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Name:   Lifer - Email Member
Subject:   The adoptin of PJ
Date:   3/28/2010 6:47:44 PM

Back in 2000 I responded to a thread titled just like this one and adopted a beautiful black Cocker Spaniel, Sir Winston Nestle Prancer Jr. (PJ to his friends). I can't remember the ladies name but she brought him to us from an abusive situation. I don't know if you still read the forum or not, but I hope so. I just wanted to let you know that he has led a charmed life. He has cost me a small fortune through the years with vet bills. He has been on the verge of death twice, once from attack and once from swallowing a bone. He developed epilepsy and suffers from a horrible fungal skin infection. He takes several meds every day to control both of those and a thyroid condition also.


But sadly I am afraid that this may be his last summer with us. He is getting older and sicker. I had him at the Vet Saturday and we had to have 'the talk'. I hope he improves but it is not looking very good right now. I have to weigh his suffering against my own selfishness. I hope and pray that I know when the time is right.

I want to say thank you. PJ has been a joy to me for ten years now. In the beginning it took me a week to even be able to touch him. He was so scared of any male that came around. Eventually he learned to trust me, and even some other men as well. Now he suffers seperation anxieties when we are not together.

Once again, thanks.







Name:   water_watcher - Email Member
Subject:   The adoptin of PJ
Date:   3/28/2010 8:37:53 PM

I feel for the decision you have to make. Some people do not realize how a pet becomes a family member. The story of you taking him in and the bond you now share was heart warming. Thanks for sharing and my thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time. When you make that decision he will be in a happy place and still be with you in spirit.




Name:   GoneFishin - Email Member
Subject:   The adoptin of PJ
Date:   3/28/2010 9:00:10 PM

Lifer, I share your feelings from my heart. I never had a dog until 1993 when I became the proud owner of a black lab. She was with us for 15 years and I lost a family member. It is so difficult and feel free to post whenever we can be of help.



Name:   Maverick - Email Member
Subject:   The adoptin of PJ - Lifer
Date:   3/28/2010 11:01:56 PM

You stated - I hope and pray that I know when the time is right.

I had to make the decision to put our Maggie to sleep, my decision while not an easy one, was easier after I spoke with our Vet over the phone, as I was out of town. I can tell you this tough decision was coming from his heart and I felt a level of peace and tranquility come over my body.

What I am saying seek advice and you will know when the time is right and you will be at peace I can assure you.

Now one thing our Vet did say when we wanted to stay with Maggie while she was put to sleep, he said he would not suggest such as you want to remember her last moments as a loving family member. So the family spent over an hour with her at the Vet and let me say the Vet and all his staff were SUPER in these extremely trying times. And in hindsight I have to totally agree with our Vet.



Name:   lotowner - Email Member
Subject:   The adoption of PJ - Lifer
Date:   3/29/2010 6:50:20 AM

Our little Mylie (Shih Tzu/Maltese) is only 1 year old and such a joy to my wife and I. She is not just a dog but a member of our family. Every day she brings joy. we would have a tough time without Mylie. Our thoughts are with you.



Name:   dandy_deno - Email Member
Subject:   The adoptin of PJ
Date:   3/29/2010 7:29:10 AM

Lifer, I too share your grief at the thought of having to lose such a good dog. I have a little Rat Terrier named General Stonewall Jackson (Jack) who has been a lifesaver to me through two years of recovery from an accident. I don't know what I would do without Him. God gives us many ways to get through life. I know that PJ was one of those ways for you. Our prayers are with you.



Name:   lamont - Email Member
Subject:   The adoptin of PJ
Date:   3/29/2010 12:13:39 PM

Lifer. I know exactly what you are going through. I had my Lab put down 15 years ago and said never again. Anywho, the wife and kids wanted a lapdog. I said absolutely not, I'm done with dogs. Then, 2 days before x-mas, 14 years ago, my wife "tricked" me into going to a breeder. That is a whole story in itself. But, this little Yorkie, the runt of the litter, was cowereing in the corner.... obviously mis-treated. My wife picked him up and sat on a sofa as I sat in a recliner on the far side of the room. As soon as I sat down, the puppy jumped off my wife's lap and sprinted to me. My wife said, "Can't we buy him for the kids?" I immediately took out my checkbook and said "How much?" As luck would have it, the novelty of this new puppy wore off for both the kids and my wife in less than a month and now, he's my 4th child. I say all this because Bocephus Clephas, Bo, is now 14. He can't hear anything and can barely see. He has a congenital hip problem and I know, very shortly, I will be faced with the same decision you are faced with now. It's silly how attached we become to our pets but, regardless, when I have to make that final decision, it's going to be horrible. The advice about not being present when the final deed is done, is good advice. Remember the good days and my thoughts are with you.



Name:   Talullahhound - Email Member
Subject:   The adoptin of PJ
Date:   3/29/2010 6:34:35 PM

On the issue of "being there" versus "not being there" at the very end.
I have done both. If you feel like you want to be there, rest assured that it is very peaceful. Many vets now recognize how emotional this is for the owners, and they go out of their way to make it as soothing as possible for both you and your furry loved one. Just two shots and they gently fade away. Some vets create a special room just for the procedure. One thing I have found about being there -- as hard as it is, it does give a sense of closure.

But, if you can't do it, rest assured that your vet will make it as quick and painless as possible. No one will think you are a wimp. It's a very emotional time.

One thing you need to think about is what you want done with the remains, because the vet will ask. I've always had my animals cremated, which the vet can arrange. But, if you want to handle a burial that's okay too.

Just know that your buddy will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge -- I won't link the Rainbow Bridge now because you'll be in tears in just a second. And if you need one, there are plenty of grief websites for those who have lost their buddies. It's like losing a member of your family. Grief is a process and it's not a linear process.

I'm getting teary eyed just typing this. I've got 3 14 year old cats that I've had since birth.



Name:   Lifer - Email Member
Subject:   Thanks for all the kind words.
Date:   3/30/2010 8:34:46 AM

AS fare as being with them or not, I don't know at this point. That will be a tough decision.

AS for his remains, they will go right next his 'sister' millie with his own marker in a special section of the yard.







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