Among Friends

[tansy]

I am having the same thoughts about my sweet havanese who is 17 1/2 years old. He is having pancreatitis issues. It is hard to determine how much pain he is experiencing.

Howie and Spider (my boy) 🩷

[GingerHead]

@vermint , @wagirl,  @tansy 

Sending Hugs

Spider 

[qvcaddition]

@monicakm 

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@monicakm wrote:

Since he was a rescue (he found us almost 9yr ago), we don't know exactly how old he is but a vet said "about 5 years".  I've also read that after one year, it's hard to know.  If he was 5 when he found us, that makes him 13, 14 in April.  Good news is he's still drinking and eating. He is also growling, snarling (wrinkling his nose while growling) and bit DH.  Not hard, didn't break skin.  It was a warning.  And he's slowed way down, which I realize is normal with his age.  

Several months ago we bought a dog ramp so he could get on the bed.  DH helped him on the bed last night.  He needed help even tho he was using the ramp.  He probably snuggled with me for the last time   

I won't let him suffer.  I know he's suffering now but I feel he still has some quality of life.  When I feel otherwise, I'll do the humane thing.  DH can't/won't make the call.  We had a beautiful and warm day today.  Quite windy but it kept the day from being too warm.  Howie lay in his usual spot in the pasture and slept for hours.  He ate maybe half of his dinner tonight.  Thankfully, he's "just right" in the weight dept.  I would hate for him to have to carry around extra weight while being in pain.  DH's love language is food...it's a struggle.  

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He will let you know. My Melanie stopped eating for five days and then stopped drinking water and I hung on for one more day too long. I held her for two days while she slept.  I won't tell the whole story, but one day she rallied and I held off, but the next day, it was time. We worry, but when it's time they tell you and she did.  Their breathing slows down. When the Vet came to the home to help her pass, it was bitter sweet. Very hard, I held on too long and she was suffering, but we hang on for us.  When I had to give her water by hand, it's was beyond time. That was two weeks ago, and I still feel guilty.  I am getting her ashes today. We never missed a Christmas together in 17 years.  You will do the right thing for Howie as difficult as it is.

My prayers are with you and Howie.  It's very difficult to decide. I'm so sorry.

God Bless.

[DSD2]

Prayers for Howie who it appears has been loved and cherished.

May he find peace and freedom from pain.

Bless you. 

[tends2dogs]

@monicakm  I am so sorry you are dealing with this, but when we love pets, we have to face this sooner or later.  It is the worst part of having pets.

I hope you get some more time with Howie.  The only thing I would suggest is that I would stop ALL chemical flea/tick meds and absolutely NO MORE vaccinations.

I am always (not really) amazed that a vet would ethically vacinate a pet that is not healthy.  They should read the instructions on the vials.......healthy animals only.  

Enjoy this time with Howie.  He has had a good life with you and your husband.

[monicakm]

@tends2dogs 

Thank you.  I had serious concerns about his upcoming Pro Heart shot.  I won't have him vaccinated this time.  When he found us, I took him to the vet for all the things and then had him tested for heartworms.  He was positive

  What a long summer that was.  We had to keep him in a kennel, walks only on a leash, keep him as still as possible.  We discovered he had separation anxiety so I had to stay home too.  He literally broke out of the kennel but caught his hind leg in the door (I know, figure that one out).  DH stayed in the bedroom to see what he was doing when we left.  He finally got over the heartworms and separation anxiety.  I can not imagine life without a dog, preferably two.  We've had many many dogs, losing one never gets any easier.

[monicakm]

@tends2dogs 

We've all had a wonderful life with Howie.  We had to accept him for what he was...a "loner" Dingo mix.  He would give us a few minutes of his time.  Thank goodness I found Frankie.  She taught him how to be a better version of himself.  Love and interact more.  They couldn't be more different.  A Doodle and a Dingo lol  DH says we're not getting anymore dogs   We've always had two at a time.  It's time to start praying we find another one that needs a home and love.

[monicakm]

Oh @qvcaddition, I am so SO sorry your sweet Melanie won't be celebrating her 18th Christmas with you   I know it will be hard.  

We still don't have a Christmas tree up.  Since none of the Christmas activities will be at our house and I'm worthless with a broken back, I was hoping we wouldn't go to the trouble.  DH is currently in the den putting the tree up.  He's doing it for Howie.  Howie sleeps under the tree every year.

I hope the signs are clear enough for me to know when it's time with no question.  I did not know the vet would come to the house to let them go in their own surroundings.  That is wonderful!  I will ask around about this.  I'm sure it's costly but it would be worth it.  Thanks for telling me about that service.

[KittySoftPaws]

Unless I missed it, you didn't mention if he has any health issues of any sort other than the usual aches and pains that come with old age. As my old Vet always used to say, "Old age is not a disease" Beach-Mom makes a good point as well. It could be simply age related issues. Just a thought.

[monicakm]

@DSD2 

His time with us has been nothing short of amazing and fulfilling as pet parents.   He has been the most perfect dog and I don't say that lightly.  My mother even told us to never compare another dog to Howie, that it wouldn't be fair.  Never an accident of any kind, never tore anything up.  You name it, he never did it.  Frankie is another story!   Bless her heart.