when to call it a day with our beloved pooch ?

Aldeney

So sorry to hear about your dog balmaiden but she was at home & surrounded by those that love her. I hope the happy memories you have will give you some comfort.

Eels100

:grouphug: Thinking of you, balmaiden and family.

mizmir

Just seen this thread. Am so sorry to hear about your dog Balmaiden. I had to make the same decision in January for my old girl and it is heartbreaking. But also comforting when it is peaceful and dignified like this and you know it is the right time.

I had the same questioning as you for several months before hand but when it came to the time I just knew she was ready to go where previously, in spite of all her ailments and weaknesses, she hadn't been. She wasn't distressed or in pain she just seemed very tired. For shykins and anyone else who is not sure - I think when the time is right you will know. There is something different in their eyes.

Thinking of you.

pippa_r

Having been through it too, my thoughts are with you.

"Our pets live relatively short lives. For many of us who love our pets, their death can affect some of us even more than the death of a relative or friend. The death of a pet leaves few people totally untouched.

This is an opportunity for emotional growth. Your life was and will continue to be brighter because of the time that you shared with your pet. This is the best testament to the value of your pet's existence."

pippa_r

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

vixens_mum

You will know when the time is right. I have been there 5 times. The 1st time our dog died in her sleep,(5mths) not very pleasant for anyone, especially kids. Our cat(16) was pts when he went blind in both eyes, it was not fair to keep him as we had 2 dogs at time who loved to chase with him.Although the cat always came out on top. Alsatian (8) on meds for epilepsy for over 6 years, nursed him through everything then finaly his back legs went. Our Collie (11) and Samoid (8) both had cancer. We knew when it was time, just the way your baby looks at you will tell you when they have had enough. It is amazing what they can cope with. When that time comes be with them at the end, you will find it a lot easier to get over. I didn't go with my Samoid and it took me years to get over it, I just could not forgive myself for not being there at the end for my best friend.

balmaiden

Thanks for the kind replies everyone.

I have had dogs and cats all my life (im 50 now) and losing them never gets any easier, but I treasure the memories of each and everyone of them and thank them for their love and companionship.

We are comforted knowing we did the right thing for her, but how I miss those beautiful brown eyes gazing at me.

Kez_2

I was in a similar situation last October, I had a corgi (Sophie) who was 14 and a half. From the age of about twelve she gradually went of her back legs her mind was willing to play and go for walks the only kindness was that her condition meant that she didn't feel any pain. So I decided while she wanted to carry on I would. when she needed support on her back legs I found an interent company who made disability aids for dogs it was something that fitted like a pair of pants with a strap so that I could lift her bottom and help her walk. We got her a set of wheels to substitue as back legs so she could still go arround the garden. I even got a pram for her, taking garden rubbish to the tip this old pram caught my eye if cost me £3 it was just the right size and it ment that we could go on holiday, it was better that carring her! For incontinace most of the time she wasn't but I bought the puppy training pads they worked a treat when they needed to.

But that horrible day came when I knew she had had enough and I had to take her to the vets and say goodbye to my best mate. After she was gone I found it very difficult because when your dog isn't well you spend a lot of time caring for them and then they aren't there anymore.

I had such a great time with Sophie for 14 1/2 years that I decided to do it again with another corgi. I must be mad!

balmaiden

Hi kez

Thanks for the post, hubbie and I are already talking about getting another dog, as I said previously I have always had pets. It wont be yet as we are away from home for the summer. As everyone knows there are a lot of dogs out there looking for good homes, most of my pets have been unwanted or abandoned. Infact the girl we have just lost was unwanted as she was born with a deformed tail, infact the runt of a litter of nine. But what a super dog she was.

shykins

this is the first time ihave ever had to make this decision i was never allowed pets as a child and when igot my home i got a cat who unfortunately got run over at 11 and i have never had another and when my lovely old boy goes (GSD) i wont be getting another dog either

so this will be the only time ihave to make this decision and its getting harder every day but i am encouraged by everyone saying u will know the time and i just hope i do

x