Bye Dingo

[dalekboy]

I'm a fairly practical guy, from a droving background. Like my dad, there's a point you reach with an animal, even a loved pet, that you go "nope, we can't spend any more money on this, it's just a dog". Or you look at the animal's condition or health, and just say "nope, this is cruel."

In around an hour-and-a-half, the vet's coming over to put Ding to sleep. He started losing weight rapidly a couple of months back, he's developed trouble walking, he's lost some, not all, of his spark. Turns out his kidneys have stopped working properly, no matter how much he eats, he's no processing the food properly. Poor bugger is starving to death no matter how much he eats. Even on special food, designed for dogs with this sort of problem isn't helping. Had him to the vet's today, he's lost another kilo.

Got him home and he struggled to eat his favourite dog treat. Really struggled. And that was the point at which trying to keep him alive becomes selfish and cruel. So called the vet and he's coming over around 1:45 to put him to sleep. I had no problem making the decision, but of course now I'm a wreck.

Dingo is the last of my work dogs. We worked together, were mates. And I went back and checked. Dad and I were using him when we were at Castricum Brothers, and I'm sure we had him when we were at Oakleigh Abattoirs as well. So Dingo's at least 19 years. That's a fantastic age for a dog, and given that he still likes to chase a ball, even more amazing. He's never had any health problems, always been fit and happy.

Going to go and play ball with him now.

Bye Ding, you were a good work mate, and a good friend and you've been there for half my life. Gunna miss ya.

Comments

[cheshirenoir.livejournal.com]

Aw man, that's gotta suck, but I agree on the whole "Quality of Life" thing when it comes to pets (And people, for that matter)

Hold in there boyo!

[leecetheartist.livejournal.com]

I've been there too, and it isn't good. You've done what you can, and it's good of you to put your need for him below his need to not suffer. Feels terrible though.

Tell him to say hi to my dog, Brandy, he'll show him the best places to lift his leg.

Hugs.

[gutter-monkey.livejournal.com]

((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))

It sucks, but it was the right thing to do. Hope you're doing okay, buddy.

I'll be seeing you soon (at Continuum if not sooner) and I'll give you an actual hug then. :)

[bigevilogre.livejournal.com]

Man, sorry to hear about that. It's heart warming that you were going to go out and play ball with him a little bit one last time. Not many people would do that. That's good on you, it shows you have heart and character.
I dunno what you're beliefs are, but I am half American Indian and live much of the way they do as far as religion goes. I have a medicine bag I keep little snippets of feathers or fur from critters I have loved and lost. By now it's a little late for you, I imagine. Just know deep inside that it was not only for the best but he has very much impacted you as a person and it shows, therefore he is always with you.

[smofbabe.livejournal.com]

Sorry you're losing such a long-time companion and buddy but you know you're doing the right thing for him. Hang in there!

[king-espresso.livejournal.com]

Best wishes, mate. Sorry about the dog. Hopefully we'll catch up a little at the con, where you don't have to be Santa. :)

[kaths.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear that :(

[delicious-irony.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

There really is no easy way through this.

Dingo's had a great life with you and your dad.

Keep well.:~/

[deborahb.livejournal.com]

Bye, Dingo.

[meljane.livejournal.com]

My parents have had to make a decision on putting one of our past family cat and dog to sleep and I if I was their position I think no matter how bad it felt it is always better to let them get put to sleep rather than have them suffer any day .

I'm such a softy I get really sad when we take the baby budgies to be sold in a pet shop, but none of my friends I know will ever take them as pets *sigh*.

*hugs*

[tikiwanderer.livejournal.com]

Last walk I took him for, an old lady stopped and talked to him and spent quite a bit of time telling him what a good looking dog he was. He walked home from there with more spark than I'd seen in the last couple of months. Bye, Ding.