Today was a sad day at the kennel.
A few evenings ago I noticed that Slanky, the runt of the 4 week old puppy litter, was in some distress and that something was very wrong with one of her legs.
After several late night telephone veterinarian consultations, it was decided that she needed an emergency vet clinic visit. I spent much of the next day with her at the clinic, taking x-rays and consulting at length about her condition.
What I had hoped was just an unfortunate injury that sometimes happens to puppies in the close confines of their nursery turned out to be something much more serious. The doctors were unable to determine for sure, but it appeared that she had some underdevelopment and missing parts in her joints.
Although it was clear that she would never be a sled dog, I immediately hoped to be able to raise her — as we have done before — to become a pet dog. When the vets informed me that they would have to amputate her leg in order to save her at all, however, my hopes were pretty much dashed.
To make matters worse, I was told that we would have to wait several weeks to do the amputation because she was so young.
I brought her back to the Kennel and watched her constantly for the next 24 hours. She looked just awful and in distress. I do not know if she was in pain, but I believe she was.
I did a lot of soul searching, as I always do about all of our dogs, and considered her long-term welfare. Her best prospects were to face several more weeks of pain and distress, to become a three-legged dog and to hope that she would avoid the likelihood of other congenital defects.
Sometimes being an advocate for the dog — being “dog first” — means you have to make the hard decisions.
I had Slanky put to sleep today.
I am sorry to share this sad news.
Aliy
One of the toughest things in life is weighing the choices and making the tough decision of what is best for the animal. You did what was best for her, not you! That takes courage. Good girl…
I am so sorry:) I take in rescues, mostly older dogs and over the years had to make this horrible decision many times. Just last Tuesday I was at that point with my 33 year old Horse Smokey I had for 31 years. His legs were giving out…..
Do you know about the Rainbow Bridge? I am hoping all of us animal lovers will get to go there some day.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
Aliy and Allen,
We are soooo sorry to hear about Slanky. We agree, you must do what is right for your dogs, even when it's the most difficult decision you can make.
Aliy, My heart goes out to you! Making that awful decision as to when to put our animals out of their pain and suffering has got to be one of the hardest things we do in life! After all, they are like our children! Please know that my thoughts are with you! Linda Finkel
My sympathies.
Margaret Wirtenberg
I know how tough it is to have to put one of your dogs down and you have my sincere condolences. You did what was best for her even though it was a painful thing to do.
Frank Dechaine
Wenatchee, Wa.