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Old 03-13-2007, 10:18 AM   #1
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Default making a big decision

It has been a long time since I posted but I need some advice. My oldest dog, who will be 15 years old next month, is having a real hard time with day to day activities. I do not know if it is time for me to put him to sleep or not, I have never had to do this before he is my first baby and I have had him since I was 19. I do not know what to do, I am heartbroken. He has very weak legs, he is losing alot of hair and smells really bad and it seems like he cannot stretch the way dogs usually do and his head shakes sometimes. I have researched his symptoms and it seems like he has a dog form of parkinsons disease. I know you should not prolong their life if it is just for my own selfish reasons but I am at a loss. How do you know it is time? Anyone who has gone through this PLEASE inform me on what to do. I read on euthanasia but I can barely get through one paragraph without breaking down in tears just as I am doing right now. My husband thinks it is time and alot of friends say so as well, but none of my friends own dogs and they do not understand that I am not just getting rid of my pet, he is my baby, I am so torn, it is almost unbearable, it feels like my heart is being ripped out of my chest every time I think about having to let him go. I would also like to add that he is the best doggy ever and has brought such a joy to my life.
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Old 03-13-2007, 10:37 AM   #2
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im sorry youe going threw this
what does the vet say?
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Old 03-13-2007, 11:35 AM   #3
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I have not took him to the vet yet, I guess I am afraid what they are going to tell me, but if I am scared about what they are going to say, I guess I already have my answer and just cannot accept the fact that it is indeed time.
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Old 03-13-2007, 11:38 AM   #4
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this must be so hard for you. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I think you need to talk to your vet, may they can help. Praying for you...
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Old 03-13-2007, 11:51 AM   #5
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I had to let go of my 16 year old poodle a few years back. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. My best advice... think of your babys' needs and comfort.
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Old 03-13-2007, 03:51 PM   #6
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Unfortunately, I've had to have more than one put to sleep - from old age, thank goodness! The one thing I always told myself was, when they stopped having that "look" in their eye - you know the one, where they're happy and pain-free, that it was time. It is absolutely one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do, but don't prolong your baby's suffering for yourself. He/she will love you and be waiting for you someday. My heart goes out to you.

If there's any way you can hold your baby while the vet gives them the shot, please do. I never wanted to have mine pts in some cold room with a stranger.

My eyes are full of tears for you. It's never, ever, easy. Prepare yourself. Give your baby their most favorite meal - full of fat or sugar, or whatever they like. Give them a day of wreckless abandon. Hug, kiss, and tell them everything you've always wanted them to know. Your heart will feel a sense of relief when it's over as you'll know you did what's best.

I pray for you and your baby. Be comforted in knowing that all our angels will be waiting at Rainbow Bridge to welcome the newcomer. Please have yours tell my Bozo, Chester and Rosebud how much mommy still misses them.

Hugs to you.
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Old 03-13-2007, 04:28 PM   #7
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It is difficult to let them go, but I have also taken care of an animal until she died while having convulsions in my arms. I still wish my vet had told me that it was time to let our cat go peacefully two days prior, during our vet visit. During her last days she fought me with whatever power she had left when I tried to force feed her and she did not have the strengh to move at all even when she soiled herself. I don't know why our old vet chose not to, but most vets will tell you when your pet's quality of life has deteriorated significantly, to the point of no return.

It is very sad but when they have terminal illnesses, it only goes downhill after a while, and you owe it to yourself and to your pet to let him go when he gives up on life. They know when their time has come. I wish you a lot of strength.
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Old 03-13-2007, 04:50 PM   #8
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Hi Val, sending hugs to you and your precious elderly friend.

I had to face that situation with my first Yorkie, LacieBug, not because of old age, but because of terminal illness. Every time I took her to the vet for checkups and more meds, I would ask Doc, "Is it time?" and Doc would always reply -- Cindy, listen to LacieBug, she will tell you when it is time." So, my answer to you is --Take him to the vet for a good checkup. Make sure that he is in no pain and see if there is anything medically you can to to make the remainder of his life more pleasant. Then take "listen" to what your friend tells you -- he will tell you when it is time to let go and let him fly with the angels.

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Old 03-13-2007, 05:01 PM   #9
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I can feel your pain. I just put down my doxie, that I had for 15 years. He was also failing fast and one day I decided on my own it was time. You will just know. It will hurt like hell and it will hurt for a long time. I am crying as I write this and it has almost been a year for me. I still call my dogs by his name and he is with me constantly in thoughts. WHen I did decide I didn't tell anyone that I was going to go. I just went by myself and spent my time with Elmo. My family always talked me out of doing it and then I would feel guilty when he was hurting. So it was best for me to decide and go at that time. You have all these wonderful friends at YT and you will definately get the support you need. Good luck with when you decide, and remember that you have given your baby so many wonderful years of love and care.
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Old 03-13-2007, 05:11 PM   #10
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Everyone has given you good advice. Especially to take your friend to the vet and have him assessed. It's important to give him a chance for good health and the vet may have an easy solution to his problems. If not, I think your friend has already told you he's struggling and you have to listen to him. He'll tell you when he's ready to go home.

I'm so sorry that you have to go through this but it sounds like you've had a wonderful friend in this pet. Your memories will be a cherished treasure when the time comes.
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Old 03-13-2007, 05:41 PM   #11
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Thanks so much for all your support and advice. He use to be such a vibrant dog and now he spends most of his time lying on his bed but sometimes he will get this big boost of energy to play and I think that he is getting better then his little legs just shake and he barely catches himself from falling over. I am scared that he is going to fall down over the stairs when he goes outside. Would it be wrong for me to hold off until his 15 birthday which is April 19 so we can give him a birthday/going away party?
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Old 03-13-2007, 06:02 PM   #12
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Im so so sorry for whats happening. I have never ever been in that situation but i guess all of us dog owners will eventually face this decision. I would take him to the vet and ask him of your dog is suffering a lot or in pain because if he is i do think it would be sad to hold off until April. My prayers are with you
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Old 03-13-2007, 07:32 PM   #13
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I'm sorry you are going through this, I have had to do it many times through the years and it is never ever an easy decision. I feel that something I can give back to my lovely dogs for all the endless kisses, joys and never failing love they have shown me throughout their lives, is the calm decision to ease their suffering when the time has come. I would really think hard about waiting until April, your friend may be in pain, they try so hard not to show it. By the time it shows to us, in my experience they have stood just about all they can.

They would have gladly given their lives for us, we owe it to them to help them were only we can. Do your best to be able to be with him when he goes, yours should be the last face he sees and your love should be the last thing they feel. They go peacefully to sleep in your arms and that's where they long to be...

I pray you have the strength to do this for your pet, I'm sure you will find the courage to do what needs to be done..I'm so sorry.
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Old 04-05-2007, 07:19 AM   #14
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Just to notify everyone, I made the big decision and the day has finally come. I am putting Fudge to sleep today and I am trying my best not to cancel the appointment. It is like he knows, he is following me everywhere and even came to the kids for a little petting this morning before they went to school which he never does. I am so upset, I hope I am doing the right thing. Is it possible to be this physically ill? I know he has to go but it is just hard to process it all, I do not know what to expect. I have been told that it is very peaceful. I do have another decision before I go through with this, I have to decide if I want his remains back or just to scatter the ashes at pet haven, I am not sure what is best, I just know I do not want to do any of this, and it is breaking my heart. We did tell the kids that it would be happening but did not tell them the day because they were so upset when we told them that we had to let him go, but they knew something was up this morning because they asked why I had watery eyes and why I looked so sad. Sorry I have to go now.
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Old 04-05-2007, 07:49 AM   #15
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I came upon this post and I am welling up thinking about it...We just lost our Maltese last Aug and our German Shepherd the day before Thanksgiving...Our Isabelle just died unexpectedly and Strietzel had to be put down due to a degenerative spinal disease...It was a horrible time for us...I swore NO MORE DOGS as I can't do this again...And behold we now have 2 yorkies Charlie and Henry...I dread the day you are facing and they are only 6 months old!!! It is a very difficult thing to do, and I want you to know I will be thinking of you... We did bury Isabelle in our garden and I take Charlie and Henry back to talk to her alot, but we did let Streitzel go as none of us could get up the courage to go get her from the vet, we took up to the last minute to decide as we didn't know what to do...Post if you need to chat or vent...yml
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