Had to help Mom's puppy cross over today.
So, my mom had gotten a German Shepherd mix, and while I knew when I got here Wednesday night and people had told me that the puppy needed more exercise and socialization, something wasn't right.
He was compulsively circling, mostly in one direction, sometimes catching his tail and had developed a secondary infection there. I knew he was in pain but wasn't sure if it was the tail injury causing him pain, or what, but knew a vet was needed. It had started about two weeks ago and was getting progressively worse despite Mom trying to play with him more, and it got no better with an extra person helping.
I was expecting him to come out with a conehead shield and antibiotics, and a prescription for exercise, especially if you Google GSD dogs and tail chasing/mutilation. Mom might have been taking on more dog than she needed, but if I needed to step up to help I was willing to.
But the neurological examination actually pointed to a brain tumor. He lacked a "meance" reflex on ocular examination completely on one side and partially on another, hemorrhages in both eyes, and unequal pupils. Mom wanted to try a little longer but we tried to see if we could get him sedated for the ride home, and a giant shot barely got him calm enough to rest at all, but had to be gently restrained to rest -- if Mom moved, he was agitated again. Before sedation in-office he broke a nail circling and didn't even notice.
The breeder and the other people who weren't professionals all thought it was strictly behavior out of boredom. It's unlikely he could have been saved even he'd gotten to the vet before he'd been injuring himself. I was able to keep him calm while they got the IV in for euthanasia, most owners can't handle that part and they were able to get Mom out while he was distracted and I was keeping him still and talking to him. But they were able to get his IV started with me, get the site wrapped, etc, and them Mom was able to be there to say goodbye.
I'm sorry I never really got to know the real puppy -- by the time I saw him, he was too sick and the examination showed brain damage already. But there's no doubt he looked for Mom while the IV was being done. And he crossed the Bridge much more gently because Mom was there to help him at the end.
Guess I just needed to vent. I felt so helpless. But if you ever doubted that they look for you at the end.... they do.
Please give my mom some DU vibes....
= new reply since forum marked as read
it's great that you were there to support them both.
That's one of the bravest thing a human can do for their furbabies. It does take a tremendous amount of courage to hold them and watch their light go out, but they know you're there and that you love them. I have rescued many, many cats and dogs over my 71 years and it's hard no matter what age they are when they go over the Rainbow Bridge, but I have to say euthanasia is the hardest for me. We had to have our 12 year old cat, Arlo, "put to sleep", March 7, 2016 at 8:45 a.m. My husband and I held him until he drew his last breath. I have not stopped mourning yet. He had developed hyperthyroidism and cancer during his last year, so it was difficult to watch him waste away to half his usual body weight, but we knew when the time came, we had to be with him during his passing. I visit his grave every day, which is in my garden where we spent so many wonderful hours together over his 12 years of giving us his unconditional love. I wish your mom peace in the coming days, weeks, months ~ it's the loneliest place I've ever been ~ they're just like our children. I still have six other rescues still with me, but have this monstrous void in my heart and soul where Arlo lived for so many years.
time he had. But at least he had the love and caring of your Mom, and you in the end. It is always difficult to end a life even when it's for the best.
Just a thought, if your Mom decides to get another dog, suggest a rescue. Rescue organizations make sure all rescues are in good health before they are sent to their forever homes. I'm not sure breeders are as conscientious.
