Preparing for the end...
 

It's been awhile since I last posted about my 16 year old Yorkie, Toto (see his Sweet 16 birthday pic from October attached). His cognitive function has significantly decreased in the last several months. He is almost completely deaf, his sight is mostly gone, he gets lost walking around the house and is often bumping into walls and furniture. We (my mom and I) have come to the difficult (but loving) decision and will be taking him on Monday afternoon for his final doc appointment (I can't say the "E" word).

Yesterday our groomer/pet nanny asked us if we would be taking Scout, our chihuahua mix, to the appointment so that she is with us and can see that we will not be bringing Toto home. I had not even considered this option and would like to hear what members of this community might have to say about it. Scout is twelve and has never known life without Toto, but she is also terrified of the vet and I don't know what the right call is on this one.

Any helpful thoughts, anecdotes or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance, friends.

Best,
Sam(antha)

I'm sorry you have to make this decision.

I was there when both of my poodles died, it was horrible. Hours of panting, high pitched barking, feeling restless, discomfort. Just plain horrible.
After a few hours we ended up taking one of them to the vet to speed it up, it was so much better. The other died in the middle of the night.

I wouldn't hesitate to put another dog to sleep, it's so much more peaceful. My grandmom agrees, she's been through quite a few natural and euthanized dog deaths.

So sorry about your sweet Toto. I had to take Roxie, my little chi, for her final vet visit & decided to bring Dolly & Teena into the room. They sat in the buggy & I held Roxie very close to them & when it was the end they lost all interest. They seemed to know Roxie was gone. Once home they didn't look around the house for Roxie. I would do the same thing again.
I know a dog who wouldn't leave her owner's bed on his final 2 days (cancer). The moment he passed, Sandy just got up & left the bed & never came back.
Sweet Toto was lucky to have 16 years with a wonderful family-give him a hug for me.

Im so sorry that this decision in happening, its not easy to let our fur kids go, sending hugs and prayers

You're making the most loving decision for Toto, and the hardest...
bless you and big hugs to you...
((((()))))

Prayers an thoughts with you, toto and your family.

Sorry that it's time. He's a handsome fellow. I wouldn't have thought to bring his brother with him.... somewhat oddly, it sounds like a good idea.... I don't have experience with that.... but I do this: Don't hesitate to get an additional pup if you feel up to it.... it's not a replacement per say as much as it's a new family member for all of you to enjoy and share your love with. I know I should have much sooner.:(

I am very sorry you have to say goodbye to your precious Toto. Praying for your comfort and Toto's peace.

I have never had two dogs at one time before, and never thought that it might be good for them to be there when one passes. Annie (Dollydoodle's) experience makes me think I will do this with my boys.

I am so sorry that you have to make this decision. Toto is a precious little guy. Please give him a hug and kiss for me. I had never thought to take my other pup when i had to make this decision. I have seen my dogs mourn and search for the missing companion. This is something to think about.

I'm so sorry about Toto. I know what a difficult decision it is to make....sending you, Toto and scout hugs.

So sorry this is such a hard time. We put are precious Boji to sleep 8 years ago not a easy decision. We only had one dog at the time but was so thankful we found a vet that would come to the house. He was so scared of the vets office I could not bring myself to take him there for this. Didn't know if this may be an option so both dogs would be there. And would not scare your other pup

I was going to suggest this. My friend had his Boxer put to sleep this way, at home. :( A lot of vets will offer this service. There is also mobile vets.

I'm so sorry for this. It's never easy. He obviously lived a well loved long life and I'll be thinking of you during this difficult time.

I'm totally feeling ur pain ,, I do agree with the posts above, if it is easier for u and your babies to have the vet call out , will be thinking of you all

Sam - long time no see, it's nice to see you here again. I'm very sorry to hear that Toto isn't doing well. I know you were kind of expecting this, but it's never easy when you're truly facing it. It's SO HARD. I don't know whether or not you should bring your other kiddo with you, I think it has be a gut call. I wonder if your vet has home service...maybe you could do it at home?

I'm very sorry you are faced with this very difficult loss. Whether you bring her or not, I think Scout will know that Toto is sick and understand. I would hold Toto and allow them some time together before you leave for the vet.

thinking of you and your precious pup

I'm so sorry about your precious Toto. When I lost Abigale my others just seem to know. It's been 6 mos and her bed is still where it was but the other three have not gotten in it once. They just seem to know whether they are present or not. Give your sweet baby a kiss from us.

So sorry that it has come to this but as I and anyone who has struggle with this decision all know, we do what is best for them. It is one of the most selfless acts of love that we can show for our sweet babies.

It is so hard to know in this type of situation and no one can know what is best but you. I understand your wanting to let your other pup have the chance to say goodbye but I also think that the fear of the vet will have a horrible impression on him and do more harm than good once he sees that Toto did not return home with you. If he already associated the vet with something bad this may only add to that fear and make getting him there even more traumatic for him.

I forgot to add that I intentionally took them to a vet where they had never been & I knew they'd not go there again. I know that sounds odd, but it really worked for us. I was afraid that the experience wouldn't be "right" since I didn't know the employees, but it was a very caring & loving day for us.
Take care tomorrow.

Thank you, everybody. I appreciate all the input. We have decided not to bring Scout with us this afternoon. I think she already senses something is up.

I can't say much else right now. I have been crying a lot. I plan to cry more. I'll be 31 in two weeks and this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

I'm so sorry you're hurting :(. My thoughts are with you as you face this extremely difficult afternoon. Love and hugs to you and Toto. :love:

Take care, my thought are with you {{Hugs}}

Very sad post. I feel so bad for you during this difficult time. I pray that you find peace and comfort very soon.

Thank you again, everyone. Toto went peacefully late this afternoon. Mom and I held him and I felt him take his last breath. I am relieved that he is no longer stumbling around, lost, confused and bumping into things. I hope he felt our love as his spirit left his body. He will always be my boy--the first dog I ever loved.

I first posted here a year ago when I was rushing back here to Florida from Los Angeles because my mom thought Toto was dying (he had a skin allergy that became infected). I moved back home a month after that visit (mom was in bad shape too and needed me) and I'm so grateful I did, as I got to spend this last year caring for "Totes" and helping out my mom.

Scout seems to be enjoying the extra attention. She has already begun her nutrition and exercise regimen (per my insistence). Toto wasn't much of a walker this past year and Scout had to deal with that, unfortunately. She also got a lot of extra "cookies" because Toto would beg for them whenever they came in the house and it was always a losing battle with him. She and I (and Mom!) could use some healthy lifestyle changes so we're going to focus on that now. :)

Thank you all so much for your thoughts, kind words and prayers. This community has been such a comfort to me in the last year as my little guy's health declined. Know that I am truly grateful for the support. Love to you all and to your furbabes.

I'm glad things went well today with what you did. It seems like you're a very strong person & a great dog lover. Take care.

I am so very sorry for your loss :( It is never easy when we lose our furbabies - they truly are our family. I can relate so much to what you're feeling, as so many of us here do. I lost my very first baby girl in November due to congestive heart failure - two days after she enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with us (minus the turkey and people food of course) :)


I lost my Yorkie girl last April, so losing my Chi girl (who was my first dog and my first love) in November was difficult. You and I are close in age (I turned 29 last month) and I can honestly say losing my baby girls was the most difficult thing I have faced in my life as of yet. I am so sorry you are facing the same pain. Though we always miss them, it will ease with time. You made the right decision and it is amazing that he had such a wonderful, long and loving life with you. Prayers and hugs to you!

We are thinking of u and your family at this very sad time xxxx R.I.P toto xxx