When is it time? (Dog's struggles)

[blueriver]

I am so sorry to hear this ... a loyal companion, such as a good dog is a wonderfull thing to have experienced.

Believe me ... you will know and as hard as that decision is to make you are the only one that can make it. Always remember the good life and loyal companionship that was shared, it doesn't make things easier just puts a warm friendly smile on your face ... good luck my thoughts are with you.

 

[Tig]

She still greets us at the door wagging the tail. Still gets over-excited when visitors arrive ......

Dogs live for the love of their masters. Your dog still seems to be enjoying life in spite of her condition.
Our dog is in her 18th year. She has slowed down a lot and requires much care. Because of her accidents she no longer has free run of the house. I had to pause while typing this to clean one up.
She was there for our kids as they grew up. Now it's our turn to be there for her.

 

[hwp]

Sorry to hear of your situation. I know how tough it can be. I've had to put two dogs down. I became a dog from **** and that was an easy decision. The other was a lovable Olde Engliish Sheepdog that won a grand championship. His arthritis got so bad that he would start to go for a walk and turn back. Before we got out first Dane, we had a Bouvier des Flanders. she was a super dog. One day she was playing in the yard and keeled over - apparently from a heart attack. The next day we got our male Dane.

A year ago we thought our male Dane, who was then 8 1/2 years old, was nearing the end. He had become very lazy and showed little interest in life and had fairly severe arthritis. So we started looking for another dog to give us company for after he went. We ended up getting a six month old female Dane pup - his mother was her great grand mother. The pup gave him a new lease on life, and while he still suffers from arthritis, he is much more active. She respects him as the pack leader, they get along very well and compete for attention. They are very protective of each other. She went into heat much earlier than we expected and he wouldn't let another male dog anywhere near her. He lost about 60 pounds while she was in heat - she has since been fixed. He has since put about 20 pounds back on, but the slimmer body makes it easier for him to get around. We also give him glaucosimine. A major highlight of their day is when I take them for a fairly long walk in the morning. They compete to see who can get their collar on first. He still jogs along the beach for a bit most days.

We know the day will come when we have to put him down but we also now that he has enjoyed this phase of his life.

 

[Steve_Miller]

You'll know when its time, its just that feeling you get from everything you know. My last one let me know it was time when she stopped eating. Her kidneys had been failing and she stopped eating about three or four days before D-day. Actually my first one did the same thing, she stopped eating as well, but she went out to do her business that morning and didn't come back. It took me and the wife two hours to find her, she was curled up in some moss in the woods and couldn't get up. That was a very painful trip to the vet for me as I had to stop twice on the way (i broke down, not the vehicle) and it is only a three mile trip to the vet's office. Time heals all, its just that first little while that hurts the most. I just try to think of all the good times we had together, not that last one.

Steve
Nova Scotia

 

[shvl73]

We have 6 dogs, we added 1 this fall. It was an abuse/neglect case and it was the thing to do, though we certainly didn't need another. Sleeping through the night just doesn't happen at our house. We are up at least twice a night with them needing (or just wanting) to go out. Though I want to sleep through, it doesn't happen so, we get used to it. Some people crate them but, we don't. I wouldn't trade the companionship for a full nights sleep. When I travel for work, I miss them. If she's comfortable and happy, enjoy the time you have.

 

[GaryE]

I am not sure I can add much more to this thread than already has been said.


I had to make the same decision a few years ago. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. As others have said, she will tell you when it is time." I knew for Sam when his bad times were greater than his good times it was time. It was Sunday March 10th (I will never forget), he told me it was time. You will know.... I know what you are going through...... She will tell you .....




Gary

 

[QRTRHRS]

Not much to say that has not been said here. So, let's look to the future. I have buried many beloved pets. I have waited a few months to aquire another and I have dropped off one that expired in my arms then picked up a pup in the same day.

Either way has been tough. You expect that new dog in your life to be like the one that has passed. Forget about that!

It is about acceptance and letting go. It is about deciding if you should forgo setting at the computer or taking your willing companion for a walk. In the end, your memories will last a life time and if you open your heart, a new companion (and there are many) will come into your life.

The new will not be like the old but in time you will reach common ground and begin anew a bond that will last but a few years and a lifetime.

 

[dmccarty]

My FIL/MIL just lost their dog of many years a few months ago. Sara had been slowing down and was not very active at all. She was not eating and they knew the time was getting close.

But the dog made the choice of when to go. My FIL went outside to do some chores and Sara ran out the door. She ran into a cut over that was full of briars. My FIL tried to get her out but the stuff was simply too thick to get to her. He could get in far enough to see that she had found a small cleared spot in the thickets, laid downed and breathed her last breath.

My FIL/MIL where very upset that he could not get to her body. My take out it was that she had made her decision, she knew it was time, and she did not want to die in the house.

Later,
Dan

 

[Cottonhawk]

I am so sorry!

 

[RayH]

It was difficult for me to read through these two pages. I really feel for everyone who has had to deal with this. Im going through the same thing right now and asking the same question.
My 14 year old mix has spinal arthritis. Its to the point that sometimes he needs help standing up, he loses his balance and its getting harder to get him to go outside to do his business. The worse part is the obvious discomfort he has when trying to lay down or get up. I cant even sleep in the same room with him anymore because it hurts me so bad to hear him in pain as he moves around. Im a truckdriver and a former Marine and I cant help but cry like a little girl when I see him struggling. Its hard for me to believe that this time last year we were hiking in the woods and running around the yard. All I can hope is that I can make the right decision for him when its time.