May be the End. :'(

[Mrdirty]

I have an 18 year old Shepherd/Rottweiler mix and I fear she is nearing the end.  She isn't eating and barely drinking her water, and when she does she throws it up almost immediately and it comes up a White Foamy substance.  Neither her rear haunches or her bowels or bladder seem to be working anymore.  

I can't afford to bring her to a vet Nor can I get her into the car for she WILL bite me and she weighs nearly 200 lbs, ad No vets in the Trenton, NJ area take Charity cases.

I guess my question is: How long can she possibly go on this way?  That is without food or water.  And, I need to know if she's dying or is this just a horrible illness?

Signed,
Crying and Desparate in NJ

[Jaybay]

I'm so sorry, but your dog is dying, and she is suffering.  It is up to you to find help to ease her out of her miraculously long life now.  You've obviously done very well with her to have her with you for 18 years (congrats!) so don't go wobbly now.  As sick as she is, are you certain you can't get her into a car?

Most vets charge a very nominal fee for euthanasia - anywhere from $20 - $30 depending on where you live.  Any animal shelter like the SPCA or Humane Society can help you out with this necessary service either for free or for a smaller donation.  There ARE options out there, so don't give up until you've made those phone calls.  The point is that your dog gave you 18 years of love and loyalty, and she deserves an easy end to her suffering.

Now take some deep breaths, dry your face, and get out the phone book.  I wish I could help you make some of those calls, but I'm in Texas.  Blessings,
Jennifer

[KikiMay]

Jaybay is right. You owe this to your loyal friend! I am so sorry for the pain and misery. I wish I could help you too. I am sure there is some SPCA around your area so, don't get scared and try to ask. There will be an answer, I am sure...
All the best and let us know...
Kiki

[have 2 kids]

I would think your regular vet would be able to work out a payment with you.  
I did a search both of these are located in Trenton, NJ.   Maybe they can help you.
Animal Allies   609-394-3000
Ewing Township Animal Shelter  609-393-9608
You owe it to your pet to help her pass peacefully.

[Jaybay]

Nice work!  :-)

[Soon_to_be_DVM]

I am sorry but I agree she is dying and you are not being fair to her by keeping her alive.  If she was able to eat and drink and have normal bowels that would be another story but she is just suffering.  For a 200lb dog 18 years old is AMAZING!  Hopefully you can get a vet to your place to euthanize her.  It would be the fair thing to do.

[Francesanne]

Please don't let your beloved girl suffer. She's had a good long life and deserves a dignified and painless passing.  Be brave & get her some help.

[Mrdirty]

Thank you all for all of your support, morally and with the research.  I did call both of them and both told me I have to wait til monday.

[Mrdirty]

Well Folks.  My Fiance and I have put my beloved Dana Down.  Thanks to all of you Lovely folks, We can sleep knowing that we did the right thing.

To: Have 2 Kids:....A special thanks goes out to you.  Animal Allies was a great help.  They aren't the ones who did it, but they did refer me to The Columbus Central Vet Clinic.  Dr. Boden is a great person and spirit.  She actually did a FREE medical check on her before actually "doing the good deed".  The clinic also put us on a really flexible payment plan.

I am so glad I met you folks.  Thank you again.

[suzi-q]

She is now at peace.  And you can take comfort in knowing that you did the right thing.  May God bless all of you at this most difficult time.

[have 2 kids]

I'm sorry for your loss.       You did the right thing by your friend.   I know it's not an easy thing to do.  

[Jaybay]

I'm so glad it's over for you all, even though you're in mourning now.   have 2 kids deserves special props for finding and posting the information that got you the help you needed.  Somehow, knowing that the right thing was done, even though it may not feel that way, puts a little smile on my face.  I don't know if that's inappropriate or not, but there it is.  You did a great thing for your friend, so kudos to you too.  :-)

[Mrdirty]

Actually, Jaybay, I give serious props to my fiance'.  She was "Being Selfish" (as she said herself) by not wanting to give up hope that Dana may just be "Infected" by the quickly spreading "DogFlu".  It just hit NJ and has killed over 200 dogs here this year alone.

I showed her Your post (the very first response to my cry for help) and she (after LONG deliberation) asked me to call while she lay down with Dana.  For one moment, she was my hero.  

To me it feels like it was the right thing to do and I don't deserve your kudos (at least I don't feel like I do).  If anyone deserves kudos, it's everyone that has posted here giving their condolences and advice.  I don't Personally know any of you, but, I can say that I love you all.

Thank you Ever so much.

[Mrdirty]

I just opened my mail and in it was a letter from the Columbus Veteranarian Center.  Hand written on the front was Vanessa and My name and address.  This is nothing of great surprise, most vets send hand written envelopes out.  What surprised me was what was in it.  Enclosed in the envelope was a Condolence card that was hand written by Dr. Boden herself.  This was a gesture that was to be treasured forever.  Inside the card was the TRUE surprise.  There was a small leaflet stating that all of Dr. Boden's staff donated $20 each to Save U.S. Pets in Dana, Vanessa, and My name.  Also enclosed within was a Healing Poem.  It's kind of long but I NEED you all to read it and FEEL the LOVE and ENCOURAGEMENT that was sent on this nondescript peice of white paper.  It's downloaded from a website called http://petloss.com

From Friend To Friend

You're giving me a special gift
So sorrowfully endowed
And through these last few cherished days
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain

So looking deep into your eyes
Beyond, into your soul
I see in you the magic, That will
Once more make me whole

The strength that you possess
Is why I look to you today
To do this thing that must be done
For it's the only way

That strength is why I've followed you
And chose you as my friend
And why I've loved you all these years
My partner 'til the end

Please, understand just what this gift
You're giving, means to me
It gives me back the strength I've lost
And all my dignity

You take a stand on my behalf
For that is what friends do
And know that what you do is right
For I believe it too

So one last time, I breath your scent
And through your hand I feel
The courage that's within you
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here
Dear friend, and let me run
Once more a strong and steady dog
My pain and struggle done

And don't despair my passing
For I won't be far away
Forever here, within your heart
And memory I'll stay

I'll be there watching over you
Your ever faithful friend
And in your memories I'll run
... A young dog once again.


(credited to Karen Clauston)  In memory of Asta, Feb. 1997
Now a dedication to Dana, July 28, 2008

That being said, Thank you all
Your very humble friends
Ray and Vanessa

[Misfits4Me]

Wow, I'm speechless & in tears.......I'm so sorry for your loss.....Your last post has made my day....Thank you for sharing.....Karla

[have 2 kids]

Thanks for sharing the poem.    Our vet has also sent condolence cards but I've never heard that poem.

[suzi-q]

Thank you so much for that poem.  It has touched me so deeply, for I still cry many tears for my Tiffy, and that has given me much warmth and comfort.  Thank YOU for helping ME.