Putting Dog To Sleep

[bednobs]

I have a 15 year old collie alsation cross. He has had what I think is dementia for at least a year. He's not well at the moment. He's really stiff and sore when he walks and his walks have been cut down to around five minutes. He is struggling to eat and hasn't really eaten anything for 4 days. He's been sick once in that time. His breathing seems laboured at times. I have an appt at the vets tonight but what I'm worried about is that I'm just talking myself into thinking he needs to be put down. Those signs above don't seem clear cut to me. At 15 I don't want him to have any investigations. He is still waggy when I interact with him. How on earth do you decide the right time???

[corylus]

I am going through this myself at pesrent with my 12 yr old black Lab, his back legs are failing depite t/ment from vets, he is very tired at times, still eating well but unfortunately a bit incontinent at times during the night. I am resigned to having him put to sleep in the next week or two but I am heartbroken at the mere thought. I will have to steel myself to take him to the vet for the last time.

[jambutty]

You have all my sympathy corylus. Poor doggie xx

[chrissa1]

I know exactly what you’re going through, corylus. I’m so sorry for you.

[corylus]

Thanks for your helpful comments, I'll do my best for him, my friend.

[bednobs]

hi all, you were of course all right. Mr benobs took him to the vet last night an the vet agreed it was the right time.

[Mamyalynne]

So sorry Bednobs.

Sending you strength Corylus.

[Tilly2]

I fell for you bot, Bednobs and Corylus.

It's an awful decision to take and it hurts, really hurts. It does get better, after time, though.

[Tilly2]

^feel^

[chrissa1]

Aww. So sorry for you, bednobs. You’ll always remember him with love. X

[wolf63]

I'm sorry to hear that he is gone. It is horrible making the decision to go for the final trip to the Vet.

I hope that your daughter is not too upset x

[marval]

Sorry to hear this Bednobs, at least you did your best for him.

[pastafreak]

So sorry to read this, bednobs. Unfortunately it's something we all end up doing for our pets.

[Baldric]

Just remember the good times and the fact you did the right thing for him at the right time, hardest decision we ever have to make imo.

[Barmaid]

Bednobs and corylus I am so sorry. Losing a fur baby is always hard. X

[rockyracoon]

Bednobs and Corulus, I am so, so sorry. 10 weeks after losing my pup, I still can’t walk through the front door without expecting him to come bounding up to me.

[hereIam]

I know you'll be hurting bednobs, a terrible decision to have to make and you will miss your beloved dog. I'm so sorry.

corylus - I'm thinking of you and your very dear friend xx

[murraymints]

aww.. it was the right thing to do xx

[lankeela]

Better a day too soon than a moment too late - we don't use the phrase 'putting them out of their misery' for nothing. Once the quality of life has gone, when a previously clean dog cannot get out to relieve itself, when its special food is no longer tempting and when that loving welcome is now just a struggle to even get up to greet you then you know the time has come to help them go in peace and dignity, which is something we cannot do for our human friends and family. It never gets easier, but the relief once the decision is made definitely tells you it was the right thing to do. Cherish the memories.

[corylus]

Many thanks for all your support re: my lovely old dog. He went into a decline last week, still able to take short walks and eating but otherwise sprawled out on the floor with his back legs splayed all over the rug. I steeled myself to make an appt at the vet's and was dealt with very caringly by a senior member of the staff who discreetly took him to another room and put him to sleep for me.
My last dog, I'm too old to even think about having another, just the cat and me from now on.
I'm getting over my loss.........not the first time.

[Mamyalynne]

Hold the happy memories close xxx