Pet Lovers

[fortune]

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@susan in California wrote:

Our yellow Lab will be fifteen in May.  He made it through the holidays!

He has Cushings with diabetes, diagnosed in June 2014.  Very difficult

for my husband and I.  We get up several times a night to let him outside,

and he is very shaky.  We are hoping he will gently pass at home, but

we are afraid it will not happen and we will have to make that diecision.

He is really white in color, a beautiful boy. He used to jump in the air for a

frizbee and run like the wind.  We have beautiful memories. 

He has visited both of our sons while away at college.  He joined an ultimate

frizbee game, as an uninvited participant, at our younger son's university,

twelve years ago.  He has traveled a lot, run on many beaches here on the

west coast down Baja and up to Canada.

I am writing to all the dog lovers who have had to deal with the aging of their

dear family members.  It just feels like yesterday that we had a very active,

erasable puppy.

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What a wonderful life your fur baby has had!  You have given him exciting memories and lovely places to dream about.  It sounds like you let him be all that he could be and then some.  What a gift of love you gave him!  And, as your faithful companion, he gave all that love right back to you!  He will forever remain in your heart.

[nunya]

So sorry you are going through this. It seems their lives are so short with us. I just went through this with my sidekick Jack Russell. He declined rapidly, and I knew it was time. It was the kindest but yet the most heartwrenching thing I could do. I too was up multiple times a night taking him out. I have dreams I hear him prancing by the door. I believe he is...sounds goofy, but it helps me to think in some way he is still here.

Your pup sounds likes he has had a long wonderful life , and he knows that too. You will know when it is his time. (((hugs))) it's never easy.

[ANewHue]

So sad to read your post, tears have come to my eyes.  Making that the decision was the hardest thing I ever did in my life but the love for my dog gave me strength to know it was the right one.  She was a German Shepard and she began with her back legs giving out.  I couldn't stand the look in her eyes  when she would collapse. She was so sad and was crying out for help.  Her eyes said it all.   having owned other gs's I knew it would get worse quick and I couldn't bear it

that was almost four years ago and not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of her.

you have beautiful memories to hold onto. Remember don't be sad that's it's over, be happy you had the time with her.   Your friend has lived a long and happy life. I will keep you in my prayers that you will have strength to make the right decision.

[Sammycat1]

We went through this with our collie, Fergus.  In his case, it was severe arthritis in his back hips and spine.  At first the medicine worked, but over time, it got harder for him to pull himself up or to lay down. Over time, I had to bring his food and water bowls to him; he was a big boy, 140 lbs (not fat, just a big collie!).

As I watched the shakiness of this proud, proud dog, I'd think back in my mind's eye to watching his fur whip in the breeze as he bounced and ran in our backyard, his eyes lit up with the sheer joy of chasing his favorite ball or romping in the snow with DH.  He was majestic and playful -- our family's protector, our gentle giant -- but most of all he was dignified.

One day, his legs gave out for the final time, and I have to tell you my heart snapped in half as my dear DH picked up our stricken pup and carried him to the car.  Our vet tried valiantly to save him, but our beloved Fergus could no longer stand at all -- and was fading.  His eyes said, "Mom and Dad, I'm tired.  I've been a good boy, but I'm tired," and we knew what we had to do.  He was 12, his eyes clouded over, his muzzle grayed -- wasn't he chasing that ball in the backyard just yesterday? The time had flown, far too fast. He'd lived far longer than most dogs his size and stature by that age -- and that's why I identify with your sorrow. 

All this to say:  I know your heart is breaking, absolutely shattered.  It's a raw feeling that you can't shake. It hurts, badly. (It still hurts us now, 5 years later). But your heart surely also celebrates all the great times you've had with this most special member of your family.  Your pup has lived to this grand old age because you have cherished him and cared for him in every way possible. And he knows it.

Our family prays for you now, knowing that those who have loved a dear dog so will always have the strength of heart to do whatever you believe is in his best interest.

God bless you for loving your special lab and for giving him a wonderful life; there are too few people like you in this world.

[Jk9]

Susan, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your lab as you go through this passage. I smiled and cried as I read his accomplishments and experiences and I know you will be right there to navigate this path with him. I lost three of my closest canine companions this last year (absolutely the worst emotional year of my life) one of whom was my beloved constant companion.....all to the illnesses faced in aging.  Hold those wonderful memories close as you face his illness. Our companions really do let us know what they find acceptable and when they are ready to pass from us. All you really can do is provide your best care for him, love him just as much as always, do what you feel you need to do to minimize regrets (like when making decisions and chosing options) and be his faithful companion.

[Susan in California]

I want to thank everyone who has responded to my post.  It means a lot.  Our vet has told us that our dog will give us a sign when he is ready to go.  I trust this wonderful vet.  He has been with us his whole life.  I know there are so many wonderful people out there who love animals, and know how dogs are such special creatures.

Thank you all so very much.

[denisemb]

Susan, you're correct in our pets "giving us a sign".  Our Millie cat had kidney failure, and my husband brought her home to pass on.  She immediately climbed into a little box on the floor, rather than going to one of her familiar sleeping places.  That was our sign.

We took her to the vet the next day (and cried all the way home).

My best wishes for dealing with such a difficult reality.

[Drythe]

Susan,

You and your family, and your doggie are in my prayers.  As a confirmed Lab lover I say that they are so full of love, willingness, joy and humility that they really do light up our lives. 

I have stood where you are, and will no doubt do so again many times, but it is always such a breathtaking pain.  

As you hold your boy know that he loves you and counts on you to give that final hard gift to him.  His love will always be with you, and surely we will meet at the bridge.

[RinaRina]

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@January121 wrote:

I know exactly what you are going through.... my last dog was 17 years old & was the best dog that I ever had .. she was my " soul mate" .... I did everything I could to keep her with me as long as possible but, on her last day I knew I was being selfish and was causing her to be in pain so, with great sorrow, I brought her to the vet and relieved her of her pain ... this was 3 years ago & I still miss her so much .... I did get another dog who I love with all my heart but, she can never replace my " soul mate".

You will know when it's time to let go .... hopefully he will pass quietly in his sleep ... in the meantime show him how much you love him. .... it's hard but, you will get through it. I am sending you a great big hug!!!!

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Exactly!

Sorry to admit it, but it's so true.

[pommom]

Susan - I'm so sorry that you are watching your boy fade.  It is one of the hardest and most heartbreaking experiences a pet owner can have.  Most of us have gone through this and understand your sadness.

{{{Sending hugs to your household and holding your precious lab in tender thought.}}}