13 Year Old Jack Russell

[riptide]

I have a jack russell dog called Ben. He has been slowing down lately and has loads of fatty lumps on his body (lipomas) not life threatening. I took him to the vets recently because some of his teeth were bad and he had a terrible smell from his breath. Not sure if something happened during the op or whether just a coincidence, but since then he has gone completely blind and seems disorientated at times. We have found he has quite high blood pressure and he is on tablets. I love him so much but his quality of life is very poor now, he will not go out for walks and all he lives for is food. He always used to be so affectionate when friends came but now he more less ignores them. I know I should put him to sleep and I am only keeping him alive for me, but he is not unwell in himself, although looks so sad, do not think he can understand what is happening. The vet thinks he now has a brain disorder and has put him on some more tablets to help. So hard to make this awful decision, I have done it in the past but then my dogs were very sick and stopped eating. Would I be doing the right thing by letting him go, writing this crying. Thanks all.

[woofgang]

Its always hard and never get easier. You have said it yourself though "he always looks so sad, do not think he can understand what is happening" Dogs don't want to get old...
If it was me I would let him go with love. Its the last, hardest most loving thing we can do for our pets.

[Tilly2]

You do know the answer to this question riptide. Let him go gently. Don't let him suffer.

[boxtops]

So sorry, riptide, for both of you. It's a horribly hard call to make, but you would be doing your little dog a great and loving favour to let him go. We're here if you need us x

[maggiebee]

Very hard decision to take riptide but feel you already know the answer. Quality always wins over quantity so maybe this is the time to let go. I'm crying too writing this as have been there a few times. Thinking of you whatever you decide. x

[excelsior-1]

good morning riptide

i agree with the above .. you must let him go, to relieve his suffering and yours too. it is the only choice (i think you were inclined towards that anyway)

spend the final few hours in tender embrace with him - to send him on his way with love

afterwards, you can remember all the good times with him

[paddywak]

I know just how you feel riptide, I was in the same position myself about a year ago when my trusty GSD Max lost the use of his back legs, what made it worse was that a few months before he'd had some quite major surgery and he seemed fitter then he had been for years. Give Ben lots of love and cuddles and then let him go. It's not easy every pet lover knows that but they also know it's better to let him go then let him suffer.

[riptide]

I know you are all right, thanks so much for your comments, always appreciated. I will give him lots of cuddles and food (which he always loves) and take him to the vets in the morning. So sad, but I do know that I am keeping him alive for me and that his life is miserable for him now.

[excelsior-1]

you know it makes sense

make the most of tonight, and be strong tomorrow

to paraphrase ... 'we are all here for you'

best regards

[flump1]

Riptide, my heart goes out to you, I know exacly what you are going through. I have not stopped crying since I read your post this morning, My little girl is 13 years old and she has a tumour on her leg. It is inoperable and when she feels the weight is getting her down or compromising her walking , I must make the same desicion as you have to for Ben. My dog has gone downhill rapidly in the past couple of weeks, a long walk on the lead is no longer a possibility. She does enjoy a cuddle but every now and again the light seems to leave her eyes and although she has never cried with discomfort or pain, I know it can't be good for her. I too will be going to the vets tomorrow, for advice, even though in my heart I know it is futile. So I share your pain greatly.

[excelsior-1]

flump

my thoughts will be with you tomorrow too

you may have to make 'the decision' on the spot .. if so, you know it will be for the best

good luck

[flump1]

Excelsior, thank you, it is going to be harrowing . My heart goes to Riptide too. xxxx

[lankeela]

Better a day too soon than a moment too late.

[lankeela]

A bit of advice - think before you go what you want to happen afterwards - will you want to bring him home or have him cremated, and if so will you want the ashes back. Your head will be all over the place and you may not even hear the vet as he asks you what you want to do, so make sure you tell him beforehand. Stay strong and think of the love and good times Ben has given you.

[Meg]

ripetide and flump, it's so so sad. It's 2 years since I had to make that final decision for my last beloved pet. You can't let them suffer when you know in your heart things will not get any better.

Lankeela's advice is sound, decide what you want to do once you have said farewell.

My thoughts are with both of you (crying now about my memories) Wendyxx

[starone]

There is only one thing to think of and that is, is he in pain. You cannot let him suffer - if he is in pain then you must do what you know you must do.

[maggie01]

Agree with lankeela. it may be the last thing on your mind at the moment but something you may regret later if you don't have a clear picture of what you want to do.
My heart goes out to you. It is only 3 yrs since I made the same decision. She is burried in my garden with a rosebush for rememberence (called Remember me)
My girl is 13yrs with heart problems and everytime she has a bad turn, I think this is it.
It is so hard but sometimes we think of ourselves because we can't bear to be without them.
When the time comes, you will know you did the right thing. x

[CatGirl4]

I think you know the answer,as some one has already said,this is the last act of love we can do for our pets.x

[lankeela]

TISSUE ALERT:



A Dog’s Plea
by Beth Norman Harris
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in
the world is more grateful for kindness than the
loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I
might lick your hand between blows, your patience
and understanding will more quickly teach
me the things you would have me learn.


Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s
sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging
of my tail when the sound of your footstep falls upon
my waiting ear. Please take me inside when it is cold
and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed
to bitter element. I ask no greater glory than the privilege
of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell
you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food so that I
may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding,
to walk by your side and stand ready,
willing and able to protect you with my life,
should your life be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old and I no longer
enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make
heroic efforts to keep my going. I am not having any
fun. Please see to it that my life is taken gently.
I shall leave this earth knowing that with the last breath
I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

[flump1]

My goodness Lankeela, that has started me off once again.