Been avoiding this for a while

I think it is time. My 14 yr old Hershey is not able to hold her bowels and she is blind and yes has arthritis. Has trouble getting up and sitting down. I have to accept she is in pain and her quailty of life is just not good.

I gave myself the summer, one last summer for her. It's almost October. I have to face it.

My question is what is the process of putting her at peace? I hate asking the cost, but just wondering what is the standard cost? Is it peaceful as everyone has told me? She will just go to sleep?


Edited to add: Just made the appt for this Tuesday, October 12.

Message edited 10/9/2010 1:22:17 PM.

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

I don't know the answer to any of your questions, I just wanted to

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

I don't remember the cost. My parents met me at the vet's office and ended up taking care of the bill because I couldn't handle it. I don't know about everyone's experience but for my guy it wasn't as peaceful as I thought. He cried so loudly trying to fight it and trying to get up. It was probably the worst experience of my life. I am starting to cry thinking about it again. I am sorry your time as come. :o(

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

I'm not sure about your questions, but I just wanted to say I'm so sorry you're going through this. I'm terrified to face this decision myself.



I do know that the cost depends on the size of the dog, and that you don't have to be in the room when they do it, but that it is as peaceful as going to sleep.

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

I don't know about the cost but I can tell you that yes, they just go to sleep. The vet we went to used three shots, the first was the sedative, the other two took care of everything else.

We had it done for DH's rottie. You need to prepare yourself that it will be very, very sad for YOU but the pain relief you are giving your furbaby is absolutely invaluable. For us, it was a peaceful experience, I hope it is the same for you.

Message edited 9/29/2010 3:48:06 PM.

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

I don't know about the cost for a dog - I put my cat to sleep a while ago, it was time for him because he was so sick.

In addition to the vet fees, I paid for cremation and for a wooden urn to put him in.

It is a really peaceful process and Hershey will not feel a thing.
The vet will insert a catheter into Hershey's leg and when you are ready, will administer a very strong sedative that will make Hershey sleep almost instantly. When she's asleep, the vet will then administer the drugs that will stop her heart.

She will not feel a thing.


eta : I'm sorry that you have to do this. It is heartbreaking, but think of how Hershey will no longer be in pain.

Message edited 9/29/2010 3:49:33 PM.

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

I don't have any answers, but I just wanted to say how sorry I am...I'm in tears just reading this...

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

First, let me say how terrilby sorry I am for you. It is one of the most difficult things I have ever done.

Last year, when we had to let Schultz go, the vet bill was approximately $150 at LI Vet Specialists. It may have been less at the regular vet, but I had trouble with them and I was leaving their office. Also, he was 110 lbs, I don't know if his size had anything to do with the price, I never asked.

I had an individual cremation arranged with Regency Forest Pet Memorial in Middle Island. Including individual cremation, picking him up at the vet in Plainview and the urn it was $300. But I had to get a larger urn becuase he was over 100 lbs and I paid alot extra for an individual cremation. They were absolutely wonderful to me, I couldn't have asked for better in a horrendous situation.

Again, I am terribly sorry for you.

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

Thanks everyone. I haven't checked this post since I posted it. Still avoiding, I guess.

She was in all day yesterday because of the rain and had 2 accidents. Today, she is laying on her pillow on the deck and soaking up the sun.

I am going to have to make my DH make the appt. She is doing good today.

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

I just wanted to say that I am so sorry. It's the most difficult thing about having a pet. Many for you and Hershey.

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

I really don't have anything to say.

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

I'm so sorry.....

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

I am sorry you have to make such a tough decision.

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

For a medium size dog the cost was $60 for the shot....
The Vet asked if I would like to donate the body for future research with burn and or cancer victims....I said yes...and a few months later recieved a wonderful letter about how much my pet went on to help others....It was wonderful!!!

I'm sorry you have to do this, it is horrible...but you don't want them to be in pain!!!

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

Cost varies between vets. If you choose communal cremation (where she is cremated with other pets) its cheaper..it also depends on the weight of the dog. May run you around $200 or so. If you choose individual (cremated seperately and you get ashes back) might be $300 ish. I am really sorry for this tough time that you are going through. Its def. not an easy choice but if in your heart you feel its time, then it probably is.

ETA: If you choose not to cremate and decide to take the body to bury then it may be around $100 which includes sedation and euthansia shot.

Message edited 10/6/2010 11:26:27 PM.

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

Im so so sorry.

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

so sorry Tara

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

Re: Been avoiding this for a while

I'm so sorry you have to go thru this. I am tearing right now! Just remember the great times you had with him. Let him be at peace.

Re: Been avoiding this for a while