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  Independent Cuss
Posts: 3978
    
Location: Dearing, GA | I have a wonderful wonderful dog that I got from *Y* back in 2012. He's about 11 or 12 now, and his health has been declining lately. I'm just torn about knowing whether or not its time to make "that" choice to let him go.
He's got a lot of muscle atrophy in one of his back legs, and he's about 90% non-weight bearing on it. He trembles in pain, even though we give him NSAIDS every day. Lately, he's had an odd cognitive change- he slept in the shower one night, and appeared to be very depressed/lethargic around the house. The next day, he seemed normal, though.
The vet said that therapies beyond NSAID treatments aren't necessarily successful, and she actually encouraged me to consider letting him go before his state got any worse. He slides around on the hardwood floors and has a hard time keeping his feet under him, but still wags his tail and tries to chase the kitten.
I just don't know what to do. I've always had a clear signal, like cancer, to let me know when it was time to let go. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1286
Location: Mississippi | I went through this about 2 years ago with my 14 year old lab and it was one of the most difficult things I have had to go through. He was always such a proud dog and when he could barely get around and started soiling himself, I just knew I couldn't let him lose his dignity. I think he let me know about a year before but it took alot longer for me to come to grips. You know in your mind well before your heart accepts it. I am so sorry that you are going through this because I know all too well how heartbreaking it is.   |
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 Expert
Posts: 1304
| First, I'm so sorry you have to make this decision. I know it's tough. I've always thought that when you have to help them use the bathroom, they're not eating, or are in pain it's time to let them go but it seems as though there's a fine line there since he still acts happy at times. Maybe if the bad days outweigh the good, it's time. I'm not much help, prayers for you |
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Independent Cuss
Posts: 3978
Location: Dearing, GA | Thanks. He can still go outside himself- he loves to be outside, but instead of being active he usually ends up laying down on the porch for a while. I don't want him to get to the point where he soils himself, and would like to let him go before he gets to that point, but what if it's too soon? |
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Member
Posts: 35
| I went through this with my golden a few years ago. I'd had her since I was 14 and it was such a hard decision to let her go. When you start to wonder if it's time, it is. I would rather make the decision a little too early than a single day too late. |
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Location: Oklahoma | Our border collie was 14 this year when we had to put her down on leap day. Hard of hearing, starting to loose her vision but still the happiest and most loyal dog there could be. She started to slow down last year and we asked our neighbor vet when we would know. She told us that "Annie" will let you know. Everytime I left the house I said a special goodbye becuase I knew she was getting older.
One morning I was getting ready for work and she hadn't eaten in a few days and was just sleeping a lot more. I went and sat on the floor with her and it literally was like she told me. I was late to work that day and on the verge of tears all day knowing I had to tell my family. She was a surprise from my dad when my brother and I were little. First dog we ever had. That night we all made the decision as a family to put her down.
In the end it was the best experience. I didn't cry much because it felt so right in such a weird way. There was a sense of peace. We brought her home and buried her in her favorite corner of the arena. The next day, my grandpa ended up in the hospital for 6 weeks and now lives with us. I swear she knew we had bigger battles coming and didn't want us to worry about her any longer.
It's never easy but when it is time, you will know! |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Just Let Me Run - 2016-09-12 9:16 AM
Thanks. He can still go outside himself- he loves to be outside, but instead of being active he usually ends up laying down on the porch for a while. I don't want him to get to the point where he soils himself, and would like to let him go before he gets to that point, but what if it's too soon?
I am so sorry you're going thru this. I lost Foxy in Feb; he was 12. I was supposed to pick him up from the vet on a Saturday, but she called me that morning and told me he wasn't doing well. When I got there and looked in his eyes, I knew. . . I just knew. He was tired and he told me that as well as if he had opened his mouth and voiced it. You know your boy, and you'll know when it's that time. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| I am so sorry! Gosh darn it, I wish they could live as long as we do. |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Just Let Me Run - 2016-09-12 8:53 AM I have a wonderful wonderful dog that I got from *Y* back in 2012. He's about 11 or 12 now, and his health has been declining lately. I'm just torn about knowing whether or not its time to make "that" choice to let him go. He's got a lot of muscle atrophy in one of his back legs, and he's about 90% non-weight bearing on it. He trembles in pain, even though we give him NSAIDS every day. Lately, he's had an odd cognitive change- he slept in the shower one night, and appeared to be very depressed/lethargic around the house. The next day, he seemed normal, though. The vet said that therapies beyond NSAID treatments aren't necessarily successful, and she actually encouraged me to consider letting him go before his state got any worse. He slides around on the hardwood floors and has a hard time keeping his feet under him, but still wags his tail and tries to chase the kitten. I just don't know what to do. I've always had a clear signal, like cancer, to let me know when it was time to let go.
I have one just like this, hes a black Lab and almost 17 years old. One of his back legs dont hold up very well and lots of muscle has wasted in his back end, hes the one thats always guled to my side when I'm outside and feeding hes the one that folllows me when on the goft cart or gator but hes slowed down alot and I thought this summer heat would do him in for sure so really been watching over him, all he ate was dry dog food out here with our other farm dogs since I noticed him losing weight I started to feed him a can of moist dog food in the morning and befor we go to bed, made a big difference in him more engery and seems alot happyier, but I know the time is coming for him. He lives outside and stays on the front porch to protect us from all the night spooks , so maybe change up your dogs diet and see if that might help him some. With them ageing they need a diet change. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 670
Location: Running my kids somewhere. | I know how you feel I am going through the same thing right now as well. I am worried everytime I have to leave the house. She is still active but she has had COPD for a while and now she has had times that she can't breathe, goes down and has convulsions. I have given her mouth to mouth quite a few times.
I don't know when to make the call. My others I knew when the time came.
I wish you the best of luck and my prayers when the time does come.
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boon
Posts: 4
Location: Oklahoma | We just had to make a decision like this last Saturday. We chose to let our toy Aussie poppy go. Her health was failing and she was only getting worse It was a devastating decision but we have to put them first. Prayers for you and your dog.
PS just lost my dad less than two months ago so it was even harder to let her go. |
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 Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | I can't tell you about my experiences with this I am crying too hard. But wanted to let you know you are in my prayers. |
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Independent Cuss
Posts: 3978
Location: Dearing, GA | Thanks for the support, everyone. He's had a few good days in a row this week, and I don't think now is the right time. I appreciate the guidance, and I'm so sorry for the losses y'all have experienced! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1481
Location: TEXAS | I have a 12 yr old border collie that every once in a while doesn't want to eat and moves as if it's his last day then he's absolutely fine like he's 5 again... You'll know in your heart when it's time and I'm sure your dog will help you decide as mine will.. Prayers and ((hugs)) |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Praying for many more good days. . . . |
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 Scorpions R Us
Posts: 9586
Location: So. Cali. | Just my first dog down this year. She was around 14yrs old. If I could've had one dog the rest of my life it would have been her. She too started out by having shakey back legs and loosing some weight, but she still had great days where she ran around the yard barking like a pup again. Unforunately she had a seizure one morning while helping me feed the horses. First one of her life. She got up from it ok, walked a bit shakey as I put her in the house to rest. The days following she had two more and each time appear to come back a little worse. The final day she could hardly stand and couldnt stop panting, still tried to get up and greet me when I got home from work. Miss her terribly. Without a doubt you will know when, if you're questioning it it's too soon. Glad to hear he's been having a few better days. Cherish them. |
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Independent Cuss
Posts: 3978
Location: Dearing, GA | Three*C*Champs - 2016-09-16 5:37 PM
Just my first dog down this year. She was around 14yrs old. If I could've had one dog the rest of my life it would have been her. She too started out by having shakey back legs and loosing some weight, but she still had great days where she ran around the yard barking like a pup again. Unforunately she had a seizure one morning while helping me feed the horses. First one of her life. She got up from it ok, walked a bit shakey as I put her in the house to rest. The days following she had two more and each time appear to come back a little worse. The final day she could hardly stand and couldnt stop panting, still tried to get up and greet me when I got home from work. Miss her terribly. Without a doubt you will know when, if you're questioning it it's too soon. Glad to hear he's been having a few better days. Cherish them.
Thanks for sharing this. I am waiting for that "ah-ha" moment when it hits that its time. After several good days, today he didn't eat breakfast and slept all day, even though the weather was great and I was trying to entice him to play and go outside. He ate dinner, but went right back to sleep. |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Just Let Me Run - 2016-09-16 10:48 PM
Three*C*Champs - 2016-09-16 5:37 PM
Just my first dog down this year. She was around 14yrs old. If I could've had one dog the rest of my life it would have been her. She too started out by having shakey back legs and loosing some weight, but she still had great days where she ran around the yard barking like a pup again. Unforunately she had a seizure one morning while helping me feed the horses. First one of her life. She got up from it ok, walked a bit shakey as I put her in the house to rest. The days following she had two more and each time appear to come back a little worse. The final day she could hardly stand and couldnt stop panting, still tried to get up and greet me when I got home from work. Miss her terribly. Without a doubt you will know when, if you're questioning it it's too soon. Glad to hear he's been having a few better days. Cherish them.
Thanks for sharing this. I am waiting for that "ah-ha" moment when it hits that its time. After several good days, today he didn't eat breakfast and slept all day, even though the weather was great and I was trying to entice him to play and go outside. He ate dinner, but went right back to sleep.
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 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | Im sorry you are going thru this.. its one ofthe hardest things to go thru and making the decision.. it can take months and there will be good days and bad days and days you question youself . many times I thought its time and then the next day it wasnt.. but the bad will start to become more and more.. i went thru with princess many meds and many heartaches and tears.. never knowing the right thing to do.. she hurt , she smiled anyway, she would have days of sleeping all day..and then she stayed in bed most of the time.. my heart hurt so bad.. but one morning she looked at me and didnt want those 3 pain meds and other meds .. so i stopped and the next morning i knew.. I was keeping her here for me.. she was 14 and a rottie .i had her from a pup.. my best friend.. but you will know. it is a process I learned .. it wont happen overnight.. we are here for you.. |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Bibliafarm - 2016-09-18 10:05 PM
Im sorry you are going thru this.. its one ofthe hardest things to go thru and making the decision.. it can take months and there will be good days and bad days and days you question youself . many times I thought its time and then the next day it wasnt.. but the bad will start to become more and more.. i went thru with princess many meds and many heartaches and tears.. never knowing the right thing to do.. she hurt , she smiled anyway, she would have days of sleeping all day..and then she stayed in bed most of the time.. my heart hurt so bad.. but one morning she looked at me and didnt want those 3 pain meds and other meds .. so i stopped and the next morning i knew.. I was keeping her here for me.. she was 14 and a rottie .i had her from a pup.. my best friend.. but you will know. it is a process I learned .. it wont happen overnight.. we are here for you..
That's what I always try to pray, Bib, "please don't let me keep them here just for my selfishness". I feel like I'm gonna have to make some decisions soon on my 37 year old gelding, and I hope God helps me do right by Dan. . . . |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | larnerich - 2016-09-12 10:16 PM
Our border collie was 14 this year when we had to put her down on leap day. Hard of hearing, starting to loose her vision but still the happiest and most loyal dog there could be. She started to slow down last year and we asked our neighbor vet when we would know. She told us that "Annie" will let you know. Everytime I left the house I said a special goodbye becuase I knew she was getting older.
One morning I was getting ready for work and she hadn't eaten in a few days and was just sleeping a lot more. I went and sat on the floor with her and it literally was like she told me. I was late to work that day and on the verge of tears all day knowing I had to tell my family. She was a surprise from my dad when my brother and I were little. First dog we ever had. That night we all made the decision as a family to put her down.
In the end it was the best experience. I didn't cry much because it felt so right in such a weird way. There was a sense of peace. We brought her home and buried her in her favorite corner of the arena. The next day, my grandpa ended up in the hospital for 6 weeks and now lives with us. I swear she knew we had bigger battles coming and didn't want us to worry about her any longer.
It's never easy but when it is time, you will know!
Cue the tears......this has me bawling. :(
So sorry you are experiencing this. We lost 2 of our dogs during surgery so I've never had to make the call. I get emotional thinking about making the call for the boyfriend's gosh darn CAT for goodness sake..... |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1074
| I'm sorry that you are having to make the decision. I made the same decision 2 weeks ago. My corgi had large tumors all over his body. The problematic tumors were under his chin. They started out about the size of half dollars and grew within about 2 months to one large mass all the way across his throat from ear to ear. He would pant a lot and had a hard time getting up and moving around. I opted to take and have him put to sleep rather than let him suffocate. It's the hardest decision I've ever made and unfortunately I've made it multiple times lately. I miss him every day, but I know he was able to go peacefully and he doesn't hurt any more. Many prayers for you! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1131
| I know exactly what you are going through, just this past weekend we had made the very long time coming decision to finally put down our 24-ish year old pomeranian, even though we ended up not having to. She was given less than 6 months to live over 4 years ago (severe congestive heart failure) - Previcox and heart meds saved her life and she was like a puppy again until these past few weeks. We saw she was starting to go downhill very quickly and we were preparing ourselves for it. She was blind, deaf, losing weight, and really just not as active as she had been. Well, this past Saturday, she was having trouble standing up. We gave her some extra previcox and some more painkillers (per the vet's instructions of course) and made the appointment to put her down for the following morning. We sat with her well into the night and just talked to her, let her know everything was going to be ok, and how it was ok to go. Well, when we woke up the next morning, she had passed away in her sleep. She was a puppy mill rescue (the puppy mill said she was 11-12 years old - vet said she might've even been older than that), and so we expected to just give her a good last few months/years and let her be a dog, and we had her another 12 years. |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Y'all are making me cry as I'm going to check fish---do you know how hard it is to read an oxygen meter thru blurry eyes?? I am so sorry for everyone dealing with or that has dealt with this. It's such a heart breaking thing even tho we know we're doing right by our babies. . . |
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Independent Cuss
Posts: 3978
Location: Dearing, GA | Hank told me last night that it was time to go. I have been calling and calling my 2 coworkers, and couldn't get either of them to answer so I'm stuck here at work until someone else shows up. I need to take him today, because he is in incredible pain.
ETA: My work relief is on her way, and I've called the vet. We are heading that way.
Edited by Just Let Me Run 2016-10-03 8:23 AM
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | I'm really sorry:((((my prayers are with both of you.just know you are doing the right thing for him. |
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Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | So sorry. :( At least he told you. Our darn cat is hanging on. She let out a couple of sad "upset tummy" meows yesterday morning but was alert and hanging out with us last night and kept her food down. She is just skin and bones and wobbles every once in a while when walking. But still eating heartily. I hope she tells us soon. I don't want her to be on her death bed but I also don't want to put a functioning animal down only because she stumbles every once in a while. |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | thinking of you tonight.prayers for peace and healing in your heart. |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | I am so sorry for you and your baby. I'm praying for God to give you peace and comfort during this time. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| I am SO very sorry! Big hugs! |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Thinking of you. . . . |
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Independent Cuss
Posts: 3978
Location: Dearing, GA | Thanks everyone. I had a very hard day yesterday, didn't get out of bed once we got home from the vet. I have other animals, including a dog, at home, so I've been trying to focus on them. My friend has also roped me into babysitting her two puppies while she is out of town this weekend, and I'm looking forward to the puppy love for a couple of days. |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Those puppies will help your heart heal. And your boy is watching over you from up above thanking you for doing the right thing for him. . . Many prayers coming your way. |
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Making the hard choice- dogs