My precious girl,do I PTS?

[chickensaresafehere]

I have a JRT,she is now 18 years old.
She has deteriorated over the past couple of weeks,although has been weak(but not specifically ill)over the past 6-9 months.
She is very,very thin,and virtually blind & deaf.
But she is still mobile,manages to make it outside 50% of the time to wee/poo,but struggles due to her sight & arthritis.
Her appetite has diminished,as in,last week she was managing one meal a day,but now she refuses treats & probably eats about 2 tablespoons of sardines.She drinks ALOT of water.I am sure she has dementia too,due to her behaviour.
She doesn't whine,so I presume she is not in pain.
We have been to the vets about 4 times in the past 6 months,the last time(3 weeks ago),she was weighed & had lost quite a bit of weight & we were given tablets to encourage her to eat.
She is my baby,I have had her since she was a tiny puppy,we have been through so much together & I know it is ultimately,my decision,but I am really struggling with it.I am worried about living with the regret of making this massive decision or do I just leave her and wait for the inevitable to happen(but if I do that,how do I know shes not suffering?)
It is heartbreaking.
I am taking her to the vets tomorrow,so they can check her over again.
Have any of you lovely people been in this very difficult situation,I would value your advice.

[BeautifulBatman]

Honestly, I'd pts. She's not eating, you think she had dementia, bad sight, arthritis etc. What quality of life is that? It's a ripe age. Be kind.

[weaselwords]

Not with a dog, but with a horse and cat. When they gradually go down hill, but aren't suffering it is really hard to know what best to do.

I just worked out what symptom would be the signal my mare and might had had enough. It was weight loss for both of mine, as I didn't want them to starve. Have a think about what will tell you it's your dog's time.

I wouldn't take to the vets for check ups, so your dog doesn't get stressed. Most vets will talk to you on the phone instead. Good luck with it all. This is how you know you are putting your dog first.

[exLtEveDallas]

Oh my love, I try not to post in clichés, but 'Better a day too early than a day too late'

Being 'not in pain' isn't the best reason - because to me that means her very last day(s) will be in pain.

Surely it's better to go happy, comfortable, loved and warm than in pain and scared?

I think you have to be brave here, and do the last very kind thing you can for a pet that you love.

[chickensaresafehere]

I think I know in my heart that its time.
Its just dealing with the final decision,but I know I need to think of her & not just me.I don't want to regret it.
I will ring the vets at 9am & try to speak to her regular vet (she's lovely)
My life will have a massive hole in it when she is gone.

[Hoppinggreen]

It's the last act of love you can do for them.
I haven't had to do this with a dog but several cats, the first time my DD ( then 6) said to me " I bet xxx was very happy when the vet sent her to sleep mummy, she wasn't very happy before was she?"
Out of the mouth of babes .............

[BestIsWest]

I echo what eveDallas says. I've had to make the decision twice. It is heartbreaking .

[chickensaresafehere]

The decision is made,we leave in 90 minutes.
I cannot bear it.

[MuttsNutts]

Oh bless you all

[Gileswithachainsaw]

You are a lovely owner. This really is the kindest most loving act a person can do for their beloved pet.

be kind to yourself. She's obviously had a wonderful happy life if she's made it to 18. what a lucky dog

[MuttsNutts]

I have absolutely no doubt that it is the right thing to do.

Have been where you are. It is the last, kindest and most selfless thing you can do for her but it hurts so much to let them go.

Thinking of you.

[WhoTheFuckIsSimon]

I'm sorry but I'm sure you're doing the right thing for her. Ive lost two dogs in the last two years, neither of which were old. 18 years is an amazing age.

[chickensaresafehere]

The waiting is torture.
She has certainly had a great life & I know 18 is good age.
I knew this was coming but that doesn't make it any easier.
In the last 30 mins she has rallied & has had a big drink & a potter outside,but she is so painfully thin,that it hurts to look at her.
Why do they always do that,its as if they know?

Thank you all for your kind words

[chickensaresafehere]

If I click on 'Sue Perkins letter to Pickle',I'll drown in a sea of tears

[BestIsWest]

I found some comfort in the Sue Perkins letter. It helped me to know others have been through the same thing.
Wishing you all the best

[MuttsNutts]

Yes, agree you should save Sue's letter for another day

How lovely that she has been able to have a little potter round the garden. That's a good thing and far preferable to her last hours being unhappy or in pain.

I always think better a day too early than an hour too late - at least you can say goodbye and let her go while she still has some quality of life.

Please come back later and let us know you're ok (even if you are typing through your tears).

And yes, eighteen is an amazing age. I love JRTs

[chickensaresafehere]

Thanks MuttsNutts I'll try to.

[confusedandemployed]

You're doing a wonderful, selfless thing and I understand how much it must hurt not sobbing my eyes out no, not at all.

A great life is a wonderful thing. A great death is even better

[MuttsNutts]

Hope you are ok

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

Hope you're ok chickens. Please remember what Eve said. Better to go now than when she's in pain. You don't want to have any regrets and wish you'd saved her any suffering. Much better to do it knowing that they're not in pain yet.

We had to make the same decision last December for our beloved old boy. I feel for you.

[chickensaresafehere]

It was so,so hard, but she is at peace now.
She didn't fuss at the vets like she usually does & lay on the table in her blanket as if she knew it was her time.
The vet was lovely & I had my husband with me.I was with her when she died & we took her home with us,to bury her.
My heart feels broken,but I know it will heal over time & I keep bursting into tears.
I miss her already.

[BeautifulBatman]

[Gileswithachainsaw]

sweet dreams little one.

I hope you find some comfort in knowing what a lovely life you gave her and that you were there when she needed you the most.

[Wolfiefan]

So sorry for your loss. We had our 19 year old cat put to sleep at the start of the summer. Sounds a similar situation. It was peaceful. The vet said she was ready to go. I am still sad and miss her but couldn't leave her to suffer.

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

You did the kindest thing you've ever done for her. Now let yourself grieve. You had her a long time and it takes some getting over. Big hugs.

[VeganCow]

So sorry for your loss. Its the hardest, but kindest thing we can do for our furbabies at the end.