Awww Carolyn, you have my sympathies, and believe me I can feel your pain and confusion. I can only tell you of my own experiences. And yes, I had to take care of of it all by myself too. The Vets here give Two shots, the first is a strong sedative which puts them to sleep before they even finish injecting it into the thigh. The second shot is what stops the heart and they don't feel any pain or anything. The first shot is like what I had done to me before a surgery, I don't even remember going to sleep, just remember seeing the doc's face, then I woke up in recovery.
Two shots is the most humane way, and reassures that he has definitely made it to the Bridge without any errors. That's the type of Vet that you should find, one who only gives two shots. They usually will call you a couple of days later when the cremation is done, so you can pick up the ashes. I have heard of group cremations, here in NY it means that when the shelter dogs are sent to the bridge they have a scheduled day, and any other pets from the Vets are also done at the same time at the crematory. As far as burying the ashes at sea, since you pick the ashes up, and unless they are literally holding a service at a designated area near water, you have options of keeping his ashes and putting them in something that you already have, or buy an urn or a small box and you can keep them or bury them in your yard, Or you can distribute the ashes where ever you want. It doesn't mean that you have to distribute them at sea. Here it only cost 65.00 for a private cremation. Guess each state is different. For one of my pets, I asked my Vet if we could have a private room with a chair, and if she could give the injection while my Fluffy was in my arms. I didn't want to put him on that cold steel table cause I knew that would make him afraid. The Vet was wonderful about it and understood. She then took him from me, and before I could even walk out of the room, I went hysterical. I sat for half an hour in my car in the parking lot with uncontrollable sobering. It wasn't any easier when I finally got home, or the next day either. It takes a while and yes for me, I felt that guilt to, but logic told me it had to be done. He had liver cancer and the night before he let out wolf howls of pain and by the morning his whole left side had turned black. So I knew that it really was the most honorable act of love and kindness that I could ever give him. Now I look forward to seeing all my babies at the bridge one day. I truly believe that they will all be with me in my mansion in the heavens as God as promised. If Joe is in pain and nothing else can be done to stop that pain, then yes you are showing him the final act of love that you have for him. The Vet called me a couple of days later. His ashes were in a very thick plastic bag. I had found a beautiful small carved box on-line, and put his ashes in that and then buried it in a friends yard. For me, it gave me a sense of closure and I was even able to buy a small rock, and have his name carved on it as a headstone. Each of us has to make our own decision as to what makes us feel the most comfortable about such matters. I wanted a place to visit him and I did the same thing with others, for me, it gave me a sense of comfort to visit them afterwards and reassured me that I had made the right decision. Here's a site that has a paw memorial stone if you are interested in burying the ashes. http://www.collectionsetc.com/Product/pet-paw-print-garden-memorial-stone aspx/_/Ntt-pet-memorials http://www.collectionsetc com/Product/rainbow-bridge-hanging-pet-memorial-wall-banner aspx/_/Ntt-pet-memorials How old is Joe now? Can I see a picture of him? Koby will know, and she will more then likely comfort you when you return home. Hugs my friend, and feel free to email privately when ever you want to ball your eyes out.....I am here for you. Peggy -------Original Message------- From: Carolyn M. Date: 3/7/2012 10:03:17 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Chihuahuas] I'm putting Joe down on Monday. Need you... Hi friends, Well, I've put it off for two months and now I think it's time. Can you guys help me? I'm writing through tears and it makes for a very blurry screen. I told y'all before about Joe and all his tumors, etc., and that I could spend thousands (literally) in testing and medications. But the vet told me honestly that Joe is dying and I could only prolong his life by investing lots of money, but it won't cure him and won't save him for very long. OK, so I called my vet (and others) and asked about euthanasia prices...I can't believe how expensive it is. Almost all were $150 and up to put him to sleep and have a "group" cremation with the ashes spread out to sea. PLEASE DON'T TELL ME if this doesn't happen and instead something awful happens. Please don't. I'll be doing this by myself - driving Joe and me to the Vet; staying beside and petting Joe while the Dr. injects the serum. And if I understand all this correctly, then Joe will just go to sleep. Is that right? So, you guys, how can I know this is the right decision? I've prayed to God to give me strength, which he does. But I also asked him if I should be doing this and I don't hear an answer. How can I justify, in my heart, the fact that I'm going to ("kill" is such a harsh word, but...) put down my beloved Joe? How do I do that? Then, what about his little brother? Y'all told me before that his pal will grieve. I understand what grief is. I buried my beloved son last year. And I know there is no comparison, but now this year, I have to bury my cherished dog. Anyway, how do I comfort Koby, my little chi who's known Joe for 10 months? And, how in the heck do I do this? Drive Joe and I to the vet, take him in; then drive home with only his collar?? I can't even write this to y'all without crying and I'm pretty sure I won't be any braver when I drive us to Joe's death. Please say something to me that will help. Thank you, Carolyn, Joe, Koby and Emma Rose
