Need some other dog folks here. My big guy, will be 15 years old next month. He's a black Labrador. Planning for tomorrow to be the day but I'm gutted and feel so guilty and wrong doing this. His quality of life has declined so much and it's going to get worse. How do I know? Have done this twice before. Once I waited too long. Once was a rapidly progressing lymphoma that made decision easy because she was suffering. He can't really stand without help anymore except when he sees some food. Even then he needs help most of the time. Can't go on walks, 25 slow meters about as far as he goes. I would have to carry him into the vet office most likely. Car rides stress him out when he used to love them. He still likes to eat and wags his tail some but his world has gotten so small. He sleeps most of the time and is on gabapentin and meloxicam. Doesn't seem to be in obvious pain. He's can be difficult to settle though, whines and barks even when just laying on his bed in the same room with me at bedtime. It feels unsustainable but it still feels so hard and wrong. How did you know it was time? How can I let myself be ok with this?

I was looking for thwt long quote someone posts all the time too. Can't find it. Has a sketch of a dog, maybe a human with it.

Sucks, sorry man

Mollie03 said:

---

Need some other dog folks here. My big guy, will be 15 years old next month. He's a black Labrador. Planning for tomorrow to be the day but I'm gutted and feel so guilty and wrong doing this. His quality of life has declined so much and it's going to get worse. How do I know? Have done this twice before. Once I waited too long. Once was a rapidly progressing lymphoma that made decision easy because she was suffering. He can't really stand without help anymore except when he sees some food. Even then he needs help most of the time. Can't go on walks, 25 slow meters about as far as he goes. I would have to carry him into the vet office most likely. Car rides stress him out when he used to love them. He still likes to eat and wags his tail some but his world has gotten so small. He sleeps most of the time and is on gabapentin and meloxicam. Doesn't seem to be in obvious pain. He's can be difficult to settle though, whines and barks even when just laying on his bed in the same room with me at bedtime. It feels unsustainable but it still feels so hard and wrong. How did you know it was time? How can I let myself be ok with this?

I was looking for thwt long quote someone posts all the time too. Can't find it. Has a sketch of a dog, maybe a human with it.

---

Went through the same thing last month. 14 years old.

Slept most the day. Didn't enjoy walks. Couldn't jump up on the couch or bed anymore.

Randomly barked and whined all the time.

He went downhill fast one day and passed away in the truck ride to the vet, in my wife's (her dog before we got married) arms. Just stopped breathing.

I had been saying for awhile we needed to do it but it wasn't as apparent until about the last 2 weeks. Then he just went.

We have a dog nearing this. Our general rule is when they can't get up or go without falling or stop eating, even food they really like for more than a couple of days, it's probably time. As long as they are eating, sleeping, and can get up and go if needed, then we're ok.

Sounds like you already know my man. And no, it will never feel like the right thing to do, because we love them so d*mn much, and just want a little more time with them. Hold him and be with him, so he knows you're there, and do the right thing for him. Crying as I type this because I had to just a while back.

I think it's generally better to make the trip a week early than a week late. I've done both, and I regret the week too late a lot more.

Jason_Roofer said:

---

As a huge dog lover....who never met a bad dog, this situation is the hardest. But, in the grand scheme of things, I think at this point, it's never 'too soon'. I too have waited far too long in the past, due to being selfish, being scared, wishing and hoping for a change, wishing he'd pass on his own...my excuses never ended.

I have put down animals the 'old school' way, and I am telling you that I will spend inordinate amounts of money to have them put down with a veterinarian. It is the easiest way for both you AND your pup...at least in my opinion.

Try to find a vet that will come to the house if you have the means.

Just typing all this up make my throat swell up, but this is the price we pay for unconditional love and companionship of a canine. Simple as that. Over the course of a decade or more, a dog has never harbored ill will, disdain, disappointment, anger, frustration toward me, you, or any owner. As such, it is our duty to make the ever difficult and emotionally draining decision to help them on their way when their time has come.

I'm sorry you have to go through this...again...and it never gets better or easier, but we have all been there and understand your struggle.

Good luck and make no mistake, he will be there on the other side when you get there. I know it.

---

Wow..... I was going to type something up but I couldn't say it any better than this so I will just say ditto to the above. Well said Jason, and to Mollie03.... it sounds like you already know the right thing. It's a hard thing, that I have only had to do twice in my long life, but it was two of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. Sorry

Going to let him go at home this morning. The vet will be here is about an hour. I feel heartbroken and gutted but I know he is tired. As Jason said, it is our duty to help them crossover when the time comes. It's a heavy burden but one I will willingly carry for this dog thats been such a loyal faithful companion. I truly didn't deserve him.

Thanks for the update. Post photos of the funner times. Keep us posted

Just know that you a absolutely made the right choice, as hard as it was. And doing it at home where he spent all of his life is the best thing you could have done.

I went through this a few years ago and the best thing I was told was "it's better to be an hour way than a day late"

It's going to be hard for awhile but when some of the fog lifts you'll be so thankful you did it when you did.

Godspeed

agvet13 said:

---

Best advice I got in vet school was from the smartest Oncology professor ever...
She said to think of 3 things that your dog thinks is worth living for... whether it is car rides, food, ball, hunting, being with you every second... whatever that is...
When your dog can't do or doesn't enjoy doing 2 of those things, then you can easily make that call. Don't wait until every day sucks and he can't do any of the fun things.
Being able to give them peace is the greatest gift you can give your friend. AND it is ok if their last day is a good day when they feel good. So sorry that the day is coming. Good dogs don't live near long enough.

---

This is probably the best advice I have ever heard on this difficult subject! It really is spot on.


So sorry for your loss OP. All of us who love dogs feel your pain.


I like the words of this poem. Makes me tear up, but feel better after. I hope it is true.


The Rainbow Bridge

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...

OP, so sorry about the impending death of your pup.
He sounds like he was agreat pup. You gave him a great life.
I dread the day I have to do this for my two pups

From a guy that has some regret about his beloved pup who criss-crossed the country and hiked and climbed to so many amazing places with me over the years.

He had a stroke and lost function of his right eye and left back leg. The vet gave me the option of steroids and other medical stuff and I stll kick myself for taking that option.

He was scared and miserable for the next few days and the medicine was causing him all sorts of complications.We finally took the humane option.

It was a selfish call on my part in hindsight. When it is time, it is time.