My darling labrador

[islasmum]

I feel very upset and distressed - I have had to make the decision today to have my gorgeous, lovely 15 year old labrador put to sleep tomorrow. I feel that he is not enjoying his life now, he has arthritis in his back legs but he seems to have dementia as well - he keeps on walking from place to place and just stopping - mentally as well as physically, I think. I know that to everyone their dog is special, but he really is.... he didn't really want his food tonight, so for this evening he can do exactly what he wants - he's had a bit of cheese and is asleep on the sofa - he had to be assisted on, and we will help him down when he wants to go out. We've known for a little while that this day would come, and I'd rather let him go now, than wait until he was really unable to have any quality of life. What's hard to take is I had to have my younger labrador put to sleep three weeks ago - she had a stroke and she couldn't walk properly, and between the vet and I decided that the best course of action was to have her put down - then and there which was a bit of a shock, but the best in the long run. What I worry about is my belgian shepherd - she's already lost her play mate, now she's going to lose the pack leader as well - she's happy to come with us to most places and stay in the car, or is allowed into a few friends' houses - fortunately we are not terribly social, so don't get out a lot.

I feel better now I've written this - sorry it's rather long and waffling - unfortunately every time my OH and I talk about Jack, we both well up; it's going to be awful for a while, but then we'll have lovely memories of him too.
Thanks for listening.

[Ann]

I cried when I read this, as only a pet owner can feel your pain. I really feel for you, they become part of the family. Will be thinking of you tomorrow, be strong x