I adopted Toro just 3 1/2 years ago, while I was working at the Humane Society. It was love at first sight. I didn't care the he already had health issues at just 9 or 10 months old, I just knew I had to take him home... I hadn't felt that way about any of the 100's of other dogs I had worked with there. He was amazingly sweet and well mannered. My best friend, traveled across Canada with me, finding happiness all along the way.
To add to his severe hip dysplasia and nodular dermatofibrosis, he was diagnosed as hypothyroid last November. I had just gotten his medication dosage right about 6 weeks ago, when he began to act depressed, disoriented, and generally not himself. I work at a vet clinic, so we ran every test & tried everything we could to treat him. nothing seemed to be working, and with his syptoms getting worse, it was decided that it must be a neurological issue. I couldn't stand to see him miserable anymore, and decided that the chances of getting a diagnosis AND a cure from an MRI etc., were pretty slim. He had an amazing 3.5 years with me, and helped me through so many tough times... I couldn't let him deteriorate out of selfishness, but then came guilty feelings of not being able to help him. He went relatively happily and peacefully today, after a last meal of buffalo liver and a cream puff (WITH the chocolate on top!). all the girls at the clinic said goodbye and cried and gave me a lily plant in his memory. I know a lot of you can relate to the pain and emptiness I feel... the worst part is never knowing - did I do the right thing?

Sorry for your loss Phaedra.

He went surrounded by loved ones with dignity, I hope to be as lucky as to be so loved. We'll see you on that rainbow bridge buddy!

RIP Toro.

So sorry....we do relate. RIP Toro.

He knew you loved him.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Soon your memories of all the amazing times shared will allow you to smile for him.

So sorry for your loss. It sounds like you gave him a great life, and a peacefull passing.

leih

He will be with you forever in your heart. RIP Toro.

Good for you that you considered him first: HIS pain and distress, and not your loss. Yes, in answer to your last question: You did the right thing. If only we all had such advocates for us.

Lucky Toro that he found you, and lucky you ... for the same reason. You blessed each other.

I smiled at the cream puff -- WITH the chocolate.

Remember what he brought into your life, Phaedra, and how you stepped up and made the hardest decisions for him.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and support. Toro did have a great life, and I did always try and put his needs first. Today was almost worse than yesterday, waking up without him here.
My last dog died suddenly in the night, so I never had to make the final decision...