pamd

So true, Kate. You are such a compassionate and strong woman to do what you did for Darling, and you knew for sure and in your heart that's what you had to do. It must have been almost impossibly hard for you to make the decision, then follow up, but you put Darling and her most peaceful possible passing over your own emotions.

Thinking of you. You must be grieving so much, and I hope you feel better soon knowing Darling is at peace. It sounds like you have a lovely burial place for her.

shellbell4ever

Aww Kate, I am so sorry that it came to this for you both...You did everything you could for her and I know it must have been a very hard decision for you but like you said to end her suffering is what's best for your little girl R.I.P Darling

capekate

Thank you Shelly, Pam, Alessa and FishFolk for your kind words of support.
It was a very hard thing to do when the time came to actually take her out of the tank and start the process. I even stopped at one point and pondered it for awhile. But I knew I had to do it. Im the kind of strange person that feels guilty even when if I step on a bug by accident or kill a flying insect. I feel like Im playing God.. and making a decision life or death and that is something I really really hate to do and feel awful over it. I know that is kind of silly, but I respect all kinds of life like that.
It is time to move on... and I will give my fish the love and attention and will always remember Darling and her wonderful personality. I do not plan on getting another betta to replace her tho.
Thank you all for your support...
~ kate

welshalien

Kate, I am so sorry you had to go through this. I am still second guessing myself every day regarding my decision to let my rottweiler, Roxie go even though she had osteosarcoma and had come to the point where she couldn't walk anymore. It is so hard.

RIP Darling

Kelly

capekate

Hi Kelly
I know just what you mean about our pet dogs. They are such family members,that decision is one of the hardest to have to make. I have had to do this myself with a family dog that I loved very much. It sounds like you really did do the right thing in not letting your rottie suffer which you know that she would have..
You shouldnt second guess yourself over this.. you really did the right thing for her.

welshalien

Oh I know I did the right thing for her -- just as you did the right thing for Darling. It's just such a god-like thing to do, like you said before.

Kelly

Phinny12

I am so Sorry.. I had to do that to one of my Male Bettas....Steele..he was so beautiful. He developed tumors starting at his lovley tail and worked thier way through his whole body... I am very sad for you & your little girl, Darling

capekate

Thank you Judi
I hear more and more of these dang tumors that our little betta babies develop, that it is not so uncommon anymore. I wonder why that is? Something I am going to do some research on...
Im sorry to hear that you had to go through the same thing with your betta boy, Steele... its so heartbreaking to have to put them to sleep.

Phinny12

Thankyou CapeKate..this is making me cry..Alot of people don't understand how you can be so attached ..they say " it's just a fish" ..my Bettas are as much a companion pet to me as a dog or cat ( which I love too of course)..my Boys know when I come in the door from work ..so hard to lose a pet no matter what type of animal it is...that is true.

capekate

Yes, I know what you are saying... a lot of folks I know do not understand how hard and sad this was for me as well.
Folks that have never had Betta's just do not understand the personality of these gals and guys that only having one can one really understand this.
's to you Judi..... feel better... and know that the Betta moms and pops here understand how you feel..

Phinny12

Thanks capeKate....You guys are great!

voiceless_kat

My friend, I am so sorry you have had to make this painful decision . Know in your heart that you are sending her off in the most gentle way, with no thoughts of painful struggles.

My Neptune had tumours also, and I was going to euthanize, and thankfully, he passed during the evening. I can def relate to your pain at this sad time.

Take care, my friend, and know that you do what you have to do out of love!!

Sending hugs, Val

Tazmiche

Kate i'm in the same place with our boy Spot!!!! after so many losses i have stayed away from fishlore to stay sane!!! Spot isn't good BUT has had a good year or more since i found him. He has a huge lump but is trying to swim and eats well even if i have to take the food to his mouth. As long as he shows interest in life i'm there. I have found clove oil but will not buy it YET!!! Spoken to Spot, told him to meet up with my nana.

Kate, my heart is with you!!!! always.........Michelle

capekate

Hello Taz...aka Michelle
It is so nice to hear from you, Ive missed you in fishlore and now I know why you have been away... I am so sorry to hear about Spot. You will know when it will be his time to go, up til then give him all the love and attention you can.
I hope I never will need the clove oil or have to make that decision again, but when our babies are suffering and the cure is impossible we have to do what is best for them.
take care of yourself.. and I hope we see you more often in the forums!

capekate

Hello my friend... Thank you,
I have missed you in the forums as well! Where have you been? I remember your Neptune... and thankfully he passed before you had to euthanize him, its a very hard decision to make to say the least. You were spared for sure.
I hope that you and the rest of your fin babies are all doing well, and hope to see you in the forums again, I have missed your posts!

Phinny12

I am so sorry Michelle...it is a very hard thing to do..I understand.

Butterfly

Kate I have been doing a bit of research on Tumors and Bettas. The first thing that was overwhelmingly obvious was that nobody knows why they get tumors. The other thing that really struck me was that it's listed in several different places as among the top ten things that cause Betta deaths, usually listed in the upper half of that ten. So that tells me it happens more than we think. Just some thoughts
(((HUGS))) Sorry you had to go through this.
carol

capekate

Thank you Carol..
I have been trying to read up on these tumors and about all I find is the same thing this link below mentions. That fish, like animals and humans can develop cancer and tumors as well. Do we really know why they develop in cats.. dogs? So now I am learning that it just happens in tropical fish as well.
But yes, I am also finding that it is not so uncommon as I first suspected. If you find any other links that seem to go in more detail I would love to read it.
Here is the link that I found below...
take care, ~ kate

http://petcaretips.net/tumors-cancer-tropical-fish.html