I have been having some health issues over the holidays, get the results this week. Then Christmas day our Beagle loses his appetite. This dog is always hungry but now will not touch his dog food, he will eat cooked burger and cottage cheese but thats it. My vet is a really good friend and says if it persisit bring him in. Well took the dog in, he has cancer throughout his body, the vet says he is not in any pain and as long as he keeps the cottage cheese down he is ok. Then says probably three weeks tops. Any suggestions on how to break this to my son who is 12? The dog is just 5 years old and is a constant companion to my son. We have a lab also that is my sons best friend but he and the beagle are tight, just last night he was asking when we are going rabbit hunting again. Any suggestions?
Dang Tree I am sorry this happening. I would take him into his room and sit him down and just tell him. Maybe even bring the dog in with you when you do it. I know it sounds hard but I would do it. Give that dog a hug for me.
just be honest with your kid man...we had to put our lab down 3 yrs ago and it was real tough for my little bro....he was 12 and was a year old when we got her....they grew up together..
I love dogs. I hate that they don't outlive us. I had to put a Beagle down and I still miss him to this day. It's very hard. Just sit your son down and be honest with him. If he's a hunter, he knows the facts of life and death. It's still hard but it's life.
Yeah that stinks. I had a similar situation a few years ago...and had to take my do to the vet to have him put down .... with both my kids with me (long story). It SUCKED big time. Dogs are awesome, I agree with Rob...too bad they can't outlive us. No easy way to deal with it, but its part of life. I feel for ya Tree, I hope it goes well.
I appreciate the advice, I sat him down in his room and the dog jumps up on the bed and puts its head on my sons lap. I almost lost it right there. I just told him and he took it well. Said he knew something was wrong with Ranger wiped away one tear said it was ok. That night I heard him crying a lot, tried to console him he just wanted to be alone with his dog. The end is really coming soon for Ranger. It will not be easy. Thanks again.
There is No easy way to deal with the death a Dog. I've owned Dogs my whole life and each time I lose one it is painful. Dogs are very loving and expect very little from you to be a faithful companion in return for shelter, food, & friendship. There are No Bad Dogs only Bad owners! My Sympathy goes out to you and your son as well. I can still remember losing my 1st Beagle when I was approx. your sons age. Dan
