I need some advice?

[Inspector Scotty]

Our family dog of 12-13 years has not been doing good lately and in the last week he looks like he has aged 5 years. We took him to the vet this week due to not eating and drooling excessively. The vet took x-rays and said he has a small mass on his lungs but could be pneumonia? He said we could go to an oncologist but due to his age he did not recommend it. So the vet gave us 2 options; the first being take an antibiotic and the 2^nd being euthanasia. We started the antibiotic this week and at this point he has not any better but not any worse either. I know the time is near, I just want my dog to live his last days as comfortable and happy as he made us.

So here is my issue; I feel if I take him back to the vet and just drop him off he will be scared and his last emotion of me was I abandoned him. Or, I could take him to our property and let him run and chase the deer/hog scents that are at my feeder and when he stopped to rest, that would be his last chase, he would die happy and not scared.

Of course my wife or daughter is totally against the last chase option but I am thinking this would be the best way for he to go?

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

[dwilliams35]

you take him to the vet, and go in with him. Don't take no for an answer. When the vet tech says "I need to hold him", you tell them no way, that a stranger isn't going to be the last person he sees and smells. I've been through this a lot of times, and there's no way I'd just drop the dog off. Not a chance.

As far as "when he stops to rest"... That's not the way it happens. Nature isn't that kind.

[Flounderface]

Agree 100% although I never had a vet say that I could not be there. Be ready for one of your worst days ever, my heart goes out to you.

[Reality Czech]

X100 also
You will cry, but in your heart you will know it was the best decision

[bassguitarman]

Heck, I cried too when the vet put my daughters 21 year old cat down. Seeing my daughter cry and nothing I could do to fix it really got to me

[Capt Mike]

I’ve never taken one to the Vet before but if I had to you can be sure I would be with my dog when the injection was received

[Yep]

Our whole family went with our lab when we put him down. We were in the room with him when he got the shot and probably a good 45 mins after he passed. No way I would let him die alone or with strangers.

[Kevin Nicholls]

You're in a tough situation my friend. Not one I would want to be in. Take your time and do what your heart tells you to do. You have to be good with this and you only. I'll say a prayer for you.

[Landlocked]

I've never taken one to the Vet before but if I had to you can be sure I would be with my dog when the injection was received

I've watched every dog I ever had take their last breath at the Vet.

There's a Vet near the Gulf freeway and Fuqua that is an oncology specialist. Sounds like that's what you're dealing with. Bay Area Veterinary Hospital I think is the name. They took out a spleen that was a cancerous problem and gave Queenie an extra couple years. Top notch Vets at this place. My vet in Baytown referred me to them.

[Brass Monkey]

Wife & I took our Blue Lacy (14 years old) to Dickison Animal Hospital in January, they were very professional.
They let us spend as much time as we wanted before & after. Gave him plenty of his favorite treats, I cried like a baby hardest thing I've done in a long time.

[SmithRanchZ]

Did it last month. Wife and I were there. Actually, felt better seeing it. He was staring into my wife's eyes as he drifted away.

[bassguitarman]

One other possibility - when it was time to put my mother's large dog down, I called a mobile vet. I held her dog, the dog was quite ill. The vet gave her one small injection and the dog calmly went to sleep. The vet gave her a second injection and her breathing immediately stopped. It was a very simple, calm, end of life. I would recommend it if that is an option where you are.

[Slabmaster]

Going to your property is good of you have the heart for it. Don't take the wife and kid

[BigTim]

Another option…there are home hospice and euthanasia services available for pets.

[I Fall In]

I understand what you're thinking about taking him to the country, but if your wife and kids aren't ok with that in my opinion you have to be the strong one (for them) and let them have their say.
It's never easy.
God bless my brother.

[BDGreen]

We've had to have two dogs put to sleep and we were with them the whole time petting them and talking to them.

[Bebo's Dad]

Sorry you are having to deal with this and its mandatory in our house that all family members go.
I still regret no going when we had to put a cat down back in 2013.
AC fan motor went out on the unit outside, mid July with twin 4 yr olds and a 5 year old. Running and calling around Houston on a Saturday to try and find something that would work.
Told wife just to take the cat to our vet who is a friend and send me the bill.... one of the worst decisions I ever made.

[LouReed]

One of the hardest things I've ever done, but I knew I had to be there for her.