I need advice...

I live in an isolated, rural island community.

We have had no vets on island for the past 3 months and none in sight soon forthcoming.

My 2 yr old female Pitbull was diagnosed four months ago with Mast Cell Cancer and we knew we had to put her down at some point as her condition would worsen.

Well, the time has come...But now we have NO vet.

I need advice from anyone who has experience in putting down a dog humanely at home.

Im considering options other than using a 22 behind her ear if at all possible.

Someone mentioned to me Tylenol PM but I have not found conclusive evidence searching the web.

Hence, I've come here hoping someone may have advice...

Please PM replies!

Thank you I would appreciate your advice/suggestions

I just had to put down my favorite pet of all time, a 13 year old boerboel. I used my 9mm to the head, quick and painless for him, about killed me though.

quote:

Originally posted by brent ebeling:
I just had to put down my favorite pet of all time, a 13 year old boerboel. I used my 9mm to the head, quick and painless for him, about killed me though.

Yep, I hear you brother!
Sorry to hear it but I know we gotta do what we gotta do...this dog is the ultimate family dog and companion!

That really sucks. Most of us that have animals for family feel your pain. I am fortunate in that I have a vet that will come to my home and do the dirty work for me. I'm gutless when it comes to putting my family down. (except for one of my sister-in-laws) When I have to shoot a domestic animal, it's behind the ear or pic a spot in the middle of their forhead, draw a line between their ear and opposite eye from both sides and the center of the x is where a .22 will do it very quickly.
It still hurts and you will bear the pain but you will also know that you have eased their suffering. My heart goes out to you.

Thank you brother!
Never been in this position before...in the past always brought them to a vet when I lived the city life.

I along with my wife, son, and 8 yr old daughter
feeling pretty low right now. Thanks again

sorry about your situation, had to put down 2 old dogs last year. My son did the second while I was on a mission trip to India. .22 right between the eyes and they hurt less than you do.

Thanks to all...
She's at PEACE.

Very sorryto read about the situation. We've no made them our children in many cases and it hurts terribly to loose one. My sympathies.

FWIW, sometimes people doctors and nurses are willing to help with vet issues when vets aren't around. In this case an injection of something may have been appropriate. Also, state Fish and Game or USFWS personell in some cases possess kill drugs sometimes needed in capture/ study wildlife programs. Obviously the drugs are designed to end life very quickly and peacefully.

Again, very sorry for your loss.

Its always tough, I swear each time I have to do it that it will be the last. With a large number of dogs in my kennel used for hunting dangerous game i lose more dogs then the next guy. I use a 22 to the middle of the forehead and then sit down and cry. it is best to have someone else do it.

quote:

it is best to have someone else do it.

amen

Late-Bloomer: It takes character to do what has to be done in this situation, and I both commend and commiserate with you.
There's an old saying in the South about " a man who won't shoot his own dogs" and it is an insult.
Hope you have room in your life for a new pup who needs a human that will do the right thing.

One does what one has to do.

I thought about other options also but I always fall back to a 22lr in the back of the head on a forward angle.

Fast painless gets the job done.

Having just gone through this scenario with our 11-year-old DaneXMastiff a couple of weeks ago, I know what you are going through right now. Merely reading this thread has turned me into a mess. My sincerest condolences.

John

Im sorry myself... Tough call I had the chance to holdd him while we put him asleep. My best Beagle ever, but I could stand to see him suffer any nore. I held him in my arms as he went limp and passed. That was a very sad day in my life.... I did have him creamated so when I journey to places we spent time together I sprinkle some of his ashes in some of ou old haunts whenever I go out.

I feel your loss.


Cal30

Many thanks for your heartfelt condolences.

It was terribly difficult however it needed to be done...My just turned 8yr old daughter took it real hard as my wife as is natural...she was a housedog and we all were very close to her...she was a lovergirl to us all...I buried her proper,,,,and with much honor/dignity right back our kitchen window garden so we could still envision her everyday and call out our hellos/good-mornings/goodnites!

Thanks again to everyone

You guys make me feel a little better. I had my best pal of 15 years "put down". He was the FINEST! Everyday I accuse myself .... but I did not know what else to do......he was beyond treatment. Thank God I knew him.

quote:

Originally posted by conifer:
You guys make me feel a little better. I had my best pal of 15 years "put down". He was the FINEST! Everyday I accuse myself .... but I did not know what else to do......he was beyond treatment. Thank God I knew him.

Hey Man,
Its terrible and we know. Guilt lurks in everyones almost subconscious but in fact,........We're all designed with an expiration date.

I keep pictures, good ones too. Framed and on the wall. Differing opinions be damned.

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:
One does what one has to do.

I thought about other options also but I always fall back to a 22lr in the back of the head on a forward angle.

Fast painless gets the job done.

Always do it this way too. Don't like taking an animal on it's last ride to a vet, more stressful for an old, sick or injured animal.

Most hunting dogs do like like a firearm pointed at them so always in the back of the head, they don't know it's coming, instant and as best we know, painless. I use a silencer and do it in the back yard in their familiar surroundings.

It's a bitch to have to do this to an animal that has been part of your family and possibly a great hunting companion, but we owe it to them to not let them suffer.

I too am sorry for your loss.

I have had to put down several sick animals over the years.

On small animals like a cat I use might a 22 LR, but on bigger animals I use a 45 ACP or a 44 Mag.

I place the first shot into the brain, and then immediately put a shot or two into the heart.

Personally I had rather do it myself, with the animal in its own surroundings, than to transport it to a strange place and have it be done by strangers...

A little old but close to home right now. Our 10 Y/O female lab is in the midst of a bout with bone cancer. It was in the upper center part of the right rear leg. Options were very few, her bone was thinning and in danger of breaking soon. She is now recovering with that leg missing, amputated just the other day. I just want the wound to heal properly, it's O. k. she's has 3 legs. Needless to say she has been a great dog. I have no problem giving her another chance.

We would call the mobile vet service once the time comes. A friend actually dispatched a horse for a guy a handful of years ago, used his 30-06. He said he'd rather not do that again.

Just an idea, enlist someone removed from the inner circle. A bunch of sleeping pills in a hotdog could mellow things a bit. For the most part I shy away from doing in my own family pets now, dogs anyway.