How do you deal with an 'on the way out' pet?

-
Status
Not open for further replies.

DodgeLad

Skipped the Light Fandango
Joined
Jan 15, 2014
Messages
2,430
Reaction score
2,612
Location
The Duke City
I've got a 19 year old cat. Average lifespan is 16, so she has had a good run. There are problems I won't mention and I don't want any pain and suffering like humans have to deal with in order to appease our PC society. Pet euthanasia is a racket around here. I have come to hate the veterinary industry and anyone involved. Last time, I spent well over $2,000 on a wild goose chase. All the money did was make the animal suffer more and fatten some bastard's wallet. I pulled the plug when the 'vet' wanted to keep the cat for 2-weeks in the 'pet hospital' sedated and connected to IVs. And a specialist, a gastroenterologist, was recommended. WTF.

To terminate your pet legally, generally you have to schedule an appt and pay what I think is way too much. And they can deny you at the appt. The first place I called is a 3-week wait. They recommended another place, just under $200 for the euthanasia and another $100 for cremation, and it is walk-in and at least a couple hours spent there. I don't get the ashes back and don't want them anyway, but to get the ashes back is WAY more.

I'm torn and disgusted. I have the money, but something inherent in me rejects this system and way of thinking and doing business. It's illegal here to kill your pet, but I couldn't man up enough to shoot my cat anyway.
 
We just went through that last year.
Our Vet was already treating "Skittles", so the euth visit was actually free.
Good on them for that.
We took him home and returned him to the earth in the pineapple patch.


It shouldn't cost more than an office call plus the cremation.
I think you are right about the $200 ballpark.
Sucks to have to pay to do that, but sometimes you just gotta deal with it, for the dignity of your friend.


Have you tried the SPCA or the Humane Society?
 
I've got a 19 year old cat. Average lifespan is 16, so she has had a good run. There are problems I won't mention and I don't want any pain and suffering like humans have to deal with in order to appease our PC society. Pet euthanasia is a racket around here. I have come to hate the veterinary industry and anyone involved. Last time, I spent well over $2,000 on a wild goose chase. All the money did was make the animal suffer more and fatten some bastard's wallet. I pulled the plug when the 'vet' wanted to keep the cat for 2-weeks in the 'pet hospital' sedated and connected to IVs. And a specialist, a gastroenterologist, was recommended. WTF.

To terminate your pet legally, generally you have to schedule an appt and pay what I think is way too much. And they can deny you at the appt. The first place I called is a 3-week wait. They recommended another place, just under $200 for the euthanasia and another $100 for cremation, and it is walk-in and at least a couple hours spent there. I don't get the ashes back and don't want them anyway, but to get the ashes back is WAY more.

I'm torn and disgusted. I have the money, but something inherent in me rejects this system and way of thinking and doing business. It's illegal here to kill your pet, but I couldn't man up enough to shoot my cat anyway.

That's highway robbery. We have an old country vet that will put one down free of charge, for established clients, except the actual cost of the shot. It's already a hard enough thing to go through. When Stubby got sick, it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but it was obvious he was not going to recover. He was 16. His twin sister lived to be 18.

It's tough man. I don't know what to tell you. You're going to have to end up doing what you think is best.....and whatever that is is totally your business and you have my support regardless.

As for cremation and such, I've never done that. Since we have property, We have a nice spot in the yard for them. That's always the hardest part, too.
 
Veterinarians have lost sight of the fact they're PETS not PEOPLE!!! I wouldn't let my pet suffer nor would I pay hundreds of dollars to have them put down. Phone a friend and keep it quiet.
 
I dealt with this a couple years ago. Jr. was 18 or 19 had a great life. In the end he got a mass in his stomach. Vet says we can operate 2 to 4 thousand bucks.. I said are you gonna make him younger? We ended putting him down. Sucks He is buried out back where roamed. First picture he is about years. Second 18+

20180528_102534.jpg


20180516_034219.jpg
 
My sympathies. Losing your critters majorly sucks. The price tag doesn't seem out of line for my part of the world. I go that route with the vets because I have a good one, and it's the easiest transition for the pet. It's always hard - I have two aged ones now and that nasty day will appear all too soon.
 
Last time I had to put a pet ( a beloved dog) down, I had to sit in the friggin vet's waiting room that seemed like eternity. Seemed that way. Bout killed me. Hard to hold back tears in front of a room full of strangers.
I have put down horses I loved , cattle I respected and a Boer goat last week, with a 38 to the head. Dead instantly.
I will not go thru the vet deal another time with a dog I love like a child. I rater do it myself.
 
Took our Golden Retriever to our local animal control when it was time to put her down. Only cost me $46 dollars. They charged by weight. She was down to 46 pounds in 6 months from her normally healthy 78. Cancer in both shoulders ate her up. Her hips never failed. She was 14.
 
At sometime in our master life we have to do what best for them. After all we are their pets.
Hard to let them go worse to see them suffer.
 
I feel for you regardless of the "business" side of things. 2-1/2 years back, I had to make the call to have my best friend put down on Christmas Eve. 14-1/2 years old for a big dog is a good life but it did not lessen the pain. 7:00 pm was the earliest we could see the vet so that's what we did. NOT a good Christmas! Cost was a bit under $200 but I brought him home and buried him in my yard. The vet was very compassionate and made it as best as she could. Unfortunately, it's the worst part of owning a pet. His name is on my car.
 
ugggh, renewed old memories... Roxanne (Siberian Husky) was a little over 15 when she went down. I had her in the basement overnight because she was sick, disabled, pooping on herself. The next morning she was in worse shape. "I'll be right back". When I got back to the basement I found she passed before I could get my clothes on and take her to the hospital. Big hole to dig. Remnant of a vinyl fence project put a cross on her grave. Then 2 years without a dog. The next one, Nikita ( Alaskan Husky ) was a little over 15 when she went down with neurological problems. Could barely stand or walk. Pooping on herself too. Vet at animal hospital said, "steroid injections might get another year with her but there is no guarantee". Only other option is end her suffering now". I paid to end her life with injections. Wife and I held her paws and cried while she took her last breath. They brought her to the car in a cowboy coffin shaped heavy cardboard box. After I dug another large grave beside Roxanne ( keep in mind the ground in the woods here is like digging through red bricks, especially in winter ) I simply could not find closure until I made her a cross just like Roxanne had. I didn't have the needed materials. A few days later, I went to a local fence company, told my story. The guy there gave me the small amount of materials I needed to make that cross.
So I'm guessing that you haven't lost a child. My parents haven't either. I did not hear condolences from my mom or dad when Nikita or Roxanne left us. When their little poodle (Max) left them after 12 years, my mom called to apologize to me before I could call her to express my condolences after hearing Max had passed.
So I truly understand how loosing a pet resembles loosing a child. It hurts like hell! Mom and dad are still dealing with that hurt. Yeah, Max is in their backyard too. He has a headstone marker (my sister had it made) and flowers around. At their age they wont likely have another pet.
I took out my dog fence, sold dog house, fencing and all. Wasn't going to go through this heartache again. Then later on our grand daughter took in two rescue pups. Wife and daughter decided who would adopt which. This little Yorkie/Cocker mix house dog is a heck of a lot different from those large in or out dogs we have had over the past 32 years but... we love her just the same. We know she loves us too. If/when the time comes we will show her the same compassion. Yeah we'll cry, but we'll live through it.
In the end, I don't know if you have a place to bury your pet. You have to determine what is more important, pictures of dead presidents, or your sanity tomorrow. Everybody has their own priorities, It's just a cat, It's just a dog. If it wasn't more than that, we wouldn't be reading about it here in the first place.
If you want a pic of the 2 vinyl crosses in my back woods, I can do that. Next time Miss Gracie and I go that direction.
I say, "Hey doggies". Does Gracie know who I'm speaking to or not? I like to think she does.
 
Veterinarians have lost sight of the fact they're PETS not PEOPLE!!! I wouldn't let my pet suffer nor would I pay hundreds of dollars to have them put down. Phone a friend and keep it quiet.

Your right. Never met a dog I didn't like. Humans not so much....

More to the point. Yes, vets. are capitalizing on Euthanizing animals but that's how it goes. I personally would not take one out back and put a bullet in it like ol' Yeller however it's up to you. If I was going to do that then certainly there would be no discussion at any level....

Sux that you have to go through this....

JW
 
I feel for you. Losing a beloved critter is hell.. I had to put down my 14 yr old shepherd.. Worth the 60 bucks at the country vet to not have to do it myself..

I could take care of someone else's pet for them, I just couldn't do my own


20180219_205358.jpg
 
9715C4FA-ADA2-4970-8CAC-59299027FE1D.jpeg
That truly sucks,
this how I spent thanksgiving driving 3 hrs each way to bury our beloved Bonnie at our cabin along with every other pet we had.
Our vet even sends a sympathy card.
91A98F25-B268-431E-BAB6-A2063A16A381.jpeg
 
Thanks for all the sincere replies. I have taken notes from all that was said and come up with my plan.
To preserve the dignity of my 'friend', I won't do Animal Humane or SPCA. You have to 'surrender' your pet first. And I won't ask a friend to do my dirty work. I'm not that schmuck.

I'm going to choose the vet and the two injections. Painless and humane. I doubt if the perfect shot is any better. Then I'm going to bury 'Lily' in the nearby National Forest. Yes I know it's illegal. Arrest me.

I did think about just releasing her into the forest. She is a totally indoor cat. That is why she made 19. Outdoor cats don't live long here. Anyway, releasing her seems cruel, but on the other hand it could be a last taste of freedom. It's tough to reason this out.
 
I have put my own dogs down in the past. Not easy to do but when it's the right thing to do you suck it up and do it. I've also had a great Vet make house calls and put the last 2 Labs down. Also not easy but IT'S THE LAST ACT OF LOVE YOU DO FOR YOUR PET. Wish we could be half as compassionate with our elderly. I've watched Grandparents suffer and die in ways I wouldn't wish on anybody. My Dogs NEVER had to suffer like my Grandpa
 
Sorry to hear. So hard to let 'em go.

"Lobo" at 1-1/2 years and 13 when we decided to put him down due to a cancer that would take a leg. I didn't feel a 90 pound malamute could function on three. That was a tough one to call...
upload_2021-6-15_15-35-55.png



Our pair of chihuahuas are getting up there at 15 and 14 now.
One way or the other seems you have to have one or more of these..............
upload_2021-6-15_12-40-40.png
 
I did think about just releasing her into the forest. She is a totally indoor cat. That is why she made 19. Outdoor cats don't live long here. Anyway, releasing her seems cruel, but on the other hand it could be a last taste of freedom. It's tough to reason this out.

if shes lived her whole life indoors i doubt she would want to die in the great outdoors
does she get temped to go outside when you leave the door open?
 
Thanks for all the sincere replies. I have taken notes from all that was said and come up with my plan.
To preserve the dignity of my 'friend', I won't do Animal Humane or SPCA. You have to 'surrender' your pet first. And I won't ask a friend to do my dirty work. I'm not that schmuck.


I'm going to choose the vet and the two injections. Painless and humane. I doubt if the perfect shot is any better. Then I'm going to bury 'Lily' in the nearby National Forest. Yes I know it's illegal. Arrest me.

I did think about just releasing her into the forest. She is a totally indoor cat. That is why she made 19. Outdoor cats don't live long here. Anyway, releasing her seems cruel, but on the other hand it could be a last taste of freedom. It's tough to reason this out.


I understand your thoughts on the freedom issue.
I wouldn't do it. The cat will only be confused and probably scared.
Here we have a service that brings out cages, captures the feral cats, checks them medically , gives them shots, neuters them . Then brings them back and releases them so they are familiar to their surroundings.
As a rule I have on average 6 cats that come around everyday to get feed.
Some finally after time get friendly enough to allow human contact.
I have taken home in the last 30 odd years more then I want to admit. Have two now.one is 4 the other is 18.
 
if shes lived her whole life indoors i doubt she would want to die in the great outdoors
does she get temped to go outside when you leave the door open?
When she was young, I think she would have run away. Now, she won't go more than a few feet. And my wife has to be there for that or she will not exit.
 
When she was young, I think she would have run away. Now, she won't go more than a few feet. And my wife has to be there for that or she will not exit.
seems to me that answers that question doesnt it?
 
Our vet charges by weight...and then the cremation and return of ashes. I don't care what it costs. I love my 5 dogs like they were my kids...and have no problem paying. Maybe I am wrong but when you take in an animal and make them a pet it is your responsibility to take care of it. Part of that responsibility is to see that the pets life ends with some dignity and compassion...something it sounds like some may be lacking. Hell, just go to the closest area that has a serious drop off on the side of the road and just toss it...
 
Thanks for all the sincere replies. I have taken notes from all that was said and come up with my plan.
To preserve the dignity of my 'friend', I won't do Animal Humane or SPCA. You have to 'surrender' your pet first. And I won't ask a friend to do my dirty work. I'm not that schmuck.

I'm going to choose the vet and the two injections. Painless and humane. I doubt if the perfect shot is any better. Then I'm going to bury 'Lily' in the nearby National Forest. Yes I know it's illegal. Arrest me.

I did think about just releasing her into the forest. She is a totally indoor cat. That is why she made 19. Outdoor cats don't live long here. Anyway, releasing her seems cruel, but on the other hand it could be a last taste of freedom. It's tough to reason this out.

Just my opinion here, handle it like you end up deciding, but one is a sure thing, over and done quickly, humane (as possible) and within your human control.....the other is not. My mind can think of so many things that could do her harm if you release her. MY thinking is she doesn't deserve a possible "bad" ending.

But again, it's a decision only you can make and I certainly don't judge no matter which way you choose. It's a personal decision.

Oh and Kitty said maybe get on Google and do a search possibly in an adjacent state for something more reasonable. It's just a thought.
 
It's not the money, it's feeding a system I don't like. For me, it's like supporting an oppressive communist regime by buying Chinese goods.

I only thought about releasing her in the forest for her own benefit. A last burst of life so to speak. You've heard Blood, Sweat and Tears "all I ask of dying is to go naturally". Who knows how a cat thinks really?

As far as dignity goes. How is poison more dignified than a bullet? How is incinerating the carcass in an oven more dignified than a forest burial?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
-
Back
Top