering and that to do otherwise would be selfish. You'll be teaching him compassion and helping him take another step toward responsibility and adulthood.

 

[Professor]

Don,

I'm sure by now you have talked with him about what is going on with Shelby. He needs to be part of the decision making process. Be careful about Shelby however. Dogs will do quite a bit to please their masters, even when all the way to the end. I think you know what has to happen. At 13 he should be ready to help with the decision and I think you will be able to guide him. He is not going to want Shelby to suffer on his behalf. It is going to be a rough few weeks for all of you.

Prayers out to you and your family to help you through this.

Rick

 

[GSXRFANN]

I must agree with Snap...

You need to make it his idea.  That'll make it a lot easier pill to swallow for him.  At 13 he's aware of the cycle of life and what it means to be in pain.  Help him to see that he must make the decision to end Shelby's suffering and that to do otherwise would be selfish.  You'll be teaching him compassion and helping him take another step toward responsibility and adulthood.

Once everything is explained to him, he will more than likely be a little more understanding than you think.Kids are very surprising when it comes to stuff like that. It was said earlier, but try to let him talk himself into doing the right thing.


Thoughts and prayers to you and your family/son!!

 

[BlueHaya]

Ig I had to do it again with my Shar-Pei...I would have had him put down earlier. He suffered 3 weeks because of a stupid Vet who did not diagnose him right. After a few days of him only eating Spaghettios adn then stopping those..I took him to another Vet who did blood work (genuis) than had to open him up. By that time he was eaten up with cancer.


I understand the kids feelings, but dont make the dog suffer.

For Christmas get them another.

 

[motogp08]

Sorry to hear this man, best of wishes to you and your family!

 

[BigmanZ]

Hand your son the shotgun, a single cartridge, and say "He's your dog" and walk away, leaving them both in the barn alone in true Old Yeller fashion.

Ok yeah thats mean, I gotta go with Snapattack. Probably the best option.

 

[rubbersidedown]

<div class="iF-Passage"><div class="QUOTEHEAD">Quote:[/Quote]<div class="QUOTE clearfix"><span class="quoteBegin"> </span>
She still seems happy and not in any pain.[/quote]

Let her be then. If she still gets up,goes outside,does her business.If she's not puking everywhere etc etc...

Let her be.

If she doesn't wake up Christmas morning...O well. She died on her own terms and that is just life. Some people have had moms or dads,brothers or sisters die on or around christmas day. Your son: He's a kid,a boy,they are tuff in there own way,very resilient.

Let her be for now.Thats what I'd do.

RSD.

 

[BusaWizard]

<div class="iF-Passage"><div class="QUOTEHEAD">Quote:

<div class="QUOTE clearfix"><span class="quoteBegin"> </span>
She still seems happy and not in any pain.[/quote]

Let her be then. If she still gets up,goes outside,does her business.If she's not puking everywhere etc etc...

Let her be.

If she doesn't wake up Christmas morning...O well. She died on her own terms and that is just life. Some people have had moms or dads,brothers or sisters die on or around christmas day. Your son: He's a kid,a boy,they are tuff in there own way,very resilient.

Let her be for now.Thats what I'd do.

RSD.[/quote]
+1 as long as she not suffering let her be. Tell your Son that she not be around much longer, he may already know.

 

[Don Hardcastle]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Yesterday after I posted this she totally stopped eating. She wags her tail and is happy to us, but the look in her eyes says she's tired of fighting. We decided last night that Friday afternoon is the day. We are going to talk to our son about it tonight and see if he comes to the same conclusion. Thanks

Don

 

[Mr Bogus]

I have had to take family pets to be put down more than once..

If he comes to that decision, you get to decide his level of involvement...

I was around 8 or so the first time.. I went, I saw and I cried like a kid but it was also a relief knowing my dog was not suffering anymore..

Good luck! could be a great bonding opportunity with your son..