Should I Put My Yorkie To Sleep?? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

KenzieLulu · 07-28-2008, 05:43 PM

my mackenzie is almost 16 years old. she has been sick for awhile but recently, she has taken a turn for the worst. She cannot hear or see, she seems delirious, she can hardly walk, constantly sleeps, sometimes she gets restless and paces around in circles. she doesn't cry but i can tell she is in pain because she shakes and paces. she is also constantly peeing inside, when she is a very well trained dog (perhaps she's loosing kidney function). also, she walks around at night and bumps into walls, and recently fell down the stairs in the middle of the night while i was sleeping and acted like nothing happened when i ran and got her, it breaks my heart! i don't know what to do for her, i don't want her to suffer but it's hard for me to make the decision to put her down, i've had her for so long

yorkiemalt · 07-28-2008, 05:48 PM

I'm so sorry. It's always one of the toughest decisions a pet owner will ever have to make.....deciding if and when it's time to let them go.

Do you have a Vet you could speak with? Perhaps ask him/her their opinion?

I once read an article online that had a checklist which helped determine quality of life. Maybe you could try googling something similar?

Whatever you decide, I wish you and her peace.

Wylie's Mom · 07-28-2008, 05:53 PM

First, welcome to YT and I'm sorry it's under these circumstances. I can't tell you what to do, but this sure breaks my heart bc I can feel your pain. I had my cat, Einstein, until she was 20 - and I had to make the decision to put her to sleep. It is a terribly PAINFUL decision to make. There is no right time to do it. The best I can tell you is that - I knew I was giving my baby a gift in not letting her suffer any more, as painful as it was for ME. I knew I had to let her go. I held her as it was happening and I still have her ashes.

I will say that your baby sounds to be in pretty rough shape and if it were me, I'd really be wondering if Mackenzie has an acceptable (enough) quality of life right now. Only you can be the judge of that. I would also really be scared about those stairs, and I'd hate for you to wake up to something awful there. This is such a wrenching decision and my heart goes out to you.

BlondeYorkieMom · 07-28-2008, 05:57 PM

Yeah, this is a very difficult decision to make. I'm so sorry.
I agree with considering her quality of life, as long as you make the decision based on her quality of life you should feel good with the decision. It would be best to put her out of pain and misery (if thats the situation), I know some people that aren't strong enough to make the difficult decision and their pet goes through more pain than it probably should. Just something to think about while making this decision. She has had a very long life, no matter what you decide you should always remember that! You obviously treated her very well and took wonderful care of her for her to be 16!
Good luck with the decision and know that we are all here for you.

luvinmyyorkies · 07-28-2008, 06:27 PM

Sorry to hear about your dog. I've had to make that decision 3 times so far in my life and it didn't get any better or easier. It is one of THE HARDEST decisions any of us will ever make. I'm sure you'll do what's best for Mackenzie. She's had 16 wonderful years with you and you will always have those memories. Good Luck.

Nancy1999 · 07-28-2008, 06:33 PM

I'm so sorry you have to make this decision, I agree it helps if you have a vet you can talk to about this, sounds like you have been a great mommy to have had a Yorkie for this long. Welcome to Yorkietalk, and you'll find much support here for whatever you decide is best.

diggy4 · 07-28-2008, 06:52 PM

Oh. I am SO SO sorry.......I do not pretend to have an answer for you but what I can offer is understanding and a shoulder. I truly feel for you and hope the right decision comes to you and you and your baby don't suffer.

mscat · 07-28-2008, 07:04 PM

I am very sorry about your dog. I too would be concerned about the quality of life your dog has. The decision is yours and your family. I am sure you do not want Mackenzie to suffer. This would a very hard choice to make. I wish you the best and feel bad for you.

grandmatoall · 07-28-2008, 07:15 PM

Welcome to YT. I am so sorry that your baby isn't doing well. I have had to make that decision and it never gets any easier. As others have said, it is the hardest decision to make. Mackenzie has had a good life. It is the quality of life that matters. We all love our babies and want what is best for them.There is a lot of support and information on this site.. and I pray that God will help you through this.

Patti · 07-28-2008, 07:33 PM

Welcome and sorry to hear about Mackenzie. If they are no longer enjoying life and every day is a struggle then we need to make that most difficult decision.

Mom to Hot Rod · 07-28-2008, 09:13 PM

Welcome to YT. Very sorry that you are faced with such a difficult dilema. I would have to say that you have had a wonderful life with your little one. Only you can make this decision for yourself. Let yourself trust your own heart and I am sure that you will make the best decision for your little one and you. Good luck.

BLEU BOY BARBER · 07-28-2008, 09:43 PM

I am just reading your posts and I too want to welcome you to YT and I would like to say EVERYTHING YOU HAVE SAID TO A TEE describes my friends dog even the same age.

She was devastated but she did go ahead and but TYZAR down.

The vet felt it was best for TYZAR and for the family because he got progressively worse.

She feared any minute he would die and she did not want those horrible memories in her head and it happening inside her home like in the hall. SHE SAID SHE WOULD NEVER WALK DOWN THE HALL THE SAME!

My advice to you would be pray about it and in due time you will follow your heart!

You have had 16 wonderful years and unfortunately it is about time. I PERSONALLY COULD NOT HANDLE IT ... I feel your heart is breaking and you are torn one other thing you want to remember is the good times. Saturate your mind with the good!

Im so sorry
HUGS during this tragic time for you
Vicki

AVERYxo · 07-28-2008, 11:06 PM

i am so very sorry..

i can't give you any advice.. but know ill be thinking of you!!

Sempai-mj · 07-29-2008, 03:12 AM

Sorry to hear about this, we went throuh the same thing with our 15 1/2 yr old, same symptoms.
Very hard descion, we had vet come to our home so it was less stressfull for all.
Now our little Spike is in our backyard buried with her favorite toy.
Good luck
We feel your pain....

bjh · 07-29-2008, 04:15 AM

I am so sorry to hear your baby is not doing well. I know it is a very hard decision. From the symptoms you describe I would say she my be having liver failure and possibly she may have a kidney or bladder stone. I would take her to the vet and if the vet feels her condition is not treatable then the kindest thing to do would be to end her suffering. I know this will be hard on you. Hugs.

07-28-2008, 05:43 PM	#1
KenzieLulu YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 3	Should I Put My Yorkie To Sleep?? my mackenzie is almost 16 years old. she has been sick for awhile but recently, she has taken a turn for the worst. She cannot hear or see, she seems delirious, she can hardly walk, constantly sleeps, sometimes she gets restless and paces around in circles. she doesn't cry but i can tell she is in pain because she shakes and paces. she is also constantly peeing inside, when she is a very well trained dog (perhaps she's loosing kidney function). also, she walks around at night and bumps into walls, and recently fell down the stairs in the middle of the night while i was sleeping and acted like nothing happened when i ran and got her, it breaks my heart! i don't know what to do for her, i don't want her to suffer but it's hard for me to make the decision to put her down, i've had her for so long

07-28-2008, 05:53 PM	#3
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	First, welcome to YT and I'm sorry it's under these circumstances. I can't tell you what to do, but this sure breaks my heart bc I can feel your pain. I had my cat, Einstein, until she was 20 - and I had to make the decision to put her to sleep. It is a terribly PAINFUL decision to make. There is no right time to do it. The best I can tell you is that - I knew I was giving my baby a gift in not letting her suffer any more, as painful as it was for ME. I knew I had to let her go. I held her as it was happening and I still have her ashes. I will say that your baby sounds to be in pretty rough shape and if it were me, I'd really be wondering if Mackenzie has an acceptable (enough) quality of life right now. Only you can be the judge of that. I would also really be scared about those stairs, and I'd hate for you to wake up to something awful there. This is such a wrenching decision and my heart goes out to you. __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

07-28-2008, 06:27 PM	#5
luvinmyyorkies Yorkies are pure joy Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lansing, Illinois Posts: 641	Sorry to hear about your dog. I've had to make that decision 3 times so far in my life and it didn't get any better or easier. It is one of THE HARDEST decisions any of us will ever make. I'm sure you'll do what's best for Mackenzie. She's had 16 wonderful years with you and you will always have those memories. Good Luck. __________________ *Kathy, mom to Ceasar, Pip, & Max* *RIP my sweet Gizmo* *(10/05/09)*

07-28-2008, 06:33 PM	#6
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	I'm so sorry you have to make this decision, I agree it helps if you have a vet you can talk to about this, sounds like you have been a great mommy to have had a Yorkie for this long. Welcome to Yorkietalk, and you'll find much support here for whatever you decide is best. __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals

07-28-2008, 06:52 PM	#7
diggy4 Bella Boo & Diggy Too! Donating GS Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Detroit Posts: 6,156 Blog Entries: 5	Oh. I am SO SO sorry.......I do not pretend to have an answer for you but what I can offer is understanding and a shoulder. I truly feel for you and hope the right decision comes to you and you and your baby don't suffer. __________________ ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN

07-28-2008, 05:48 PM	#2
yorkiemalt Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 3,468	I'm so sorry. It's always one of the toughest decisions a pet owner will ever have to make.....deciding if and when it's time to let them go. Do you have a Vet you could speak with? Perhaps ask him/her their opinion? I once read an article online that had a checklist which helped determine quality of life. Maybe you could try googling something similar? Whatever you decide, I wish you and her peace.

07-28-2008, 05:57 PM	#4
BlondeYorkieMom Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 213	Yeah, this is a very difficult decision to make. I'm so sorry. I agree with considering her quality of life, as long as you make the decision based on her quality of life you should feel good with the decision. It would be best to put her out of pain and misery (if thats the situation), I know some people that aren't strong enough to make the difficult decision and their pet goes through more pain than it probably should. Just something to think about while making this decision. She has had a very long life, no matter what you decide you should always remember that! You obviously treated her very well and took wonderful care of her for her to be 16! Good luck with the decision and know that we are all here for you.

07-28-2008, 07:04 PM	#8
mscat YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hanford, CA Posts: 4,895	I am very sorry about your dog. I too would be concerned about the quality of life your dog has. The decision is yours and your family. I am sure you do not want Mackenzie to suffer. This would a very hard choice to make. I wish you the best and feel bad for you. __________________ "No matter how little money & how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich."

07-28-2008, 07:15 PM	#9
grandmatoall I Love My Babies Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Nampa, Idaho Posts: 1,440 Blog Entries: 1	Welcome to YT. I am so sorry that your baby isn't doing well. I have had to make that decision and it never gets any easier. As others have said, it is the hardest decision to make. Mackenzie has had a good life. It is the quality of life that matters. We all love our babies and want what is best for them.There is a lot of support and information on this site.. and I pray that God will help you through this. __________________ "Bobbi, Proud Mom To: Sandy & Leo Yorkies & Grandkids - Make My Heart Smile

07-28-2008, 07:33 PM	#10
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	Welcome and sorry to hear about Mackenzie. If they are no longer enjoying life and every day is a struggle then we need to make that most difficult decision. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

07-28-2008, 09:13 PM	#11
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	Welcome to YT. Very sorry that you are faced with such a difficult dilema. I would have to say that you have had a wonderful life with your little one. Only you can make this decision for yourself. Let yourself trust your own heart and I am sure that you will make the best decision for your little one and you. Good luck. __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

07-28-2008, 09:43 PM	#12
BLEU BOY BARBER Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,935	I am just reading your posts and I too want to welcome you to YT and I would like to say EVERYTHING YOU HAVE SAID TO A TEE describes my friends dog even the same age. She was devastated but she did go ahead and but TYZAR down. The vet felt it was best for TYZAR and for the family because he got progressively worse. She feared any minute he would die and she did not want those horrible memories in her head and it happening inside her home like in the hall. SHE SAID SHE WOULD NEVER WALK DOWN THE HALL THE SAME! My advice to you would be pray about it and in due time you will follow your heart! You have had 16 wonderful years and unfortunately it is about time. I PERSONALLY COULD NOT HANDLE IT ... I feel your heart is breaking and you are torn one other thing you want to remember is the good times. Saturate your mind with the good! Im so sorry HUGS during this tragic time for you Vicki __________________ *Spoiled Rotten Mama's Boy* *Bleu Boy 's Sophie* We Are Wrapped Around Your Little Paws Bleu Boy Barber Dedicated Atlanto Axial Subluxation Paw Parents

07-28-2008, 11:06 PM	#13
AVERYxo Lovin' my Girlies!! Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Orange County, CALIFORNIA Posts: 3,609	i am so very sorry.. i can't give you any advice.. but know ill be thinking of you!! __________________ Meg & my baby girls Avie & Gemma

07-29-2008, 03:12 AM	#14
Sempai-mj Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Saint Lazare, QC Canada Posts: 38	Sorry to hear about this, we went throuh the same thing with our 15 1/2 yr old, same symptoms. Very hard descion, we had vet come to our home so it was less stressfull for all. Now our little Spike is in our backyard buried with her favorite toy. Good luck We feel your pain....

07-29-2008, 04:15 AM	#15
bjh Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 7,959	I am so sorry to hear your baby is not doing well. I know it is a very hard decision. From the symptoms you describe I would say she my be having liver failure and possibly she may have a kidney or bladder stone. I would take her to the vet and if the vet feels her condition is not treatable then the kindest thing to do would be to end her suffering. I know this will be hard on you. Hugs.