BajaNomad

Our dog is very sick, need help with Euthanasia!

astrobaja - 9-8-2008 at 05:38 PM

Hi all,

We have an 18 year old Basenji, her name is Asha and shes been living with Cushings(pituitary tumor) for a while now and besides voracious appetite and some other minor things has been very spry for her age. Last fri she had a stroke and consequently can hardly stand. From what our vet has told us she is apt to go downhill much quicker now and we have to make the hard decision. We have lots of experiences with many animals due to our 20 years on a horse farm, have had to lose many a precious animal. We SWORE never to use lethal injection again as we have seen it go wrong and the animal suffer needlessly. Our Asha has a particularly low pain threshold and we would like for her to go quietly and as painlessly as possible with us in her familiar environment.
I asked our vet back in Canada if it is possible to use oral sedatives like Phenobarbitol in an overdose to put her down ourselves. He said it would work ,even Valium (impossible to get sans prescription). We asked a vet in Vincente Guerrero if he would sell us some, but all he offered was to put her down via a needle directly into her heart, so yeah thanks but no thanks we said..
Does anyone know a vet that could help us out perhaps in Ensenada? If worse came to worse we would even rather ask our neigbor to shoot her for us at least its quick, but thats a last resort..

Mike

TMW - 9-8-2008 at 05:55 PM

I think there is a tourist information office south of the Riverra convention center on the main drag that should be able to at least give you a couple of vets names. Otherwise I'd ask a policemen.

DENNIS - 9-8-2008 at 06:11 PM

Call Dr. Eduardo Diaz in Ensenada.

178-2672

If for some reason he can't do it, u2u me and I have someone else who will.

Udo - 9-8-2008 at 06:59 PM

Mike...
my sincerest condolences.
My eyes are tearing as I say this, because I've been through this seven other times with my dogs, plus two cats.
Four years ago I switched my pet needs to an African Grey parrot. I know he will outlive me.
Please don't try to ease your pain by getting another pet too quickly. You need to wait at least three months. You need to make a rational decission. I know all past pet owners will chime in on this.
I would like to share an hug with you.
Udo

greybaby - 9-8-2008 at 07:29 PM

How very sad. We have friends who euthanized their dog with carbon monoxide from their car (put her into a box and hooked up a hose). It was quick and painless, though I have to say it was hard for them to do. I cannot imagine how difficult this must be. To see your pet suffer and know it needs to end but no good means to do so..

jeans - 9-8-2008 at 08:06 PM

I would not go the pill route. I tried that many years ago with a large dog that could not be transported. He gobbled the pills I got from a doctor friend, encased in cheese but death was slow with lots of respiratory distress. I finally asphyxiated him with a plastic bag...gawd that was horrible.

When I had to put my horse down (after 11 years), I sold him to an outifitter who took him on a short ride into the mountains and shot him. Quick & painless.

My condolences for the pain you are going through.

BajaGringo - 9-8-2008 at 08:07 PM

Most vets should know how to take care of this. Nomads in the area should be able to give you a referral. I have been in your shoes many times and it never gets easier. My heart goes out to you and I wish you peace and your loving pet freedom from pain. Asha was blessed to have so many years with folks who truly cared for her...

DianaT - 9-8-2008 at 09:33 PM

I am so sorry that you have had problems with the lethal injection before. With our precious Lucy and a vet in Yuma, it was fast. I hope you find a good vet close by who can help you. I would be concerned about the pills as dogs have such different tolerance levels for different meds.

Dang, it hurts to hear about any one facing this decision and loss. We wish you comfort in knowing your decision is a loving one.

Just wanted to share a poem we like---didn't ease the pain, but well, maybe just a little.

If It Should Be
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain prevents my peaceful sleep,
Then you must do what must be done
When this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
Selfishness might stay your hand.
But on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship take the test.

We've had so many happy years,
That what's to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer, So
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend.

Only -- stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know, in time, you too will see
It is a kindness that you do for me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Do not grieve it should be you
Who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years....
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
---Anonymous

Good luck, and the right answer will find you.

Diane and John

Bajafun777 - 9-8-2008 at 10:08 PM

Ok, here is the best Vet I can refer anyone to even over American Vets. His name is Alejandro Avendano Ruiz he is in Mexicali and his email is alexavenruiz@hotmail.com, his cellphone number is 122-7907. I had a boxer that ran from my yard during the 4th of July three years ago. She disappeared for over a week and I received a call that someone saw our add in the paper and saw her in a hay field not far from our house. Well, she was with a broken leg, as someone ran over her and the bone was coming out of her skin. The Vet in Brawley took X-Rays and did nothing else but refer me to San Diego Vet or put her down. My son wanted to save her the Vet in San Diego wanted about $5,000 for the operation, care, and follow up. I had a good friend at work that had told me how this Vet in Mexicali was really great and not afraid to risky operations to save animals. I took the dog their afte paying the Brawley Vet $350 dollars for nothing and he would not give me the X-Rays as he wanted to approve me taking the dog whoever I was going to take it to. Long story short I got my dog took it to Mexicali where the Vet had to set the bone, put a screw in and kept the dog for about 4 days and was also giving her medicine. Additionally, the dog had the screw removed and more medicine. The dog is still with us and can run down cats, rabbits, and people trying to out run her. The Vet charged me a total of $450 and that included the X-Rays. This Vet is really good with animals and is quick to respond with calls for an animal in need. I have referred a number of friends to him with sick animals and all are more than happy with him and the way he cares for the animals he sees. Later--------------------------------- bajafun777

Natalie Ann - 9-9-2008 at 07:32 AM

I agree with Jeans 100% - DO NOT go the pill route.
I tried it years ago with a large cat... 500 mg. of valium later she was still alive and having respiratory distress. At that point I took her to the vet for euthanasia.

I'm sorry for your difficult situation.... but short of allowing your pet to die on it's own, I really think the vet provides the best alternative.

Prayers,

Nena

pacificobob - 9-9-2008 at 09:59 AM

we are getting ready to leave alaska to spemd winter on our huerta in el pescadero. our 14 y/o black lab loves the winter mexican sun...it wont be too long before his time comes..these accounts of eurhanasia gone wrong have really got my attention. im sure there are some good vets in baja, but to date ive not encountered one yet.
years ago i euthanized a beloved family pet with a .38...huge mistake...i think about it to this day...i hope to have everything go a well as it can this time....jdtroter, thanks for the poem

astrobaja - 9-9-2008 at 10:13 AM

Thank you all so very much for the compassionate reponses! I could harldly read them out to my Wife last night....
Asha has rebounded somewhat but has a very poor quality of life, still it gives us some breathing space to prepare and decide what we will finally do.
Also thank you for the referrals to vets, perhaps one of them would be willing to sedate her before the task of finding the vein. She gets so scared at the vets.
I don't think we will be ready for another dog for at least half a year we would like to be moved into the house before we consider another dog.
Besides right now we still have 2 horses and 4 cats, plenty to look after!
I have a pic of Asha the day before her stroke, her new buddy Topo is in the foreground, he belongs to one of our construction workers.

thank you all for being so caring, it meant a lot!

-Mike and Pamela

n1229823447_30147518_5822.jpg - 31kB

Woooosh - 9-9-2008 at 10:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by pacificobob
we are getting ready to leave alaska to spemd winter on our huerta in el pescadero. our 14 y/o black lab loves the winter mexican sun...it wont be too long before his time comes..these accounts of eurhanasia gone wrong have really got my attention. im sure there are some good vets in baja, but to date ive not encountered one yet.
years ago i euthanized a beloved family pet with a .38...huge mistake...i think about it to this day...i hope to have everything go a well as it can this time....jdtroter, thanks for the poem


I recently had to come to terms with the failing health of my 12 year old blind lab. When he wouldn't walk or eat- we knew it was time.

Our local Rosarito vet (Dr. Fernando Silva) came to our house in January, sedated our "Oso" and allowed him to fall asleep before the euthanasia. It was very peaceful because it wasn't rushed. An hour later we drove Oso to meet Victor Kutin (owner of Zatikia Memorial- zatikia@yahoo.com) who handled the cremation. This sequence of event would have been hard to accomplish in the USA, let alone in your own home. Sadly- we lost another Lab to a heart attack in April- and it was handled just a well. There are wonderful compassionate people here for our pets in Baja.

Ken Bondy - 9-9-2008 at 10:51 AM

This thread tears me apart, because I have faced the situation too many times with beloved animals. She looks like a very sweet dog astrobob. When it comes time I hope it goes easily.

I agree emphatically with pacificobob. DO NOT take the gun route. In 1962, that's 46 years ago, I was living and working in a small town in the northeast of Brazil (Barbalha). I had a small office just off the main road into town. One morning I found a dog lying in blood on the doorstep to the office. The dog had been hit by a car and had crawled up onto my doorstep. He was in obvious pain, had several compound fractures, seemed to be fading in and out of consciousness. I couldn't stand to see the animal in such agony, so I borrowed a .38 from one of my Brazilian co-workers (they commonly packed in those days), and gently carried the dog to the back of the office and shot him in the head. I have been haunted by that experience for almost 50 years. I still think I see his face. And that was with a dog I didn't know. So think carefully about taking that route. Buena suerte, ++Ken++

astrobaja - 9-9-2008 at 11:50 AM

Ken: I don't think I could pull the trigger, or live with the pain of the experience afterwards! I do however feel that for large animals it is the way to go. We had to euthanise a few of our boarders horses before and it took 4-5 full syringes to end it, often with them fighting it quite a lot.

Whoosh: thats the kind of process we would like for Asha for her to be asleep and then the syringe to end it, on her home tuft with us holding her at the end. Not sure if an Ensenada vet would come all the way up to the Sierra to do it though. I will try to ask!

pacside - 9-9-2008 at 12:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by astrobaja
Whoosh: thats the kind of process we would like for Asha for her to be asleep and then the syringe to end it, on her home tuft with us holding her at the end.


First I want to say I am so sorry about your Asha and second I 100% agree that the above is the way to handle it with a dog.

I wish I had the chance to do that with my 11 year old Boxer who had cushings disease. He passed away a year ago in the middle of the night outside (usually sleeps inside) after choking on what looked like a tamale wrapper that was twisted. To this day I do not know exactly what, where or how he got a hold of this thing that caused his demise. But as you know a cushings dog will eat anything in sight. I found him unfortunately lying on his side in the morning with the remnants of what killed him right outside his mouth. I knew he didn't have long for the world but I put him on medication and thought maybe I had another year with him. If I had known he was going to go this way I would definitely prefer the simple solution of a drug to put him in a deep sleep and then the syringe. I would of loved to have him fall asleep in my arms knowing he was loved vs choking outside in the middle of the night alone. This still haunts me.

I feel for you guys who felt you were doing the right thing with the .38...you put a helpless animal out of it's misery. This is a good thing and don't forget it.

I use this vet here locally who only does house calls. He has two nicknames; "The Pirate" because you never know how much he will charge for whatever it is he does and "Dr. Death" for how many animals he has euthanized. He has been doing it for 30 years and does exactly what you describe above. He also takes the animal away and cremates it for those who request it. He is highly respected. I hope you find someone with this type of experience to handle Asha. It will be peaceful.

Cypress - 9-9-2008 at 01:52 PM

It's not easy, but a 22 caliber round right between the eyes will suffice, quick and painless for your pet. Much harder on you.

Kell-Baja - 9-9-2008 at 02:10 PM

What a Beautiful dog. I'm so sorry your family is facing this.

tripledigitken - 9-9-2008 at 02:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cypress
It's not easy, but a 22 caliber round right between the eyes will suffice, quick and painless for your pet. Much harder on you.


Is that advice you would follow? Dare I say that is beyond inappropriate!

Ken

Paulina - 9-9-2008 at 02:57 PM

Astrobaja,

I'm very sorry. As others have posted, I've been through it too. Unfortunately too many times. I've also had a horse that I've had to have dispatched with and not euthanized. I hope with the vet info you've received, you'll be able to find someone who will be there when you need him/her.

When faced with a pet's failing health I have found that it has worked best for me to plan ahead, schedule a date and have it done. There's nothing worse than having to do it on an emergency basis, hoping to find a vet available, and then having to settle with just any vet who might not be so willing to do it your way.

Asha is very lucky to have such kind and considerate owners who put her needs first.

Good luck with your very tough decision in this matter. There are no rights and wrongs, only what is right for your time and circumstance.

P<*)))>{

[Edited on 9-9-2008 by Paulina]

Cypress - 9-9-2008 at 02:57 PM

Ken, Is there an appropriate way to kill a good buddy?:?: I'd like to know, tell me.:(

Nembutal

bill erhardt - 9-9-2008 at 03:08 PM

Here is a link to a recent article in the New York times about the availability of Nembutal in Mexico through many veterinarians without a prescription. It is apparently sold in a liquid form and is fast and effective for euthanizing animals. The thrust of the article relates to people buying the barbiturate in Mexico for the purpose of suicide in the States and the ease of doing so through Mexican vets. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/21/world/americas/21tijuana.h...

tripledigitken - 9-9-2008 at 03:12 PM

Cypress,

Astro was looking for advice for his situation. Astro has already said that as a last resort he would have a neighbor shoot it. So in that context your advice was inappropriate IMHO.

Many good suggestions have been offered here without resorting to having to shoot your own dog between the eyes as you suggested.

Ken

Paulina - 9-9-2008 at 03:31 PM

This past summer in Bahia there was a horse that had broken it's leg and severed the artery. It needed to be put down, but the owner refused. After the leg was wrapped and unwrapped a few times the owner wanted to walk it out to the sea, thinking the salt water would heal it and stop the bleeding. No one agreed to that idea. He then provided a bottle of pentobarbital to the town doctor, requesting that he use it to inject the horse, but only just a little to calm it down, not enough to euthanize it.

The doctor, his assistant and I stood there looking at the bottle in the assistants hand. The owner walked off to have another Tecate. The horse had already lost quite a bit of blood. We estimated that the horse weighed about 1000 lbs. but with the blood loss it would have been almost impossible to guess how much of the drug would do the trick without taking the horses life.

Even though the horse was in shock I suggested against it. If given too much the horse would have died, then the owner could have come back with the arguement that they had killed his now very valuable race horse, "Juan Grande". Both the doctor and the assistant really didn't want to take that chance.

I told Dern that I wanted to buy the horse from the owner just so I could have the right as it's new owner to dispatch with it. I would have had to ask one of the police officers to witness the sale and then borrow his gun.

Dern said no.

We all looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders because there was nothing else we could do for the horse. The assistant walked the pentobarbital back to the owner, who was standing under a tree, partying with friends and his other horse.

After reading the article that Bill provided, I'm half way tempted to buy this drug the next time I'm down there to put in the first aid back pack just in case. I've always wondered what I could do to help put an animal out of it's misery in an emergency situation when guns are not available. This might be a viable option if faced with that circumstance.

P<*)))>{

Cypress - 9-9-2008 at 04:07 PM

Ken, I respect your humble opinion. Everybody has one, humble or otherwise.

DENNIS - 9-9-2008 at 04:17 PM

I sure hope that this thread, above all others, doesn't go south.

Paulina - 9-9-2008 at 04:22 PM

I'll be the first to apologize if I started the southern trek with my horse post. This is a good thread.

P<*)))>{

DENNIS - 9-9-2008 at 04:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paulina
I'll be the first to apologize if I started the southern trek with my horse post. This is a good thread.

P<*)))>{


That's just a harmless hijacking. Not what I was referring to at all.

vandenberg - 9-9-2008 at 07:19 PM

Since my dog is 15 years old, I'm following this thread with much interest.
And, Astrobaja, my thoughts are with you. Tough road that I traveled many times.

BajaNuts - 9-9-2008 at 08:36 PM

we had a good experience with a US vet and an OD of barbituates for our big yellow lab mix. We found out later the events that led to the neccesity of killing our dog could have been avoided.

We live on a small farm with lots of fruit trees. In the fall when all the fruit ripens, our 4 yr old Mostyn would lie under the plum tree and eat the sugar-sweet fruit by the handfuls. He would also eat whole apricots and take bites of apples. He was sick for a couple months in Dec-Jan and in pain. Trips to the vet didn't reveal any muscular or skelitol reason for the pain. After his death (on Feb 14th), we requested an autopsy, and it revealed a huge kidney as a result of massive kidney failure.

Too late we found out that fruit pits contain arsenic. Many people know not to eat too close to the mango pit due to arsenic in the pit, but we didn't know it is also present in plum, prune, apricot and other pits. Our vet also told us not to let the dogs eat grapes.

As to this thread, I hope the information about dogs eating fruit may save another beloved pet, and to let other pet owners know, our "mcNugget" (big fat yellow dog) died in my arms, assisted by an injection by our vet, and is buried at our home. I believe he would have suffered for a couple more days on his own.

We also had a 17 1/2 yr old lab who was way beyond normal functioning. She died at home, but in retrospect, maybe we should have done it a week before at the vet's office. She didn't eat for the last three days and the thowing up and other stuff was not pretty. She was hubby's dog so it was his decision to keep her at home instead of doing an injection. She was ready to go but we weren't ready for her to go.

You are not alone in your distress about your upcoming decisions

BajaNuts - 9-10-2008 at 06:36 AM

clarification-
it's cyanide poisoning, not aresenic.

other foods that are generally assumed to be no-no's are-
grapes, onions, chocolate, all fruit pips and pits, macadamia nuts, tomato and potato plant leaves and stems, rhubarb leaves and some other house plants.

Bob H - 9-10-2008 at 07:14 AM

Having just gone through this with my Shelby-dog, I know what you are going through. When she couldn't walk or eat any more it was time to put her down. One injection put her to sleep and then a few seconds later stopped her heart. I am in tears writing this as I feel your pain so deeply.
Bob H

toneart - 9-10-2008 at 11:12 AM

As a dog lover and owner, I am following this string as though it were my own dog, because some day "Paco" may be facing the same quandary.

One thing that may be comforting: I am pretty sure that dogs don't have a concept of death. I don't think that is what they are thinking when the time comes. All they know is that they are not feeling well and that you love them and they love you.

I prefer your idea of euthanizing your dog at home where it (I'm sorry, I didn't know its gender) knows it is loved and feels secure. I hope you can find a good vet who will travel there. If not, by all means be there, wherever it is, to hold your dog in your arms for its transition.

Best wishes to you and your dog.

astrobaja - 9-10-2008 at 02:56 PM

Hi everybody,

I'm overwhelmed by the good will and empathy that people have shown!
I guess its an experience many of us go through multiple times in our lifetime. Toneart: My Wife and I have been "there" for our animals (and those of others ie horses at our barn that were in our care) must be more than a dozen times now and its heart-wrenching each and every time!
I guess thats especially true when you grow up on a farm you learn from childhood that death is part of the cycle, doesnt make it any easier. I know for some its too much to be holding your beloved pet when it goes but each person has their own limits and thats to be respected too!
So tommorrow we are off to Ensenada to talk to a few vets, hopefully we can find one that is willing to come out to the sierra to do this for us at home where Asha (a her) feels safe. We plan on having to do it this weekend when our workers will be away and have some privacy.
Anyhow I can't type anymore, got a big lump in my throat...

many hugs and thanks to you all

Mike And Pamela

DENNIS - 9-10-2008 at 04:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by astrobaja
So tommorrow we are off to Ensenada to talk to a few vets, hopefully we can find one that is willing to come out to the sierra to do this for us at home where Asha (a her) feels safe.


Like I mentioned earlier, I know of more than one. One in particular may be flexible enough to get away from the office to do what's necessary. She's in Cantú, Punta Banda.
Let me know.

tripledigitken - 9-10-2008 at 04:23 PM

Astrobaja,

We will be thinking of you this weekend. I am so sorry.:(

Ken

BajaNuts - 9-10-2008 at 11:13 PM

Our thoughts and feelings are with you.
A & J

Pappy Jon - 9-11-2008 at 11:22 AM

Sorry about your pet. It's never easy making this decission. Probably too little too late ... carbon dioxide. No experience with dogs, but have used it on smaller animals. Fast and painless. It's a common welding gas, and used by off-roaders to inflate tires.

greybaby - 9-11-2008 at 09:00 PM

All of us pet lovers are hugging you in our hearts. My prayer is that she won't suffer and it will be over quick. The pain you are feeling will linger but just know that we care. It could be any one of us and we know it all too well.

Keri - 9-11-2008 at 09:21 PM

Boy greybaby hit the nail on the head. We are all hugging you right now and we all know it be us next . God bless you and your baby, peace to you all,k

Bajabus - 9-12-2008 at 10:38 PM

I will tell you how we did it and why.

I had a beautiful white German Shepard since she was about 10 weeks old. She went everywhere with us and I loved that dog so much...every day for 13 years. we nursed her through many an illness and even a $900 cruciate ligament operation that put a pin in her knee when she was two years old. She eventually got too old and sick while we were living in Elias Calles full time.

We had to make a very difficult decision. I felt like we had shared everything in the world for those 13 years and she trusted me with every bone in her body. We took care of each other. There finally came a time when I knew she was in great pain and miserable, she could not get up on her own, was going to the bathroom on herself had not eaten in days even though we offered steak and other favorite treats and I could tell from her look that she was telling me she was ready to leave.

I knew that I could not in any good conscience bring her to a cold steel table in a strange vets office to do the deed, nor could I invite a total stranger to our home to put her to sleep. I felt it was my responsibility to do it. I felt I owed it to her to be the one even though it was going to be the hardest thing I could imagine.

Lynna and I prepared for it for a few more days. When the time came, it was late in the afternoon and we carried her down to the beach on a palo de arco stretcher we had made, it was covered by her favorite blanket, torn and washed hundreds of times but always her special blanket.

We had a favorite spot down there where she had spent many a night curled up with us around a fire. We layed her down....still on her favorite blanket and spent a few hours talking to her, putting her at ease, watching the sun get ready to set, petting her, brushing her, whispering to her, telling her we loved her and I could tell she was at peace. she eventually fell asleep with her head in my lap. I slowly shifted her head off me and kneeled down besides her while Lynna walked away. I quietly said good by to my faithful beautiful loyal companion of so many years, placed the muzzle of a 38 caliber pistol against the back of her head and fired it twice rapidly. I cried so hard...it was so hard.....I felt like i was dying in that instant......but I owed it to her......it had to be me, I knew that and I knew she was OK and even grateful that it was me. She died instantly.

I wrapped her up in her favorite blanket with her chewy toy and Lynna helped me place her on a very large funeral pyre of wood stacked well over 4 ft tall. We then slowly covered her with more wood and finally after saying another good by set the pyre on fire.

We stayed down there the whole night adding wood. The fire burned continuously for a few days. Many of our Mexican neighbors came by to bring more wood and they kept it burning for us. Some even brought us food seeing how profoundly sorrowful we were.

Eventually the fire burned out and I went down there alone to collect some of the ashes. I was soooo sad but I knew I did the right thing. As I was sifting through the ashes I caught the glint of dull steel in the grey cinders, it was the pin that was put in her knee when she was 2 years old. I still have that pin and the 2 shell casings in her jar of ashes on our bedroom dresser near some other personal mementos.

She died on May 23 1996 in beautiful Elias Calles Baja Mexico Sur on the beach near the 80 KM marker.

12 years ago and here I am still crying like a baby as I write this.

I will forever miss her love and loyalty and have no regrets about being the one to set her free of this earthly plain.

[Edited on 13-9-2008 by Bajabus]

[Edited on 13-9-2008 by Bajabus]

Cypress - 9-13-2008 at 10:05 AM

Bajabus, Thanks for sharing your story. That's the way to put a pet down.

vgabndo - 9-13-2008 at 10:57 AM

Oh my brother, you aren't the only one sobbing for your loss.
What responsibility you accepted. What accountability you a showed. Bless you for the heart you demonstrated. Your sad story holds richness. You stand tall. Tears are good for any man.

David K - 9-13-2008 at 11:00 AM

Max, that was something very special and very human & humane of you...

Thanks for sharing this with us!

pacside - 9-13-2008 at 11:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajabus
She died on May 23 1996 in beautiful Elias Calles Baja Mexico Sur on the beach near the 80 KM marker.

12 years ago and here I am still crying like a baby as I write this.

I will forever miss her love and loyalty and have no regrets about being the one to set her free of this earthly plain.

[Edited on 13-9-2008 by Bajabus]

Bajabus,
Can't imagine a nicer place to go to doggy heaven then on the beach in beautiful Elias Calles. Good on you for having the courage do the right thing by your best friend.

Curious did you get another pup?
pacside

DianaT - 9-13-2008 at 11:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cypress
Bajabus, Thanks for sharing your story. That's the way to put a pet down.


Everyone deals with this difficult problem in a different way---never easy.

Yes, for you and some others, that was the way to put a pet down. But for others, it would be the wrong way. It is such a personal decision.

My thoughts will be with Astrobaja all weekend----no matter how it happens, it will be heatbreaking.

Diane

Bajabus - 9-13-2008 at 01:55 PM

Diane...understood. it really is a personal decision, just wanted to share how and why we did it our way and you are right, no matter how it happens it will be heartbreaking.

Pacside, no we have not really brought another dog into our life.
I suspect soon we will now that our son is approaching 2 years old in October.

We have some stray cats that hang around our place down there. we have grown to love them and there is the occasional stray dog that wanders by for awhile..........

greybaby - 9-13-2008 at 09:47 PM

Thank you for sharing something so personal with us. I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult this experience had to be and yet so selfless for your beloved dog. My thoughts and prayers are with Astrobaja also. We are never ready to lose a loved one. Never.

astrobaja - 9-14-2008 at 09:44 PM

Hi everyone,

We are both exhausted and a bit in shock I guess, but our old girl Asha is gone...... We had Her for almost 18 years!
I'm sorry I'm too torn up to do a long post but it was the right decision, and our wonderful neigbors helped us through it.
Thank you for all your most heartfelt support and love
I attached a pic of where we buried Asha, Shes resting below a magnificent old 700 year old Encino.

-Mike

bigoak.jpg - 38kB

greybaby - 9-14-2008 at 09:50 PM

May she rest in peace - and my wish is the same for you and your family. What a beautiful place for you to go visit her. Thanks for taking the time to let us know you had made it through her final moments together. That's all we need to know. We've been pulling for you, knowing this had to be the toughest weekend of your life.

BajaGringo - 9-15-2008 at 06:40 AM

So very, very sorry about your loss. We love our animals as if they were our own children. They offer unconditional love and companionship. They provide entertainment, a friendly ear always willing to listen and seem to know exactly what we are thinking and feeling. We mourn your loss with you and can only offer you the comfort of knowing that you provided her a home filled with love for all these years. Keep the photos handy and in time you will be able to balance the sorrow with celebration of the wonderful memories. We wish you God's peace...

DianaT - 9-15-2008 at 07:14 AM

You obviouly picked her final resting place with lots of love and care----you made a very difficult decision, but it was a loving one.

Time, time, and time is what you need, but she will always have a special little corner in your heart.

My thoughts were with you all weekend.

Diane

DENNIS - 9-15-2008 at 07:24 AM

DEP.....Asha....Thanks for the memorys

Bajabus - 9-15-2008 at 05:32 PM

Love the magician knows this special trick whereby 2 beings are always side by side even though they may now walk separate paths.......

David K - 9-15-2008 at 05:44 PM

Thanks for sharing with us Mike... It is a hard thing to lose a member of ones family... Asha was very fortunate to have you guys in her life!