Our poodle is going to be 17 years old this November. She’s been a good pet, sweet and calm through most of her life. She started having seizures about a year ago, and now has them on average about once a month. The vet said it’s possible she has a brain tumor, since her kidneys and liver are stable, although seizures appear to be idiopathic in poodles. So we do our best to maintain her. At night, we’ve started confining her to the kitchen, because she’ll often do her business on the floor. Sometimes she wanders around aimlessly, looking lost. We realize a difficult choice is coming our way, but as long as she can walk, sleeps peacefully, and can still figure out what to do on the grass, we’re holding our own. It’s sad because the old lady dog reminds me of elderly people and how we can’t see well, can’t hear, and stumble about in confusion when we get old. So how is it we put pets away but not people? Where do we draw the line at mercy killings? I know I’ll have guilt when we finally do the deed, unless our dear poodle is in so much pain that it’s a relief or she’s totally out of it. Our vet says it’s a decision based on quality of life. Perhaps so, but it’s still sad when we have to help our pet along the path to doggie heaven.

Watch for my interview on Terry’s Place on Tuesday.

This is so sad. Maybe she'll go in her sleep, very peacefully. Four years ago, I had to put down the last of our 3 cats. He had lymphoma and was in a lot of pain. Our other two had renal failure. I swear I will never get another pet. It's too painful when they die, even though I miss having pets.

I have had to do it five times. It hurts every time. They are members of our families.

Five times? Ouch, that must hurt. You must really love your animals to keep going through the same grief.

I am sorry about your poodle. It definately hurts. Been through it several times over the years. They are part of the family and I thank the Lord for the blessing of their company and love.
I did find your statement "so how is it we put pets away but not people? Where do we draw the line at mercy killings?" interesting. The big difference of course between the animal and a person, is the person has a soul and it is up to God when they shall pass, not our place to decide.

Thanks, Kerri. Our poodle is still at home where she's comfortable.