Henry Rifle Forums

Buster has been showing signs of dog dementia since the first of the year and this past week it has really gotten bad. He had a physical a month ago and looked good on that other than his heart murmur which has gotten much worse. But lately I have a hard time with him getting him to come up his ramp back into the house. If I try to assist him it is teeth and growling and couple days ago if I went to put his leash on for walking he would try to bite my hand. Little things can set him off and Tuesday was off the chart as in I had to call the police for assistance to get him in the house. It was hot out and wanted to get him back in and so I would throw his ball up to ramp so he would follow it but that did not work. Tried the leash but that raised his anger again. Cop shows up and when Buster saw him with a loop leash it was all teeth and hell has come! I offered the officer my long sleeved heavy welding gloves for protection as he struggled with him to get the leash on and then fighting and tugging all the way up the ramp little at a time. Then had to get his leash off and more struggle and a head lock to get the leash loose. Wildest thing I have seen as I tried to help.
Decision has been made that it is time to put my little buddy down as I can't handle him any longer due to his anger issues and cannot let him out anymore cause can't get him in. He won't let you pick him up and has to be doped up to get him to the vet.
Well Wednesday is the appointment for his last day and will miss him but he needs to be at peace. The shelters are full and don't want him so my options had run out. 2026 has been worst year for me so far with having to put my wife in Memory Care and now 4 months later dementia has claimed my dog!

You are making the right decision.

It's hard to let them go but the decision was necessary.

My heart feels for you.

Forty, the last one standing loses. Your last year has been unbelievably difficult and you've been an extraordinary example for us. Thanks for sharing your grief here. Lots of us know exactly what you're going through and appreciate your strength and resolve.

Thanks for the support guys! There was a very bright spot this evening when I was going thru our bank accounts online.....Got a DEPOSIT from the LTC Insurance FINALLY!!!! Have to write a check to the facility where wife is by June 1 and will call the LTC and ask about the 35,000 back pay.

forty....Losing a dog has always been something I struggle to deal with. I just lost my old buddy and constant shadow "Casey" on April 17. My sympathy to you having to go through this.

May you have strength as you move ahead. So sorry for your pain.

Our last dog was a 95 Lb. Black Lab female named April. She was so sweet that it broke my heart when
we had to have her put down. I never want to go through that again.

Yes it is a very tough time when you have to say good bye to your dog. Buster is confined to the kitchen area now with potty pads spread around the floor since now I can't let him out...rainy weather all weekend and he doesn't want no leash. He woke me up last night several times with howling that dementia can bring on at night. I kept a night light on in kitchen to help him out.

Always very tough to make the decision for euthanasia. Wishing you all the best.

That’s the hardest decision to make, 40, but it sounds like you are making the right one. Busters quality of life is gone, so it would be cruel to both of you to let it carry on. My deepest sympathies!

understood on 2026 having been the worst year for you so far .... sure wish I could do more than offer condolences and prayers .... do hope you will soon have much better days

Redthies' comments are thoughtful and correct. A good dog deserves a good death.

Redthies wrote: ↑

Fri May 22, 2026 10:40 am

That’s the hardest decision to make, 40, but it sounds like you are making the right one. Busters quality of life is gone, so it would be cruel to both of you to let it carry on. My deepest sympathies!

Mine too forty. Some years just suck!

Buster will be happier on the other side of the bridge.

I recommend either watching the movie or reading the book Racing in the Rain. A wonderful dog story told from the view of the dog. Huge highs and lows with an ending that will send chills up your spine.

Hatchdog wrote: ↑

Fri May 22, 2026 12:22 pm

I recommend either watching the movie or reading the book Racing in the Rain. A wonderful dog story told from the view of the dog. Huge highs and lows with an ending that will send chills up your spine.

Thanks for the heads up on this film, Hatch. I just watched the trailer on Youtube and the movie is now on my agenda for the weekend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp2ufFO4QGg

Hatchdog wrote: ↑

Fri May 22, 2026 12:22 pm

I recommend either watching the movie or reading the book Racing in the Rain. A wonderful dog story told from the view of the dog. Huge highs and lows with an ending that will send chills up your spine.

This was such an enjoyable film on so many levels, I expect the book must be extraordinary.

It's the story of a man, his family, his purpose, and his dog. It's beautifully written and directed, and the performances are all absolutely perfect. As for the ending; yes, it was predictable, but nonetheless, a fulfilling conclusion to a film that's an emotional journey of love and loyalty.

"Si," the boy says. "Mi chiamo Enzo. Anch'io voglio diventare un campione... La macchina va dove vanno gli occhi."

So sweet. I loved it.

I still remember taking in Zeke to be put down. As they were taking him away, he gave me a look that I will never forget. It haunts me to this day. I sat in the parking lot and cried. I wanted to get out and run in to stop it. That was 10 yrs ago and I never got another dog. Brother. I know what you going through and I really feel you pain.

Hardest thing I have done is hold my lab while she passed. The choice was hard, she had lyme disease, and she was bad off, but did her best not to show it. I am a hardened soldier kind of guy, but I cried when she went. I feel your pain, and it has been years since she passed and I still get tears.