End of life advice for our dog?

PrudentEllie

Having had dogs and cats most of my life, and having to make the inevitable end of life decisions for them when the time came, I think that it is inevitable that we never think we've made the right decision, whether we think we should have left it for a couple of weeks or not.  However, since I had to make my last horribly painful decision, complicated by a repellent vet locally who was just in it for the money and wanted lots of tests and things for my very very elderly rescue dog (in the last stages of dementia) who then stopped eating altogether... then had to have another vet call to put the poor love out of her misery.  I think that with dogs I would go by the look in their eyes - when a dog's eyes turn from being joyous and happy to obviously wanting to go, then is the time to call the vet for the dog's last journey.

Mind you, however painful it was to do this basically alone, I didn't have the difficulty of a spouse wanting the opposite - for very good reasons I'm sure - but it does sound rather 'clinging at straws'...  I don't know how you overcome that - we invest so many emotions in our animals, they give us so many wonderful memories, such uncomplicated love and affection, that it is so very painful to let go.  The link by Elsien to 'A good death by Mel Newton' is very worth reading - thank you Elsien - but put tissues beside your computer!!   (How I got floods of tears on the inside and outside of my glasses at the same time I will never know - I was too busy crying!).

I am however absolutely certain that love never dies - and we will meet those we love again.    

emsi_b

@lizziegizabit, I don't know if you've already made the decision, but in case anyone else is reading this thread who is going through similar- here is our story. Very different to others, so I felt worth sharing.

Our darling Toby developed a brain tumour at 7. He had been having a few fits, but was otherwise himself- eating, walking, playing. We ummed and ahhed about having the brain scan, but decided we'd do it as we'd worry if not (that's our personalities). It found a huge mass. The vet was surprised how well he was considering, and suggested a couple of months- but after 4 weeks, he had a string of fits and he was so terrified at the onset of them, it broke our hearts. He could still walk, was still eating, but after 6 fits in one day and seeing him so scared, we couldn't leave him like that. We couldn't leave it for one big fit to kill him. We had a vet come out to our house to put him to sleep- so he could have his bacon and eggs and curl up in front of the fire one last time. It was a horrific decision to have to make for a relatively young dog, but we were able to give him a peaceful, stress free death. If you know you are fighting the inevitable, it's best to have a good death that you are in charge of, and can spoil them in all their favourite ways before they go. 

It took a long time for us to feel ready to adopt again (i know people who never got over it), but we now have another rescue to love- and I am in fact now going to give him a big snuggle and dry my tears! It's an awful decision to have to make, but it is our responsibility to do right by them, as they can't make that decision themselves.

Katiehound

  It's an awful decision to have to make, but it is our responsibility to do right by them, as they can't make that decision themselves.

and that just sums it up. In a sad situation you have to put the needs of your/our pets first. 
Always a hard decision but the best we can do in the circumstances.

and yes, even reading about it brings tears to my eyes!

KxMx

I always say it is the worst decision you make for yourself, and at the same time the best decision for your beloved pet. 

sheramber

It is the last act of kindness we can do for our pets .