when do you know its right

[fifeandshaffer]

Hi, I have been here a few times and like the info here. I have 2 yorkies shaffer and fife both 5, I had fife first and needed a second. My boys are so kind and sweet people who dont like dogs love my 2. They really are always so happy amd kind. Im a doctor and take them to the hospital the kids in the cancer unit are always happy to see them but my dogs are happier to see them. Fife has had 2 new knees and 2 new hips, he is only 5, he started with trachea problems about a year ago, He is not doing well, I have oxygen at home he is on meds, he cant have the surgery done to fix it or I would have done it already. He isnt in pain still happy as can be but he has slowed down, not himself vet says he is probably uncomfortable but not in pain. I just dont knoww what to do, I will miss him so much. I dont want himn to hurt but i dont want to keep him here for me. Any thought appreciated, but please be nice im heart broken

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by fifeandshaffer

Hi, I have been here a few times and like the info here. I have 2 yorkies shaffer and fife both 5, I had fife first and needed a second. My boys are so kind and sweet people who dont like dogs love my 2. They really are always so happy amd kind. Im a doctor and take them to the hospital the kids in the cancer unit are always happy to see them but my dogs are happier to see them. Fife has had 2 new knees and 2 new hips, he is only 5, he started with trachea problems about a year ago, He is not doing well, I have oxygen at home he is on meds, he cant have the surgery done to fix it or I would have done it already. He isnt in pain still happy as can be but he has slowed down, not himself vet says he is probably uncomfortable but not in pain. I just dont knoww what to do, I will miss him so much. I dont want himn to hurt but i dont want to keep him here for me. Any thought appreciated, but please be nice im heart broken

I'm really sorry to hear about Fife's problems. How do you know when it's right? I just don't know how to tell you. We as humans do hold on a bit to long, because of our love for them. But, because of your close bond, the day he looks in your eyes and gives you that look (and you'll know the look) is the day you'll have to love him enough to let him go. I know, I held on to my dearly beloved Cleo (who I still mourn to this day and she passed 10 years ago) 5 weeks longer than I should have, for me, I couldn't bear to let her go.. Attempting to keep her alive with meds, specialists, etc. I should have paid attention to that look and I didn't. I thought I could love her enough that she would live. I should have put away my selfish need and understood that she was 16 and she'd led a full, happy life.

My heart goes out to you, I understand your heat break, and pray for both of you.

[fifeandshaffer]

thank you for your kind words. My vet who is wonderful said I will know. I thought yesterday would be the day, but fife seemed to do so much better after I made the call, I called back and said maybe not today. I think they think Im a little odd, they called back a few hours later to see if I was ok. I got both of my dogs shortly after my husband and kids died in a car accident, I never thought I would love anyone or anything again, but I did, here I sit devistated and sad.He is only 5, I wish I could fix his trac like I had his hips and knees replaced. I live near philadelphia and the univ of penn has one of the best vet hospitals in the country that is where his knees and hips were replaced but they cant fix him this time. I am so sad.

[angelakc]

so sorry to hear of your loss... you will know when its time, you will feel it. I hope things get better for you. I am sure they dont think your odd...they know how big of a decision it is. You and Fife in my thoughts and prayers

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by fifeandshaffer

thank you for your kind words. My vet who is wonderful said I will know. I thought yesterday would be the day, but fife seemed to do so much better after I made the call, I called back and said maybe not today. I think they think Im a little odd, they called back a few hours later to see if I was ok. I got both of my dogs shortly after my husband and kids died in a car accident, I never thought I would love anyone or anything again, but I did, here I sit devistated and sad.He is only 5, I wish I could fix his trac like I had his hips and knees replaced. I live near philadelphia and the univ of penn has one of the best vet hospitals in the country that is where his knees and hips were replaced but they cant fix him this time. I am so sad.

My Cleo not only gave us 16 years of uncondtional love, joy and happiness. Her passing really began my journey with Yorkies. So, I have that to thank her for too. Her ashes sit right here above my computer. I still cry every Christmas when I pull out her stocking and it is still hung. I still have her baby blanket and her favorite baby pink mouse sitting on her box of ashes.

[dogluvr]

I'm sitting here with tears pouring out of my eyes. You have just had way too much to bear. My heart goes out to you. I also waited too long with my previous Silky. He was 16 years old. When I look at pictures of him now I am shocked that I didn't see how bad he had gotten. If Fife is eating and not in pain, then I don't see you have a decision yet. If he is not, then the decision has already been made for you. Sometimes they rally right before the end. That may be what you are experiencing.

My prayers are with you.

[lil fu fu girl]

I am just so sorry to hear that you and your baby are going through this. It is just never easy to make those kind of decisions. All I can say is , through personal experience , you will know when it it time. Your pet will tell you by his actions; when you does not want to get up, or walk around, or go to the bathroom. My heart goes out to you, these little babies are your family. Please know that you are not alone, we here at YT are all with you during this time. Whenever you need to talk, we are here.

[diane boden]

I too am sorry to hear you are going through this, especially as you little one should be inthe prime of her life. I too had to make that awful decision many years ago for a baby of only 2 years old. Every one is right, when your that close to a dog or other pet, instincts will tell you when the time is right. Will be thining of you and sending healing thoughts.

[RoxyLuv]

Oh how very sad. I agree with the others that you will know when it's time. That's been my experience in the past. For the life of me I don't know how I knew it was time, but I did know & was able to follow through without feeling guilt afterwards. Continue to be observant of what you are seeing each day. Loving thoughts coming your way.

[Patti]

I am so sorry for all your tragic losses and now little Fife. I had to let my yorkie Gracie go years ago at the young age of 6 1/2 from complications of a collapsed trachea. Like you surgery was not an option for where her collapse was. For a year and a half she had good days and not so good days and many trips to the vet or er vet for oxygen tent. One day my husband called me at work and said she hadn't moved from the blanket we put her on when we left for work and had urinated on herself. I took her to my trusted vet and she said she is not enjoying life anymore she is fighting for every breath and I knew it was time. My heart goes out to you.