topic Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go in Pet Lovers

So Hard To Know When To Let Go

Sapphiregal — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 14:53:43 GMT

My 8 year old Lab was diagnosed with pancreatitis 3 years ago and has done pretty good during these years, just some eating issues sometimes. So, yesterday he vomited up some stomach acid and I could tell, he wasn't well. So, took him to vet expecting to hear it was a flairup, but, instead, bloodwork showed a hugely elevated white blood cell count and pancreas fine. So, then an Xray showed a large mass on his spleen. Doctor said if it started bleeding, it would be fatal. Options - surgery would buy him about 6 months or euthanasia. I was in such shock because there had no signs until yesterday. This was at an emergency animal hospital I had never been to and if we were to euthanize, I preferred my vet to do it. So, we brought him home, but, he seems worse this morning. I don't want him suffering at all. Just can't believe it happened so fast.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

LindaSal — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 14:57:05 GMT

So sorry @Sapphiregal . I find it's one of the most difficult things to do in life. God bless.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

On It — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 15:02:42 GMT

@Sapphiregal I am sorry things have taken a turn for the worse. Your vet probably has someone covering the office this weekend. Call and follow any instructions on their answering device. Your baby is suffering and deserves relief.

You have my sympathy and empathy. We had to make that difficult decision two years ago with our bulldog. Be strong for your fur baby. Best of luck today.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

Ainhisg — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 15:12:25 GMT

I am so very sorry. My husband's boxer had a growth on his spleen, and it did burst. We had no clue anything was wrong until then. It was very painful and horrific to see him suffering. We made the decision to let him go, because who would want their beloved fur baby going through that? Better a week too soon than a day too late. We set him free from his pain so ours could begin.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

Dusty1 — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 15:17:43 GMT

@Sapphiregal It is the hardest part of loving our pets.

Hug your dog, tell him you love him (Which he already knows.).

I am sending you & your family all of the hugs.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

Sapphiregal — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 15:22:56 GMT

@On It wrote:
@Sapphiregal I am sorry things have taken a turn for the worse. Your vet probably has someone covering the office this weekend. Call and follow any instructions on their answering device. Your baby is suffering and deserves relief.

You have my sympathy and empathy. We had to make that difficult decision two years ago with our bulldog. Be strong for your fur baby. Best of luck today.

My vet clinic stopped doing after hours care a couple of years ago. That is why we had to go to this emergency animal hospital. It was a 30 minute drive, which, just serves to make my poor baby more miserable.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

cindyNC — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 15:28:31 GMT

So very sorry this is happening to you.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

THETOT — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 15:31:44 GMT

@Sapphiregal My heart breaks for you, I'm very sorry.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

m0rgan — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 15:45:33 GMT

Look into your dogs eyes, he will tell you. Mine did and I had to wait an extra day because of a holiday. The last day was agony.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

Flopsy — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 16:38:34 GMT

I so feel your pain. We had 3 weeks from the start to finish with our dog when he became ill. Cancer which could of caused a seizure, etc. It was a very difficult decision but based on love. I agree you need your own vet when the time comes or I've just learned more and more people are doing home euthanasia. Just know everyone understands and we all have been through this. Thinking of you. X

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

PamfromCT — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 16:42:11 GMT

Yes, things can take a turn for the worse very quickly. It is a shock, it it certainly confirms that it is time to give your beloved pet your final gift. The release of pain. If it does not break someone’s heart, maybe they don’t have one.

Been through it many times over many years. But we always adopt another little one seeking a good home. I have always felt that our departed pet would want this.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

qvcfreak — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 16:43:38 GMT

I am so sorry and sadly know exactly how you feel. Letting them go is our last show of love that we do for our beloved pets. He will be running and free of pain and discomfort. You will one day reunite with him again. Hugs and prayers.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

simplyfriends — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 16:45:41 GMT

I'm sorry your going through this @Sapphiregal

Have you considered in home hospice care or home euthanasia? That's what I did. I think it was called "Paws for Grace". My sweet Willy didn't have to leave his bed and didn't have to go through the stress of going to the Vet. We were able to say goodbye to him in our home. I would do it again if I faced the same situation. They were amazing and kind.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

simplyfriends — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 17:32:22 GMT

@monicakm Oh he's beautiful 🥰. Im glad you read my post so you know about home euthanasia. It's good to know all your options. Best wishes to you both.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

BlueFinch — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 17:52:36 GMT

@Sapphiregal I agree with another poster who recommended in home euthanasia. It lessens the discomfort and stress of trying to get them to the clinic, while letting them go in their favorite place, with their favorite friends -- home. You may want to check to see if this is available in your area.

I used this wonderful service twice over the years. Of course it's always a very emotional time, but more comforting. The Vet's arriving each time were so lovely and supportive. I was given literature and footprints made of my dogs and time for prayer, if desired.

One of the Vet's did ministry work and we discussed where we felt our friends go, and if the Rainbow Bridge is a realistic thought. He assured me it was. They took their time, whereas busy clinics don't always afford staff this luxury.

I feel sad for your situation, because I know how difficult it is to lose our fur babies. It's such a helpless feeling, but loving memories eventually heal, although there will always be little moments that trigger sadness. That's how love works.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

KathyM23 — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 17:59:58 GMT

@Sapphiregal Same thing happened with our last dog. He was fine other than once in awhile he would breathe heavy for a short period. He had been for his long walk that day, came home anxiously awaiting his breakfast, ate it as usual - first dry mixed with wet dog food, then waited for his hand fed chicken; then played as usual.

That afternoon he went out into the yard as usual to look around and then collapsed. We took him to the vet immediately who said we needed to take him to the animal hospital as he needed an ultrasound. It was during covid and we could not go in with him at this animal emergency hospital so we sat out in the car and waiting for what seemed like the longest couple hours of our life.

The vet called us on the phone and said Duke was bleeding internally and needed immediate surgery which might give him a month or so or euthansia but we could not come in with him.

We debated on the surgery but decided his last month should not be spent recovering from surgery and we took him home at Midnight by then and held him the time it took him to die on his own at home with us. It was a horrible experience.

He had had previous surgeries for torn ACL, both legs a couple years apart and it was a long recovery from both but worth the $10,000 (including both) expense and the good life he had after recovery, but this last surgery was not in his best interest, so we had to let him go at 14 years old.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

Sapphiregal — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 18:29:01 GMT

@qvcfreak wrote:
I am so sorry and sadly know exactly how you feel. Letting them go is our last show of love that we do for our beloved pets. He will be running and free of pain and discomfort. You will one day reunite with him again. Hugs and prayers.

@qvcfreak

I so want to believe that I will see him again. I lost a golden lab to cancer 3 years and a little 17 year old Dachshund 4 years ago. I would be overjoyed for them all to come running up to me when my time comes!

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

catter70 — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 18:54:59 GMT

My sister had to have her dog euthanized 6 months ago and chose to have it done in her home. Easier for them both that way. He was in his own home where he was loved and in his own bed and not in an unfamiliar place. Sorry you have to go thru this.

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

Sapphiregal — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 19:55:17 GMT

I am missing my sweet Jake so much. Just comng back into the house and seeing his feeding bowl, bed, and Igloo house on the back porch is killing me. Thank you all for your words of comfort. It's nice to know that there are still kind people in this world.💗💗

Re: So Hard To Know When To Let Go

Foxxee — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 20:09:32 GMT

I don't know all the facts behind your dog, but spleens in humans can be removed. People live fine without one because another organ takes over the work the speen did.

So, I'm perplexed why your Vet said removing the spleen would allow your dog to live only 6 months. I'm assuming your vet thinks it's cancer that might have metastasized, but do you know for sure or taking his word for it?

I'm sorry, but I can't take vets at their word. I would get a second opinion. Your dog is only 8 years old.