Quality of life... UPDATE

[CarriBrown]

We have a Buttercup named Buddy that was hatched by a hen of ours a year ago. Buddy has never seemed quite "right" but got around fine, with ups and downs. She had crook neck, so we've been giving her vitamins every night, which helped a lot.
For the past week, Buddy's health has been declining fast. She can't really walk, I hand feed and water her, and she's in the house. She is alert and tries to be active, but her quality of life is nill, IMO.
I told DH that we need to put her down. He's looking online for some cure all that I know doesn't exist. He looks at me like I just want to "rid" us of the "hassle". I have tears streaming down my face right now. I want nothing more than to have Buddy jump up like everything is fine but my head tells me it will not happen.
PLEASE... How to I make him understand? My heart is breaking for her and I can't see her this way anymore.

 

[hcammack]

You need to try and calm yourself down so you can make him see why you need to do this. I am really sorry for you because I know how close you are to your birds. I believe that when we are responsible for an animal and that animals quaility of life is horrible we are also responsible to end that animals life.

I hope that helps I am really sorry,
Henry

 

[Cats Critters]

Ask him if he would want to continue to if he where in her place. It might make him think and I am sorry for what you and your hen are going through.

 

[speckledhen]

Carri, I'm so sorry. My own DH's heart is breaking today. We have some very softhearted men, a real blessing. He will see it in time, but it may take him a bit longer. I'm sorry about Buddy. You're probably right about her, but I know how hard that decision is.

 

[cjeanean]

My mom is having the same problem with one of our family dogs. This dog has been in our family since she was a puppy, and is now having neurological problems. My mom has kept her alive for a while, almost a year with these problems, because Sweetie doesn't seem to be in pain and has been able to relieve herself on her own and is still overjoyed when she sees us. Now, though, she hasn't been able to go to the bathroom, and my mom is faced with the decision of having to put her down. What do you do in a situation where you have to 'play God' and decide when it's time to die?? Honestly, I think He gives us situations like this so we can see how hard His job is, and He has to decide for millions of people that He loves dearly every day. I don't know if you are believing people, but I know I would have to tell him that God made that animal for a reason (since no sparrow falls to the ground without Him, much less a chicken) and He allowed you both to be with that animal for a period of time. Now it's time for that to end, and He has been gracious enough to allow you to choose, so you can appreciate the time you have left. Although He has left it up to you to decide when, you either decide or let Him do it, which is what your options are. Sorry can't be of much more help! I'm sorry you're in this situation, and I hope and pray that your DH will make the best decision and be able to bear it. Good luck!

 

[CarriBrown]

Thanks for the advice everyone. It's been very hard because Buddy has ups and downs, but this is an extreme down. I feel (with a heavy heart) that it is time. She is sitting in my lap right now because it makes her comfortable and content.
I'll talk to him when he gets home.

 

[rooster-red]

Sometimes we men are stubborn, and we fell like we have to exhaust every possibility before giving in to what we know will be the inevitable.

Ask him to sit down with you and come up with an action plan that will have a definate deadline, say ok we'll try this and this and this and if she doesn't improve by the deadline then you both know you've done everything you can and it is time to end the suffering.

 

[CarriBrown]

Quote:
Thank you, RR. That is a great idea.

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

I'm so sorry.
You have to do what you think is right.
I know it's tough. Maybe you can 'fix it' while he isn't home (if he is holding out unrealistic expectations).
((Hugs))
Lisa

 

[CarriBrown]

Quote:
I've thought about that. I'm home a good hour before him. What do I soak a rag in? Ethnol or something? What would be in my garage with that in it? I need to make sure I do the right thing so it happens fast and peacefully.