I have to say goodbye

[Dreamingoutloud7]

My beautiful boy is 13 and has very bad arthritis, he's on medication but that's not even helping as much now, he can't jump or run just meanders around when he has to.
He had a skin infection a few weeks ago which took ages to heal and he was on so much medication for it.
Now he has an abscess on his chest.
He's losing weight and is being sick sometimes.
He is monitored by vets regularly and closely.

He's lying next to me right now and is just so sad, he never plays anymore. He has accidents in the house because he can't get outside quick enough (not complaining at all btw just wanted to explain what his life is like)

I think it's time, how much more can we let happen to him you know?
But it's so so hard, my heart is breaking, I've been his mum for 13 years and I'm not ready to not be.
My dh is finding this difficult and would have him take every drug in the world to give him longer, but I see my boy is not happy in his eyes. I feel so guilty for making this decision, I can't believe that he won't be around anymore. He has good days sometimes, still not good enough for playing though just days where he's a bit more sprightly. He's just so beautiful and perfect. I can't believe it's come to this.

[davirose]

I went through the same ordeal a year ago. Gosh, my thoughts are very much with you.
My vet put it kindly- we have to remember that if your pet wasn't cared for by you (there are horrendous pet owners out there!) it probably would not have survived as long as it has. You clearly love your pet and it has had the best happy life it could have. Be strong.

[paddypants13]

I've had to make this decision a few times with my dogs and other pets. It's an awful situation but you said yourself he is not happy.

My parents were angry with me when I decided to have my old lab put to sleep. She was pretty much incontinent, almost blind and suffered from arthritis. She'd been happy though and then she stopped eating. I knew it was time to let her go then, she was tired and sad. It was awful though, even the vet was in tears.

[Cherryskypie]

Your dog is lucky to have such a good person who puts their happiness and quality of life first. It's a horrible decision to have to make

[irelephant]

It's the last kind thing you do for them. It is heartbreaking to make that choice though

[ChardonnayKnickertonSmythe]

It seems it's time for him to go.
Sad, but if his quality of life is deteriorating it's better to say goodbye.
Sorry about your boy.

[Spudlet]

He is lucky to have someone who cares enough to break their heart for him.

[insan1tyscartching]

Oh I'm sorry,he's a lucky dog to have known such love

[MardAsSnails]

[Hoppinggreen]

It's your last loving act for them. It's totally selfless.
Sending you xx

[mollie123]

my dog is nearly 13 and slowly going downhill but we owners can see the signs when quality of life is just not there. My thoughts are with you - it is so hard

[ginorwine]

Sending you and your boy lots of love .
It is an act of love to help him .
You are a good kind person .

[Dreamingoutloud7]

Thanks everyone so much.
We said goodbye last night, life feels empty without him but I know in my heart it was best for him.

[ChardonnayKnickertonSmythe]

Sorry about that Dreaming, it's a horrid thing but when the time comes it's best to let go.

Still feel awful, I know.

[mollie123]

full of tears here knowing this will soon happen to me and my lovely ddog who is coming up to 13 and I know he is deteriorating.
It is hard - my heart goes out to you and anyone who has had to face this but it is the only thing to do

[GeorgeTheThird]

So sorry dreaming. You know you did the right thing. Xx