Dog

[mongrel]

I'm not really asking for prayer, here, though if someone might be so inclined it couldn't hurt.

I do ask for indulgence if, for awhile, against my better judgement, I post in such a way that makes it plain that I'm irritated.

Last year I acquired a new dog, a pug-beagle mix I named Oscar. I didn't particularly want a third dog, but the little guy was put in my path by powers beyond my control and I am incapable of turning my back in a situation like this.

I finally got the money together to get Oscar neutered, which is necessary if he's going to continue to live in my house. His testosterone level would be high for a dog ten times his size, and I'm tired of him picking fights with my other male dog and humping literally anything that breathes and will hold still for more than two seconds.

As part of the package of getting him snipped, though, a heartworm test was given, and he tested positive.

What I'm looking at is roughly $170 for neutering, heartworm test, office call, rabies shot (required by Indiana law), and removal of two puppy teeth that it turns out are putting pressure on his permanent teeth and probably paining him. If I invest this money I then have to go for a heartworm treatment that will set me back another $600 or so. The money isn't nearly as much an object as the fact that, if we treat for heartworms, it will be necessary to somehow keep Oscar confined and calm for six weeks. With two other dogs and two cats and a 10,000 square foot back yard, not to mention Oscar being pure hyperactive, excitable beagle in his behavior, I just don't see any feasible way of pulling this off.

So I get to decide, tonight, whether my dog lives or dies, and if he dies it will be because I've consciously decided my lifestyle is such that I can't spend the time baby-sitting him that will be required for him to recover properly from some $800+ worth of surgeries and treatment.

So I will avoid posting much of anything if I'm in a piss-poor mood, but if I do and it rubs someone the wrong way -- forgive me.

[Dogshirt]

I've been here several times in the 40 years we've kept dogs, and it is never aneasy decision. Nor should it be.
But having been there, I for one totally understand and will understand completely. Take care Mike, my thoughts are with you.

[flintboomer]

No matter what your decisions are with the dog they will not be easy.
Take care and do what you think is best.

[old salt]

Mike
I understand what you are going through. There is no ez answer either way.

[Rev]

I don't really know what to say. I believe that you will decide what needs to be done, & suffer a little (or maybe a lot), no matter what you decide. I've been doing some of that myself lately. Sometimes, no matter that we have always been able to find an answer (and pride ourselves on that) there is no "elegant solution". Sometimes it just hurts to be alive...

[cward]

hard decision. i will pray that the Lord gives you wisdom and calmness at this time. never easy putting an animal down or taking care of a sick one, God Bless,       

[Red Badger]

It is never an easy decision when we deal with life and death, quality of life vs quantity... I just put my 13 year old greyhound (Whiskey) down on April 3rd so I understand - roughly the same situation except I did not have him tested for anything, just saw he had started losing weight and was having problems getting up when laying down.... Do what your heart tells you and trust thatyou had some help from above making the right decision...

[Hanshi]

I'm a dog lover and consider them to be the best people on earth.  However, we've been entrusted with their care and ultimate disposition.  This is never an easy decision when it comes time to balance the scale.  Regardless of the decision you make, rest assured that it will be the best one that can be made under these tough circumstances.  The turmoil is torture but there is still no room or reason for guilt or self doubt.  Human doctors make these decisions on a daily basis, although these decisions will be made by the Government very soon.  Do what your head and heart tell you and don't look back.

[hotfxr]

I like dogs a whole lot more than I like people. They give us much more love and adoration than we deserve. I still get tears in my eyes when I think about having to put my 8 year old best friend in the world down with a similar disease over two years ago. That said, the reality of weighing cost (especially when paying for treatments means that something else such as homeowners insurance has to go), versus quality of life for said canine, and the viability of the treatments plus the not really knowing if the ordeal will be anything more than temporary fix and the dog dies in a few months anyway is very hard decision to make. Whatever you decide, your friends will support you and those who criticize you are not worthy of a response. I don't even know you, but I am a friend.

[Hawken50]

Mike,I can only echo what has been said already.I had to put down my dog that hsd been my best friend for 14 years when i was 20 years old,I still think about it all these years later.You'll make the right decision.

[mongrel]

Well, as it stands we're moving ahead with treatment. The vet will take payments and the gun work means I can make the payments.

I always joke that I'll die with nothing, but apparently that's actually the plan and not a joke at all.

[BruceB]

I always joke that I'll die with nothing, but apparently that's actually the plan and not a joke at all.

Maybe but look at the pretty corpse you'll leave

[mongrel]

And take a clear conscience with me when I go....

In case anyone doubts or wonders, I thank God for being in a position to choose the dog over the money and aggravation. I don't need to be told how great a gift that is.

[Rev]

Well, as it stands we're moving ahead with treatment. The vet will take payments and the gun work means I can make the payments.

I always joke that I'll die with nothing, but apparently that's actually the plan and not a joke at all.

Way ahead of you there, I already got nuthin'...

[Dogshirt]

I was born with nothing, and I have most of it left.