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Post by sunnyd on Jul 16, 2018 6:17:38 GMT
Our furbaby is a 15 year old cairn terrier. We have a vet appointment tomorrow afternoon and I'm afraid the dr. may suggest that it's time to let him go. He is not enjoying life right now.  His symptoms are that he seems a bit disoriented and also uncomfortable, walking very very very slowly, was walking almost sideways a couple of days ago for a short time, pain when eating and somewhat sudden horrid breath (tooth problem?), a few times today he has had fast, shallow breathing. He had diarrhea Thursday but has pooped and peed fine since then. Plus he has a couple of small bumps/growths on his head. He has had one for awhile but I noticed a 2nd one today. He seems to be falling apart all of a sudden. He has had some vision and hearing issues for the past year but that hasn't been debilitating. I hope that all of this could be from tooth pain and we can fix that with a tooth extraction. But even that would require anesthesia and I don't know how he would do with that. If a tooth extraction or something else can potentially fix his pain, how far do we go at the age of 15? Do you think it's time to say goodbye?  I will have to go to the vet alone tomorrow since the rest of my family will be at work. |
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Post by mom on Jul 16, 2018 6:22:08 GMT
I am sorry you are in this position. Honestly? I don't know that anyone can tell you when its time to let your baby go. In my experience, it has always become painfully obvious to me when it was time. DH and I have had to let two dogs go, and for us, when it became obvious our dogs were not having a quality life, then we knew it was time. While we knew we would miss them like crazy, we could not bare to see them live in pain and discomfort.
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muggins
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Post by muggins on Jul 16, 2018 7:52:48 GMT
I had my 15 year old dog PTS in October. She has some of the symptoms you describe above. She had been very active and healthy but suddenly began walking slowly, staggering to one side, etc. Vet found a Tumour in her belly. She declined rapidly after that.
Everyone told me I would know when it was time. She had days when she was perky, and days when she didn’t get up.
Looking back, I waited too long. I should have done it sooner. Im sure someone on this board wrote this sound advice - You need to think about their quality of life rather than keeping them alive because you can’t bear for them to pass away.
Wishing you all the best at the vet today:)
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Post by miominmio on Jul 16, 2018 7:57:50 GMT
I have never had regrets about having made that decision too soon, but I know I have waited too long a couple of times. It seems that in your heart you know what you need to do. ((Hugs))
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Post by christine58 on Jul 16, 2018 10:25:47 GMT
I hope that all of this could be from tooth pain and we can fix that with a tooth extraction. But even that would require anesthesia and I don't know how he would do with that. If a tooth extraction or something else can potentially fix his pain, how far do we go at the age of 15? Do you think it's time to say goodbye? I will have to go to the vet alone tomorrow since the rest of my family will be at work. My Abbey was having some of the same issues and had probably torn her ACL...Vet told me that at her age--13--she'd need anesthesia for an X-ray. She did not recommend that at her age. So I said good bye about a week later when the meds were not working. If that's what is recommended to you, take a day or two to spend with him and take someone with you. So sorry |
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momto4kiddos
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Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Jul 16, 2018 10:48:49 GMT
Sorry that your baby isn't feeling well. Wish I had some good advice, but I don't. The only thing i'll tell you is to trust your gut. Take the info your vet gives you and trust your gut that you'll make the right decisions.
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Post by AN on Jul 16, 2018 10:52:30 GMT
I'm really sorry. My cat is 14 and seems to be having continuous issues, and it's so hard.
I read once on a pet hospice site that one way to assess quality of life is to think of the top 5 things your pet has always loved doing. Things like chasing a ball, snuggling next to you while you watch TV, eating a certain kind of treat, roaming the yard, whatever. The things that really lit up your pet's personality. Once your pet can no longer do at least 3 out of those 5, it may be time to consider letting him or her go, because it indicates quality of life may be low. I thought that was a really helpful measure.
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Post by dewryce on Jul 16, 2018 13:14:03 GMT
I'm very sorry he is not doing well (((hugs)))
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purplebee
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Post by purplebee on Jul 16, 2018 13:22:04 GMT
Awwwww....that is such a hard decision to make, btdt with my little 14 yo poodle. Hugs, take comfort in the love you shared and know in that you have given him a wonderful home.
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Post by Saff on Jul 16, 2018 14:44:07 GMT
Sorry your pet is not doing well.
I don't like reading this as I am also on my way to the same point as you. I feel for you.
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Post by freecharlie on Jul 16, 2018 14:46:01 GMT
We lost my furbaby last year. We thought she was just slowing down when on fact she had diabetes and was in ketoacidtosis or something like that.
We could have paid for a hospital stay that MIGHT have helped her, but if it didn't, I find want her last days to be without us.
We took her home and the vet came to our house. We petted her, kissed her (the dog) and said good-bye. Then the vet took her with her and we cried.
It was the right thing to do, but it was hard
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Post by mollycoddle on Jul 16, 2018 15:15:48 GMT
I lost my 13 year old boy 2 weeks ago. He woke me up in the middle of the night. He couldn’t use his back legs, his right paw was knuckled under, and he wouldn’t drink. We went to the emergency vet, and I made the decision. My criteria was quality of life, which for Baxter included walks and treats. It was very difficult, but I was sure that it was time.
So my advice is to think about the quality of life for your dog, nothing else. And good luck to you. I hope that the vet is able to help him.
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iluvpink
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Post by iluvpink on Jul 16, 2018 15:21:16 GMT
(((HUGS))) and good thoughts for your dog.
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mallie
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Post by mallie on Jul 16, 2018 16:20:17 GMT
We had to say goodbye to my soulmate dog in April. He was far too young, but his quality of life had deteriorated. It turned out he had a brain tumor. He had always been the sweetest, funniest dog with the biggest personality. That went missing in less than one month. He also started having seizures and trouble sleeping. My vet said I made the right choice as his pain would have grown, his personality might have changed to become aggressive and even violent. HIs ending might also be terribly painful and would be confusing and terrifying for him. She said that good pet owners seldom make the decision too soon, but often wait too long and that only hurts the pet unnecessarily. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done and I still think of him every day, but I know I was being a good mama to my baby.
I wish you peace on this journey of life.
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Post by jloubier on Jul 16, 2018 16:21:50 GMT
I could have written the exact same post about our (almost) 16yr old Cairn terrier, Félix. He's the one pictured in my avatar. We said our final goodbye to him on June 13th. It took us a long time to make that dreadful call. His quality of life had diminished quite a bit in the last 6 months, especially his ability to walk. We kept thinking that when he was ready to go he would stop eating. He didn't. It was the one thing he still enjoyed.
We had a vet come to our house to put him to sleep. We probably should have done it sooner but we do not regret waiting either. The one thing he always wanted was to be with us, and he was to the very end. He had been with us since he was 8 weeks old. It honestly was the most difficult decision we've ever had to make. In your mind you know it's the right thing to do, but your heart is never ready, no matter how much to try to prepare yourself.
Sending big hugs your way for this most difficult part of loving a dog.
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Deleted
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Jul 5, 2024 15:11:13 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2018 16:26:27 GMT
Never easy being faced with having to make that difficult decision. Hopefully it won't come to that today, but if it does trust in your vet and know that you will be doing the right and humane thing.  |
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Post by 950nancy on Jul 16, 2018 16:29:01 GMT
We waited too long to put down my first dog, so I am firmly in the court of making it about my beloved pet more than how I feel. If your pup is struggling, listen to your vet and do what is best. Sometimes it can fixed and they go on for a few more months or even a year. If not, then do what is best. He/she is counting on you to that. Hugs. We put down our sheltie in December due to bladder cancer. Our new little girl helps with filling some of those holes of missing her, but it is still so very hard.
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Post by workingclassdog on Jul 16, 2018 16:54:13 GMT
Different people have different feelings on this situation, while some will move to the ends of the earth and spend whatever it takes.. others can take the information and for them maybe ending the life is better for the pet and family. There isn't a wrong answer.. you have to do what is best for you and your family. I just hate to see when people post about their pets and then get beaten down because not everyone is on the same page. Know what I mean? It is so hard. We have a husky that is old and having problems and we are struggling with this. In the end, our dog has had a wonderful life... and whatever may happen we will figure it out.
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Post by papersilly on Jul 16, 2018 17:23:57 GMT
i think you just have to go in knowing that whatever needs to be done, it is in his best interest so he is not in pain or suffering from anything. the vet may be able to alleviate some symptoms but it may also be time to let him go. you have to decide if you are keeping him here for you or for him.
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Deleted
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Jul 5, 2024 15:11:13 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2018 19:46:19 GMT
I'm so sorry you are experiencing this. We had to let our 17 1/2 year old cocker go a month ago. We always said when she started to experience pain we would let her go. From the first experience of pain until we got an appointment was 10 hours. We are so happy we didn't keep her alive cause it was hard to let her ago.
Its a tough decision. Hugs.
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azredhead
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Post by azredhead on Jul 16, 2018 20:36:03 GMT
HUGS! I think it's so hard to do, but it's nice to have the advice of the vet. They know and can be of some comfort if you know them and they know your pet. It's so hard. Furry familys are so hard to loose. Much good thoughts for you and your family! I hope that he gets the comfort he needs. It's hard to decide the end..  HUGS! |
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Rhondito
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Post by Rhondito on Jul 16, 2018 22:08:40 GMT
You'll know in your heart when it's time.
As someone else said, making that decision was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life, but it was also the right thing to do. We had our sweet Ashley, a Maltese, for 14 years and aside from my daughter I loved her more than anything on earth.
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FurryP
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Post by FurryP on Jul 16, 2018 23:45:29 GMT
Big hugs.  Those little furballs have a great impact in our life. |
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Post by mnmloveli on Jul 19, 2018 14:15:35 GMT
Thinking of your fur baby and hoping your vet visit went better than expected. ((HUGS)) to you
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Post by sunnyd on Jul 19, 2018 14:43:17 GMT
Thanks so much for all of the thoughts about our Lucky Duke!! We had to send him to heaven & we are heartbroken. Our vet was amazing. They possibly could have treated some of the things but at his age there were risks and we decided it wouldn't have improved his quality of life enough to put him through it. I did go through the list of his favorite things as was suggested and he wasn't enjoying any of them anymore. I was so thankful that dh was able to meet me at the vet's office. I couldn't have done that alone. I never want to do that again and probably won't get another pet because of how traumatic saying goodbye has been for me. He went very peacefully though in dh's arms.
I was second guessing the decision the entire time and still am. I know deep down it was inevitable but dang it's hard. Our dd grew up calling him "brother". I think I'm still working through being a new empty nester and Lucky was a bit of dd's childhood that was seeing me through that transition of life. I tucked that little dude into bed every night for 15 years. Woke up and went to bed with him in mind. Planned my work day around him. I often work from home and he sat under my desk to keep me company. Ugh, I know I'm a mess. We loved him so much. Thanks, peas!! Your thoughts helped.
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tracylynn
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Post by tracylynn on Jul 19, 2018 14:56:32 GMT
Thanks so much for all of the thoughts about our Lucky Duke!! We had to send him to heaven & we are heartbroken. Our vet was amazing. They possibly could have treated some of the things but at his age there were risks and we decided it wouldn't have improved his quality of life enough to put him through it. I did go through the list of his favorite things as was suggested and he wasn't enjoying any of them anymore. I was so thankful that dh was able to meet me at the vet's office. I couldn't have done that alone. I never want to do that again and probably won't get another pet because of how traumatic saying goodbye has been for me. He went very peacefully though in dh's arms. I was second guessing the decision the entire time and still am. I know deep down it was inevitable but dang it's hard. Our dd grew up calling him "brother". I think I'm still working through being a new empty nester and Lucky was a bit of dd's childhood that was seeing me through that transition of life. I tucked that little dude into bed every night for 15 years. Woke up and went to bed with him in mind. Planned my work day around him. I often work from home and he sat under my desk to keep me company. Ugh, I know I'm a mess. We loved him so much. Thanks, peas!! Your thoughts helped. I had to let both my dogs go in the last few years and I second guess myself sometimes even now - even though I know it was the right thing for both of them. Never say never to another pet - I said the same thing. And while I don't have another dog yet - I will again. |
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Post by mollycoddle on Jul 19, 2018 15:15:46 GMT
Thanks so much for all of the thoughts about our Lucky Duke!! We had to send him to heaven & we are heartbroken. Our vet was amazing. They possibly could have treated some of the things but at his age there were risks and we decided it wouldn't have improved his quality of life enough to put him through it. I did go through the list of his favorite things as was suggested and he wasn't enjoying any of them anymore. I was so thankful that dh was able to meet me at the vet's office. I couldn't have done that alone. I never want to do that again and probably won't get another pet because of how traumatic saying goodbye has been for me. He went very peacefully though in dh's arms. I was second guessing the decision the entire time and still am. I know deep down it was inevitable but dang it's hard. Our dd grew up calling him "brother". I think I'm still working through being a new empty nester and Lucky was a bit of dd's childhood that was seeing me through that transition of life. I tucked that little dude into bed every night for 15 years. Woke up and went to bed with him in mind. Planned my work day around him. I often work from home and he sat under my desk to keep me company. Ugh, I know I'm a mess. We loved him so much. Thanks, peas!! Your thoughts helped. I’m very sorry about your Lucky. It’s. So. Damn. Hard. Hugs to you. |
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Post by jloubier on Jul 19, 2018 15:21:52 GMT
I'm sorry you had to say your final goodbye. No matter how many years you had Lucky Duke with you, it was never going to be long enough. So many of us have gone through this. We understand what you are going through. Sending big hugs your way.  |
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Post by mnmloveli on Jul 19, 2018 15:46:54 GMT
Sooo sorry you had to let Lucky Duke go Please believe you did the right thing and right now he’s back to his ole puppy-self again. I truly understand your feelings about not getting another dog. Give yourself time to grieve; he was a huge part of your everyday life and family. Lucky Duke would like to see that since you gave him soooo much love and care, in the future all that goodness would be given to another fur baby. Lucky Duke will wait for you, watch over you and see you on the other side of The Rainbow Bridge. ((HUGS)) |
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Post by christine58 on Jul 19, 2018 15:50:05 GMT
never want to do that again and probably won't get another pet because of how traumatic saying goodbye has been for me. He went very peacefully though in dh's arms. I felt the same...but a year later, my heart is healing with my Harper....give it time |
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His symptoms are that he seems a bit disoriented and also uncomfortable, walking very very very slowly, was walking almost sideways a couple of days ago for a short time, pain when eating and somewhat sudden horrid breath (tooth problem?), a few times today he has had fast, shallow breathing. He had diarrhea Thursday but has pooped and peed fine since then. Plus he has a couple of small bumps/growths on his head. He has had one for awhile but I noticed a 2nd one today. He seems to be falling apart all of a sudden. He has had some vision and hearing issues for the past year but that hasn't been debilitating.
I will have to go to the vet alone tomorrow since the rest of my family will be at work.
HUGS!
