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Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down :(

4582 Views 20 Replies 19 Participants Last post by  boxerlove
:cry:

Well My buddy Zeus is almost 5 1/2 and he is getting really bad.
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Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

Im sorry to hear your boxer is having a rough time. There is no one who can tell you whether or not to put him so sleep, its really what you feel is best.
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

You know him best - give some time to think about it and make the best decision for Zeus
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

Are you working with an Internist?  Has your vet done a consult with a major Veterinary College, and faxed them all the records?  We were told to put our dog down because of a prostate tumor, found by ultrasound.  I asked for a referral to an oncologist, but they refused, set on his impending death.

They gave us two weeks.  A month later another Internist, near Chicago, repeated the ultrasound, with biopsies.  The results showed no cancerous cells, or progression.  Diagnosis was a rare form of lymphoma.  Had he been younger, and not had other health problems there were procedures for real, accurate diagnosis and treatment.  I suggest getting another opinion since Buddy is so young.

Ann WI
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

Thats what i am trying to do i am just venting on here.  I have had him since he was 4 weeks old and we have been though so much together its tough.  All through college, getting married, having a kid and to think of him not being around sucks!
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

This is our second opinion. The blood work and lump sample have been sent to Texas A & M. The vet feels he has cancer. The results should be in tomorrow. He HAS cardiomyopathy and chronic kidney failure. The vet said this is all treatable but costly. They said although we could treat it it would probably only give him a couple more months.
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

So sorry to hear your buddy is having so much trouble. I had to have my 10 year old girl Sexy put down back in November due to cancer, she was my first dog and let me tell you that this was the hardest decision i have ever made in my life, and still hurts me very much till this day, there's not a day that goes by were I don't think about her, however i think you have to consider his quality of life and if he is in pain or not and do what is best for him if you love him. If his illness is treatable and has good prognosis you might consider taking out a line of credit to save his life if you are short on cash, I know I would if it ever came down to that, I just get so attached and would do anything to cure them and allow them to live as long as possible.
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Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

So sorry that Zeus is having such a tough time.
I had to make the decision to put my 'Dixie Diana' down at the age of 7 when Lymphoma robbed her of her quality of life. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make.
It's been almost 2 years now and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss her and wish I could hug her just one more time.
She lived a little over 4 months after being diagnosed with Lymphoma.
With the use of Prednisone, she lived a fairly normal and happy life until the last few days when she started a downhill spiral.

You will know when the time is right....you can see it in their eyes.
Up until the day that Dixie was put down....she had a spark in her eyes. That last day...the spark was gone. When I looked into her eyes that day....I knew she was tired and that she didn't want to go on any longer...I knew the time had come to let her go even though my heart was breaking.

You and Zeus are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

Can't give you any advice as i've never been through this type of thing. Just wanted to say i really feel for you and Zeus. Lots of courage whatever you decide.
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

I always watch for the signs.  Usually it is that they will turn away from me and not want the human touch like they used to, they do tell you.  Also not eating and the failure to have a "boxer" quality of life.  The loss of appetite, weight and energy and the lack of interest in life with my Zoe was her message that it was her time to go. I feel I gave her the final gift I could give her and let her go.  Listen to your heart.

 I am very sorry for your having to go thru this.  I know how hard it is, everyone in my pack feels for you and we send you courage and peace.  

Namaste'

Nano
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

Izzy\";p=\"80842 said:
You will know when the time is right....you can see it in their eyes.
Up until the day that Dixie was put down....she had a spark in her eyes. That last day...the spark was gone. When I looked into her eyes that day....I knew she was tired and that she didn't want to go on any longer...I knew the time had come to let her go even though my heart was breaking.
I think Jeanne said it best. My boxer was totally blind when I had to make the decision, and yet I still saw it in his eyes. Nano had a great point also, the human touch isn't even comforting to them anymore.
Zeus will let you know when he is ready. I think if you are asking the question, then no it is not time. You do know him best, and you will know when it is the time. It truly is the last unselfish gift you can give to your boy.
I'm really sorry you are going through this right now. It does suck. We are here whenever you need to vent. Good luck with Zeus.  :(
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

I am so sorry to hear about Zeus.  I agree with the others, you will know when it is time.
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

My very first boxer had lymphoma when he was 5 yrs. old and it was horrible - I am so sorry to hear this about Zeus. They recommended chemo as treatment for him and said that I could possibly be buying about 6 mos. to a year more with him. My thought on all of this is when I feel their quality of life is diminished greatly then it is time but I also agree with nano, their facial expressions do tell you...Good luck with your decision and just know that you have given him a wonderful life during all those years.
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

Here is a little poem that was given to me when I put my old girl Xena to rest. I found it very comforting.



IF IT SHOULD BE........
If it should be i grow frail and weak,
and pain should wake me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for this last battle can't be won.

you will be sad - I understand,
don't let your grief then stay in your hand,
For this day, more than all the rest,
your love and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
what is to come will 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,
but stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm, and talk to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you too will see,
It is kindness you do to me.
Although my tail it's last has waved,
from pain and suffering, I've been saved.

Do not grieve that 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...
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Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

it must be so heartbreaking to go through this, i am so sorry.it is a difficult decision to have to make , it is not just your pet, but your companion and your friend.you are both lucky to have each other.best of luck in your decision.
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

I am so sorry that you & Zeus are having to go thur with this. I have been in your shoes with my cocker Felecia she was 14 ad developed breast cancer. I got her when I got married. She was my best friend. she was there when Marissa was born. My "babysitter" or so she thought. I was there when she had her babies ( 1 litter in my bed @ midnight!) and she was thre thur my divorce. I had to put her down and cried for days then one day was listening to the radio thinking about her and a song came on that sd LIFE AIN'T ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL BUT IT'S A  BEAUTIFUL RIDE. That became her song and now when I hear it I smile and remember her ride. Hope that helps
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

I have to tell you, I actually hesitated to read this, cos I knew that it would break my heart and I was right....You know better than anyone all the moods and feelings of Zeus, so I have to say rely on that....let him tell you when he's tired and ready for peace...I know there is going to come a day when I will have to face this as well and I would like to think that I will have the strength to do what my babies ask of me....My prayers are with you both and plese give Zeus a big hug and tell him we are pulling for him, bless his heart.....
Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

i am so very sorrry that you have to face this..its so hard..i too have been there..and it breaks your heart...the wondering  whether you are right or wrong ,is it time, you really WILL know..you know in your heart if hes in pain ,if its getting worse...and they fact that maybe they can give him a little more time is good but is it time in pain and frustration?
i had to put my boy down with cancer, he was 7 and had been there with me through ALOT...it was the hardest day i had ever had...i cried all the way there..second guessing myself..and the what if's racked my brain...but in the end when he slowly closed his eyes with me hugging him..i knew he felt no more pain...and i was relieved..
i still think about him all the time..but i knew the time was right and i loved him so much i couldnt bear the thought of him suffering...

you will know whats right..prayers to you both..its a hard thing but hes counting on you to know the best thing..he knows you love him unconditionally and your decision will be from your heart..

good luck and we are all here for you
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Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

I am soo sorry to hear about Zeus.  Less than a year ago I too was in the same situation and it's soo hard to know what to do.  My last boxer, Blu who was also my very first boxer became very ill at only 13 months of age.  I went to many different vets and specialists and no one could give me a clear diagnoses.  Eventually she became so ill that I was taking her to the vet everyday for medication to help her with the pain.  This was when my vet and I both decided it was time to do exploratory surgery.  Unfortunately she was 75% cancer in the stomach so I decided it was best not to wake her back up.  It's soo hard to let go of your loved ones but you have to do what is best to make sure their not suffering.  I honestly believe that your boxer will let you know when the timing is right.  Templeton and I are sending positive thoughts your way. Take care.
Kim and Templeton
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Re: Need Advice, wondering if its time to put my buddy down

I'm sorry I can't relate yet but the few times I think of my Xena eventually leaving me, tears well up in my eyes. I really don't have any advice. I just wish you and Zeus the best, whatever that may be.
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