Every dog is different. You will know whe. It's time. Love on them and enjoy the days you have left.
Those that had to say goodbye to their dogs, how did you know when it was 'time' ?
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Last: 1 yr ago by Bassmaster
14 year old lab that had been run hard for 10 or so years.
Very sturdy dog.
But her decline was astonishing in its pace.
Hips went to the point where my vet said it was worse they'd seen and it would be a miracle if she walked at all in 6 months.
She would not run with me going on 3 ish years at that point. In fact she'd hear the leash and hide.
Then seizures. Then labored breathing.
Had a long standing bladder problem that got unmanageable: from cleaning up small droplets once in a while to puddles a few times a day.
Then defecation she wasn't aware of.
Then she became completely and totally deaf.
Then acted like " we weren't there". Like she was out of it.
And her eyes told the story as much as anything. There was no spark left. She looked "gone".
This was all in about 4-6 months.
I got worried that with the seizures and being deaf that she'd bite.
She had normal appetite and drank normally. And would at the end drag her self to the kitchen to wait for scraps.
My family really didn't support it but I made the decision to put her down.
I think I pushed it about 2 years too far.
Very sturdy dog.
But her decline was astonishing in its pace.
Hips went to the point where my vet said it was worse they'd seen and it would be a miracle if she walked at all in 6 months.
She would not run with me going on 3 ish years at that point. In fact she'd hear the leash and hide.
Then seizures. Then labored breathing.
Had a long standing bladder problem that got unmanageable: from cleaning up small droplets once in a while to puddles a few times a day.
Then defecation she wasn't aware of.
Then she became completely and totally deaf.
Then acted like " we weren't there". Like she was out of it.
And her eyes told the story as much as anything. There was no spark left. She looked "gone".
This was all in about 4-6 months.
I got worried that with the seizures and being deaf that she'd bite.
She had normal appetite and drank normally. And would at the end drag her self to the kitchen to wait for scraps.
My family really didn't support it but I made the decision to put her down.
I think I pushed it about 2 years too far.
I had a 16 year old German Shepherd. Her last few months were labored, with most of the problem her ability to stand after laying down. I made an appointment with the vet. The day before the vet visit, my wife came home and found her laying peacefully in the yard. She had passed after we left for work. I am convinced she did it for me. Loved that old gal, and I know that I will see her again one day.
Good luck with your decision. It hurts like hell, but it is the right decision when the time comes.
Good luck with your decision. It hurts like hell, but it is the right decision when the time comes.
Burrus86 said:
I had a 16 year old German Shepherd. Her last few months were labored, with most of the problem her ability to stand after laying down. I made an appointment with the vet. The day before the vet visit, my wife came home and found her laying peacefully in the yard. She had passed after we left for work. I am convinced she did it for me. Loved that old gal, and I know that I will see her again one day.
Good luck with your decision. It hurts like hell, but it is the right decision when the time comes.
Man that's brutal. What a warrior she was it sounds like. Multiple posts in this thread about their dog passing the day before the appointment.
I've been WFH for almost 9 years now so always here
Better to be too early than too late. Not fair to dog to go too long and you'll kick yourself for it
With issues going to bathroom I'd say it's time.
With issues going to bathroom I'd say it's time.
Solely my uneducated opinion as a long time lab owner:
When the head is consistently hanging low and there is no more tail wag - at all. You can also see it in their eyes - no happiness, just miserable existence.
Owners too often use drugs to keep their pets alive due to their inability to let go, long after the pet is ready to go.
Do the right thing for the dog.
When the head is consistently hanging low and there is no more tail wag - at all. You can also see it in their eyes - no happiness, just miserable existence.
Owners too often use drugs to keep their pets alive due to their inability to let go, long after the pet is ready to go.
Do the right thing for the dog.
Central Committee said:
Solely my uneducated opinion as a long time lab owner:
When the head is consistently hanging low and there is no more tail wag - at all. You can also see it in their eyes - no happiness, just miserable existence.
Owners too often use drugs to keep their pets alive due to their inability to let go, long after the pet is ready to go.
Do the right thing for the dog.
I agree entirely and this is where things are gray for me. She doesn't do this. Her tail will wag, obviously not as much as before. She'll also do a few tricks like speak, shake, etc.
I'm speaking with a vet from Lap of Love this afternoon via Zoom to get another opinion.
We're supposed to go camping for a week in early June and she loves that stuff but may not be worth trying to stretch her too far.
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AG
Take comfort in that. My first and only dog was from the Brazos Shelter back in the 80's. Good to see they are still putting out quality adoptions.AgsMyDude said:aggiesundevil4 said:
You have to think about what is best for the dog, and not focus on your grief as a reason to do it or not do it.
Thank you for this sentiment. I'm definitely doing my absolute best to keep my feelings out of the picture and focus on her quality of life. Hence the vet appointment and my OP.
My vet does the at home service which I will 100% do for her. She deserves the best.
Funny story about her adoption. I got an MIP tailgating on campus from a bike cop. I was sentenced to community service so I did it as the Brazos Valley animal shelter.
Some family got their little kids a puppy GSD but complained of high energy. So I brought her home, kept her active and as soon as I could, bought a house on a half acre with a huge backyard. She's been camping, hiking, saw us bring 3 kids home, etc. Great 14 years.
Person Not Capable of Pregnancy
If they can't do 2 out of 3 things they used to like to do, or 3 out of 5.
By the time you finally realize it, it is probably already past time to do it.
By the time you finally realize it, it is probably already past time to do it.
Tony Franklins Other Shoe said:Take comfort in that. My first and only dog was from the Brazos Shelter back in the 80's. Good to see they are still putting out quality adoptions.AgsMyDude said:aggiesundevil4 said:
You have to think about what is best for the dog, and not focus on your grief as a reason to do it or not do it.
Thank you for this sentiment. I'm definitely doing my absolute best to keep my feelings out of the picture and focus on her quality of life. Hence the vet appointment and my OP.
My vet does the at home service which I will 100% do for her. She deserves the best.
Funny story about her adoption. I got an MIP tailgating on campus from a bike cop. I was sentenced to community service so I did it as the Brazos Valley animal shelter.
Some family got their little kids a puppy GSD but complained of high energy. So I brought her home, kept her active and as soon as I could, bought a house on a half acre with a huge backyard. She's been camping, hiking, saw us bring 3 kids home, etc. Great 14 years.
We'll keep in mind this was 13 years ago so no idea how it is today.
But yeah I'm taking comfort in how lucky I was.
It may not matter right now but she was just as lucky that you took a chance and gave her a loving home.
Our 14.5 year old Golden passed away naturally overnight Thursday night/Friday morning last week.
I'm right there with you OP. Very tough to be at this stage.
I wouldn't change a thing over the past few months and last week and last day.
Maybe I missed some things. Maybe it was that he was my wife's first pet and we went together to pick him up when we were still dating.
I've seen these posts on TexAgs for years. I've feared the day it would come for at least the last 5 years.
It's true though that it has been a relief to move to the other side of that rainbow bridge.
Putting a loved one down is a hard, difficult choice. I prayed for God to show me the way and he answered my prayer. Brody had gone when I woke up.
It's tough. Go with your heart and with your gut. Every situation will be different.
I'm right there with you OP. Very tough to be at this stage.
I wouldn't change a thing over the past few months and last week and last day.
Maybe I missed some things. Maybe it was that he was my wife's first pet and we went together to pick him up when we were still dating.
I've seen these posts on TexAgs for years. I've feared the day it would come for at least the last 5 years.
It's true though that it has been a relief to move to the other side of that rainbow bridge.
Putting a loved one down is a hard, difficult choice. I prayed for God to show me the way and he answered my prayer. Brody had gone when I woke up.
It's tough. Go with your heart and with your gut. Every situation will be different.
We decide everything for these dogs. When to eat. When to walk etc. You also decide when it is time to die. You will know. Just don't let the dog suffer
Someone posted on here a few years back along these lines and it helped me when I was putting my lab down a few years ago….better to put them down a day too early than a day too late.
Feel your pain amigo. I'm writing this as I'm putting my two daughters to bed and my 2 year old golden is sitting at our feet.
Cherish the memories, the friendship, the companionship and loyalty.
Feel your pain amigo. I'm writing this as I'm putting my two daughters to bed and my 2 year old golden is sitting at our feet.
Cherish the memories, the friendship, the companionship and loyalty.
chickiepoo said:
It may not matter right now but she was just as lucky that you took a chance and gave her a loving home.
Thx I appreciate that.
The lap of love consult was interesting. Said she was surprised by how aware and playful Milli is. She said it would be perfectly fine to move forward with saying goodbye. Or she suggested a few meds that would be helpful and she could respond too some, in a sort of palliative care. But, again, nothing she has is "repairable".
Was concerned about taking her on the week-long camping trip because of her sundowners issues and being away from home.
Yesterday evening she was playing fetch with my 4-year-old. She was slow and stumbly at times, it didn't last long. But her ears perked, her tail wagged. She slept peacefully almost all night thanks to the Melatonin.
Damn, this is hard.
Does anybody have that little cartoon of the dog thanking his owner when it's time to be put down? I'm gonna need it for my son when the time comes for our 16 year old border collie mix. She's hanging in but I don't buy more than 3 months of flea/tick/heart worm meds at a time.
These threads always get me.
I would recommend the book "Going Home" by Jon Katz to anyone who is struggling with the loss of a dog.
Also, if you own a pool and a senior dog, be very careful. We had our pool blocked off -- we thought -- but our dog still found a way to fall in. That was a horrible, horrible day.
I would recommend the book "Going Home" by Jon Katz to anyone who is struggling with the loss of a dog.
Also, if you own a pool and a senior dog, be very careful. We had our pool blocked off -- we thought -- but our dog still found a way to fall in. That was a horrible, horrible day.
Thank you everyone for your words and thoughts.
She has calluses on her front elbows and one is starting to bleed. It'll never heal with how she scrapes it to get up.
We have scheduled her peaceful passing on Sunday morning.
Tomorrow she gets a steak dinner.
Saturday we head to the state park. Then ribs on the smoker.
I'm going to be a mess.
She has calluses on her front elbows and one is starting to bleed. It'll never heal with how she scrapes it to get up.
We have scheduled her peaceful passing on Sunday morning.
Tomorrow she gets a steak dinner.
Saturday we head to the state park. Then ribs on the smoker.
I'm going to be a mess.
Probably the one you're thinking
That's it. Thank you.
I will be praying for you and your friend. Tough go, good luck and try to enjoy your memories because that is all we have sometimes.
God Bless
God Bless
I had to put 2 down in 3 months and another one a year later. I waited too long with the first 2 and I still beat myself up for that. I think you'll find that right now your hurting and dreading it, but when they are at peace it's almost a relief after a time of them being uncomfortable and you know they are. When we put #3 down I forced the appt with my husband and he was dragging feet. But it was time and he knew it. Don't drag it out bc it can get really bad really fast.
OP, I'm sorry - it sucks. But when it's time, it's the last great gift you can give them. Don't let them suffer.
Good choices.
I gave delicious deer steak to mine last month for his last two meals. Axis tenderloin. Best last meal I could think of for him.
I gave delicious deer steak to mine last month for his last two meals. Axis tenderloin. Best last meal I could think of for him.
You are doing the right thing for your dog.
quote:
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close,we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
quote:
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close,we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
I feel your pain. My GSD has always been so stoic. She's a guard dog at heart, she checks in with us once per evening, she gets fed, she gets her treat, she comes to us for pets, then without fail she puts herself between us and the door used most. Natural Police.
Lately, she's wanted more attention, she shows her belly for scratches, and her hips give out one another dog hits her. I think we're down to 2 months.
That'd put her around 16.5 yrs. But I'm watching closely to help her when she's given all she can. I don't want her to suffer and I'm sure she's already in pain. As everyone else has said, hard to say when.
Lately, she's wanted more attention, she shows her belly for scratches, and her hips give out one another dog hits her. I think we're down to 2 months.
That'd put her around 16.5 yrs. But I'm watching closely to help her when she's given all she can. I don't want her to suffer and I'm sure she's already in pain. As everyone else has said, hard to say when.
aTm '99
For me, scheduling the appointment was the hardest part, felt so guilty but it was the right decision.
Beyond that you just have to be there and grieve. You will be a mess but that is a completely normal part of grief and it's ok for others to see.
Beyond that you just have to be there and grieve. You will be a mess but that is a completely normal part of grief and it's ok for others to see.
Thank you.
Yes, guilty is exactly how I feel.
Are there pain meds I should have pushed the vet for? Something more for her cognitive decline like Selegiline that has good success. My mind won't stop with that.
I'm struggling because she still "acts" so youthful in her face and ears. Wants to do tricks like speak, shake. Not like she's laying around depressed not eating you know?
Her ability to get up is getting limited. She has calluses on her front "elbows" and sides of her feet that get cut/raw and bleed from scraping to try and get up.
I know in time there will be relief knowing she's at peace and she does require lots of attention which gets complicated having an 8 week old baby at home. Guilt there too.
Yes, guilty is exactly how I feel.
Are there pain meds I should have pushed the vet for? Something more for her cognitive decline like Selegiline that has good success. My mind won't stop with that.
I'm struggling because she still "acts" so youthful in her face and ears. Wants to do tricks like speak, shake. Not like she's laying around depressed not eating you know?
Her ability to get up is getting limited. She has calluses on her front "elbows" and sides of her feet that get cut/raw and bleed from scraping to try and get up.
I know in time there will be relief knowing she's at peace and she does require lots of attention which gets complicated having an 8 week old baby at home. Guilt there too.
The worst is waiting on the appointment. We went through it about a year and a half ago. We didn't tell my kids until the day of the appointment. Looking at the dog and kids in the days leading up to the vet coming to the house was the worst. I felt like I was betraying all of them. After it was finished, there was an immense sense of relief and we did not have regrets. It was time and we all knew it. From reading the beginning of the thread, I knew you'd be coming back at some point to say you scheduled it. It sounds like the right decision. For my wife and I, our guilt left as soon as it was over. Still sadness, but no guilt. Good luck, it isn't easy.
Sous vide prime ribeye last night and quick river trip a success.
Although she didn't want to swim which is another thing she used to love but isn't up for.
Absolutely spoiling the hell out of her since we scheduled.
Although she didn't want to swim which is another thing she used to love but isn't up for.
Absolutely spoiling the hell out of her since we scheduled.
I saw it in my dog's eyes. She told me she was ready with a look I still remember when I was driving off to work. So I went in, came back home, took her to the vet and let it be over with for her. I lost my most enthusiastic hunting buddy that day.
She is so lucky to have had the love of you and your family. Thank you for taking a chance on a shelter dog all those years ago.
Beautiful dog!
She got her wings today.
The hospice vet agreed we were making the right decision which helped.
I'm sad but like others said a bit relieved knowing there's no more suffering.
Pretty crazy how peaceful she looked with that first injection. Really put the labored breathing into perspective when it wasn't happening.
RIP Milli.
See you on the other side.
Also, HUGE shout-out to Lap of Love. What an awesome service. They even brought workbooks for our kids to do to help them cope with the loss.
The clay paw print and hair trimmings are a nice touch.
The hospice vet agreed we were making the right decision which helped.
I'm sad but like others said a bit relieved knowing there's no more suffering.
Pretty crazy how peaceful she looked with that first injection. Really put the labored breathing into perspective when it wasn't happening.
RIP Milli.
See you on the other side.
Also, HUGE shout-out to Lap of Love. What an awesome service. They even brought workbooks for our kids to do to help them cope with the loss.
The clay paw print and hair trimmings are a nice touch.
So sorry for your loss. It reminds me of going through the same thing last fall with our dog Amiga. The days get easier but you never fully forget, they're always there with you.
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