Moral Dilema...

[popeshawnpaul]

I am in kind of a moral dilema and thought I may get some opinions from some of you that have hunting dogs and aren't anthropomorphistic. 

I have a 6.5 year old Llewelyn English Setter.  She is a great hunting dog.  If you know the tv hunting show, "Hunting With Hank" then you know what type of dog she is.  I think Hank is her cousin and she is Dash's sister...?  A great grouse dog.  She keeps close and can find the grouse in the thickest stuff.  She'll find the bird but doesn't like to bring it just hand it over to me.  I'm decided early on I wasn't going to force train retrieve when I can walk my lazy ass over and pick up the bird she has found.  Her mother and father lived 9 years each.

A couple days ago she was hesitant to jump out of the truck after our vacation and then she saw a bird in the yard.  She went on point in the truck and I tapped her on the top of the head indicating that she can go for the bird.  She jumped out lightnigh quick and when she landed she just folded in pain.  Her rear legs were obviously paralyzed.  I saw some tiny movement in the legs and tail so I thought there may be hope, but was prepared to put her down.  Turns out she had FCE or a bloot clot that prevents blood from going to a portion of her spinal cord.  Although there is initial pain, she is in no pain now but has no use of her rear legs.  Many dogs recover and walk and even run, but most have debilitating effects.  Most never come back as strong as before.  Many have to wear a cart and wheels and never regain use of their hind legs.

So my issue.  The vets can't understand why I wouldn't want to let her live in a cart and wheels if it came to that.  I am of the feeling that if she can't walk or run again, I'm going to put her down.  It's a shame to see an athletic hunting dog in a cart and wheels.  She would never be able to go after birds or anything.  I'm not sure I can handle that.  My plan is to give her a few weeks to see if she can learn to walk again.  I am told after 7-14 days you know how much they can recover.  I'm really debating with my wife right now on what to do.  If she can walk but not run?  Barely gets around?  Needs a cart and wheels?  I'm of the opinion if she can't get back to being able to run, I'm going to put her down.  I don't expect her to be lightning quick like before, I can live with that.  So you guys with bird dogs, what would you do?  I'm kind of morally lost on this one.

Sadie:

[cohoho]

Too bad to hear all that, especially a good looking dog like that.  Tough choice, but a dog on a cart is not a life either..

[DeKuma]

You have to use your own judgement on this one Pope.  You know your dig best.
I am of the opinion that I would do whatever it took to keep her.  The life may change, but that does not mean the quality is any less.  My neibor has a lab that had to have her leg removed.  He was worried about it, like you.  She is amazing and still runs and retireves to her best ability.  She does not look unhappy in the least.  Just does it a littel different.
I have seen dogs with the crat and wheels still run and gun, just different than before.
If she is a memeber of your family, you do what you have to do.  I know you will make the decision that is best for you and your dog, whatever you choose.

[boneaddict]

Really sorry to hear about that Shawn.   This is an extremely personal issue, but I suppose you asked what we would do.  If I put myself in your shoes an d her being my dog, I would put her down.  In fact its not just words as I have done that sort of thing.  I also did it myslef.  It is one of the hardest things a man can do, but I hugged her, looked her in the eyes and put her down myself.  You won't feel right for awhile I suppose, and there are those that think that is inhumane and against the law and blah blah.  I just didn't feel right about taking her to a stranger and letting him do it.  It is wild west at my home.   Good luck with your decision.  You'll make the right one and it will be one of the hardest, and I don't even pretend to be a big animal lover. 

[WDFW-SUX]

Sorry about your dog I've had to put my horse down before and it sucks............If the animal cant live and enjoy any quality of life its time to let them go. I think thats our responsibility as good pet owners.

[DOUBLELUNG]

I've had to have two labs put down, both due to cancer.  My male was in so much pain, it was easy, even though he was only 4.  His 1/2 sister was 11, her cancer had metzed, and we decided against treating it.  When she was starting to act pained, the vet came to the house and administered the euthanasia.  In both cases, I held my dogs until they died, and I'm tearing up as I type this.  It is heart-wrenching.  I also have put a bullet in the brain of a lab that was run over by the truck in front of me, she was screaming in pain and fear, and her injuries were terminal.  I pulled her off to the shoulder and left.  

I can't make a recommendation.  If I thought she would be happy and not in pain, I wouldn't rule out the cart.  There is no wrong decision, just the one that is best for you, your dog and your family.  My heart's with you, whatever you decide.

[Intruder]

That really sucks... I'm truly sorry to hear that!!

As people have said it really comes down to what you feel is best.  Certainly hard to argue right or wrong.  My take on it were it my dog is that I would decide based on as many objective things as I can.  Things like: Dogs age, is she in pain or not, cost, and her quality of life as well as yours.  I don't think I'd put my dog down based soley on he couldn't run/hunt anymore.  As far as the whole cart thing.... I just don't know.  I know my wife would lobby for that big time.     

[Smokepole]

Hey, Pope.  Sorry to hear about your pup.  Hope it all turns out okay for the dog.

I feel pretty strongly about this topic, because I have a 13 year-old crippled up chocolate lab.  In her day she was a birding machine, related to Superchief, and a real good student.

She took lame when she was about two, with arthritis in her hocks pretty bad.  We put her on all kinds of medicine, including aspirin.  We love the dog so much, we didn't want to put her down, unless it was the right thing for her.

You can tell a lot by a dog's mood.  If they're really hurting and unhappy, they'll turn mean on you.  They won't have the same personality.  Then, in my mind, it's time to help them out of their pain.

My dog is so crippled now, she can hardly make it out to the restroom -- but, you know, sometimes I gimp around pretty bad too.  She's had a lot of good hunts, and good memories, and I get the duck call out now and then and get her all fired up in the living room by the fire.  I'll bring her in some duck wings once in a while, just so she can get a good sniff.

So it came to this... I decided that as long as our old dog could wag her tail, and demonstrate an inkling of happiness, then there's got to be something inside that needs to live.  Sure, she's stoved up tight as a drum, but the dog keeps smiling and wagging every time we treat her to a biscuit, or give her some kind words.

I hope your dog isn't done hunting, but if she is, maybe she can get around enough to get by.  In that case you should do everything you can to help her enjoy the rest of the journey.

Good luck!

[ICEMAN]

Having laid my beloved dog of 18+ years down in February, I understand the decision making process you are going thru now.

It would be far different if this happened to a 6 month old dog you just got to know, or maybe a two year old you just took off a friend. Your connection to the dog will be one of your guiding lights. I have put down a few cats over the years, with one of them it was like; "come here...your next....", not much attachment to that one. My point is, how well do you know the dog. Does she know you? Will you even be able to understand how she feels or reacts to life spent on a helper dolly? Are you even able to commit the amount of time necessary to care for her in this way? These are the cold hard items to consider. Money. Time. Physical Surrounding. Time Committment. It will be a bothersome change to your life. Is your home situated to allow for this type of care?

Heaven knows you love her. She knows it, you know it. That is not the issue here. In my opinion, the issue is, or will be; Are the both of you happy with the new way? If she is not doing well with the change, it will be a far easier decision for you,...she will have made the decision....  If you are not happy though, it puts you into the position of thinking that; if you lay her down, it gives the appearance that you are shallow, or cold hearted. This is not accurate.  I think that making the decision to lay her down, for whatever reason, will be yours, and not for anyone else to second guess. I do not think it would be selfish to lay her down if you do not feel that you are going to be able to commit all that is necessary to make her comfy for the next 10 years....

Many times as my dog aged and approached the day where I decided to lay him down, many times I wished to myself that he just go in his sleep. It would be so much easier that way. I sometimes feel ashamed for thinking that, but that is the truth.

In your case, it looks like you will be forced into making the tough decision.

[tlbradford]

If it happened to my dog, and he had no pain, I might give the cart and wheels a try.  If it meant that they became a family dog and were just in the yard with the kids, but appeared happy, I would keep them.  If the dog was miserable from its change of lifestyle, I would not hesitate to put it down.  Seeing a working dog crippled like that may be tougher on the owner than the dog, but you know her personality bette than anyone else.  I do not view my dogs as a family member.  There is a clear distinction between a pet and a child in my house and that was how I was raised. I love animals as much as anyone else, and I believe they are to be treated with kindness, and as much attention as possible.  I have had to put down two dogs in my lifetime and I cried like a baby.  I did one myself when she became blind and arthritic.  I will take my current dog to our favorite pheasant spot when it is his time.  I look at it as my responsibilty and believe that my dog would want it to be that way as well.

[Shannon]

I know your pain. I have a 13 year old lab that is deaf and going blind and hips have been shot since he was 2 years old. Everyday I come home I drive by him in the driveway and he doesn't lift his head because he is deaf and I look to see if he is breathing. I hope he goes on his own and I don't have to make the decision you are going to have to make. On the other hand, if he couldn't walk  I would put him down without hesitation. I think of it if I was in there shoes. If I was paralized I would want someone to put me out of my misery. I will do the favor to my dogs before I put them in a cart. My mother-in-law had a dog in a cart and it was so pathetic to watch I vowed I would never let my dogs go through that. Just my two cents. Good Luck with your decision no matter what it is.

[MountainWalk]

that my friend, is something every person has to figure out for himself. its a very personal issue.

[Ridgerunner]

my dog, and he had no pain, I might give the cart and wheels a try.  If it meant that they became a family dog and were just in the yard with the kids, but appeared happy, I would keep them.  If the dog was miserable from its change of lifestyle, I would not hesitate to put it down.  Seeing a working dog crippled like that may be tougher on the owner than the dog, but you know her personality bette than anyone else.

Makes sense to me, she may not be as good of hunting companion but she could still be good for something.  Tough choice,

[chukar-ridge-quest]

Just want to say sorry brother.  It's the hardest choice to make. Dogs can't say "I'm feeling OK.", it's the opposite. They may be in a great deal of pain but they always want to please. It takes big shoulders to make the decision, which ever one it is. 

My best to you and our dog.

CRQ

[high country]

have you had a consult with a board certified surgon, or just a general vet................there is a HUGE difference. my wife works in a surgical practice and the things they do are utterly amazing. I would get her on here right now for an opinion, but she is still in montana...........good luck.