Basenji without spunk - very sick, pls read

[lvoss]

There is nothing that will make this decision easier. The hardest part about pet ownership is knowing when to say goodbye. I know you will do the best thing for Beta.

[MaxBooBooBear]

Dear Betsey, I would not presume to offer advice in a situation like this. But I can tell you what I have done in the past. I've had two beloved pets put to sleep in the past few years. They were my children; they were my babies. With both I made the decision to euthanize them right before they would have had to have been put on IVs because they were so ill. The first was Pepper–my german shepherd mix and Max's (my basenji) life long companion. I was with her by mysef with the vet. I did not have Max there at the vets and didn't have him see her afterwards. I came home alone to Max, and he did not suffer from any depression or seem confused--but every dog is different. With Max last year, I did the same thing--because it was so difficult for him to be confined anywhere, I had told all his doctors (vet and oncologists) that I would give him medical care up until he would have to be hospitalized--at that point we would put him to sleep. When I found out on a Saturday morning in November that his kidneys had gotten worse after a week of daily sub Q fluids, I knew it was time, and I had him put to sleep in my arms that morning. He was almost 16. These were the most difficult times of my life, and I know you will make the decision that is best for you and your beloved Beta and Caesar.

[Terry]

Oh, Betsey, I read your posts with tears rolling down my face. It is such a hard decision. But always, no matter what you decide, know that you gave Beta the love and the life that she deserved. She was lucky to have found you.

Terry

[Duke]

Dear Betsey,

In my previous post, I mentioned my old boy Rocky a Chow mix. He lived to just shy of his 16th birthday. He had a cancer on his rear thigh that we tried desperately to cure. It was the type of cancer that if wide enough margins of tissue could be removed, it might be curable. Long story with surgury, radiation and more surgery, it kept comming back. We knew it was all painful for him, but we had hoped we could get him cancer free. Unfortunately, he never ever recovered. It must have been unbearable for him to stand up and walk. Thousands of dollars later, we made a difficult decision. I began to feel selfish that he was living in pain just so I wouldn't have to say good-by. My husband and I decided to take him to his favorite park in our old neighborhood. We all delightfully enjoyed that hour that brought back so many memories. Rocky was excited and happy to be there. Then we took him to the vet's office, laid out his blanket on the grass under a tree outside. Rocky laid down on the blanket and we comforted him by his side with lots of happy talk. The vet came outside and gave him his last shot. He went to sleep dreaming all about squirrel chasing. I asked the vet if we could stay outside because going into the office had always stressed Rocky and I didn't want him to be that way. I knew the decision I made was right for him because he was no longer in pain. That was almost 4 years ago. I just loved him so much and still do.

Oh my - I hope my experience is of some help making your decisioin. It is one of the saddest, hardest things in life to go through. Again, my thoughts and prayers for you and Beta.

[Mantis]

Thank you. Beta's high or happiness yesterday was short lived. She played with Caesar a bit and was tired for the rest of the evening.

This morning she had some problems of the usual variety. Then she received her meds and a half a tramadol to give her less pain.

We took Caesar and Beta to the park and they had so much fun. The whole pack was there: Nikki, Topper, Eddie, Cally,Call's new brother, Frankie, Bella and all of the basenji parents. They all ran around together for hours. Beta out of character went to each parent and let them pet and love on her. She had a great time.

I will post pics from the park when I get them.

Betsey

[nala121498]

I can only say that my heart goes out to you Betsey…please give Beta a special squeeze from me and Nala. I don't think I could add to the wonderful advice given to you from the rest of the forum. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lots of love, Sharon

[Lenora]

Betsey, you and your little one are in my prayers as I know today will be very difficult for you. Lenora

[Ambered]

betsey, i am sorry you are going through this ordeal. i have heard of vets making house calls to make it easier on everyone. please dont beat yourself up anymore! you are so kind to have saved little beta, and given her a wonderful life. bless you and beta.

[Triciaw]

Betsey,
I am SO sorry to hear about Beta. I know like me, she is your child.
I can sympathize and am crying as I type this.
At least you were able to rescue her and provide these last years of a loving home with the best care possible.
Hang in there….....
(My dog Pikachu is Betseys other Basenji "Ceasar" s, Mom)
Love Trish and Pikachu

[Mantis]

Thank you. Today was the hardest thing I have ever done. Caesar went with me. Beta and I shared her last moments together. Then Caesar came in and wouldnt even aknowledge that she was in the room. Not even a sniff. I guess she wasnt there.

Today has been really rough and lots of tears. I will miss that little wiggle in her trot and those doe eyes.

The house seems empty but I have Caesar by my side and we are okay together.

Betsey

[Mantis]

here is a picture at the park…

[red and white furever]

What a lovely picture, Betsey. Many hugs to you and Ceaser today. You've been in my thoughts.
Hugs,
Lorraine

[MaxBooBooBear]

Dear Betsey,

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your loved ones are in my thoughts. I am glad that you and Caesar have each other. I know you will be able to help each other through this.

Caren

[Lenora]

Betsey, you will remain in my prayers. We are all thinking of you. Lenora

[JoeyQ]

Betsey,
Prayers of peace and comfort to you tonight. Yes, dogs' senses are very acute and much deeper than ours so Ceasar did know Beta was not there. My heart goes out to you and I admire you for your bravery and strength through all of this. Know that Beta HAS the best Mom!!! ( A part of her will always be in your heart.)
Sandra

[Basenji_Boy]

My heart goes out to you Betsey, hugs and prayers as well. Beta's pain is over now and she is running and playing in a beautiful field of flowers.

Special Dogs…...Very Special People

[jys1011]

Betsey many many hugs to you & Ceasar. I'm no sure there aren't any words that could ever make this terrible feeling any better. But I'll say them anyways, you are an amazing loving & caring person. I've never met anyone more concerned & completely selfless with their pet. I have no doubt that Beta's last moments were special & her little warriror spirit will live on to help many more Basenjis out there. Know that her death was not in vain and her purpose for being here was fulfilled.

Many hugs & prayers to you during this time.

[Quercus]

Betsey, I am so sorry to hear of Beta's passing. Thank you for going to the lengths that you did to find out what was wrong with her. That knowledge may be really valuable to the breed if this is something genetic.

She sounds like a real sweetie of a dog, and I am sorry she had to leave the earth so soon.

Hugs to all of you,

[Duke]

Betsey,

My condolences and sentiments are same as jys1011. God bless you and Ceasar.

[jenwilson]

Betsey, I am SO SO SO Sorry about Beta. We all know how much you loved her. You are not alone though… we are each hurting for you and we all know the loss is great and enormously painful. Thoughts are with you as you adjust to this loss in your life. God Bless you. I wait for the day you let us know you are ready for another B. Nothing cures pain like the unconditional love our pets our provide us with.