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How do I convince my grandma to put our dog to sleep?
Ok so my grandma has had this dog named Archie since I was in kindergarten. The dog is about 15 years old. In the last year he had develeoped some very bad health problems. He has grown a tumour on the left side of his body that restricts his breathing, its about the size of 2 base balls? Also he has a tumour on his right, back hind-quarters, another protruding on his back right leg and another on top of his back by the base of his tail. He has gone blind in both eyes, gloaccoma, and has a whole in his left cornea. In the last month a tomour swelled up his left ear entirely. He is a fox terrier and beagle mix and is medium sized. He has terrible arthritis and he is deaf. He doesnt even enjoy life anymore. What can my family do to convince her that it is time? Please, no rude comments I know he is bad-off but i just saw how bad he was for myself last weekend. I love this dog very much but my cousin said that my grandma may get fined for the dog looking this way when he is taken in?
11 Answers
- Anonymous1 decade agoFavorite Answer
This might be a little psyco-analytical, but it sounds like your grandma might be identifying with the dog as far as giving up on the dog because of health problems and old age.
I'm no pro in this stuff, but I've heard from people I know that this has been how their loved ones have perceived it. I've also had such relationships with 4 animals in my life. It's pretty hard for anyone to get between a person and a valued campanion and try to tell them to end their lives, very hard, as hard as it would be to tell someone to pull the plug on a loved relative. (imagine someone telling you to have your grandma put to sleep if she was in a bad way?) She really must come to her own decision on that.
As hard as this is on the dog, and I am very sensitive to that aspect of it, it's even harder for her unless I miss my guess, so a lot of understanding is in order. I think it's really got to be between her, and her BFF dog, as hard as that is to see, and it's something that anyone would be out of place to push their own priorities on.
On questions as this, as long as your grandma is capable of rational thought, it's better to allow her and the dog's close relationship to be resolved between themselves, and lend an understanding ear in case grandma wants to talk. Then if she wants some input she will be much more apt to see your point of view on this.
One thing is sure, this kind of thing is always gut wrenching for those who really care about those involved.
- 1 decade ago
Ask your Grandma if she would like to live with all of those things wrong with her? Explain that Archie is in terrible pain,and that he doesn't understand like a person would.Tell her that putting Archie down would be the kindest thing she could do for him,and that she could be with him while he goes,and that it is very peaceful.At the very least,ask if she will agree to have Archie examined by a vet,and have the vet prescribe some pain medication for the poor thing. And,yes,it is true,a person can be fined for not providing vet care and letting an animal suffer needlessly.I'm sure your grandma loves Archie and she just doesn't want to say goodbye,but it would be much better for both her and Archie to let him go peacefully instead of letting him suffer.
- 1 decade ago
Does your grandma live alone? she may be afraid of being alone if the dog isn't there and that may be why she is holding on to him, as well as having had him for so long. Just explain to her that the dog is in pain and needs to go to a better place where he can run and play again. That's a pretty hard thing to deal with though. Good Luck!
- pomegranatepantsLv 61 decade ago
Has it seen a vet at all? If you have a normal vet that knows your family and your grandma, then he or she will understand that your grandma is attached to the dog and can't bear to let it go. Maybe you or your parents could just take the dog and have him put down and tell your grandma that he passed naturally? I know it's terrible to lie, but that poor dog!!!
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- Anonymous1 decade ago
no, i don't think they'd fine her, although your grandma wasn't very responsible for not getting that dog the medical attention it needed - sorry, i know it sounds harsh, but it's in every way true.
tell your grandmother to have a good long hard look at her pet. ask her if she sees that he looks happy having all those tumors, that he still wants to play and be petted, that he still...enjoys life? i bet he's very miserable.
your grandma may deny it, but its probably only because she doesn't want to let him go. well that's another matter entirely that you should tackle. how?
well, i don't know if she's a christian or not, but i am, and if you are also then i hope this answer will help you out a bit.
sin didn't come to earth through animals. it came through mankind. animals are sinless. this is why in the old testament people used to sacrifice animals to god, because god needed something sinless, or purity. this is why we call jesus the lamb of god, the ultimate lamb, for he was sinless also, but was a man.
anyways, since animals are so innocent and sinless, would god really shun them away from heaven? i don't think so.
Revelations 5: 13
“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them singing..”
surely it wouldn't be every CREATURE if god didn't want them in heaven? just humans?
nowhere in the bible does it say that animals can't go to heaven.
the point i'm trying to make is - the separation isn't going to last forever. its only temporary.
--------------------------------------...
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
--------------------------------------...
tell your grandma that she gave him such a great life! and now its time for him to leave this life and be with god, where he won't hurt anymore. and while it may be sad to say goodbye for now - because it may feel like such a long time to her - they'll reunite again, and won't ever be separated.
maybe you can suggest that your grandma can get another dog so she won't be so lonely - as long as she gives it the medical attention it needs!
good luck!
- Anonymous1 decade ago
Okay it may be hard because she loves the dog but tell her the dog would be better off and it would be sad to watch it in pain and watch it die. Explain to her how u understand the dog is probably precious to her but its time for it to go to god. Everyone has a time. Just tell her it wants to go to heaven to meet all his/her friends you know just stay on those lines. Tell her the dog is probably in pain and would like it better when it doesnt have to suffer. Hope I helped :)
- 1 decade ago
Your grandma is keeping Archie alive for herself, not for him. His quality of life is gone and he is suffering. Tell her it is the last kind thing she can do for him. It is very difficult letting go of a pooch you've loved for so many years, but ask her who she is really do this for. Any vet will tell her it is the kind thing to do and she can comfort him while he is being euthanized. Good luck to you!
- Anonymous1 decade ago
tell your grandma that if she keeps keeping him alive he might die in PAIN. If you put him to sleep, he dies peacefully with no pain. I know its hard to let your dog go, but its better for the dog. if she cares for her dog that much she wouldnt put your dog in pain. put her to sleep.
It may be hard for her but its the best way.
hope i helped
- Anonymous1 decade ago
Have your parents talk to her about it. If that doesn't work, accompany her to the next vet appt and ask the vet about it.