Worn out and don't want to let go Some of you might remember our little schnauzer, Tina, getting caught in our recliner. Tina has demenia (almost 14) and it gets harder everyday because she can't see real well either. She will stand and look at the walls or just walk, walk, walk. She got in the water bowl the other night and turned it over and was just drenched. Carpet too. Last night she got under the bed and took forever to get her out. I am so afraid she will get hurt again, I have been putting her in her kennel at night. Its hard because she needs to go tee tee or get a drink so often. I am literally wore out, because she has to be watched constantly. She eats good and will just hop and run like she did when she was young. The only thing she bumps into the things when she does this. To groom her is a nightmare. I can hardly keep her still long enough to do anything. I don't know what to do, but my husband is not ready to let go either. Gosh, it is so hard. We love them like our children and it hurts to see her like this. Pray for her and us to have the wisdom to know when its time. |
That is so sad. You are in my thoughts and prayers. |
1 Attachment(s) I can relate with you. My Milly (mini poodle mix), started to decline even her body was in a great shape. It was her mind that was not right. She was starting to develop the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). She hated to be apart from me but for few months before her death, she just wandered away, ignoring everything but she came to me when called and stayed with me for a very short time before she walked away again. It was really difficult decision I had to make to let her go. It'd be easier if she stopped eating but she ate so darn well. I struggled to make the decision for about a month or so. The last two days before she died, she started going potty in the room. I had to put her in the little room with the gate up at night. No matter how many times I took her outside to potty, she got up and went potty then went back to sleep on it. Milly was always very fussy staying clean. I am not exaggerating. I knew it was time to let her go. I had a hard time making the call to the clinic to make an appointment. On January 21th, I finally released her from her worn out body and have no regret. I knew she is very happy to be free from her imprisoned body. I miss her so very much. She was an extraordinary dog that I ever had. Believe me, it was very hard and I was not even ready to let her go but I knew she was miserable. She had given me so much happiness and it was at least I could for her to give her the happiness all way to the end. Here is the last picture I took with Milly. I was bawling and bawling that night but I wanted to have one last picture of my sweet moxie and I. |
Oh, forgot to mention that Milly'd be 16 years old this year in August. She had a wonderful 15 years. My prayers are with you and your family. |
I think deciding when a loved pet is ready to be put down is one of the hardest things to do. I lost two of my cats this past year. They were both fifteen; Razzmatazz died on her own at home and Salem was put down in the vets office. I don't think either was easier then the other. I have only one cat left. Sidney is 15 and is the daughter of Razz. She is still quite healthy; she's getting a bit klutzy and tends to knock things off the furniture as she races around. I'm hoping she'll stay with us for a few more years. I just wanted to wish you and Tina all of the best and hope she enjoys as much as possible in her final days. Milly looks like she was totally loved. The picture says it all. I'm sure you did the right decision for her. |
There are meds for this condition. Have you spoken with your vet about it ? There is also a prescription food , I believe it's by Pedigree. I hope this helps. |
Have you talked with your vet about selegiline (Anipryl)? I'd give that a go and see what happens. |
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Here's the thread I started on Alexander, where you can see the progress he made after we started him on Anipryl. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...er-yorkie.html Hugs, Bonny |
Oh I'm soo terribly sorry for what you are going through :( We went through this with our Lassie (minature sheltie that we had for 17 years)...it was painful to watch her as she first lost her hearing, then slowly her eyesight went as well as her mind. My thoughts and prayers go out to you as I know Tina is a member of your family and watching them go through this is one of the hardest things :( |
I had an elderly Maltese with Cognitive Dysfunction or Dementia. He was deaf, blind, incontinent, and would pace and pace for hours in circles. It was really sad. He didn't like to go outside anymore because I guess he coudn't see us and didn't know what to do. He really didn't even know if we were home unless we touched him. We tried the Anipryl but did not seem to help him; perhaps he was too far advanced. I suggest having a long talk with your vet. (Which I failed to do). I knew it was time when I came home from vacation and the Vet's boarding Kennel, where he had gone all his life; told me he could not come back. Apparently he soiled his crate very day and then would pace and pace in it until his feet had to be medicated and he had to be bathed every day. This was my trusted Vet's office telling me he could not come back! I waited another long year; a year of frustration for me; and another year of basic lifelessness for Casper; then did what I knew I had to do. The Vet's office told me later, that I had probably kept him around a little too long. So I have no answers for you; it's really hard when they don't have a life-threatening disease - then you KNOW what to do. But when it's just old age and dementia; it's harder. Here's my thought: when I get to the point where anyone is considering putting diapers on me ~ give me the shot. Peace to you; courage and wisdom as well. |
I understand your feelings. I've been there before. Sending you my thoughts and prayers. |
My thoughts are with you. I lost about 4 cats and 2 very special dogs in my lifetime. I know it's a very hard decision but as prevously posted you should try every avenue before making such a decision. I know I exhausted every alterniative. As long there is life there might always be a chance. |
Sendig you strength during this difficult time. There is no answer, no exact time, it will "just" come to you. |
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It's my understanding that Anipryl will not 'reverse' any current dementia; but is thought to stop it from progressing further. At least that is what the Drug Rep told me for both humans and dogs. Is this everyone's understanding? I was thinking that perhaps this is why it didn't work for Casper; he was too far gone when we began. Of course, it doesn't help everyone anyway but that was just my thought. |
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