What becomes of your old hunting dogs?

[Joeyman]

I've got two that have really gone down hill this season. One doesn't do a thing and just hangs out with me. The other has become deaf and cant tell which way the pack went not only that but she cant even keep up anymore. Both are 10yrs old. I don't even want to bring them along anymore. Lisa the sorta deaf one you have to really keep an eye out or she gets lost out there. I've had both since pups but its got to a point where I am torn on what to do. You know what I mean. I'd like to bring in two new dogs to take there place but I cant because I don't have kennel space. I don't know. just seeing what other people do. It's the right thing to let them live there life here at my place but at the same time I'd like for two new dogs to come in and actually hunt for me.

[TrlBustinBeagle]

I have 2 that are 13 and 15 yrs old. Raised them from a pup and they have a right to die in my kennel. Yeah they are taking up 2 spots in the kennel that could be used for other purposes but they truly deserve their right to stay with me til the end. Joeyman you kept them for 10 yrs so they must have contributed plenty to your pack in those 10 yrs so why cut em lose just cause they are past their primes?

[deerhost]

Same here. They die I'm my kennel and get a treat and a pat on the head every day till they die.......dh

[warddog]

Just had my good ole female die a month or so ago that was 13 years old. She was much like your dogs in that she was deaf and so slow she was like a walkie talkie beagle. She has been a good one and she spent the last three years of her life just lazin around in the kennel. YES, I would have loved to use that kennel space BUT she has earned her right to it, over the years of serving me well, so I made do with what I had and she kept her kennel until she used it up. I get attached to my dogs and especially the ones that do right for me so I do right by them until they go peacefully into the night or they get to the point that they are suffering. This ole girl lived in good flesh right up until her last night although she had a chronic cough for months like congestive heart failure. I've got others that are getting up in age that will occupy their kennel space until they get the call as well.

[Blue Chaser]

Agree with the others. After that many years of busting their butts and doing whatever was asked they have the right to finish their time out in your kennel. To me, anyone who puts a dog down simply because they stopped hunting is ignorant and selfish with no appreciation for their dogs.

[Swampman]

This is why I keep very few to that age, I hate seeing them get old. I typically sell them as seasoned hounds around 5 years old.
I had to see Sport die just shy of 14 years, Meg at 13 years and now I had to put my good ole Hammer down on Friday. He was 12 years old and earned his retirement as the others. He would still be here, but stopped eating on Tuesday and began to shut down so I took him to the Vet and ended it peacefully, I couldn't stand to see him suffer.
He was hit by a car 2 1/2 years ago and just couldn't keep up anymore with the young hounds due to arthritis setting in after the car hit.
He was basically a pet the last 2 years, I would take him to the Farm every weekend when I was building fence, baling hay, etc. He would go out and hunt and run a little, but then come back in.
Like I said, he earned that retirement and I can't imagine putting one down just because they are old and can't keep up anymore.

Good luck with your decision.

[Alabama John]

Give them to a child or day nursery for a pet.

[Chippewa01]

Agree with the others. After that many years of busting their butts and doing whatever was asked they have the right to finish their time out in your kennel. To me, anyone who puts a dog down simply because they stopped hunting is ignorant and selfish with no appreciation for their dogs.

Agree 100 percent! The fact that its being thought of to the end these dogs life because they are "useless" is ridiculous. After busting their butt hunting for 10 years, i'd say they deserve whatever treatment/living arrangements necessary. This is the reason houndsman get such bad reps with the general public, this topic needs to be taking down before an Animal Rights Activists gets ahold of it!

[Mike Gibeaut]

Agree with others they have earned their keep I've kept 3 until the end they are buried in dad's backyard .

[littlewoody]

Joe less is more enjoy them as long as you can .

[Rabbit/Hareman123]

i too agree with the others joey let them stay and die there,you have always had great dogs,they paid there dues,let them be yard or house pets and enjoy them still,or even let your young nieces and nephews or even neighbor hood kids walk them and enjoy them.

[John Way]

If they've been working for me 10yrs , they sure have a place until the end. Treats and rubs every day.

[adirondackjoe]

joey if you put them down you will feel bad about it soon and for a long time after. i understand the question though. took guts to ask.

[likeemfast]

Joey, their working hounds, they serve a purpose that is useful to you, when that purpose can no longer be performed then its time to move on. I see no reason to feed something just to feed it when i can feed something that is useful. I dont own pets, i own working hounds that i treat very well while they work for me. Do what your gut tells ya. Their your hounds and no one else's, Its that simple........As someone stated give them away if need be as a pet. As always just my opinion.

[deerhost]

Likemfast, I hope one day when your old and deaf someone treats you better then you would treat your dog.....I mean no offense to you. Just sayin...dh