Advice from pet owners....serious question here

[Mosbonian]

Would love some input from parent on here who have Special Needs children/adults who have pets......we have a male Shitzu-Pekingnese mix that has been a dear member of the family for about 18 years now....we got him when he was just 8 weeks old and he has been the constant companion to my kids when they were young and more of a comfort animal to my Adult Special Needs son over the past 6 or 7 years.

My son and this dog have this bond....the dog has always sensed when my son was having a troubling moment and would sit near him or on his lap. But the last couple of years have been a bit of a struggle......especially this last year. Pepper, his name, is much more feeble, has trouble seeing well, has what one vet called "Doggie Alzheimers" and struggles with incontinence.

Most of the time now he stays outside on the back porch or in the gazebo. My son struggles with seeing him this way and at times refuses to even go outside to see him for fear of what he might find. On the flip side, any discussion we have about "doing the right thing by him" ends up with my son getting upset.

My wife and I struggle with what is the right thing to do.....continue to let a dearly loved member of the family still struggle out of comfort for my son, or end the pain for someone who has brought a great deal of joy to us for the past 18 years. I told myself that i would never let an animal get to this point, but I also know how this would deeply affect my son.

Anyone else ever have to deal with something like this? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Garcia Bronco]

its time.to let go. its a hard lesson, but one that must be done.

[Chiefnj2]

Originally Posted by Mosbonian

Just an update for everyone.....we all made the decision that it has come to a time that we feel the quality of life for our family friend has gotten to the point where we don't want him to suffer any longer. We had the discuss with our son and even he agrees now that it is time.

So....one day this week my son will come downstairs, hug his best friend, say his goodbyes and hand him over to his mother and myself.

I just want to ask that you say a little prayer or send some positive thoughts for my son as he deals with this.

Sorry. It sounds like the pup had a long life with lots of love. It's always hard to put down your pet. Best of luck, I'm sure it's going to be a crappy week.

In time, after you grieve, I'm sure there will still be a lot of love in your hearts to share it with another dog.

[Garcia Bronco]

if it makes you feel better...my buddy will be 9 in Jan and I already heartbroken that he'll be gone sooner rather than later.

[Gonzo]

As most of you know, my son has autism. He is a very loving boy. Very sweet and caring.

My dad and I have raised the same blood-line of bird dogs since before I was born, (50 years nearly). I grew up with these dogs and I've loved every one of them. Every time we have to say goodbye, sucks so bad.

This all put on the table... The dog is eventually going to die.
It's up to you to be the man to not only explain this to your son in a way he will understand that it's best for his dog but to also do what's fair and right for this poor dog.

I'll quote this poem that's stuck with me since childhood.

A good dog takes the time you can share, the love you can share and the food you can share.
In return, they give you everything.

Do what you have to. You and your son, (with some work) will find a new dog that will be able to take over the progress pepper made to help your family.
I highly suggest you take your time during this process but you'll know in your heart when you find that special dog for your awesome kiddo.

[Buck]

Originally Posted by Mosbonian

Just an update for everyone.....we all made the decision that it has come to a time that we feel the quality of life for our family friend has gotten to the point where we don't want him to suffer any longer. We had the discuss with our son and even he agrees now that it is time.

So....one day this week my son will come downstairs, hug his best friend, say his goodbyes and hand him over to his mother and myself.

I just want to ask that you say a little prayer or send some positive thoughts for my son as he deals with this.

Hi Mos,

I'm sorry for your loss. Enjoy your last few days with your bud, but know that you'll be his pal until the end of time, even though he is gone.

[Mosbonian]

Well.....today we finally all said our goodbyes and took our companion of 18 years to the vet. I am not going to lie....this sucked!!!!

He took his final car ride peacefully sitting in his carrier with the top off of it so my wife could pet him along the way.

We both cried....not going to lie about it.

[The Franchise]

Sorry for your loss, man. I've got three dogs (the oldest being 12) and I'm not looking forward to the day that she goes.

[stumppy]

Originally Posted by Mosbonian

Well.....today we finally all said our goodbyes and took our companion of 18 years to the vet. I am not going to lie....this sucked!!!!

He took his final car ride peacefully sitting in his carrier with the top off of it so my wife could pet him along the way.

We both cried....not going to lie about it.

In the last 14 years I've cried my eyes out on four occasions. Once when I lost my only sister, the other three when I had to put down Stumppy and Betty, and when Max died in my arms. My three dogs.
The way I looked at it was it was the very least I could do for them, end their suffering, for everything they did for me.
Good on you man for doing the hard thing.

[SAUTO]

Sucks.

[Kman34]

Sorry for your loss..

[Oxford]

Originally Posted by Mosbonian

Well.....today we finally all said our goodbyes and took our companion of 18 years to the vet. I am not going to lie....this sucked!!!!

He took his final car ride peacefully sitting in his carrier with the top off of it so my wife could pet him along the way.

We both cried....not going to lie about it.

I'm so sorry, I have lived this but its not about me. My wife is certain that your next best friend will find you. We had taken our first Leader Dog puppy back to Leader Dogs for the Blind, and when we got back we said we would wait to see if the puppy would come back to us as a "career changed" pet. Two weeks later we went to Petsmart on adopt a dog day and this scrawny, smelly 6 mo only dog was in a wire cage. Everyone wanted the puppies but not this guy. My wife fell in love with his eyes, but we waited for another month before she went back to get him. He is 15 now, and Mr. Jackson has been a treasure. A Newfi/Dalmation mix, has arthritis and cognitive issues now and when he can't be a dog anymore (run around, be crazy) his time will have come. You are right, they tell you its time.

Have your son write an obituary for your dog, tell about the good times maybe it will console him to remember them. Just let him know that the dog wants love as much as people do and its wrong to withhold that and be selfish. You'll get more than you will ever give anyway, best deal man ever made with an animal.

They do dig out a hole in your heart don't they