Question:
I just had to sign my toy Chihuahua's death warrant, as I refer to it, at the vet's hospital -- to put my best friend down after 13 1/2 years of always being together as much as possible.
On Friday, he was fine; on Saturday he started vomiting a little. On Sunday, I took him to the PetPB hospital in Boynton Beach, Fla. They did tests that showed his kidneys were shutting down. They did everything from IVs to flushing his kidneys to try to help. On Monday, I had to do it.
It happened so fast and I feel so helpless in not understanding what signs I could have missed, as I've always tried to be very watchful of all my critters. I feel like I did something wrong, that it's my fault. He came into this world alone and picked me to be his best friend at six weeks old. But he didn't leave this world alone, as he will always be in my heart forever.
Please advise. I guess I'm writing to you in the hope that you can help me cope. I just don't understand what I did wrong and what signs I missed.
S.D., Boynton Beach, FL Aug 23, 2011
Answer:
Many people who have never experienced the bond of love with an animal cannot comprehend the depth of grief and frequent feelings of guilt that come with the death of a companion animal.
In many communities, often facilitated by local humane societies or by veterinary referral, there are support groups to help grieving souls like yourself.
I am sure that if your dog had shown earlier signs of kidney failure (such as excessive drinking, nausea and disinterest in food), you would have taken your little dog for a veterinary appointment.
Dogs with kidney disease often seem to cope well and appear to be healthy, then suddenly they go into acute renal failure. Do not blame yourself. You and the veterinary hospital did their best to save his life. The one blessing is that he passed away quickly and his suffering was not protracted, as is so often the case with chronic degenerative diseases. This past July 19, we euthanized our 15-year-old dog, Batman, and I can understand fully what you are going through -- especially wondering what you did wrong and what signs you missed. This is only natural. Some people blame the veterinarians instead, all such recrimination being part of the anger, frustration, helplessness and despair associated with this emotionally challenging event. Give the process time and focus on the love shared and special moments over your years together.
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