Is it time?

[RChick]

I have a beautiful black lab. Adopted her aged 11 so she is now 13/14. She has had bouts of sickness for about the last month and every time I am about to book the vet, it clears up for 4 or 5 days. The latest bout started yesterday and i now have an appointment for 5.30.

Her other aliments include drinking excessively, no interest when people come in the room and sleeping lots. We can't walk her anymore as she limps after even a short walk and her legs have started giving out in the last week. It's all happened steadily but i now feel like I have let her down by not going after the first sickness ... i just assumed she kept eating cat poo.

She also has a history of biting, i assume as a result of her previous life.

I don't know what to expect from the vet later. Is it her time? She still has happy moments but they are less frequent by the day. She has skipped breakfast today.

I'm not ready for this.

[JaneEyre07]

Our lab stopped getting out of her bed, and she just seemed to look at me as if to say "I've had enough Mum". I def knew when she was ready. She was crippled with arthritis and had ruptured both cruciate ligaments so her hind legs were the worst.

If you don't think she's got a good quality of life, it's time to let go. She's not on painkillers or any meds that could be causing the sickness btw? Metacam made ours really poorly, she had to have Pardale (co codamol) or Tramadol.

Chat to your vet and see how you feel - it's truly the worst part of being a pet owner

[RChick]

No, no painkillers. Until Christmas she was happily doing a daily walk around the country park. She slowed down about that time, until we had to start bringing the car to her towards the end of the walk.
It's hard to know what to do when there isn't an obvious sign.

You're right though, the vet will be able to guide me. I am just trying to prepare myself for the worst outcome.

[JaneEyre07]

I hope you get some comfort and guidance from your visit to the vet.

[AllGoodDogs]

How did you get on with the vets?

Our lab was put to sleep at the weekend, I really hope your girl is OK

[Bodear]

Hope you’re ok OP. How did the vet’s visit go?

[RChick]

She was put to sleep. It was dreadful. She was so happy to see everyone there. They gave her treats and cheese, all stuff ive been avoiding to keep her stomach settled.

The vet suspected diabetes based on the cataracts and excessive drinking. I'm so upset thinking i made the wrong decision (or the right decision but too soon) but I know deep down she was ready.

My husband and I are both a bit shell shocked.

[Bodear]

I’m so sorry. We went through something similar 3 years ago and it was awful. I hold on to the fact that we knew it was the right time for him and it sounds like you made the right decision at the right time.
How lovely that she was happy and having treats - I hope my final days can be like that. Much better than having to hang on until I’m nothing but miserable.
Big hugs Op. it sounds like you acted in her best interest throughout and that’s as it should be.

[BiteyShark]

I'm so sorry .

[fleshmarketclose]

So sorry OP

[AllGoodDogs]

I'm so sorry, as others have said you did the right thing, but it doesn't make the loss any easier

[IDismyname]

It is THE worst part of dog ownership. Hope you’re OK.

[InterstellarGlitterBalls]

Better a day too soon than a day too late.

RIP lovely girl.

It sounds like you gave her a happy and peaceful last few years of life after a traumatic time and you did right by her at the end.

[RChick]

She had definitely been abused in her previous homes. I swept the patio once when i first got her and she was cowering at the broom.

Thanks for all your kind messages. At least I got to change what she expected from people.

[Bodear]

She was beautiful OP. And she looks very relaxed and content in that photo

[SnapesGreasyHair]

I so admire all animal owners for doing this most selfless last act of love for their pet. I wish we could do it for humans too.