So sad to hear what your family is going through and sad for Willow.
I was taught in my techy days to evaluate the quality of life. Specifically, is your pet eating, drinking, eliminating normally? Does your pet still enjoy it's favorite things and activities? Is your pet in pain or sleeping a lot? Is your pet having more 'good days' than bad?
Then you look at the balance between the good and the bad.
One of my first vets made it simpler: If the pet is eating, drinking and eliminating, then he/she is okay. If they are in pain, they will stop eating, and if they cannot be helped medically, the time may be near, so think about how you will handle the situation, or make a plan.
To get the family on the same page, I just put my foot down with mine. As I am the main caregiver, I see the signs first, so when I say it's time, it's time. I may start dropping hints about the dog is not doing as well and that I fear the time is coming soon, so you all need to start saying your 'Goodbyes' because it could come any day now. And my DH is good for saying 'Oh she's okay'. And I would say, No, no she's not, and I cannot stand by and watch her suffer any longer.
It is so much more gentler to be able to help them get to Rainbow Bridge, then it is to allow them to get there on their own. That is just my opinion. I hope I haven't been too blunt, I know this is a very emotional time for you and your family. It's never easy to talk about a pet's passing, just know that they do go to a better place, and that we will see them again.
Hugs,
Kathy |