I just got to this thread now as well. My thoughts are with you. It will be hard. Don't let the guilt weigh you down. You gave her more than she would have gotten with someone else. You gave her time. You gave her happiness. You gave her love. She, in turn, taught you much. Take what she gave you to help other dogs and handlers.
You will NEVER forget her. But in time, you will only remember the good times. I consider my tears to be my memorial to the dogs that I have lost. Do not feel bad. Do not feel like a failure. You are not.
Thank you all for your thoughts - this has been a very difficult time.
RIP Teagan. She was euthanized yesterday. I will miss her every day, but I am trying to do like Kelly said and remember the good times. I hope I gave her some peace through this.
Wendy Lefebvre Webboard User Reg: 12-08-2005
Posts: 1271
Loc: Stoney Creek , Ontario, Canada
Offline
Jenn....Im so sorry to hear that you had to make that decision.
But Im sure it was the right thing to do.
I alway's feel that when their quality of life has changed and they just can't do the things they used to love, or do daily activities without pain, it's our responsibility to decide what is best for them.
Keep your chin up chicklet....you did what any one of us would've done if our companions were hurting and in pain. No one wants to see their animals in pain, and im sure she's happier and in no pain where-ever she may be right now.
Remember the good times, and all that you did for her.
Kristel Smart Webboard User Reg: 10-03-2006
Posts: 1548
Loc: Vermont
Offline
I don't know how I missed this thread. Like I said on FB, I am SO SORRY. You are far from a failure. You took a dog that many wouldn't, you worked very hard doing right by her and those in her vicinity.
I think of the many posts and many questions, the many decisions that you've agonized over on Teagan's behalf, and the many lifestyle changes you've made to accommodate a dog with a difficult temperament. It's clear to me that you've done everything you could to do right by Teagan, and continued to do so right to the end.
It also sounds very much like her pain was influencing her behaviour, and that there was nothing more to be done. Though the decision was an extremely difficult one for you, you gave her relief. Another unselfish decision.
Jenn, I remember when you first adopted Teagan and posted here. I remember thinking (probably more than once) that you were in way over your head with her. With a dog of her temperament, it seemed to me that your situation could have easily turned pretty ugly for both you (or any other inexperienced owner) and Teagan. If I had been in your shoes, I'm pretty sure it would have been a disaster. But you were willing to be humble, ask questions and more importantly take the advice and follow it to the letter. Instead of being a holy terror, Teagan blossomed into a much beloved companion. Her loyalty to you was completely earned and you giving her peace in no way diminishes that.
There is no way to get through this pain without feeling like you screwed up somehow. Her later years were the most peaceful and fulfilling ones she had. Think about the good times; they will stay with you even if she can't.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Re: Teagan's threat training - pics
[Re: Angela Burrell ]
#259497 - 12/14/2009 05:19 PM 
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
