I had to prep for, grieved during, and been mourning since the day that my first pet dog, Chico, was euthanized on 2/10/2025, at the age of 15 years. He's a Chipin (Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher), and had developed asthma, bilateral cataracts, and chronic arthritis "in his back, hind legs, + lower spine and hips" during his life. His hybrid breed's average life expectancy is between 10-14 years, and anything up to or past 16 being uncommon, especially those with health conditions. He was on anti-inflammatory steroidal meds during the last 1-2 or 3 years to manage his chronic arthritis. As without 'em, he wouldn't have been able to walk with his hind legs due to the sheer pain.
The reason as for why my parents had to put him down was due to him silently but suddenly suffering and slowly dying from an unknown affliction. It was later discovered by vet clinic staff to actually be late-diagnosed heart failure right before his euthanization procedure that same day. Which was the best call to make, as that ended his pain n' suffering peacefully without any pain once so ever. He's in a better place now, wherever and whatever that place may personally be for him. My father had to put down his own first pet cat, Little Hope/Hopie, a male Silver Point Siamese, down during the 90's due to kidney failure, way before I was even born and adopted by them.
My parents refused to let me be there by Chico's side during his final moments, as they didn't want to burden/scar me with witnessing death in-person for the first time, but this decision of theirs still hurts n' irks me even now. Having to choose between either passing away naturally or be medically aided in passing away (only as a last resort) without feeling any pain or suffering, will always be a tricky but morally tangled dilemma, especially so when needing to force oneself to pick between the two, regardless of how or when we personally do/don't want it to happen. I still miss Chico even now, as I wasn't completely satisfied with how his euthanization day unfolded nor how my father handed it, especially when he forced me without having any say during it. I sincerely wish you the best with handling Lucky's final moments of life, however short or long that may end up being, without him having to die while suffering and/or in pain. And I'm very much hoping that it happens naturally, not having it be unnaturally forced so soon (like my parents and the vet clinic staff did with mine, practically only giving me a week to work with preparing to grieve then mourn his death).
Happy late Valentine's Day to Lucky & you Krinadon, and good luck! |
