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Post by AmyJo27 on Mar 22, 2010 22:38:43 GMT -5
I bring with deepest sadness and true pain that tomorrow at 1:00, Boomer is going to be euthanized. Today was a very bad day-I brought Boomer to town with me to run some errands and he cracked my car window by slamming against it trying to go after a man that was simply walking beside the car…No matter what I did, he would not stop and him being stronger than I am, I was helpless. When I came home I let Boomer loose and just began to cry. Boomer and I were sitting outside when Gustavo arrived home from work. Boomer chased Gustavo from his truck to the house trying to bite (Attack) him…If Boomer didn’t have leg problems I think Gustavo would be in the ER right now. Shortly after, Boomer began whining at the door wanting to go inside and greet Gustavo. It is obvious to me that my dog has serious brain problems that are obviously progressing. How can I keep a dog that I cannot even trust anywhere near my daughter? A dog that I myself am now afraid of. If I did keep him, he would live in his crate…What kind of life would that be and that would not make these issues any better. I love my Boomer, I know this aggression is not him and he is no longer the happy dog I have always loved... There comes a time when you just have to say good-bye and I think the time has come. I would be irresponsible and downright cruel if I continued to make him suffer. No matter how hard I fought, an irresponsible breeder took my dogs life…Lesson Learned. Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts…This is just as hard for me as losing a family member (I AM losing a family member)…I am home all day and Boomer is my company…God get me through this. God Sped my son! RIP Boomer...You have left your print in my heart.
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Post by suziriot on Mar 22, 2010 23:00:20 GMT -5
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Post by AmyJo27 on Mar 22, 2010 23:21:06 GMT -5
Thank you Suzi. Its just a really hard decision because he acts so normal afterwards…Right now him and Gustavo are laying in bed together cuddling (Gustavo loves Boomer just as much as I do). Its almost like Boomer knows, he keeps nudging Gustavo’s hand and licking Gustavo’s face as if to say he understands. God this is hard…I wish he would just be really mean and not sweet so it wouldn’t be so hard but he is unpredictable.
We gave him a raw T-Bone steak for supper and he gets another one for breakfast tomorrow. Im going to spoil him as much as I can in the few hours we have left together.
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Post by erpitrescue on Mar 22, 2010 23:34:56 GMT -5
Amy, I am so sorry to hear this! Mary and I were talking about something along these lines the other day. If a dog was either just good, or bad, the decisions we would have to make would be so clear cut, but the gut wrenching ones are the ones where the dog is good sometimes, and bad some other times. It is that unpredictability that somehow leads us down the path of questioning ourselves/beating oruselves up with the "what ifs" and the "but alsos". Having been in similar situations int he past, my heart is breaking for you. Let me know if there is anything you need form me, and vent when you are ready. We are here for you!
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Post by valliesong on Mar 23, 2010 0:03:58 GMT -5
I am so sorry. You gave him a great life, even if it was short. Sending thoughts...
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Post by sugar on Mar 23, 2010 8:12:54 GMT -5
Find comfort in the fact that you gave that doggie the best life possible and loved him very deeply (because they can sense that). Others out there may have just put him down right off the bat, but you (being the good hearted, and kind soul person you are) gave him a fighting chance at a normal, well-loved life. You did the best you could against all the odd stacked against you and Boomer. Give him a good long hug, because deep down you both know that you will see him on the other side of the bridge: happy, healthy and whole.
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Post by adoptapitbull on Mar 23, 2010 8:24:31 GMT -5
Amy Jo, you are such an awesome dog mom. You are strong enough to know what is best for your family and Boomer. You know this is not your fault, and that there is nothing you could have done. Boomer is sick and you have to look at it that way. This is no different than cancer, really. This is something that is making him not himself, and putting him (and you) in lots of danger. Everyone is right; you did all you could, and more than most would do.
Give him the best morning a dog could have, and hold him while he crosses the bridge. You will see him again, and he'll love you just as much as he does now.
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Post by michele5611 on Mar 23, 2010 8:39:07 GMT -5
Amy Jo I am at a loss for words....my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
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... Godspeed Boomer.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Mar 23, 2010 8:41:03 GMT -5
Thank you all again...
Garland, that is exactly how it is. I keep saying "Wait, lets try this....Maybe he will change" and "What if we try..." I really do wish he would not be so sweet...He looks at me with his big eyes as if he knows.
Michele that is the sweetest thing ever. I do believe that dogs do go to heaven…Apart of me is dying right along with him. Thank you for sharing that!
I have known for a while he would not live a long life but I did not expect him to die before his 3rd birthday. I feel like I am going to put him down and regret it...I already feel like there is more I should be doing.
At the same time, I hear his growls and I see that far look he gets in his eyes when he acts aggressive and I realize that there is nothing more I can do. I just wish I could go right away this morning and get it over with.
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Post by adoptapitbull on Mar 23, 2010 8:51:00 GMT -5
I know you will feel some regret, and that's completely normal. But think, what if he would have attacked Gustavo, or what if he'd gotten Avery? Then you'd blame yourself. Imagine if he had bit someone else, like the man yesterday. You could lose everything you own and Boomer if the man sued.
This is not a case of you failing as an owner, it's a case of having a sick dog. It killed us to put Merlin down, but we were in the same situation. You have to be OK with it in your heart. You know you did everything you could, and there was no magic pill to make him better.
Would you feel better if they did a necropsy? Maybe they'll find some brain abnormality. Then again, if they don't, you might feel worse. Nevermind the idea.
Everything happens for a reason. We don't always know the reason, but I believe in time we'll find out.
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Post by michele5611 on Mar 23, 2010 8:54:33 GMT -5
Amy Jo as you know so often in life and with regards to our pets the best decisions are often the hardest ones to make. Here for you if you need it.
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Post by RealPitBull on Mar 23, 2010 9:04:06 GMT -5
OMG AMY I am sooooooo sorry for you, your family, Boomer. We are ALL HERE FOR YOU.
I don't know what to say. There is nothing to say. But I'm thinking of you and your family. HUGS!!!!
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Post by AmyJo27 on Mar 23, 2010 9:14:50 GMT -5
Thanks again guys. I know what I have to do but I fell like a dog killer. It seems like I am putting a healthy dog down...Although I know Im not-He has his share of physical health problems as well.
Michele, that is so true...This decision affects my entire family but it also has the potential to negetively affect them if I make the wrong decision (Not put him down and end up in a law suit). I have to do it, there is no way of avoiding it.
Im just trying to keep my day some what normal-Im doing some work online now and I have classes tonight so hopefully I can bite the bit and get through them.
Im so thankful I have you guys to talk to! So many people do not understand how much I truly love my Boomer, you guys do.
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Post by loverocksalot on Mar 23, 2010 12:10:38 GMT -5
I have been quite distracted lately and totally missed this. I cant even read the whole thread as I am crying my eyes out. i am so sad for you and I dont even know you. But I know what you have gone through. And I know you have worked hard. I am sorry you had to go thorugh this. I hope in time you will heal. I hope this situation has not put a bad taste in the mouth of family and friends about pit bulls. I pray for you as I am thinking of you at this moment. I look at Rocky and sob of the thought of that decision. God Bless you for all you have done. Thank you for being there for me too. with Respect, Carolann
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Post by bluetrees on Mar 23, 2010 17:38:13 GMT -5
I know I just joined this forum a few months ago, but I feel like everyone here has become a "friend."
Amy Jo, as I read this and looked at the pictures I cried and cried. What you're going through is indescribable. As hard as is it, you are making the right decision for your family (including Boomer). Know that we're all thinking of you and sending out hugs though the internet.
I'm just so sorry. *hugs*
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Post by SunraysPitBulls on Mar 23, 2010 21:09:20 GMT -5
OMG I missed this as well! I am so upset! I am very sorry that your family has to go through this. I think you have done everything you could for Boomer, and you are letting him go before it gets even worse...... My heart is breaking for you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers..... Please let us know if you need anything, or even to chat..... I know how tough this can be.... And the rainbow bridge is real! Keep that in your heart!
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Post by pistis on Mar 23, 2010 21:36:26 GMT -5
OMG Amy Jo!! I am crying as I read this... I can't imagine what this decision is doing to you. My heart is broken for you, with you, and with the rest of your family. I do know that Sugar is right though. Boomer's BYB did this to him (and his littermates) and YOU gave this dog a GREAT life full of love while he could be here. This is not your fault and you've given him a life any dog could be jealous of! He had a real life, an incredible life, a life with a responsible family, and a life full of love. With or without out you this would've happened to him. Thank God it was with you! You're loved and we're all here for you guys. Way to be a wonderful mommy and responsible owner! You are loved!
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Post by AmyJo27 on Mar 23, 2010 22:44:48 GMT -5
Thank you all…Today was truly the hardest thing I have ever done. Gustavo and I held him as the vet administered the medicine…He looked into Gustavo and I’s eyes as if to say good-bye. I cannot quit replaying it through my head. It seemed like I could have just said his name and he would spring right up and start kissing me but he didn’t.
I just got home from some classes and it was such a strange feeling not having Boomer greet me at the door…My small house suddenly feels so big and empty-A big part is missing. Boomer was like my four legged son and he will be missed forever and always remembered.
Carol Ann-I know for a fact Boomers problems were due to poor breeding…Not the breed itself. Boomer was a wonderful dog-I do not think of him in a negative way…When he acted aggressive that was not my TRUE Boomer…That was something different and its not the way he would want to be remembered…I remember him as the goofy barrel chested bully that enjoyed doing zoomies and covering my face in drool by giving me countless kisses.
As for everyone else (Family & Friends), I have told them that I decided to euthanize him because of his back end becoming so painful for him (Which isn’t necessarily a lie because his back end really has gone down hill within the past couple of months). But that saves me a lot of explaining and saves a lot of potential misunderstanding.
Just think-Right now Boomer is running beside angels and playing happily with indestructible squeaky toys and just laying in the sun…And for the first time in his life, his backend is not hurting him…That lucky dog is having all the fun while Im down here missing him…I can’t wait to go to heaven!!!
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Post by adoptapitbull on Mar 23, 2010 23:06:50 GMT -5
I think Doggie Heaven is where they get to eat all the chocolate they want and not have to have vomiting induced afterwards And they don't poop. No one poops in Heaven. (I hope that made you smile a little bit) In my eyes, God could not put such wonderful creatures on this Earth if he did not have a place for them once they passed. Also, I think now your mind will be at peace. I know what it's like to worry about what your dog will do. I'm sure each day you thought about the consequences his illness could have caused. Now you know that he is not suffering anymore. He's much happier than us people who have responsibilities, and mortgages, and jobs! He is OK now, and soon you will be too.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Mar 23, 2010 23:15:27 GMT -5
Adoptapitbull... It did make me smile. Deep inside, I do feel at peace but at the same time I continue to question my decision. In a strange way, at times it almost feels like he is still here. It is strange not having my Pibble keeping my toes warm while Im at my computer...There are SO many things I miss. I think that empty spot is going to grow before it begins to shrink. The empty space will never be filled...Nothing can replace or fill Boomers place but with time I DO know that the pain with fade and I will reminisce on all the good times and laugh at all the goofy things he did.
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