Yorkie is Very Ill - When to Give Up - YorkieTalk.com Forums

ticker2 · 12-12-2010, 08:13 PM

Our 13, almost 14 year old, Bentley is having trouble with a collapsing trachea. We thought we had it pretty much under control with steroids and other medicine, but now he has developed a lesion on his spinal cord and lost the ability to stand. Can't even stand to pee. And his breathing problems have gotten worse. We've spent over $1,000 on vet bills in the last two weeks, but he is getting worse every day and night. Last night he woke me having a terrible time breathing, I brought him downstairs before he woke my wife and stayed with him until daylight. (He cries if we leave him downstairs at night.) Our friends were over for dinner tonight, all dog lovers, and they said maybe it is time to put him to sleep. We've never done that before. This is going to be a very sad time. But I can't see any alternative. ???

Bill in Vermont

muffin my girl · 12-12-2010, 08:20 PM

Bill
You and your precious Bentley are in my prayers. I too had to make a decision for my beloved Muffin this past March. Look at the quality of your pets life and you will know in your heart. I wish you peace.

boopster · 12-12-2010, 08:20 PM

That is such a terrible and personal decision to have to make. I'm so sorry.

Perhaps a serious talk with your vet about what can be done to help Bentley and what quality of life he can expect to have might help clarify things for you.

Doodlebug · 12-12-2010, 08:33 PM

I am so sorry you are having to make this decision. I will say a prayer for you and Bentley. I know it is the hardest thing to do but if he is suffering you should not feel guilty about making the decision to end his suffering. I pray that you will know when the time is right. Hugs...

QuickSilver · 12-12-2010, 10:39 PM

I'm so very sorry for your family. It sounds like your yorkie has had a long life, and perhaps the best thing you can do now is give him a merciful death. This is a very personal decision, though. You will know when it's right.

msjagg · 12-12-2010, 11:01 PM

You will know in your Heart when it's time....Look in Bentley's eyes he'll help you make this very difficult decision! He has had a long life filled with wonderful memories for you and your wife to treasure. I'll keep you all in my Thoughts and Prayers at this difficult time...Blessings, Jodi and Family

cheryl19 · 12-13-2010, 03:08 AM

I'm so sorry for Bentley and saying a prayer for him and your family.

I think you are already thinking what needs to be done. You will know when the time is right ask your vet to help with your decision. The only thing I will add is please do one last kind thing for your beloved Bentley and stay with him till it's over. It will be the hardest thing you will ever do for him but he will feel better in knowing how you love him.

baby yorkie · 12-13-2010, 05:32 AM

Sending hugs and kisses for Bentley and your family. I know it is a very hard decision, as I have a 13 year old pek that is in a similar situation. I hate taking her to the vet, for what they may say. We try to make her life happy and when it is no longer happy and painful for her, we will reluctantly take her for her last visit to the vet. We wish you well in your decision; I know it is hard.

Xaleia · 12-13-2010, 05:42 AM

I too had to make this decision with my Leilauni. When she would sit up in bed with her nose in the air, to be able to breathe, I took her in. My sister is a nurse and she said the worse thing for a patient, is them struggling for air. My Lei was only 12, and I recently has just spent 3k trying to keep her with me, but it comes down to what is best. Quality of life is the issue. It will be the hardest thing you ever have to do, but I agree with a previous poster, that if you can, please stay with and hold your angel while they pass on. My heartfelt prayers for you and Bently.

Cj

chachi · 12-13-2010, 05:58 AM

It is your decision but I think the kindest thing you can do is let him go. He had a long life where he was healthy and active and now it just sounds like he is suffering and not having a good quality of life. Im sorry I know its not easy. I know its hard but I know those are the things I would consider before reaching that decision

Deuce · 12-13-2010, 06:14 AM

It is a hard decision, but pay attention, the pups have a tendency to communicate to us when they've had enough. I say talk to your vet, see what could possibly be done, if anything, and then make your decision. It's hard, but sometimes it's be best thing for us to do for them, it sounds like he has had 14 wonderful years of life with a family who loves him

You are in my thoughts, and I hope you find comfort in whatever decision you make.

Ringo1 · 12-13-2010, 06:28 AM

Listen too, to good friends, that know you well and your dog. Sometimes, an outside observer can see things that we cannot; when we are so close to the situation itself.

It doesn't sound like things are going to get much better for Bentley. I would have an open and frank discussion with my Vet about what he can expect for quality of life. I would also watch Bentley closely for any signs he might give about whether or not he is ready.

One test I have heard is to pick three of their favorite things. IF they no longer can enjoy those things . . . then perhaps it is time to think about letting go.

This is one of the most difficult thing we face as pet owners; something most of us have been through.

Sending prayers for you ~ for peace, for wisdom, and courage.

Patti · 12-13-2010, 06:34 AM

I am so sorry you are going through this. When our babies are no longer enjoying life, not eating, struggling for breath etc we need to make that most difficult decision and end their suffering. My heart goes out to you.

ticker2 · 12-13-2010, 06:18 PM

Bentley looked me in the eye and I could see he was no longer happy to be with us, his sickness had taken too great a toll. He was put to sleep at 4:10 today. Thank you so much for your support.

My next step is head right out and buy another Yorkie.

Bill from Vermont

QuickSilver · 12-13-2010, 10:24 PM

RIP Bentley. You live on in your owners hearts.

12-12-2010, 08:13 PM	#1
ticker2 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Burlington, Vermont Posts: 16	Yorkie is Very Ill - When to Give Up Our 13, almost 14 year old, Bentley is having trouble with a collapsing trachea. We thought we had it pretty much under control with steroids and other medicine, but now he has developed a lesion on his spinal cord and lost the ability to stand. Can't even stand to pee. And his breathing problems have gotten worse. We've spent over $1,000 on vet bills in the last two weeks, but he is getting worse every day and night. Last night he woke me having a terrible time breathing, I brought him downstairs before he woke my wife and stayed with him until daylight. (He cries if we leave him downstairs at night.) Our friends were over for dinner tonight, all dog lovers, and they said maybe it is time to put him to sleep. We've never done that before. This is going to be a very sad time. But I can't see any alternative. ??? Bill in Vermont

12-12-2010, 08:33 PM	#4
Doodlebug ♥Love My Puppies!♥ Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: US Posts: 5,786	I am so sorry you are having to make this decision. I will say a prayer for you and Bentley. I know it is the hardest thing to do but if he is suffering you should not feel guilty about making the decision to end his suffering. I pray that you will know when the time is right. Hugs... __________________ RIP My Sweet Darling Angel Daisy 08/09/03 - 10/02/15, RIP My Sweet Baby Boy Teddy Bear 02/01/04 - 02/11/16 Photos HERE

12-12-2010, 10:39 PM	#5
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	I'm so very sorry for your family. It sounds like your yorkie has had a long life, and perhaps the best thing you can do now is give him a merciful death. This is a very personal decision, though. You will know when it's right. __________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger.

12-12-2010, 11:01 PM	#6
msjagg YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lancaster, PA. U.S.A. Posts: 1,449	You will know in your Heart when it's time....Look in Bentley's eyes he'll help you make this very difficult decision! He has had a long life filled with wonderful memories for you and your wife to treasure. I'll keep you all in my Thoughts and Prayers at this difficult time...Blessings, Jodi and Family __________________ Jodi G. Mum to : -Sammy,:-Baron Georg, :-Sophie Kennedy, and Carys Bella...

12-13-2010, 03:08 AM	#7
cheryl19 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NY USA Posts: 1,749	I'm so sorry for Bentley and saying a prayer for him and your family. I think you are already thinking what needs to be done. You will know when the time is right ask your vet to help with your decision. The only thing I will add is please do one last kind thing for your beloved Bentley and stay with him till it's over. It will be the hardest thing you will ever do for him but he will feel better in knowing how you love him. __________________ Ivy, Max, Reggie & Cheryl

12-12-2010, 08:20 PM	#2
muffin my girl Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Des Moines, Iowa, USA Posts: 31	Bill You and your precious Bentley are in my prayers. I too had to make a decision for my beloved Muffin this past March. Look at the quality of your pets life and you will know in your heart. I wish you peace.

12-12-2010, 08:20 PM	#3
boopster Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Southern California, USA Posts: 1,643 Blog Entries: 1	That is such a terrible and personal decision to have to make. I'm so sorry. Perhaps a serious talk with your vet about what can be done to help Bentley and what quality of life he can expect to have might help clarify things for you.

12-13-2010, 05:32 AM	#8
baby yorkie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: USA Posts: 947	Sending hugs and kisses for Bentley and your family. I know it is a very hard decision, as I have a 13 year old pek that is in a similar situation. I hate taking her to the vet, for what they may say. We try to make her life happy and when it is no longer happy and painful for her, we will reluctantly take her for her last visit to the vet. We wish you well in your decision; I know it is hard.

12-13-2010, 05:42 AM	#9
Xaleia YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Lincoln, CA Posts: 252	I too had to make this decision with my Leilauni. When she would sit up in bed with her nose in the air, to be able to breathe, I took her in. My sister is a nurse and she said the worse thing for a patient, is them struggling for air. My Lei was only 12, and I recently has just spent 3k trying to keep her with me, but it comes down to what is best. Quality of life is the issue. It will be the hardest thing you ever have to do, but I agree with a previous poster, that if you can, please stay with and hold your angel while they pass on. My heartfelt prayers for you and Bently. Cj __________________ ~On the 8th day, God made Yorkies~ Cj , Corkie Marley and now Lily Keilani!

12-13-2010, 05:58 AM	#10
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	It is your decision but I think the kindest thing you can do is let him go. He had a long life where he was healthy and active and now it just sounds like he is suffering and not having a good quality of life. Im sorry I know its not easy. I know its hard but I know those are the things I would consider before reaching that decision __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

12-13-2010, 06:14 AM	#11
Deuce No Longer a Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,717 Blog Entries: 1	It is a hard decision, but pay attention, the pups have a tendency to communicate to us when they've had enough. I say talk to your vet, see what could possibly be done, if anything, and then make your decision. It's hard, but sometimes it's be best thing for us to do for them, it sounds like he has had 14 wonderful years of life with a family who loves him You are in my thoughts, and I hope you find comfort in whatever decision you make.

12-13-2010, 06:28 AM	#12
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	Listen too, to good friends, that know you well and your dog. Sometimes, an outside observer can see things that we cannot; when we are so close to the situation itself. It doesn't sound like things are going to get much better for Bentley. I would have an open and frank discussion with my Vet about what he can expect for quality of life. I would also watch Bentley closely for any signs he might give about whether or not he is ready. One test I have heard is to pick three of their favorite things. IF they no longer can enjoy those things . . . then perhaps it is time to think about letting go. This is one of the most difficult thing we face as pet owners; something most of us have been through. Sending prayers for you ~ for peace, for wisdom, and courage. __________________ Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew

12-13-2010, 06:34 AM	#13
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	I am so sorry you are going through this. When our babies are no longer enjoying life, not eating, struggling for breath etc we need to make that most difficult decision and end their suffering. My heart goes out to you. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

12-13-2010, 06:18 PM	#14
ticker2 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Burlington, Vermont Posts: 16	Thank You For Your Support Bentley looked me in the eye and I could see he was no longer happy to be with us, his sickness had taken too great a toll. He was put to sleep at 4:10 today. Thank you so much for your support. My next step is head right out and buy another Yorkie. Bill from Vermont

12-13-2010, 10:24 PM	#15
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	RIP Bentley. You live on in your owners hearts. __________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger.