Time to let go? (Euthanasia, are Terriers different?)

[wigglewomyn]

I had a 15 year old Dalmatian that everyone kept telling me to put to sleep because she was deaf and couldn't hold her bowels. She was eating and sleeping normally and still went outside to empty her bladder so I didn't think it was time yet. She slept a lot but when she was awake she was so loving and enjoyed spending time with me and her 'sister'. She started limping on a Thursday but everything else seemed okay. On the following Monday, after I got home from work and left her out, she fell in the yard. She couldn't make it up the stairs and had to be carried. I called the vet and took her in right away. She had had a stroke and her brain wasn't signaling to her back end. I asked my vet what he thought and he said she wouldn't be able to walk, I would have to carry her everywhere (she was 45 lbs). The vet said he would give me a few minutes to make up my mind. As I was sitting there, trying to decide what to do, Tuki tried to get up to walk over to me, and she fell flat out on all four legs. She looked at me and it was like she was telling me she hurt and the time had come to let her go. Even though I was crying my eyes out, I knew then that the time had come to put her to sleep and to let her out of her pain. I always told everyone that said she should be put to sleep when she couldn't hear or couldn't hold her bowels that I would know when it was time, and I was so thankful that I was able to make that decision when the time had come.

[My Sophie Girl]

When we had to put our OE down you need to determine if they are just in pain or are suffering. We all live with aches and pains but when one is suffering I believe as hard as it is it is the most humane thing to not let them suffer anymore.

[MissiesMommy]

Can't thank you all enough for your heartfelt and gentle responses. I really appreciate not only the advice, but the support. I've ordered some pain meds (an OTC natural option) that we got today, to see if that seems to help her. I feel more confident that if I can manage her pain and hygiene at this point, we'll be okay for a little while longer. Having some outside, experienced opinions really helped! Thank you all so much, again. <3

[SirTeddykins]

Originally Posted by MissiesMommy

Can't thank you all enough for your heartfelt and gentle responses. I really appreciate not only the advice, but the support. I've ordered some pain meds (an OTC natural option) that we got today, to see if that seems to help her. I feel more confident that if I can manage her pain and hygiene at this point, we'll be okay for a little while longer. Having some outside, experienced opinions really helped! Thank you all so much, again. <3

Best of luck and hugs to you x

[princesschloe1]

Originally Posted by wigglewomyn

I had a 15 year old Dalmatian that everyone kept telling me to put to sleep because she was deaf and couldn't hold her bowels. She was eating and sleeping normally and still went outside to empty her bladder so I didn't think it was time yet. She slept a lot but when she was awake she was so loving and enjoyed spending time with me and her 'sister'. She started limping on a Thursday but everything else seemed okay. On the following Monday, after I got home from work and left her out, she fell in the yard. She couldn't make it up the stairs and had to be carried. I called the vet and took her in right away. She had had a stroke and her brain wasn't signaling to her back end. I asked my vet what he thought and he said she wouldn't be able to walk, I would have to carry her everywhere (she was 45 lbs). The vet said he would give me a few minutes to make up my mind. As I was sitting there, trying to decide what to do, Tuki tried to get up to walk over to me, and she fell flat out on all four legs. She looked at me and it was like she was telling me she hurt and the time had come to let her go. Even though I was crying my eyes out, I knew then that the time had come to put her to sleep and to let her out of her pain. I always told everyone that said she should be put to sleep when she couldn't hear or couldn't hold her bowels that I would know when it was time, and I was so thankful that I was able to make that decision when the time had come.

My heart really hurt from reading this story, it sounds very sad. I'm sorry, may your baby Tuki rest in peace.

[princesschloe1]

Originally Posted by MissiesMommy

Can't thank you all enough for your heartfelt and gentle responses. I really appreciate not only the advice, but the support. I've ordered some pain meds (an OTC natural option) that we got today, to see if that seems to help her. I feel more confident that if I can manage her pain and hygiene at this point, we'll be okay for a little while longer. Having some outside, experienced opinions really helped! Thank you all so much, again. <3

I think you are doing the right thing MissiesMommy. May you have more great memories with your baby.