She's a purebred mutt shih-tzu. I call her that because she's purebred, but came from a BYB. (I found out afterwards I learned the hard way!) I overheard from my co-worker that the dad is an imperial shih-tzu! (teacup.) I'd never heard of that, so I looked it up. Boy was I mad, but I didn't know anything about BYB's until I already had my dog. 
She has genetic hip dysplasia, which is probably what started neurological problems. She stopped walking, eating, peeing/pooping suddenly. We've tried meds- she now walks but limps on her back legs. She cannot control her bladder, even with Proin. Doggie diapers made the mess worse. She doesn't usually leak in her kennel, she leaks as she walks. I can't keep her outside or locked in the kennel (jail as we say) all day. It's not fair to her, & it's not fair for my kids to have pee/poop in their rooms constantly. The vet said today there is probably nothing that will help her since we've already tried everything.
I knew for a while we'd have to put her down, but I've been procrastinating because I don't want too. After I tell my kids, should we just get it done, or wait to spend more time with her? She's in pain if we pick her up, but she seems fine if we just pet her on the floor so that's what we've been doing- trying to keep her as comfy as possible.
My husband is in CONSTANT back pain, and he wishes frequently that he could be put down! It's not that easy to just decide…..
She's barely over a year old! *sniff*
Her name is Harley.
Oh gosh, I am so sorry for you, your family and your beloved fur-friend.
I had a dog many years ago with hip dysplasia, once she got to the stage where your dog is now, it was very hard. We could up the meds, but at what cost and for how long? It was only a temporary thing that was delaying the inevitable. I did not want to let this girl go. It tore me apart inside. My kids were very small then. We sat down as a family and talked about this, and cried a lot. That was a Sunday. We made the decision to "do the deed" on Monday, the kids wanted me to wait till after school so they could say their goodbyes and go along if they wished. So it was.
I spent that entire day in the company of my beloved companion. We sat in the sun together and enjoyed each others' company. I cried a lot. When the kids got home we gathered on the floor around our fur-friend and read stories till it was time to go.
We had made an appointment to arrive right at closing time so that there would be no waiting, no interruptions and the full support of the vet and her staff. Convenient and nice….but it was still the hardest thing I'd ever done…. and it wasn't my first dog to leave me.
To answer your question….it doesn't get any easier with the passage of time…no matter how long or short. It's a dark cloud looming above that simply will not lift till her spirit leaves for the rainbow bridge. You and your heart will know when the time has come.
My heart is with you and your family. I hope you know you have a family of fellow dog lovers here who are all holding you close to their hearts during this difficult time.
If you were in constant pain – what would you want.
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Its a very very hard descision to make, but you as the human need to do whats best for your dog. She will let you know when she's ready to go.. You dont want your beloved dog living in pain every single day, and living in misery locked away in puppy jail..
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That is completly up to you.
You need to look at how she acts. If she looks happy most of the time, then I would think its worth a little suffering. If she is in intesnse pain all the time and rarely looks happy, then it might be time to say goodbye.
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I think it would be best for the dog if you let her go. I know it is hard but the dogs pain could be more than you know. It sounds like your family is close to the dog. I am sorry that this is happening for you.
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I feel for you and your family so much – its a very difficult time Im sure. I think you will know when the time is right for her and her quality of life is not good and she wants to go.
Gentle hugs to your pup and your husband
Edit – oh so young! thats so sad, all I can say now is do what you think is right. A wonderful thing you can do for your pup now is educate people as to why not buy from those sort of places. I am so sorry you had to learn this in such a horrible way.
Aaturra what a wonderful response
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We recently had to put a cat down for the same reasons. honestly your dog is unhappy. I wouldn't be very happy with stressing out all over my owners carpet.
As sad as the following comment is going to be it is true…
Put the dog down and replace her, I'm sure the kids won't mind and even though you will miss your pet its so rewarding giving another homeless puppy a good family
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Do you love your dog? Why would you even ask this question? I'm sorry and I don't mean to sound mean but I really do not understand why you have to question weather or not you should put your dog down or continue its suffering. Heres what you do…. You say goodbye to the dog, then take it to the vet that day or the next. But you don't let her suffer just because you really don't want to do it. Seriously think of the dog and not about how sad you will all be. She is in pain and you should just get it over with. She needs to be put down. She will be happier that way. Unless you really want to see her suffer and die in pain. Put yourself in her position.
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I know you love her but it sounds like its time to let her go.
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I know this is very hard. It is a very hard decision to make so look at it this way. If you where in pain and could not live a normal life, you could not run, play, walk or even go to the bathroom with out pain would you want to live.
Think of how you would feel. I know it is the worst thing in the world to have to decide on. We have done it many times in our lives. Is it fair to keep her here because you can not deal with it. She will not longer be in pain and she will move on to a better place. I hope this helped
Something for you:
Rainbow Bridge
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…
Added: To aattura That was beautiful!! (wipe tear from eye)
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Thank you for the LOVE you are extending to your dog.
Have a frank talk with the Vet — and if you can, please include your kids in on this talk — it will make THEM feel more "grown up and responsible", IMHO.
I too, did NOT want to put my beloved Princess (kitty) down even tho she had terrible Cancer (and she DID have 3 operations…nothing helped) When the time came, I knew beyond a doubt it was time.. Sometimes that is not the case.
But you are doing all you can, and I think one more talk with the Vet who knows your dog, will help a great deal.
What is your dog's name?
Give her a scritchie for me. trell her you love her and THANK her for being your friend and you can also tell her you are so sorry for all the pain she had to go thru.
When all is said and done, if you ever want to talk out against back yard breeders, there are plenty of web sites that have all the info you need.
I am so sorry for your pain, your kids' pain, and your doggie's pain.
Please tell your hubby I too have "Been there, felt like that too!!" and I hope he gets better soon.
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I would say that it is better to ease her suffering and say goodbye. Its an act of kindness.
It'll be upsetting, sure, but its all part of lifes circle. Obviously your kids know that your pet is not well and I would say that kids surprise us all with their resilience and acceptance of life and death. I think you've already done most of the hard thinking anyway and know in your heart that its the right thing to do, for all of the members of your family.
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I know it's a hard decision to make. They become part of you. I recently had to put mine down also. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do.I feel terrible,but I couldn't stand to see him suffer.He was in pain,not eating and withering away. I know in my heart I did the rite thing.Somehow it doesn't make it easier. I do know I couldn't stand to see him suffer.I miss him terribly,and sure am glad I had 10 wonderful years with him.I feel so sorry for you. I know what you are going through,but please don't let her suffer. It's not necessary.What kind of life is she really having.Please do what is best for her.
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In my opinion, if the dog is in pain, she should be put down. I know it is hard. I had a 8 week old puppy that had to be put down. He had distemper. The Vet said that their was nothing he could do. That was the best thing for him. His name was Charlie.
Anyway, if the dog is suffering because of pain, you don't want to let her suffer. That is my opinion on it.
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No one likes the idea, of doing something as heartbreaking as putting a pet down. That is never an easy decision to make. From what you are describing though, she has no quality of life left, she is in constant pain and the vet said that there is nothing more, that can be done to help her. Prolonging her life, would only be prolonging her pain, and I don't believe that is fair to her, and I don't think you do either. Let her go! Think of all the happy times you all had together. Here is something that may help a little:
http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/lastbatt.htm
I'm so very sorry that this has happened to your dog and that you have to make one of the hardest decisions you ever made, but you have to do what is best for her! I hope that your husband is feeling better soon!
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Former Chihuahua Breeder
Oh gosh, I am so sorry for you, your family and your beloved fur-friend.
I had a dog many years ago with hip dysplasia, once she got to the stage where your dog is now, it was very hard. We could up the meds, but at what cost and for how long? It was only a temporary thing that was delaying the inevitable. I did not want to let this girl go. It tore me apart inside. My kids were very small then. We sat down as a family and talked about this, and cried a lot. That was a Sunday. We made the decision to "do the deed" on Monday, the kids wanted me to wait till after school so they could say their goodbyes and go along if they wished. So it was.
I spent that entire day in the company of my beloved companion. We sat in the sun together and enjoyed each others' company. I cried a lot. When the kids got home we gathered on the floor around our fur-friend and read stories till it was time to go.
We had made an appointment to arrive right at closing time so that there would be no waiting, no interruptions and the full support of the vet and her staff. Convenient and nice….but it was still the hardest thing I'd ever done…. and it wasn't my first dog to leave me.
To answer your question….it doesn't get any easier with the passage of time…no matter how long or short. It's a dark cloud looming above that simply will not lift till her spirit leaves for the rainbow bridge. You and your heart will know when the time has come.
My heart is with you and your family. I hope you know you have a family of fellow dog lovers here who are all holding you close to their hearts during this difficult time.
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