Last hunt or not?

[mbishop5]

My best buddy of 9 years was diagnosed yesterday with kidney disease. They said that he has lost 75% of his kidney function and that they are giving him a few months to live. My golden retriever is truely a hunter. His drive is never under question and I don't want to see him in any pain. I remember reading about the "Last Hunt" while I was doing my training. I thought at the time that was a great idea. Now, I am having second thoughts. I am thinking of taking the euthanasia shot from the vet out with me while hunting and doing it there. I just don't want him to feel pain when the time comes. Any thoughts or support on this subject is welcomed.

Also, I know that this may seem insensitive, but if anyone knows of any reputable Golden Retriever breeders names please let me know. I am getting in touch with Topbrass Retrievers today.

[dinoday]

Boy is that a tough one to hear.I don't know how that works in dogs,but my grandfather went through the same problem before he passed on and it is a bad way to go.
I've read The Last Hunt too,and also liked the thought of it.I don't know if I could put my dog down myself.I'd like to think I could,but it's a tough question.My dogs vet is also a bird and waterfowl hunter and personally I think I'd take Hank to him when the time comes just so I make no mistakes.I would stay with him until the end.
Sorry to hear about this,enjoy the time you have left with him/her and you've got my sympathy :(

[quackmaster]

I am very sorry to here of what you are going through and offer my true sympathy. NO matter what happens, take him out for one last hunt, there is probably no other place he would rather be before he goes, thats where i would want to be. Again i offer my sympathy, its a terrible decision to have to make.

[Hunt4Ever]

Having to go through this two years ago I will offer you some advise. First, this is the hardest most gut wrenching decision you will ever have to make. Second, I talked to many people about how to handle the final moments and I came to this conclusion.

This was not just my hunting partner for 13 years, but my best friend. I have a lot of great memories stored up and tons of pictures that bring a smile to my face and at many times tears to my eyes. I was told that the final moments is something that you won't ever forget if you watch it. I didn't want the final moment to be the last thing I remember about my buddy. I suggest to you that you enjoy the time you have left, go hunting if you can, and let your vet take care of the final moment. I still carry Catelyn's collar and tags with me on every bird hunt I go on. I tell everyone she would like to go and this is my way of taking her with me.

I have a new hunting buddy now and that helps. They are all different and will never replace your lost friend. They shouldn't. You will remember them each for what they brought to your life.

I'm sure many here have read this post but just can't post a reply. If you have been through it, a reply is hard.

We all are with you.

[KING CAN]

I have to agree with Hunt4ever... taking care of the final moments is a hard thing to do. I've pretty much did the sameway you described it and I hate myself for it. Like what was mentioned above remember his/her good memories.

My deepest sympathy goes out to you and I'll pray that you and your best friend have one whale of a opening day.

[William H Bonney]

Where can I read this, "Last Hunt",, as if I need another lump in my throat. :(

[mbishop5]

Thanks guys. This is the hardest thing I have every had to face in my life. This is even worse than my sister dying from breast cancer. I am really sensing the genuine sympathy with every post. Finding out 2 days before the opener is really making it hard to go out knowing that the number of hunts are limited

I reflect back on just about every duck he brought back and the praise I gave him and the joy he gave me. The one that really sticks out was last year. I winged a greenhead that swam about 100-150 yds from the fall. He had the mark and drove right to it. He could not see it swimming away cause of the lillipads and kept looking back to me for casting directions. It was cold and mucky, every step was up to his chest. I put him on the duck and he got it. I was proudest owner in the world. I didn't care if I saw anymore birds the rest of the day.

Guys (and girls), when you make to your blinds tomorrow and when the birds are not flying or dying, give your pup some loving.

[Adam Waszak]

It sucks now way to describe what you are going through right now. My setter is 2 years old and I remember my wife getting mad when I brought her home because I was staring at the pup and she must have noticed I was in deep thought. she asked me what was wrong and I told her "she is a pup, she will is a family pet and a hunting dog. I do not know how good she will be but I do know someday I will bury her" she was not happy with me but it was in the back of my mind the day I got her. Dogs are wonderful animals that just don't live long enough. I am sorry to hear about your dog and I hope you get through it as best that you can. My good friend who is a bird dog nut always tells people in this situation "Remember, only people and bird dogs go to heaven". Get that dog some birds good luck

AW

[F-Walleye]

This was a hard post to read and I can't imagine how hard this choice is.
Do what you think will be best for you to have some closure. Our dogs are a huge part of our lives and in many cases the best and only friend we have sometimes.
I wish you the best of luck.

[mbishop5]

Bonney,

I am not sure where I read the story. I think it was in a forum somewhere. I would love to read it again, but can't find it anywhere. If anyone has it, please post the link. It was really heart-wrenching.

I plan on putting him on as many retrieves as he can handle this weekend. Hopefully, I can hit the birds with all the tears in my eyes. Definitely will have the camcorder with me to record the good times.

[Jacob Huffman]

I like many others also read that story.I had to put down my best friend just this summer.He was 13 and I had him since he was 6 weeks old.He even out lasted my first marriage...lol....But I thought I was going to be a tough guy at the vet and walked him back there and gave him one last kiss.....well there went the tough guy attitude... started crying like a little baby.. no way I could have done it myself.All I can say is that i feel for you,I know how hard it will be.. but what better way to have him spend his last minutes but doing what he loves the most ,with the one he loves the most...Good luck..

[DEERHNTR]

It's hard for me to imagine what you are going through. My dog is now 9 years old and although he is still in good health I can see the graying in his face and his steps starting to slow down. I too know that someday I will be faced with the same situation you are facing right now. My advice to you would be to take your dog hunting, I think it would be more painfull for him and you to leave him sitting at the house while you pull away to go hunting without him. Even if he has to be on light duty atleast take him out there with you.

[Wall-llard Willie]

I put down my first golden about 7 years ago my 2nd is now 5, although the choice SU**ED I know it was the right thing to do. I was with her till the end at the vets and have been for all my dogs and wouldn't have it any other way. I still have great memories of our days together and the last day memories are GREATLY overshadowed by the better memories.
All I can say is go with your gut feeling, it'll be the right choice for you.

God Bless and Good Luck.

[Mike L]

Been there ! It's been 4 years and I can remember it all like it was yesterday.
And even writing about it is still very, hard. Like was said already it's the most gut wrenching thing you will ever do. I was just going to drop her off at the vets, but my wife said to me ? Don't you let her die alone ! So I took her in. Went through the shot and was able to hold her as she passed on. I couldn't stay very long after, I just couldn't take it any longer......... :sad: I had her cremated and she is now by my Deer Hunting blind. My son has instructions to put me there also. So take him out hunting if he is able too and enjoy the
time you have left. Now thinking back on it ? I would do the same thing again. There's no way I could put my best friend down. We all say a lot from time to time, but actually doing it is another. This was the second lab I had to put down and I'm NOT doing it again. Just too hard ! So again , enjoy the time you have left with him. Even if your prepared it's gonna hurt like hell, there's no way around it...........

[trout]

If your golden can do the hunt, go for it!
You can set the tone of the hunt, it doesn't have to be a hard hunt.
Buy a camera and take a heck of alot of pics too.
The vet is saying two months so just take the dog out one last time this yr.
More if you think they can do it.
As far as playing God, I can't offer an opinion.
I do know that when my best friends time has come, I won't be able to type for days.
Whatever happens, make sure your dog knows it is loved.

[lawnboy]

I remember the day last year when I had to put down my lab. His back end went out and I had to make that death walk to the vet. Once inside they asked if I wanted to go into the room and I just had to for all the years that we were together. As we sat in the room waiting, I cried like a baby. To this day, I can’t ever remember crying like that for any other reason…

Sorry to hear…

Crap the tears are swelling up…

[ytlabs]

As everyone has said take the time keep the memories and hold on till the time is here.

We just put our britt down this past spring. He had a good life, had hip displaysia from the time he was a younger dog. I had an easy time with the decision since after 12 years of asprin therapy and such to ease his pain. He slipped into a pattern of not being able to hardly stand and the pain on his face when he climed up and down the porch steps helped us know.

When we walked into the vets he happily was putting on his best show. walking as if never having pain. Tail wagging and happy. I did not go back, reasoning was simple. This dog trusted NO ONE except me. He would growl and snap at people he did not know if they tried to come near me or him. The day we took him in, he hadnever been to tis vet before. He knew no one. He actually left my side and on his own walked to the back. I just knew it was his own way of syaing. " It's going to be OK dad."

Take the camera and take the pics. I know when its time for our Lab who is now going on 6 I will go back. I will have her cremated. I already told my wife and kids. I will place her on a decoy urn and she will hunt every day I do for the rest of my life.

Who knows by the time I go, I may have a half dozen or more labbys with me in the casket. To go along with my waders, parka and shotgun that I have given strict orders to be placed upon me. To hell with suits I plan on going out with my hunting gear on. For once no plug and ready to shoot every single winged critter on the way. :yikes: Hope them angles fly like teal or I may get in some trouble.

[butrunt]

I've got a nine year old yellow lab that loves to hunt and for the last year and again this year I am not able to take her hunting and the look on her face is saddening to me. I would give anything to get her out and please her as much as she please me. Today my neighbor brought home a few ducks and I took a wing and hid it around the yard for her. The excitement she showed was great.
This is as close to the real hunt I can do for her while still keeping her trained.

I read all the post and could feel the tears welling up inside. I don't want to think about the end, but enjoy the moments I have now. My wife acusses me of loving my dog more than her. In a way maybe I do, but it is a different kind of love that she doesn't understand. To have someone or something who just loves you not matter what and unconditionally like a dog can never be describe acurately. I don't know how long it will take for me to replace her if I ever do.

I wish you luck with whatever you do and enjoy the time you do have with your buddy.

[William H Bonney]

Someone please DELETE this thread,,, I can't handle this anymore :(

[mbishop5]

Sorry to reopen this issue, but I wanted to give an update. Took me this long to even talk about it.

I ended up putting Timmy down on Dec 29, 2004. The worst day of my life. He had not eaten anything for 2 days. I put venison in front of him and he looked at it wanting to eat it but ended up turning his nose to it. That is when I made the decision to call to the vet. She and a friend of mine came to the house with the necessary equipment. My girls were upstairs and my wife went down to the basement with me. We had given him as much love as we could in the final moments. He looked at us, barely moving, and I put him on the blanket. The vet administered the shot. I wasn't crying anymore. I knew that this was the most peace that he had in a long time. The vet said that the shot would put him in a sleep state until his heart stopped. Took about 2 minutes until he was on the greatest hunt of his life. I knew that he was with my grandfather hunting the hell out of those birds. Things are good for him now.

It's been almost a year, now. Still think about him all the time. Duck season is starting up soon and my drive is not there. I will go out but I will miss hunting with him. Like most of us gun dog owners, it is not the kill, the true hunt is watching your dog work.

Hopefully I will have another golden this time next year and the cycle will begin again.

Good luck to you all and love your pup.

[just ducky]

...This was not just my hunting partner for 13 years, but my best friend. I have a lot of great memories stored up and tons of pictures that bring a smile to my face and at many times tears to my eyes. I was told that the final moments is something that you won't ever forget if you watch it. I didn't want the final moment to be the last thing I remember about my buddy. I suggest to you that you enjoy the time you have left, go hunting if you can, and let your vet take care of the final moment....


Second, third, fourth or whatever to that comment from Hunt4Ever! Been there and done that with both dogs and cats. My first time taking the "death walk" to the Vets, my wife and I were both convinced that we would be letting out pet down if we weren't there with her for her last breath. Even though our Vet, who has been a family friend for years, tried his best to talk us out of it, we were there. BIG MISTAKE!!!! Contrary to what you might think or have heard, the last moments after a lethal injection are not always a pretty, picture perfect, memory book moment. The animal's natural defense mechanism's often kick in, and their bodies try to fight it.....not pretty...not going into details, but trust me here ;) So unfortunately that's the last thought we both have of her, and one that I will never...ever...forget.

So as someone else said, have your last hunt and enjoy the time you have. But when the dreaded time comes, find a trusted vet who you know will treat them as humanely as possible and just let them do their thing. DO NOT BE PRESENT!

[MakoWish]

Been there....done that. I'm really sorry to hear about your pup....If he can still make it out, do it. I think he would rather go with you than watch you go without him. Do what he enjoys doing. He'll let you know when he has to stop. Take lots of pictures and cherish your time with him.

[chuckinduck]

MBishop, sorry to hear about what your going through, and its hard to read this story without a lump in your throat, myself included. I can't imagine what your going through and I hope that day never comes for me, although I know it will. I have an upstart 7 month old golden retriever, and the bond we've developed in our first 5 monthes together has been amazing. I've never been as proud as I was on opening day of goose season, when Walter hauled in his first goose that was nearly half his size, remember the good hunts, and times you've shared, and while this is tough, you can't replace the memories you've made, and they'll be there with you for a lifetime. Walter will join me on his first duck opener this weekend, and I'd like to dedicate my hunt to you and your buddy.

[LilyDuck]

My pup being a year and half old I cant even think about the day that Im going to lose her. I know that it will happen. I feel for your short comings with her in the next few months. Remeber that there will always be a place in your heart as well as in the blind for him. Remeber to let him in the front seat put the partner in the back on a drive out to the field/marsh. Him being in his box to and from the feild his whole life has never seen the trail that you take. So that he once again can come join you for many years to come.

Will be thinking of you 2 in the season.

[Sam22]

my dad put down out beagle (family dog of my youth) himself with me there. It was emotionally tough, really really tough. but when we did he, he left in a split second, and surely felt no pain. It may be some old fashioned farm culture or something, but we thought that was the right way to do it. A 22 bullet in the temple, in a blanket, god that was awefull