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