Putting A Dog To Sleep

I was talking to a friend of mine today and I asked him how his kids (dogs) were. He lives on his own and the standing joke is - "does he want to do a swap with his dogs and my kids?"

He informed me very sadly that he had to get the older dog put to sleep. I knew the dog was quite old, but I knew from his expression and my own experience that it had been a hard decision.

He had stayed with the dog, stroking and talking to him as the vet administered the injection. I was suprised at my reaction, because it immediately brought back memories of my last dog being put to sleep. It surprised me that it still hurt after all this time.

I have found that non-dog owners think you are a bit barmy for reacting with a lot of emotion to a dog's death. They tend to forget that the Westie ( or any other animal) was part of your family.

If dogs could talk what stories they could tell.

I remind you of a beautiful prayer called "A Dog's Prayer". It is by Beth Norman Harris. I hope she dosen't mind but I have renamed it "A Westie Dog's Prayer"

"Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick yourhand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper."

Have you a poem, story or photo. Then I would love to hear from you. Go NOW to: http://www.crazyaboutwesties.com/forum/index .php

Love to hear from you.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

Until next time, good health and best wishes.

Jeff Cuckson
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com

Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest,
Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You
Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW!
http://www.madaboutwesties.com

---

Loyal Companions Promote Longevity

Have you ever wondered what a dog thinks, or if... Read More

How to Feed and Care for Orphaned Kittens

Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned... Read More

Pet Bird Home Hazards - Keep Your Feathered Friend Safe

Interacting with a pet bird outside of it's cage is... Read More

A Dog Bit Me, Whom Can I Sue?

Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten... Read More

Oscar

Oscar is kind of a funny name and it fit... Read More

Westie Puppies For Sale ? 7 Important Questions To Ask Your West Highland Terrier Breeder

Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More

Dealing With your Pets Allergies

It is Winter time again, a time of the year... Read More

Your Dog is a Social Animal - and Needs You!

Your dog is a social being, just like you! He/she... Read More

How to Deal With a Noisy Dog - Curing Uwanted and Excessive Barking

Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the... Read More

Crate Training Dogs & Puppies- FAQ

1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More

The Power of Dogs

Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More

How to Maintain Your Love Affair With Your Dog: Part One - Training

Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More

Secrets of Kitty Body Language

Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know... Read More

The Beauty of Boxer Dogs

Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled... Read More

5 Things You Must Do If You Want To Create a First Aid Kit For Your Family

1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More

Chihuahua Training is Easy!

Chihuahua Training is Easy! You may be wondering if Chihuahua... Read More

The Optimum Cichlid Aquarium Set Up

The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More

Old Fashioned Flea Control

Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More

Dog Beds for Larger Dogs

Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and... Read More

4 Ways In Which You Can Show Your Dog How Much You Love Him

Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More

Pilling a Cat

Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More

Animals Are Forever

Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own... Read More

Special Gifts for Animal Lovers

Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if... Read More

Dog Crate Buyers Guide - How to Choose the Right Crate and Accessories

Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More

Is Dog Obedience School for You?

Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More

Dog Travel - Taking a Vacation with Your Dog

Like most dog owners, you probably take your dog with... Read More

Which Breed Is Right For You?

Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More

How To Load A Horse Into A Trailer - Easy As Pie!

If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More

Protecting Yourself From Online Pet Classifieds Scams!

Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More

Applehead Chihuahua

The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More

Ten Important Things Your Dog Wants You To Know

If your dog could talk, these are some of most... Read More

Take that Junk out of your Trunk

Your local grocery store is chock full of food and... Read More

Dog Shock Collars: Teaching Your Dog Basic Obedience and Breaking Bad Habits

Dog Shock CollarsDog shock collars are a touchy subject among... Read More