my cocker spaniel

Question
I had a tri--color cocker spaniel who was eight years old, she had an infection in one of her eyes about two months ago, she ended up getting glaucoma in that eye. about a month ago she had the same thing in her other eye the vet said that in a week since he'd seen her last the lens in that eye had separated from the cornea, she was totally blind and both eyes were a hazy blue and bulging out of the sockets. He said that we could have them removed but because we have small children in our home he would advise euthanization, that if we kept her she could be startled by one of the kids and bite them not meaning to. My husband and I decided to have her put down, it took a few days and heaving consideration before i agreed to it, she was my baby before I had babies. I miss her so much. I was just wondering if I did the right thing???

Answer
Patricia -


I am very sorry for the loss of your pet. I think you made the right decision.  I know it is difficult  - having to put your pet to sleep can be very hard; your veterinarian was very wise in recommending that you do what is not only right for your dog, but right for the entire family.  He was correct that she may have accidentally bitten your children if startled because her condition was new to her.  She was not used to being without sight and it may have taken a while for her to adjust to being blind.

Losing a pet can be very hard; though you cannot replace her you can honor her memory in many ways.  Donate money to a charity that cares for homeless dogs, volunteer at a local humane society or donate money in her name to a group that rescues cocker spaniels.  You will never forget her and donating time and money in her name can be extremely rewarding to other pets.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM