Chris Michalek

I have a 2.X yr rottweiler that I was given as a replacement my original Rottie that was dying. Gee thanks!

Long story short about the "rescue" my next door neighbor is a breeder of Cavalier Spaniels and she traded one of her puppies for the Rottie just to give to me. So I am obligated in many ways to completely care for this dog.

This rottie while a great house dog is the poorest example of a Rott that I have ever seen. The health issues are increasing. Severe HD at 8mo Severe ED showed up at 1.5yrs. Swivel hips and baby steps is her MO. She can't really run anymore but she can walk and watch TV etc... I am NOT going to have surgery on this dog.

She has yet to come up totally lame but is in obvious pain most of the time. She gets apsirin most days and when she whines she gets a rymidel for a few days. Aside from her body, she's a totally alert and very affectionate pet.

At what point is it "morally" acceptable to put this dog down? I was thinking when she's more lame than not but the whining when she sits or gets up make me feel horrible. My wife BTW- would rather have the dog operated on because she feels obligated to the neighbor and because she feels a duty in being a "responsible" pet owner.

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