psalm_onethirtyone: (Soujin's People)
Soujin ([personal profile] psalm_onethirtyone) wrote2008-08-05 10:03 pm

"I Will Come For You, If You Ask Me To..."

Well. It turns out that the Yellow Dog's halitosis is not actually halitosis, it's two septic wounds. One's under his ear, and enormous, and may have a tumour in it--we aren't totally clear on what the large bleeding round protrusion is. He also has one on his elbow. The ear one had maggots in it, which Mama and I cleaned out, and we doctored him up and gave him pain pills and silver sulfadine and what-have-you, and the vet is coming to-morrow, but--

The Yellow Dog has been sick for a long time. He is mostly blind, mostly deaf, and so arthritic that he can't climb stairs. I think that the wounds are really the last straw, and he needs to be put down. I really don't know how to suggest to Mama--she is pretty much convinced that the whole thing is her fault. "If I had looked at him properly! If I hadn't assumed! I'm the worst Mama any dog ever had." She is being quietly self-hateful about it all. She is also convinced that she can fix him up with her wound supplies.

But he just seems so miserable. He lay on the kitchen floor all day and whimpered. He is not a happy dog anymore. And he's old.

Also, my Calico Cat has definitely got tapeworm, so that will be fun.

The Black Cat and the Black Dog are, God help us and knock on wood, both fine, although Black Dog may never forgive me for snagging her and hacking all the burrs out of her coat with a machete (read: scissors) this evening.

And everybody is unhappy, and that makes me feel--responsible. Very responsible. I know, I do know, that everyone's unhappiness is not something I should single-handedly be able to alleviate, but, God. Sometimes I feel that way anyway. It is not a good-for-the-stomach feeling.

[identity profile] ldragoon.livejournal.com 2008-08-06 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
I would say let the vet take a look. If he/she thinks your boy can realistically recover from the wounds, I would say give him a chance. If the cancer is totally inoperable/fatal though...yeah, I'd say let him go before he's really in pain.

However, it's up to you guys! You know him, and you will know when it's time to let him go. Whatever decision you guys make, you've got my best wishes. I know how hard it is.

[identity profile] rainbowjehan.livejournal.com 2008-08-06 02:54 am (UTC)(link)
It just seems like he's really in pain now, you know? I think he's ready. But I don't think Mama is ready much at all.

[identity profile] ldragoon.livejournal.com 2008-08-06 02:58 am (UTC)(link)
When it comes down to it though, she may change her mind. Maybe when the vet comes and examines your boy, you can take the vet aside and ask them what they think. If the vet recommends euthanasia, the two of you could gently speak to your mother about it.

[identity profile] ldragoon.livejournal.com 2008-08-06 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
HUGS! I know how hard this is. I really feel for you guys. Wish I could help. :(

[identity profile] rainbowjehan.livejournal.com 2008-08-06 03:07 am (UTC)(link)
♥ Thank you.