AKB: Difficult Question... "When do you know it's time to say goodbye to your dog?"

[Bessmoney]

Our Brittany Spaniel, "Marcus Aurelius", is 15-ish (we think, rescued him in 2010). He has been beyond wonderful. Extremely loving, smart, trouble free. He and I have probably walked 10,000 miles together. Now he is fading quickly. Totally deaf, clear confusion/dementia most of the day, occasionally going to bathroom on rug. Also has random nosebleeds. Vet has not determined anything terminal like cancer, etc... He can still jump up on couch but stairs are out of the question. Really heartbreaking to watch. My last dog was a Golden (named Nittany) and he suddenly dropped dead of cancer at age 9, so this is my first real experience with this slow fade to the end. One minute my wife screams at having to shampoo the carpets almost daily, but when I bring up putting him down she refused to even consider it.

When is it time to say goodbye?

View attachment 626006

Put our 17 year old dog down back in May. The best advice we were given…what are your dog’s 5 favorite things? If they are no longer doing any of those 5 things, it’s another sign that it’s time.

Beautiful dog by the way. You can just tell he’s a good boy and a really awesome friend.

 

[bean1978]

WE went through this in May with our pup Cody(15yo). We had his annual Vet checkup 3 weeks before we put him down. He was doing great and we thought we would get another 2 years out of him because he was so healthy. He went downhill quickly. My wife, an ex-ER Nurse, really believes in quality of life and I do too. I don't want to hang on bedridden forever, hooked up to tubes or undergoing treatments that aren't going to work. What helped us was scheduling the euthanasia a week before we put him down. This gave us time to give him extra loving, let the neighbors say goodby, and mentally get us prepared. Of course, we had our moments when he seemed to get better and we wondered if we were doing the right thing. The day the Vet put him down though, he was ready. For me, preplanning the euthanasia helped me cope very well. I had my grieving over that morning, and I hardly cried. I really feel at peace that we did the right thing for Cody. Again, consider quality of life for the pup.

 

[Phlebitis]

Went through this with our pup and I wanted to add a consideration. We let him go naturally and it was absolutely grueling. He was terminal and didn’t show any signs of pain but became very disoriented, unsteady and was clearly shutting down. He also became detached. We sat with him around the clock, petting and holding but he was no longer affectionate, could barely stand and stopped eating. All of those things continued to go from bad to worse. There was no question his time was up and he would pass very soon. We (and when I say we, I mean she) decided to let him pass at home so I supported her. He was her dog. Well that day became 2 and then 4 and then a week and then more days. He hung on in way I couldn’t have conceived. Completely defeated and questioning the decision she finally called to let them know we were coming for end of life services. He died before we got dressed. Though we’d like to think he appreciated ours, at the end he had no affection left to give and that was what he lived for. The consideration I want to add is that I found it much worse to watch something you love die for 10 days than a few minutes. That last week took a toll on me I’ve never quite shook.

 

[Marshall2323]

When my wife passed and my youngest son took a new job in Albany NY, I inherited Poz the Puggle. Yep, you know his namesake. For 11 years it was just me and the Pozer. At 14 he started to be ill about 4to5 days per month. Vomiting occasionally and even crapping on the floor a few times if I left him alone too long. He was without joy in his life. When the down days started to increase, I knew it was time. I took him to the vet and made an utter fool of myself sobbing uncontrollably. I'm fighting tears just relating the experience. It's been over 3 years and it still ranks right up there with the worst days of my life. I hate playing God....which is what we have to do when it's time with our dogs.
I ask you to find comfort in the fact that I'm sure you enriched his life as much as he did yours. God Bless.

 

[Niftylion]

I've never had dogs, but I 've had to do this with 3 cats. It's better to do it when you THINK they're suffering than when you KNOW they are suffering. The first cat I waited to long til she was really suffering, I didn't want to be there when they euthanized her so I dropped her off and left. Two things I will forever regret for the rest of my life. I'll also add that you'll see it in their eyes, the eyes always tell

Very much agree with this. If you think they are suffering and there isn't a way to fix it, its time. I think I waited a few weeks too long. When a smaller type dog reaches 14 or 15 (typically the max lifespan anyways) and isn't there self and in some pain or discomfort, it's time. Don't think it makes sense to try and get a few more weeks/months out of a dog at that age. Find comfort that you got to spend so many years with the pet. I still miss my dog 2 years later, usually at least once per week, but knowing she made it to 15 years old defn makes it easier.

 

[step.eng69]

Our Brittany Spaniel, "Marcus Aurelius", is 15-ish (we think, rescued him in 2010). He has been beyond wonderful. Extremely loving, smart, trouble free. He and I have probably walked 10,000 miles together. Now he is fading quickly. Totally deaf, clear confusion/dementia most of the day, occasionally going to bathroom on rug. Also has random nosebleeds. Vet has not determined anything terminal like cancer, etc... He can still jump up on couch but stairs are out of the question. Really heartbreaking to watch. My last dog was a Golden (named Nittany) and he suddenly dropped dead of cancer at age 9, so this is my first real experience with this slow fade to the end. One minute my wife screams at having to shampoo the carpets almost daily, but when I bring up putting him down she refused to even consider it.

When is it time to say goodbye?

Kar & I would babysit our kids' dog Milli many a night. Milli was 18 yrs old when she was put to sleep. The vet finally convinced my son that Milli's organs were failing, and she was suffering from internal pain. Milli was blind, totally deaf, confusion/dementia as yours. Below Milli is walking around in circles in our kitchen then flop over on the floor. The only comfort she enjoyed was cuddled with my wife, kids & grandkids.

 

[Grant Green]

Our Brittany Spaniel, "Marcus Aurelius", is 15-ish (we think, rescued him in 2010). He has been beyond wonderful. Extremely loving, smart, trouble free. He and I have probably walked 10,000 miles together. Now he is fading quickly. Totally deaf, clear confusion/dementia most of the day, occasionally going to bathroom on rug. Also has random nosebleeds. Vet has not determined anything terminal like cancer, etc... He can still jump up on couch but stairs are out of the question. Really heartbreaking to watch. My last dog was a Golden (named Nittany) and he suddenly dropped dead of cancer at age 9, so this is my first real experience with this slow fade to the end. One minute my wife screams at having to shampoo the carpets almost daily, but when I bring up putting him down she refused to even consider it.

When is it time to say goodbye?

View attachment 626006

Ugh, it's the absolute worst. Really sorry man. I think I've cried twice as a grown man and both were from putting a dog down.
Our Brittany got to 17 and I was always afraid of this decision. She also went deaf and was a little loopy at the end. One day we think she had a stroke and went out in the backyard and laid down in the freezing cold rain and we knew that was it.
I wish I could give advice, but that is a tough spot. I guess if it were me, I would let it go a little longer to see if there is that same definitive moment. If he gets any semblance of enjoyment out of jumping up on the couch with you, maybe it's still worth it. Good luck, I don't envy you.

 

[EricStratton-RushChairman]

Ugh, it's the absolute worst. Really sorry man. I think I've cried twice as a grown man and both were from putting a dog down.
Our Brittany got to 17 and I was always afraid of this decision. She also went deaf and was a little loopy at the end. One day we think she had a stroke and went out in the backyard and laid down in the freezing cold rain and we knew that was it.
I wish I could give advice, but that is a tough spot. I guess if it were me, I would let it go a little longer to see if there is that same definitive moment. If he gets any semblance of enjoyment out of jumping up on the couch with you, maybe it's still worth it. Good luck, I don't envy you.

Brittany's are such wonderful dogs. The vocabulary on Marcus was amazing before he went deaf. Back in 2010 when we were looking at rescuing a Brittany, we went to this one place way north of Dallas. I had my then 10 year old daughter with us. When we took Marcus into an open area to interact with him my daughter got down on one knee to pet him. He immediately sat in front of her and gently put both paws up over her shoulders. I simply looked to the owner and said "done, we'll take him". Literally took us 20 seconds to decide.

 

[Grant Green]

Brittany's are such wonderful dogs. The vocabulary on Marcus was amazing before he went deaf. Back in 2010 when we were looking at rescuing a Brittany, we went to this one place way north of Dallas. I had my then 10 year old daughter with us. When we took Marcus into an open area to interact with him my daughter got down on one knee to pet him. He immediately sat in front of her and gently put both paws up over her shoulders. I simply looked to the owner and said "done, we'll take him". Literally took us 20 seconds to decide.

I can totally picture that scene. Just fantastic family dogs. They just want to be around people (maybe more reason to hang on a bit longer). Hope you can enjoy the time you have left as much as possible.

PS. We now have a Boykin Spaniel. Another great Spaniel and a little less energetic (hyper?) than the Brittany.

 

[psu31trap]

We had a GSP that had no interest in hunting, serving as a watch dog or playing in the backyard. All he wanted to do is hang out with us and be the best pet ever! My mom absolutely loved him and he loved her back. As he got older he started losing his hearing, eyesight, teeth and strength. Near the end we were carrying him up and down the stairs, guided him outside and would softened up his food. We did all this for about a year. Then on a very cold evening in December 2010 he was doing his business in the backyard and somehow got his ear caught on the fence tearing open a 2" gash. It was ugly, but once we got the bleeding under control me and my mom sat down and had that very difficult conversation. My mom begrudgingly agreed to put him down and an appointment was made to see the Vet the very next evening. My mom and I went together and as he was getting his shots she held him and petted him while calling his name with that beautiful soothing voice. In less that 1 minute he was gone. He was 15 years and 9 months old. Sorry for the long winded story but this is how we knew it was time.

 

[LB99]

Damnit. Every time I read this thread I get sand in my eyes.

 

[EricStratton-RushChairman]

Damnit. Every time I read this thread I get sand in my eyes.

I was thinking the same thing. Therapeutic in a way for many of us.

 

[wbcbus]

It's the worst man, I'm sorry you're going through it right now. I don't think I'm offering anything new here, but if the dog is suffering in any way that cannot be fixed, it's time. Anything else is us being selfish, it's not for the dog. The dog has no sense of mortality, it isn't looking back on its life or suffering anxiety over the afterlife. None of that occurs to them, so when they're in pain and that pain isn't going to go away, it's time, for their sake, not yours.

Had to do that with Duke, one of our German Shepherds, last year. He was 13 and had gone deaf, and his hips started going completely. We had one of the services come to our house as well, it's the way to go. We also just dodged this for now with my son's shepherd, who he's had since he was 3. She just spent a week at the Ohio State vet hospital, initially telling us it was lung cancer, then as we're making the decision to put her down the next day, the radiologist says no, it's pneumonia...great, so they start IV antibiotics....but no change in 48 hours. On day 3, when they start suggesting feeding tubes and lung resection, we again have to stop and say no, we aren't doing that to her at 10 years old. We told them we were bringing her home the next day, on antibiotics, to see if she would eat and improve in her normal setting, and if not or if she was in discomfort again, it was time. She finally came around that next day, and we got her home, a couple more weeks of antibiotics and (fingers crossed) she seems healed now. But I did have to donate a lot to OSU to get there.....

 

[cmentheadcra k]

So sorry. I've been through this more times, with both dogs and cats, than I want to recall. The decision is never easy, but I've never walked out of the vets office thinking it was a mistake. Trust your own judgement on this.

74 is correct. I got hunting dogs and your gut will tell you it’s time, your heart will try to hold on. Follow your gut and look into their eyes. They are not happy eyes.
You have done everything to make the dogs life has happy as can be. Don’t stop now.

 

[LionJim]

74 is correct. I got hunting dogs and your gut will tell you it’s time, your heart will try to hold on. Follow your gut and look into their eyes. They are not happy eyes.
You have done everything to make the dogs life has happy as can be. Don’t stop now.

Wise words.

 

[dcf4psu]

Our Brittany Spaniel, "Marcus Aurelius", is 15-ish (we think, rescued him in 2010). He has been beyond wonderful. Extremely loving, smart, trouble free. He and I have probably walked 10,000 miles together. Now he is fading quickly. Totally deaf, clear confusion/dementia most of the day, occasionally going to bathroom on rug. Also has random nosebleeds. Vet has not determined anything terminal like cancer, etc... He can still jump up on couch but stairs are out of the question. Really heartbreaking to watch. My last dog was a Golden (named Nittany) and he suddenly dropped dead of cancer at age 9, so this is my first real experience with this slow fade to the end. One minute my wife screams at having to shampoo the carpets almost daily, but when I bring up putting him down she refused to even consider it.

When is it time to say goodbye?

View attachment 626006

Heartbreaking as it was I asked my vet and took her advice when it was time to euthanize both of my girls. June-9-2023, April-22-2024. They were sisters and the one left behind really never recovered from losing here sister. She even lead me into the bedroom closet to show me where she'd sleep sometimes. Of note these girls were cats that I took ownership of in 2006 from a co-worker who found them on the side of a muddy dirt road. Two tiny muddy kittens who filled my life with pure love for many years. I miss them dearly.

 

[Nits74]

Heartbreaking as it was I asked my vet and took her advice when it was time to euthanize both of my girls. June-9-2023, April-22-2024. They were sisters and the one left behind really never recovered from losing here sister. She even lead me into the bedroom closet to show me where she'd sleep sometimes. Of note these girls were cats that I took ownership of in 2006 from a co-worker who found them on the side of a muddy dirt road. Two tiny muddy kittens who filled my life with pure love for many years. I miss them dearly.

I gotta stop reading this thread. Very sad. That said, posts like these remind us that we are far from alone in how we feel about our pets. Comforting in a way.

 

[EricStratton-RushChairman]

Today was the day we let go and passed our beloved family member to the next plane. We had it scheduled for Friday (service coming to the house) as my daughter arrives from NYU tomorrow. However, this this morning he took horrible turn and we pulled it forward. Absolutely heartbreaking, first time I ever had to do this.

In my crazy life I have been shot, stabbed, poisoned, paralyzed, and blown up. I've survived compartment syndrome, hepatitis, and getting removed from a car accident by the jaws of life. I would chose to relive all those experiences consecutively than go through this process again.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to this thread. I took to heart a number of ideas/advice.

 

[Zenophile]

I'm so sorry. We don't deserve their love. And yet they give it willingly.

 

[PSU Mike]

Today was the day we let go and passed our beloved family member to the next plane. We had it scheduled for Friday (service coming to the house) as my daughter arrives from NYU tomorrow. However, this this morning he took horrible turn and we pulled it forward. Absolutely heartbreaking, first time I ever had to do this.

In my crazy life I have been shot, stabbed, poisoned, paralyzed, and blown up. I've survived compartment syndrome, hepatitis, and getting removed from a car accident by the jaws of life. I would chose to relive all those experiences consecutively than go through this process again.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to this thread. I took to heart a number of ideas/advice.

So sorry, Strat. As backwards as it seems, you did right by your buddy. Wishing you fast healing.

 

[Zenophile]

The publishing of this article coincided with the loss of my faithful companion, and I took some measure of solace from it. Hope you find the same.

 

[Alphabets]

It just hits you. No one will tell you it's time, you just kind of come to a realization. My first dog got sick and that was obvious. His sister, my second dog was the one where it just became apparent that she was no longer living her best life.

Never say never, but I have no inclination to buy another dog(s). Losing those two was heartbreaking for the family and I selfishly don't want to go through that again.

 

[Grant Green]

Today was the day we let go and passed our beloved family member to the next plane. We had it scheduled for Friday (service coming to the house) as my daughter arrives from NYU tomorrow. However, this this morning he took horrible turn and we pulled it forward. Absolutely heartbreaking, first time I ever had to do this.

In my crazy life I have been shot, stabbed, poisoned, paralyzed, and blown up. I've survived compartment syndrome, hepatitis, and getting removed from a car accident by the jaws of life. I would chose to relive all those experiences consecutively than go through this process again.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to this thread. I took to heart a number of ideas/advice.

First, holy **** you've been through the ringer.
Second, I would take those over the dog thing too. It sucks bad but at least you knew it was definitely time.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

At another time, we’d like bullet point details on each episode. Please start with “blown up”
Love from me n moms, schit is hard.

 

[EricStratton-RushChairman]

The publishing of this article coincided with the loss of my faithful companion, and I took some measure of solace from it. Hope you find the same.

That is such a tremendous article... we rescued Marcus under similar circumstances. He didn't bark for 6 months and was forever scared of asymmetrical movements, especially balloons tied to a railing or post. Thanks so much for posting this

 

[MrTailgate]

Today was the day we let go and passed our beloved family member to the next plane. We had it scheduled for Friday (service coming to the house) as my daughter arrives from NYU tomorrow. However, this this morning he took horrible turn and we pulled it forward. Absolutely heartbreaking, first time I ever had to do this.

In my crazy life I have been shot, stabbed, poisoned, paralyzed, and blown up. I've survived compartment syndrome, hepatitis, and getting removed from a car accident by the jaws of life. I would chose to relive all those experiences consecutively than go through this process again.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to this thread. I took to heart a number of ideas/advice.

Just know that your buddy’s last look at you was with love and gratitude. You might not see that now but you will in time. The pain will recede and all you will remember are the good times with your buddy. I removed the tag from my dog’s collar and placed it on my key chain with house keys so that my buddy is always with me. Will be that way until the day I die.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Eric, my heart is with you and your family.

Prior to Fonzie, I had another rescue a basset gal named Bailey (after my niece in TX). I had to suddenly put her down on Valentine’s Day in 2015. I cried every day for the next 6+weeks.

That was on a Sat. On Monday I went back to hold her body before she was cremated, to thank her for our 14 1/2 years and retrieve her collar, leash, blanket and to thank her vet for her kindness.

Well, I found out 6 weeks later Fonzie and his littermates were born exactly when I was back saying goodbye to Bailey! My rescue blessed me by giving me the second choice for the six puppies, so I ended up with Fonz! Someone above me watched out for me, I’ve been blessed beyond belief. I found out later there were 42 families that applied to adopt the six pups!

It’s hard to believe Fonzie is 9 1/2 and I thank him every day for saving me. I rescued him but the real story is how he has rescued me.

I hope the pain of today passes quickly for you and your family. Remember the good times and smile through your tears.

 

[Tgar]

Love to everyone who ever rescued a dog ( or cat for that matter or any other defenseless creature ) and safe travels and lots of love to all of those wonderful furry beings that have passed. We have two in the final turn. This, them, yours, mine, ours, is always on our mind.

Safe travels Marcus and thank you ESRC For keeping us posted. Take Care.

 

[EricStratton-RushChairman]

Eric, my heart is with you and your family.

Prior to Fonzie, I had another rescue a basset gal named Bailey (after my niece in TX). I had to suddenly put her down on Valentine’s Day in 2015. I cried every day for the next 6+weeks.

That was on a Sat. On Monday I went back to hold her body before she was cremated, to thank her for our 14 1/2 years and retrieve her collar, leash, blanket and to thank her vet for her kindness.

Well, I found out 6 weeks later Fonzie and his littermates were born exactly when I was back saying goodbye to Bailey! My rescue blessed me by giving me the second choice for the six puppies, so I ended up with Fonz! Someone above me watched out for me, I’ve been blessed beyond belief. I found out later there were 42 families that applied to adopt the six pups!

It’s hard to believe Fonzie is 9 1/2 and I thank him every day for saving me. I rescued him but the real story is how he has rescued me.

I hope the pain of today passes quickly for you and your family. Remember the good times and smile through your tears.

What a great story... Very uplifting.

Marcus used to show affection by licking hands anytime he could. He stopped doing that about 6 months ago but this morning about 30 minutes before the vet arrived to the house, as we were lying on the floor, he just started licking my hand. It was as of he knew.

 

[Got GSPs]

I picked my particular avatar for a reason. That dog was part of my identity, and I like to think I was part of his. A fine fine dog, none better.
Apologies for poaching the thread, but I just had to say this.

We all believe that we have the worlds best dog, and we are all correct.

 

[Got GSPs]

I lost my dad at 27 and my mom at 36, and having to make the decision to put my dog down was the most difficult and painful thing I’ve ever had to deal with. I hope you have peace with your decision.

 

[rem524]

EricStratton - So sorry you had to make this decision but you know you did it out of love for this amazing friend that came into your life. As our sweet rescue dog ages, I dread the day that we may be faced with that decision. I hope we will have the strength to do the right thing for her.

 

[LB99]

Today was the day we let go and passed our beloved family member to the next plane. We had it scheduled for Friday (service coming to the house) as my daughter arrives from NYU tomorrow. However, this this morning he took horrible turn and we pulled it forward. Absolutely heartbreaking, first time I ever had to do this.

In my crazy life I have been shot, stabbed, poisoned, paralyzed, and blown up. I've survived compartment syndrome, hepatitis, and getting removed from a car accident by the jaws of life. I would chose to relive all those experiences consecutively than go through this process again.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to this thread. I took to heart a number of ideas/advice.

Sorry for your loss. It’s tough, they truly do become a part of your family. As hard as it feels, you did the right thing. Hang in there.

 

[rudedude]

Today was the day we let go and passed our beloved family member to the next plane. We had it scheduled for Friday (service coming to the house) as my daughter arrives from NYU tomorrow. However, this this morning he took horrible turn and we pulled it forward. Absolutely heartbreaking, first time I ever had to do this.

In my crazy life I have been shot, stabbed, poisoned, paralyzed, and blown up. I've survived compartment syndrome, hepatitis, and getting removed from a car accident by the jaws of life. I would chose to relive all those experiences consecutively than go through this process again.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to this thread. I took to heart a number of ideas/advice.

So sorry for your loss

 

[SouthHalls410]

It’s one of the hardest things to do. i swear that each of ours gave us the look that they were ready. we were so blessed with the dogs we’ve had. They were all different breeds 2 were rescues and one was a pure bred we adopted from a relative when he was 2. They were there for me through my pregnancies, grew up with our girls, comfortEd me when my parents died. There is nothing like a dog. We have 2 cattle dog mixes now each from a rescue…and they bring us so much joy. I pray that you’ll find comfort in your memories of your beloved pet.

 

[Fac]

Eric, my heart is with you and your family.

Prior to Fonzie, I had another rescue a basset gal named Bailey (after my niece in TX). I had to suddenly put her down on Valentine’s Day in 2015. I cried every day for the next 6+weeks.

That was on a Sat. On Monday I went back to hold her body before she was cremated, to thank her for our 14 1/2 years and retrieve her collar, leash, blanket and to thank her vet for her kindness.

Well, I found out 6 weeks later Fonzie and his littermates were born exactly when I was back saying goodbye to Bailey! My rescue blessed me by giving me the second choice for the six puppies, so I ended up with Fonz! Someone above me watched out for me, I’ve been blessed beyond belief. I found out later there were 42 families that applied to adopt the six pups!

It’s hard to believe Fonzie is 9 1/2 and I thank him every day for saving me. I rescued him but the real story is how he has rescued me.

I hope the pain of today passes quickly for you and your family. Remember the good times and smile through your tears.

I remember when you were going through the process of Fonzi adopting you.

 

[jp3272]

We put our cockapoo “Chloe” down last night. She was going strong through her 17 years then past few months she started to lose sight, hearing, losing weight and few days ago stopped eating. We were very fortunate to have her in our family. It’s a painful decision- we are still catching ourselves crying but grateful for the memories.

 

[TiogaLion]

We put our cockapoo “Chloe” down last night. She was going strong through her 17 years then past few months she started to lose sight, hearing, losing weight and few days ago stopped eating. We were very fortunate to have her in our family. It’s a painful decision- we are still catching ourselves crying but grateful for the memories.

Ugh, I feel your pain.

 

[MrTailgate]

We put our cockapoo “Chloe” down last night. She was going strong through her 17 years then past few months she started to lose sight, hearing, losing weight and few days ago stopped eating. We were very fortunate to have her in our family. It’s a painful decision- we are still catching ourselves crying but grateful for the memories.

So sorry to hear.