I couldnt put my Lucky to sleep,even tho she was crying out for me to let her go,i called my husband in tears,he came home from work & took my beloved Lucky .............now she is waiting for me :animal36

Maybe you could get someone else to take your beloved pet,its always so sad
but i knew i did the right decicion as my Lucky was suffering & i know i will see her again one day,healthy & rambuncious once more :dog:

This is a difficult decision and takes aot of courage and caring to make. About a year and half ago I had to make this decision. Actually I had made it before then but didn't have the courage. Hobbes was a 17 !/2 yo Bichon. He had irritable bowel syndrome for which he was on a special diet. From that he developed bladder stones at 9 years of age and needed surgery. The surgery left him with a urinary leakage problem and he needed belly bands. As time went by he lost his hearing and began to have a vision problem but things weren't too bad. He still played and ate well. Then came a time when he would look very confused and sllep alot. But when he was sitting with me on the bed one night he jumped off and began to have a seizure. Then next day we went to the vet. I had called ahead and they had a ready. She let me stay with him and gave him the injections and he went peacefully.
If you decide to take him and it is the compassionate thing to do as we love them and don't want them to suffer please take someone with you. I didn't and spent along time in the parking lot till I could drive home.
Several weeks later I got a lovely handwritten letter from my vet
Sorry this is so long but you are making the right decision for your baby and your Mom will take good care of her.

I always believed that when the time is right you will be the first to know trusting you love this dog very much ..youll do the right thing for you both .May you have peace and love in knowing ..your love will never be far from you.

What a lucky dog Flossie is to have had both you and your mother love her. Do not think of it as Flossie passing away, think of it as Flossie returning to your mother. She will keep her company in Heaven forever. Neither will ever be lonley again for they will have each other...
I pray that God gives you the strength that you need to get threw this difficult time. Good luck to you and know that we are here, always, for you.

I have a 13 year old schnauzer who has very bad arthritis. Just last month I asked the vet how will I know when his time is up. He said to watch his quality of life. If he looks like he is enjoying the family and his life - even though most of it is spent laying in the bed in the middle of the den - then he is not ready. But when he appears to not be enjoying his life because of the pain or lack of mobility - then it is time. I know I will have just as hard a time as you - it is not something I can think about very much.

I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. <<<<< HUGS >>>>>

Flossie doesn't seem to be in any pain at all. She just sleeps all the time and stares at the wall in between...along with licking her pillow excessively. If I could see her in pain that would make it easier on me. I just keep her gated in our laundry room now since we have Jake. I really think she would give out completely if Jake was around her longer than 30 minutes. She can't tolerate him and doesn't have the energy.

So, my husband just told me that the house vet. is going to be stopping by our house when he is in town...he doesn't live near us. It's going to be a spur of the moment type thing. I JUST DON'T THINK I CAN DO THIS!!!!

awww, Kerri, I haven't responded on this thread today only because I couldn't think of something to say that could possible comfort you. Now I realize there is nothing I can say that will really comfort you. I'm so sorry. This is such a hard decision one that - as pet owners - we are faced with. You have to remember that, though its hard on us, its a relief for them. If they are in pain and have lost their will to live its just the right thing to do. Its never easy. I will have you in my thoughts and prayers. Its not going to be easy, but you'll know when its time...she'll tell you.

Thanks so much for being here for me. I know deep in my heart that it is time for her. She is so unhappy and even looks that way. I just don't know why I am feeling so selfish. I want her here forever just like I want my Mother back. I know this is a touchy subject but her being my Mother's Dog (the one who took Flossie to a drive through restaurant every night) is making it so much harder. It even makes me mad at times. My entire family (I'm the youngest child of 8) can't believe I have Flossie still thriving. She has had a good life!!! Everyone knows that and I should feel good about it but I don't think I have much to brag about!

Kerri...
You have got me crying along with the others who have told there sad stories and I have a lump in my throat. I never owned a dog before Gucci. I am so attached to this dog it is unbelievable. My advice to you would be to follow your heart and do what your gut tells you. Your gut feelings are never wrong.
I want to share a human story with you, my mother passed away six years go, she was in the hospital and in a coma dying. The day came when I had to sign a DNR <do not rescuitate> but I couldnt bring myself to sign this form. A nurse came over to me and saw me crying and said Gina you are giving your mother the gift of love let her be happy in the everafter. I did she died shortly after and I was relieved that she no longer was suffering and was with my dad and one of my brothers who had passed.
Just follow your heart and all will be well....

Gina

I have a lump in my throat here as well. I have had a good life but have lost the closest ones to me suddenly and even tragically. My Mother passed instant in my home house of a stroke, my sister passed in a car accident on Thanksgiving three years ago, and my Father passed last year suddenly to heart aneursym bursting. I just really fear death!!! Anyway, I love Flossie with all my heart! Seeing her go will be like another family member leaving me.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

im like so close to tears right now... maybe this will help you decide...

well my cousin lost her baby about 2 years ago. she told me she knew it was time when she got on the floor on her belly and looked into her dog's eyes and saw pain. she knew it was time.

i think if you see her not happy or in pain it might be time, don't listen to what i say but just think she will keep your mom company up there. it might be hard to see her leave, but i think you'll do whats right

HUGS :hug: :hug: :cry8:

Thanks! Flossie is also very skiddish! She is startled when I touch her to pick her up to take her out to potty. She can't even make it up our front steps.

A big thanks to all you guys talking me through this. I know I only have a short time with her. She doesn't even like me rubbing her anymore. Her life is pretty much the pits right now!

I took my sheltie to the vet 3 times to put him to sleep before I was finally able to do it. Deep down I knew it was the best thing to do for him, but I was selfish and couldn't imagine being w/o him. They lightly sedated him before putting him to sleep...and the old pup came out, I was able to see him as he had not been for a long time...no discomfort and happy w/tail wagging and loving all over me. I am thankful I got to see him like that again, but I really feel bad that I prolonged the inevitable and put him through some very bad days. It was actually a relief once it was done and I think you will likely experience the same. You can then step back and appreciate the wonderful friend that you had w/o just seeing how they have become.
I hope any of that makes any sense, my heart does go out to you...

Deep down it will be a relief to me. Flossie has no happiness at all. She doesn't even wag her tail anymore. I just hate to be the one to make the tough decision.

I just went through having to make the decision to let my "Ranger" go. You can read some of my recent experience on the RIP: Goodbye Ranger.

It is a hard decision, but if your dog is in pain, can't be touched, and quality of life has diminished, it is time to let your mom have her back.

My prayers are with you.

Several posts back you said you didn't know why you were being so selfish and sweetie that is the last thing you are being. I think you are being wonderfully compasionate! This is not a decision most people can just leap into. You are now try to make your heart and mind work in the same direction. Please, please be happy about the incredible life that this lovely lady, Flossie, has lived. She has been a joy to you and your Mother and you still have that and always will!! Her former self is what lives on in your memories. The shell of her former self that she has become is what is tearing you up. Love and comfort her for her remaining days and when the day comes, I am certain that you heart will be at peace.

Thanks for the feedback! I am still wide awake and it is 12:30 my time. I have her and only her on my mind right now. 18 years is a long time for a dog and I should feel blessed!

This is such a sad and touching thread. Clearly, you love Flossie and want the best for her. Anyone can see that. It is very hard to make this decision and you are struggling. You have a lot of support here and whatever you decide, we will gladly help you thru it.

Know that Flossie had a great life for 18 years, with a family that loved her more than anything. Bless you and your sweet Flossie.

My heart goes out to you! I can truly say I know what you're going through and it is so hard to do. A couple of years ago I went with my sister to have her little yorkie, Rhett Butler, put to sleep. He was old and very ill and normally when he'd go to the vet, he was so scared he would shake and tremble. This time he was as calm as could be and acted as if he knew why he was there and was relieved and he seemed so at peace. Of course, my sister and I cried our eyes out...it's so hard to say goodbye to these loyal companions. I also had to have my poodle put to sleep many years ago. I couldn't go...my dear dad took her for me. I just sat home and cried. I think all of us at YT share in your sadness and sorrow and we will all have you and your precious Flossie on our minds. Big hugs to you!

It is such a hard situation to be in - I feel with you!

But I think you are asking for advice because you already have the answer, but are too afraid to face it...am I right?

You have been a great friend to this dog all it's life, now be a great friend one last time and help her find peace.

:hug:

It is so heartbreaking for you to be faced with this decision. I am in tears for you. I am so very sorry. :cry: This may not make sense right now, but just be thankful that you have had this long wonderful life with her and that now you are in a position that you can say good bye and give her this gift of her relief from suffering and send her to be with your mom, someone she has been missing for quite some time. I know how it is to try to hold on to everything you possibly can that somehow makes you feel connected to the loved ones you have lost. I have experienced this all too often lately just as you have, but the fact that you are NOT being selfish during such difficult times says so much about you. You mentioned your concern of being selfish...you are far from it. These things are never easy and it is totally natural to not want to let go. You have a very big heart, and sometimes it takes a big heart to make the right decisions...nomatter how much they hurt. I will keep you and Flossie in my prayers.

Kerri,

As I write this, I am weeping with sorrow for all your pain.

When you write in your post that “I just hate to be the one to make the tough decision”, perhaps you could ask yourself if you are really making the decision, or if nature has already made it for you. As death is a part of life, this is the natural end of Flossie's long journey with you and your mother.

I have seen two close friends struggle with what to do as their beloved pets came to the end of their lives. In both cases, they were able to have a vet come to their homes and have the pet pass away in their arms as the medication was administered. For them, this helped greatly because they felt the pet “knew” they were safe. The pets were buried on their properties.

Also, you do have a choice. You can choose to not put Flossie to sleep and let the end come whenever it does--from everything you have said, the end is near-- or you could choose to intervene. Whatever choice you make is responsible and is clearly being made out of love. Only you can decide--that is both the burden and the privilege of loving Flossie.

Kerri ,

You are in my thoughts and prayers .

Not sure if you still need this advice but I agree with all said here. I had to put my 15 year old toy poodle down a couple years ago. I had also asked my vet when would I know the right time?? He said I would just know. That was a hard one to understand but there finally came a day when he had a stroke and could not stand up. Only 15 minutes before he had walked outside to potty and came back in to lay down. It was totally devastating so I won't say that it won't be hard but my vet was such a caring man that he helped us through it so much. This all brings a huge lump to my throat and tears to my eyes because I'm thinking of Dax but please know that it's not selfish or any of those other things you may be feeling. You've given your friend many years of wonderful life. My thoughts are with you.

Kerri, you are making the right decision for Flossie. I know this is hard and I can't even imagine how torn you must feel, but you SHOULD be proud of yourself for helping her thrive after your mom's passing. You have been a great mom to Flossie. Maybe if you are with as when she passes, you will see how grateful she is to you for letting her go in peace. Just a suggestion. Good luck sweetie and lots of hugs going out to you for this tough decision.

I read only your post because it breaks my heart to hear all this sadness. I can only
tell you I went a year too long with a little yorkie I had that I loved so very much.
I know it was for me too but I had a slight hope Ohio State could do something. These
little guys cannot make decisions for themselves and they are counting on us to let
them go when the time comes. I can't type anymore, I still cry for my Molly. My
prayers are for you and Flossie.

Well-said, Megan.

I just read the post... I am also crying reading this post as everyone else is. I am speechless.. I am so sorry.. hon. Death is something that I worry all the time. Every living things die one day... including family members and even myself. It is definitely painful and scary. It is hard to let go.. I am trying to seize each day... so I don't regret... You are wonderful mom to your dogs and you care for her very much. Let her go.. for her happiness.. I know it is hard but you can do it. And remember good time with her... and seize the day! If you need to cry.. it is okay to cry.

My prayer to you and your family. (Your dogs are your family.. right?)

I am so sorry to hear about your baby. How are you holding up? I just lost my yorkie of 13 and half year this past June. She had kidney failure. We knew there was no hope, but yet we kept trying to hold on to her. We took her to the vet 3 times a week for fluid injections. It was heartbreaking watching my lively little yorkie deterioate before my eyes. We could not bring ourselves to do it because she started to look like she was better. Started playing with her toys and barking again. Then, she took a quick turn for the worse only a few days after my birthday. She could not stand up without falling because she was so weak. Yellow fluid started coming out of her mouth and she could not even eat. Her normal 4 pound weight went down to 2 pounds. And Lacey knew this was the end. I will never forget the last day I saw her alive. She became very clingy and took her last bit of strength to get out of her doggy bed and pawed at my mom to pick her up. She held her in her lap almost all night. I kissed her little forehead, told her how much I loved her, would never forget her and would see her again over the rainbow bridge. My mom brought Lacey to the vet the next morning and put her out of her misery. I just recently purchased another yorkie that I named; Chloe. But, will never, ever forget my first yorkie Lacey. She will always hold a special place in my heart. Your baby is just beautiful and I will be thinking of you in this difficult time.

to see them in pain
 

When My TJ got sick I told the Vet I would take him home and when I felt it was time I would bring him back. Well I knew a month later it was time he had a hard time breathing and I could see he was not a happy little boy anymore. I hated to do it but I did not want him to be in pain anymore. He was not my lttle happy boy anymore. I miss him so. But I did it for him. My vet was very good that day. I was the last one in his office and he sat with us until it was time to give him the shot. He gave him the shot and we stayed with my baby until he was gone. My vet was very good. He spoke to me and my husband beause he knew how much TJ met to us and he said they should have longer lives to share with us humans.

Hanna