End of life decision for a pet

I don't have pets, and for pretty much this reason. Unless it's a turtle, we'll outlive them.
That sort of responsibility and heartache? I can do without it.
It sounds like you know what's the right thing to do.
Keep the happy memories, and let your friend go.
Best wishes.

 

I've been in your position two times.

I asked myself, what is the quality of life my pet is experiencing? My decision was made based on similar descriptions that you posted. I let them go.

They were sisters, never been apart. One was thirteen. The other sixteen when I let them go. They were my buddies for so many years. I didn't want to but they were suffering. I didn't want them to feel bad anymore. Still miss them.

 

Our good friend Oddly sums it up best in those two lines.

Been there, done that. Never easy, and it'll affect you for longer than you expect it too, but deep down inside you'll know you did the right thing.

 

This is the relevant question:

And you answered it, yourself:

You cited a long list of problems that all add up to a poor quality of life and it's obvious to you that your dog is unhappy.

You know what to do. Say goodbye and let go.

 

Such a tough call. My toy poodle Charlie Brown had to be put down a little over a month ago. He was just under 16. He was deaf and blind , stiff legged when walking and I took him out no less than three times a night for over a year, but here is the deal. He was always wagging his tail, he cooed when lying next to me or on my lap. I saw nothing but his interest in hanging around. The last day we had him he slept on his blanket all day. That night I heard him cry, in pain and knew it was time. At 2am we found a 24 hour vet ( amazing man, sensitive, compassionate) my wife and I sat with him and when the relaxant they gave him prior to his last shot he cooed as we both petted him and said our goodbyes. I'm still hurting but feel we gave him the best life we could of, he was, with our other dog, as family as it gets. I feel the difficulty of your decision.

 

The hard question - as my vet once asked me. Are you keeping him alive for him or for you? Speak to your vet, and ask what he/she thinks is the right decision for your dog.

I've been there, and it is tough.

 

I've been there. When they are in the state your pooch is in, as difficult as it is, I have them put down. Not only is he unhappy, there is a good chance he's in constant pain and confusion. And he's not a good companion any longer; that's a duty he can no longer fulfill. When it comes to dying, unlike humans, dogs have the luxury of ignorance; they really don't understand the implications. We project that on to them.

As much as I hate the idea of euthanasia as a solution, I hate the idea of an animal suffering even more.

I wish my dogs would make it to 17, but I'm on my 5th Great Dane (average lifespan around 9), and that's a heartbreak I am all-too familiar with. Be glad you had that much time to spend with him.

 

Ive been through this with cats. It breaks your heart to see them suffer, and it breaks your heart to let them go. Your pet cant make the decision. You have to.

 

Part of the reason the vet is there is to answer questions. If you speak to him her, make it clear that you want their opinion on what is best for the dog.

If you decide, you may want to ask if they can come to your house. My vet would do that an a service, if it makes it any easier for you.

 

We called and made an appointment.

If that's your choice, let the vet know what you would like done with the remains.

 

From what you describe, it may be time. Have a frank discussion with your vet.

 

There is a vet where I live who does this kind of thing as a home call. No cars, no cages, no added stresses, just being comfortable at home. It doesn't make it easier, but it makes it more peaceful.

I don't know if that is an option where you are, but it's worth asking about.

 

Sorry for you. Make the call when you are ready. I have outlived many of my beloved dogs...so far.

Admiral Wilhelm Canaris was very devoted to his dachshunds. They slept in a file cabinet draw in his office. He said his dogs were very discrete and would never betray him, something he did not believe true for humans.

When one of his dachshunds became elderly, it developed chronic constipation. Herr Admiral personally assisted the dog so it wouldnt be put down.

 

This hits really close to home, as today our newest housemate of only a few months had to make the tough call to put down her beloved bestie, a sweet cattledog of only 8yo that only started showing symptoms a week ago of a mass that turned into a fast moving liver cancer.

All the responses I saw in this thread were touching, but it essentially boils down to these ^

It's never easy to say goodbye to a good fur friend .. Had it happen to an 8yo cat a few years ago, and another current mate had a cat of 4yo need to be euthanized for the same diagnosis of an enlarged heart (it always seems to be the sweetest ones that go away the soonest, as their hearts are just too big for this world. I have another cat that's gonna live forever, I joke.) Still, I refuse to let their naturaly shorter lifespan be a deterrant to ever taking in another when so many who only need a good home have so much love to yet give and get.

It reads to me like you've done all you possibly can for this dog, and his time has come. Not selfish at all on your part to have him put to sleep and out of a daily misery. I hope somebody would do the same for me when I can't even wag my tail. There's a difference between living and just being alive.

Condolences