re: Saying goodbye to your 4-legged friend

quote:

---

Any suggestions, or experiences with both for those that have had to put down more than one dog before?

---

I've had to do this twice in my lifetime. Both times were on a Saturday morning so I could have the weekend to grieve and deal with everything before going back to work. It's been 15 years since the first dog and just last November for the last one. It was awful both times but was necessary as the dogs were suffering and nothing could be done. I gave them each their favorite food (people food) and a favorite snack too. I made them comfortable and held them on my lap/chest while sitting so I could hug and talk to them. All of the family was there too, wife & kids. I'm sure that was just as much for me as them but it seemed to calm our pup and make him rest both times. I just tried to give them the same love they gave me and my family. You'll do the right thing, just give them love.

quote:

---

the companionship and unquestionable loyalty cannot be described

---

yep, those two dudes are pumped to see me every single day when I get home from work without fail.

Sounds like she's letting you know she's ready to go. When they won't eat, they're tired of living.

Hold her tight and let her know you're there when the time comes. It's the sucky part of being a dog parent.

I can't wait till my wife's 13 year old Yorkie dies. He has become a pain in the arse. He can't hear anymore and acts crazy.

“There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other. To those who have never lived through its turnings and walked its rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with full knowledge that they will be broken seems incomprehensible. Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given.”

F these threads

I don't even want to think about this day for our dog.

Just completed this crisis with our Portuguese Water Dog that was only 7 years old. Sounds familiar...lymphangiectasia. Terrible disease! Spent thousands to save him, but no regrets because he was awesome. Every pet I've owned has communicated to me when they are done and he did as well. That helped a lot. The tail stopped wagging and he politely refused any attempt to take meds. My wife held him in the vet's office and it was peaceful. It still hurts my family 2 weeks later, but time is healing the pain. Getting another dog helps, which we plan to do soon. Hang in there.

We went to the veterinarian this morning and I'm happy to say, for now, today is NOT her time to leave us.

Sure, it will come. It always does. But my veterinarian suspects (without doing testing) that she could have had a minor episode of vertigo, based upon her symptoms that I described. Or it could be diabetes. Or it could be kidney failure. Or it could be her gall bladder. Point being, she's almost 16. Let her live as quality of life as she can by treating her without being too invasive.

The great news for us is that she is now walking and eating. And snoring. Loudly. Which I am glad to hear right now!

My veterinarian said that if my girl has 3 consecutive days of deteriorating quality of life, then I will know it is time. But for now, she wants to get her as well as she can and allow us to cherish more time with her.

Lola in better times. She loved to swim and "save" her toys.