How do you know when it's time to let go?

trudij

so sorry mouseymousey - i had to do the same for my dog 10 days ago - and yes, its very quick, and just like going to sleep.

irishsymphony

So sorry for those of you who have lost pets recently.

Knowing when to let go for the final time is always that hardest decision.

My timeframe is for when the pet is no longer themselves (and you do know in your heart of hearts when that change happens) then it's time to let them sleep. But that doesn't make it easy to do, or to accept - it's an absolutely heartbreaking time.

If only they lived healthy for longer wouldn't life be sweet - but memories are a great relief, as are photos x3 And, the knowledge that you did the selfless thing for your pet rather than the selfish thing for you xx

Pollycat

Commiserations to all those who've recently had the very distressing experience of losing a beloved pet.

My 'old boy', went from being a healthy cat to a bag of bones in less than 2 weeks.
The vet said his kidneys had failed and there was nothing we could do but take him home and love him.

He lost interest in his normal food so we fed him on bits of king prawn (his favourite).

He sort-of staggered into his water bowl one day and stood with his paws wet through and looked up at me said his look clearly said 'I don't know about you but I've had enough of this'.

It was Halloween 2000 and we told our next door neighbour what we'd decided when she 'trick-or-treated' with her youngest and she told all the neighbours who all called round to say 'Goodbye' to him.
It really was the saddest and most emotional night of my life.

The next day, we took him to the vet who said 'I think he'll go a few more days' but I said 'no, he's ready and so are we - it has to be now'.

Almost 11 years on, I still miss him.

OP, I hope you 'know' when it's time and do the right thing.

Best wishes.

ETA
I think User Bob's post (#10) is excellent.

pigeonpie

my sympathies to you all. I lost both my boys in 2009 within 2 months of each other. I'd nursed them day and night, one through a long illness and the other a fairly short one - both kidneys, which is the end for so many cats.
People said to me I would know when it was their time, as we had an unbreakable bond, and I was very anxious about whether this was indeed true or just a cliche type of remark. But it is true; they find a way to tell you. Then, the most loving thing you can do for them is to listen to them.
I had the vet round to my flat; both of them passed quickly and in loving and comfortable surroundings. Nothing helps the way you feel though and I send you all my sympathies.