Question:
I'm not really ready to talk about this yet but I thought that I should let you guys know that my mom had to have our 12 year old Shepherd/lab mix put to sleep this morning.

Poor Jessie had been struggling with health problems all year - first a tumor and then really, bad arthritis. She had been on pain killers and arthritis drugs for a while, but I guess that they were no longer strong enough...mom said that Jess started to fall down a lot and then yesterday she stopped being able to walk. Mom said that she had to carry Jess outside to pee and even had to hold her food and water dish up to her because she couldn't bend her head down anymore. And then on top of all that, she started to pant really badly (the vet figures that something was pressing on Jessie's lungs). My mom and brother took her to the vet this morning, but the vet said that the only thing that she could do (that hadn't already been done) was to give her steroids, and she said that that would only prolong her life for another week (and that would only be for our benefit and not Jess').

So it was her time...but that doesn't make it any easier. I feel really bad that I hadn't seen her in a long time (I think it has been a couple years) and that I didn't have a chance to say goodbye. But she was in so much pain at the end, that it wouldn't have been fair or right to make her suffer longer just so that I could see her (mom said that she only acknowledged anyone when they were right in front of her anyway). I also feel really bad for my mom. She was so upset this morning when she called, and she was about to go clean up all the dog fur and try to find someone (either a neighbour or shelter) who will take Jess' extra food.


Answer:
I am so very sorry.


Answer:
Aww Danielle I'm so sorry. I remember the whole ordeal with the tumor Poor Jessie is no longer suffering. It doesn't make the sadness any better but at least it's a bit of comfort.


Answer:
Awww, I am so sorry, this must be hard on you and your family


Answer:
I'm so sorry for your loss Danielle..


Answer:
Here's a picture of Jessie in her younger days:



Here's a picture from the last time (or one of the last times) that I saw her:




Answer:
Thanks guys. I'm getting teary eyed thinking about it...


Answer:
She was a sweet looking dog


Answer:
Danielle, I am sorry for your's and your families loss.


Answer:
Thanks.

She was super sweet. She was by far the most loving dog that I have ever had (I have had dogs ever since I was born) - she loved everyone and would always get excited whenever anyone came to the house.