Redditor Asks If They're An A**Hole For Suggesting To Put The Family Dog To Sleep

She is no longer able to see or smell very well if at all and is also deaf.

Stephanie

• Published in Interesting
• January 15, 2023

One of the most difficult and painful aspects of pet ownership is having to decide when the right time is to say goodbye to a beloved fur baby. The last thing we ever want is for them to suffer, but it's also extremely hard to let them go.

Recently, Reddit user u/AliceLuvane shared a story in the AITA (Am I The A**hole?) subreddit on this exact topic. The OP asked the Reddit community for advice on how to approach the topic with their sister about their family's elderly dog.

The Reddit user explained that their family dog is at least 15 or 16 years old. She is no longer able to see or smell very well, if at all, and is also deaf.

The OP says the dog's legs are starting to give out when she walks, and she has become increasingly fragile. She is unable even to push her dog door open.

But the OP says things have gotten even worse lately, and it's becoming unbearable to watch her suffering. The poor dog has been walking in circles and crying with pain and confusion.

The Redditor explained that the dog technically belongs to her sister, but she lives at home with them. OP's sister recently lost her cat from a hit-and-run, and her other dog is recovering from surgery.

So, the OP is concerned about bringing up the condition of the dog and the possibility that it might be time to put her to sleep. Keep scrolling to see how people reacted.

The OP asked the Reddit community for advice on how to approach the topic with their sister about their family's elderly dog.

They explained that their family dog is at least 15 or 16 years old, and is no longer able to see or smell very well, if at all, and is also deaf.

Recently, the dog has become increasingly fragile.

The Redditor explained that the dog technically belongs to her sister, but she lives at home with them.

Understandably, OP is concerned about bringing up the condition of the dog and the possibility that it might be time to put her to sleep.

Here's how people reacted.

"You could suggest a vet visit."

"Our love for them shouldn't cause them to suffer."

"It's the humane thing to do."

"It would be the kind thing to do."

"It's not fair to let her suffer."

"The most caring thing you can do is spend the money to put them to sleep without pain."

"Sometimes ending the suffering is better than trying to get a few extra days."

"Nobody likes seeing their pet in pain."

"It would be better for her to go out peacefully than die in pain."

But, does she know how bad it is?

"It's time to give her the peace she deserves."

Her quality of life comes first.

It's a hard decision, but it's for their good.

"Would she really want her to be in pain?"

"The only humane thing is euthanasia."

"It would very much be the kind thing to do."

Ummm, perhaps not.

What's your take on this situation? Do you think the OP should talk to her sister about putting the dog to rest, or would she be overstepping if she did?

Either way, the most important thing here is the quality of life for this poor, loyal doggo. Every animal deserves to live their best life and to pass away with dignity when it's time.

We would love to hear your opinions on this. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

Stephanie