I need help with decisions, PLEASE - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Ta2rose59 · 02-11-2013, 09:24 PM

Hello, I am Ta2rose59. I have two beautiful yorkies. One is 14 yrs old (male-Rudy), little female(Gracie) is 7. They love each other so very much. My little male, Rudy is sick. He had been coughing for the past 2 months, it progressively got worse. We went to the vet to find out if it was a collapsed trachea. As it turned out, when we had xrays and blood work done, we found he had two masses. One on his heart that is pushing on his trachea, causing his cough and the second is in his stomach. I love my little Rudy, but I don't think he could withstand the surgery, which might not work anyway. We are keeping him comfortable, as much as we can. He is just wearing himself out. He still eats, potties, and walks, a little bit, maybe 15 steps before he has to stop. Someone please help me understand when it is time to stop putting bandaids on his illnesses. He has been diagnosed with an enlarged heart, he has pancreatitis, the chronic cough, the two masses, and fatigue. He takes a cough suppressant, he takes the diazepam to help him stay calm, and although his blood work shows no infection, we're doing an antibiotic just to fight any infection that may occur. I am so heartbroken. He has been my best friend for 14 years, I don't want him to not have any quality in his life, I do not want him to be in pain or suffer. Please help, Please.

AngelFae · 02-12-2013, 07:32 AM

Oh honey, I'm so sorry for your baby. =( I've never had to make "that" decision and I am very scared for the day that I do. I have no words of wisdom or help but I send virtual (((HUGS))) your way. It sounds as though you have already made your decision, you really do have to do what is best for your baby. You know him better than anyone.

rubymoon2072 · 02-12-2013, 07:39 AM

i am sorry you have to face this decision and for his diagnonsis. if you take your pain and heart out of the equation and think of only what is best for your rudy then to me that is the best decision. albiet not easy for you. my thoughts and prayers are with you and rudy. hugs.

jeane · 02-12-2013, 07:44 AM

I have had to make that decision twice in the last 5 years. It is very hard but you will know what is best for Rudy even though it will break your heart. Hugs to you .

Patti · 02-12-2013, 08:38 AM

Having had many dogs in my lifetime, I have had to make that decision at least 5 times. 3 in the past 7 years. It is never easy to decide the right time. The hardest was Gracie who ha a severely collapsed trachea diagnosed at 5 1/2 years of age. After trying all different medicines and treatments for a year, she was struggling to breathe. I took her to my vet knowing that it would probably be the last time. I asked her what she thought and she said she is struggling for every breath and is not enjoying life. I knew what I had to do. I think in our head we know when the time is right but our hearts take a little longer to know. I will keep you and Rudy in my prayers.

Maximo · 02-12-2013, 08:56 AM

I am sorry you are facing this very difficult decision for your precious Rudy. Let your heart and love for him guide you in deciding when to let go and let him be at peace.

bobohyde · 02-12-2013, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ta2rose59

Hello, I am Ta2rose59. I have two beautiful yorkies. One is 14 yrs old (male-Rudy), little female(Gracie) is 7. They love each other so very much. My little male, Rudy is sick. He had been coughing for the past 2 months, it progressively got worse. We went to the vet to find out if it was a collapsed trachea. As it turned out, when we had xrays and blood work done, we found he had two masses. One on his heart that is pushing on his trachea, causing his cough and the second is in his stomach. I love my little Rudy, but I don't think he could withstand the surgery, which might not work anyway. We are keeping him comfortable, as much as we can. He is just wearing himself out. He still eats, potties, and walks, a little bit, maybe 15 steps before he has to stop. Someone please help me understand when it is time to stop putting bandaids on his illnesses. He has been diagnosed with an enlarged heart, he has pancreatitis, the chronic cough, the two masses, and fatigue. He takes a cough suppressant, he takes the diazepam to help him stay calm, and although his blood work shows no infection, we're doing an antibiotic just to fight any infection that may occur. I am so heartbroken. He has been my best friend for 14 years, I don't want him to not have any quality in his life, I do not want him to be in pain or suffer. Please help, Please.

I have been in your shoes and it is very, very hard. When I read your post, I get the feeling you already know the answer. You are just not ready to say goodbye. When my golden was very ill, our vet came to the house. Is that an option for you? It made it much easier for him and for us to say goodbye in our own home, where he felt comfortable and safe. It also made our memory of his last moments much easier to handle. I can tell you love him very much.

chachi · 02-12-2013, 01:14 PM

I dont envy you for your decision I know someday I will most likely be making it too. If a dog lives in pain, struggles to breathe, struggles to survive it is the kindest thing you can do for them to let them go

Verbena · 02-12-2013, 01:17 PM

No one but you can give you that answer, even though I think you know the answer. I have been there, last year twice within 3 months. I listen to my heart. How I feel if I was them what my loving companion would do for me. With my babies it is what is best for them not what I would want. All I could give you is the support of friendship and be there for you in whatever choice you make. (( big hugs ))

nanahas3 · 02-13-2013, 01:44 AM

So sorry you are going through this. When Lolita got so bad I went through the same thing. She took it out of my hands on the very day we finally made the decision and passed quietly in my arms. It is so very hard. Praying for comfort for you in your decision.

Marhcarter · 02-13-2013, 02:18 AM

I have only had one dog besides my current one and we had him (a lab humane society mutt) for 13 wonderful years. We made the decision and the appointment and on the scheduled day, he was having a "good day". It was the hardest thing we have ever, ever done. My husband wanted to turn around and go back home since Homer was having a good day, but we knew if we did, Homer would be the one to suffer. He was in severe pain all the time from his arthritis and had gone off his food. He was covered in tumors, which we never had biopsied because of his age and condition, we knew he wouldnt have been a surgical candidate and if it was cancer, we didnt want to spread it any faster. Anyway, he trotted into the vet all happy and started towards the kennel. We were afraid we were making a terrible mistake, but this 100lb dog was down to 65lbs and we knew we had to do it. This was almost 10 years ago and I am crying again, but I know it was the right decision. Did I want to keep him around longer? Hell yeah, I wish he was still here. Is he is a better place? You better believe it. You will know when it is right. You may second guess yourself and continue to miss him for the rest of your life, but you do recover. 5 years later, we got our little Huey and cant imagine how we went 5 years without a dog due to the fear of losing another one.

celstu1 · 02-13-2013, 11:51 AM

How heartbreaking... I'm so sorry for you and for little Rudy. You can only make him comfortable and love him lots & lots. From what I understand you'll know when the time is right if you have to make a choice. ((HUGS)) to you!

Susan78 · 02-13-2013, 01:09 PM

I am sorry to hear about Rudy and hope all goes well for you in your decisions. I been through this myself and it is not an easy thing to go through. Just keep him comfortable and you will know when he has no more quality of life. Hugs to you and Rudy. Susan

tpho · 02-13-2013, 03:28 PM

I never have to do it, but just read your post my tears just start to come down. They are such a great companion. Its will never be easy. Hugs to you.

Yorkiemom1 · 02-13-2013, 03:51 PM

I am so very sorry you have reached this time in the relationship with your precious little man. In the back of your mind, you klnow what the outcome is going to be, but your heart is not ready for that path. I tried to make that decision for my Aija, when she seemed she was no longer happy to be alive....I called my vet and they planned to spend the time after the office closes....we go into a special room...all veryloving....I took her and was bawling my heart out, and she looked up at me, like "what are we doing here, lets go home....I am ready for my snack and bed." I was looking in her eyes and she was telling me, she was NOT ready. She was not struggling to breathe and she was in no pain, so that was not an issue for me to get around....she was 16 and just could not get around much, and wanted to sleep most ofthe day...she had congestive heart failure but was managed well with her medicine....I just felt like she was not enjoying life anymore....SHE looked into my face and told me otherwise. So, I did not go thru it and we went home. Aija was with me another 8 months....and one night, she looked into my eyes and the look in those precious eyes told me, "momma, I am tired and I need to go now..."and I held my darling girl continously, on my chest, so my heartbeat would be the last thing she heard, for the next 14 hours, rocking and singing to her, petting her, kissing on her and crying, and she died peacefully in my arms...no struggle, no pain, just tired..... I honestly believe they tell you when they are ready to go....when it is easier for them to let go of this life and cross over, than it is for them to fight to stay, they will look into your eyes and you will know..... I pray for strength and courage and peace for you and your baby boy for the time you have left together....

02-11-2013, 09:24 PM	#1
Ta2rose59 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: strawberry plains, tn Posts: 5	I need help with decisions, PLEASE Hello, I am Ta2rose59. I have two beautiful yorkies. One is 14 yrs old (male-Rudy), little female(Gracie) is 7. They love each other so very much. My little male, Rudy is sick. He had been coughing for the past 2 months, it progressively got worse. We went to the vet to find out if it was a collapsed trachea. As it turned out, when we had xrays and blood work done, we found he had two masses. One on his heart that is pushing on his trachea, causing his cough and the second is in his stomach. I love my little Rudy, but I don't think he could withstand the surgery, which might not work anyway. We are keeping him comfortable, as much as we can. He is just wearing himself out. He still eats, potties, and walks, a little bit, maybe 15 steps before he has to stop. Someone please help me understand when it is time to stop putting bandaids on his illnesses. He has been diagnosed with an enlarged heart, he has pancreatitis, the chronic cough, the two masses, and fatigue. He takes a cough suppressant, he takes the diazepam to help him stay calm, and although his blood work shows no infection, we're doing an antibiotic just to fight any infection that may occur. I am so heartbroken. He has been my best friend for 14 years, I don't want him to not have any quality in his life, I do not want him to be in pain or suffer. Please help, Please.

02-12-2013, 07:32 AM	#2
AngelFae YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: MN, USA Posts: 780	Oh honey, I'm so sorry for your baby. =( I've never had to make "that" decision and I am very scared for the day that I do. I have no words of wisdom or help but I send virtual (((HUGS))) your way. It sounds as though you have already made your decision, you really do have to do what is best for your baby. You know him better than anyone. __________________ Amanda

02-12-2013, 07:39 AM	#3
rubymoon2072 Cedric♥Lola♥Keylo Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Gilford, NH, USA Posts: 9,209	i am sorry you have to face this decision and for his diagnonsis. if you take your pain and heart out of the equation and think of only what is best for your rudy then to me that is the best decision. albiet not easy for you. my thoughts and prayers are with you and rudy. hugs. __________________ Cedric N Lola N Keylo RIP Punkee Princess

02-12-2013, 08:38 AM	#5
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	Having had many dogs in my lifetime, I have had to make that decision at least 5 times. 3 in the past 7 years. It is never easy to decide the right time. The hardest was Gracie who ha a severely collapsed trachea diagnosed at 5 1/2 years of age. After trying all different medicines and treatments for a year, she was struggling to breathe. I took her to my vet knowing that it would probably be the last time. I asked her what she thought and she said she is struggling for every breath and is not enjoying life. I knew what I had to do. I think in our head we know when the time is right but our hearts take a little longer to know. I will keep you and Rudy in my prayers. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

02-12-2013, 08:56 AM	#6
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,041	I am sorry you are facing this very difficult decision for your precious Rudy. Let your heart and love for him guide you in deciding when to let go and let him be at peace. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

02-12-2013, 07:44 AM	#4
jeane Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: montana Posts: 2,945	I have had to make that decision twice in the last 5 years. It is very hard but you will know what is best for Rudy even though it will break your heart. Hugs to you .

02-12-2013, 01:14 PM	#8
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	I dont envy you for your decision I know someday I will most likely be making it too. If a dog lives in pain, struggles to breathe, struggles to survive it is the kindest thing you can do for them to let them go __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

02-12-2013, 01:17 PM	#9
Verbena Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: with my flying monkeys Posts: 15,620 Blog Entries: 7	No one but you can give you that answer, even though I think you know the answer. I have been there, last year twice within 3 months. I listen to my heart. How I feel if I was them what my loving companion would do for me. With my babies it is what is best for them not what I would want. All I could give you is the support of friendship and be there for you in whatever choice you make. (( big hugs )) __________________ Teri . . . Galen Jameson Frazier Seraphina Luna Rosencrantz, Saber Tooth Tiger, Pussy Willow Pandora Guildenstern

02-13-2013, 01:44 AM	#10
nanahas3 ♥Love My Snuggle Bugs♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 4,290	So sorry you are going through this. When Lolita got so bad I went through the same thing. She took it out of my hands on the very day we finally made the decision and passed quietly in my arms. It is so very hard. Praying for comfort for you in your decision. __________________ *CharleneMama to Laddy and Kyra and Always in our hearts Lolita*

02-13-2013, 02:18 AM	#11
Marhcarter ♡Huey's Human♡ Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Ringgold, Ga Posts: 3,333	I have only had one dog besides my current one and we had him (a lab humane society mutt) for 13 wonderful years. We made the decision and the appointment and on the scheduled day, he was having a "good day". It was the hardest thing we have ever, ever done. My husband wanted to turn around and go back home since Homer was having a good day, but we knew if we did, Homer would be the one to suffer. He was in severe pain all the time from his arthritis and had gone off his food. He was covered in tumors, which we never had biopsied because of his age and condition, we knew he wouldnt have been a surgical candidate and if it was cancer, we didnt want to spread it any faster. Anyway, he trotted into the vet all happy and started towards the kennel. We were afraid we were making a terrible mistake, but this 100lb dog was down to 65lbs and we knew we had to do it. This was almost 10 years ago and I am crying again, but I know it was the right decision. Did I want to keep him around longer? Hell yeah, I wish he was still here. Is he is a better place? You better believe it. You will know when it is right. You may second guess yourself and continue to miss him for the rest of your life, but you do recover. 5 years later, we got our little Huey and cant imagine how we went 5 years without a dog due to the fear of losing another one. __________________ Huey's mom, Marilyn :When a day starts & ends with puppy kisses, I can handle anything that comes in between!

02-13-2013, 11:51 AM	#12
celstu1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 10,534	How heartbreaking... I'm so sorry for you and for little Rudy. You can only make him comfortable and love him lots & lots. From what I understand you'll know when the time is right if you have to make a choice. ((HUGS)) to you! __________________ “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” ― Dean Koontz

02-13-2013, 01:09 PM	#13
Susan78 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Hibbing Minnesota Posts: 1,106	I am sorry to hear about Rudy and hope all goes well for you in your decisions. I been through this myself and it is not an easy thing to go through. Just keep him comfortable and you will know when he has no more quality of life. Hugs to you and Rudy. Susan

02-13-2013, 03:28 PM	#14
tpho Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: columbia md Posts: 20	I never have to do it, but just read your post my tears just start to come down. They are such a great companion. Its will never be easy. Hugs to you.

02-13-2013, 03:51 PM	#15
Yorkiemom1 Rosehill Yorkies Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 9,462	I am so very sorry you have reached this time in the relationship with your precious little man. In the back of your mind, you klnow what the outcome is going to be, but your heart is not ready for that path. I tried to make that decision for my Aija, when she seemed she was no longer happy to be alive....I called my vet and they planned to spend the time after the office closes....we go into a special room...all veryloving....I took her and was bawling my heart out, and she looked up at me, like "what are we doing here, lets go home....I am ready for my snack and bed." I was looking in her eyes and she was telling me, she was NOT ready. She was not struggling to breathe and she was in no pain, so that was not an issue for me to get around....she was 16 and just could not get around much, and wanted to sleep most ofthe day...she had congestive heart failure but was managed well with her medicine....I just felt like she was not enjoying life anymore....SHE looked into my face and told me otherwise. So, I did not go thru it and we went home. Aija was with me another 8 months....and one night, she looked into my eyes and the look in those precious eyes told me, "momma, I am tired and I need to go now..."and I held my darling girl continously, on my chest, so my heartbeat would be the last thing she heard, for the next 14 hours, rocking and singing to her, petting her, kissing on her and crying, and she died peacefully in my arms...no struggle, no pain, just tired..... I honestly believe they tell you when they are ready to go....when it is easier for them to let go of this life and cross over, than it is for them to fight to stay, they will look into your eyes and you will know..... I pray for strength and courage and peace for you and your baby boy for the time you have left together....