Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Waiting for the vet to arrive to PTS my dog.

32 replies

Episcomama · 16/10/2019 23:36

Worried that we are doing this too early.

She's 14 and a labrador with arthritis in her hips, to the point where she has been struggling to stand up. Yesterday, for the second time in a week, she couldn't get onto her back legs. Kind of collapsed in a heap. Once she does get up she moves around (albeit slowly). Vet will be here in 90 minutes and as she lies here sleeping I'm starting to wonder if we are doing the right thing. Better a day too early than a day too late, isn't that the saying?

OP posts:
ginormouse · 16/10/2019 23:43

@Episcomama I am so, so sorry to hear this. How awful for you, and your sweet girl. Since she is struggling, you are absolutely doing the right thing. You wouldn't want her to suffer. I feel for you having to make this decision (had to do it several times over the years so know how hard it is) and I know how your heart will break so I will keep you in my prayers tonight. For you and your baby girl Flowers

littleduckeggblue · 16/10/2019 23:50

Hand hold
You wouldn't want her in pain. Stay with her and snuggle into her before the vet arrives and say your goodbyes.
I really feel for you but you are doing the kindest thing xx

doodleygirl · 16/10/2019 23:53

I’m so sorry, give her lots of kisses, she knows how loved she is.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Dogs
OldAndWornOut · 16/10/2019 23:54

It's the hardest thing to have to do, but the kindest, most loving thing to do, as a responsible pet owner.
Bless her heart, and yours.

mineofuselessinformation · 16/10/2019 23:55

That's such a hard thing to deal with.
It sounds to me like you love your dog very much and don't want to put her through any more pain. I'm sending a massive hug to you.

RumpoleoftheBaileys · 17/10/2019 00:00

Oh sweetheart. If it is time, it’s the kindest thing in the world.

When it happens, if you can, stay with her. I’ve seen it done many times. It’s just an injection, but the presence of someone they love really comforts them.

I am so, so sorry x

Bahhhhhumbug · 17/10/2019 00:05

Ah so sorry, my last dog was 16 and his back legs went, he started messing himself in his bed purely because he couldn't get up in time. After a couple of mornings of showering him (luckily we have a wet room) and then convincing myself l could do this routine every morning if necessary, he just looked at me one morning as if to say 'l can do this anymore' and l had him pts the next day. I look at old vids of him sometimes and wonder if l left him too long. He looked really stiff and the vet said that they are brilliant at hiding how much pain they are in and hide it so as not to be vulnerable to predators is where it comes from. You are doing the right thing but it hurts like hell but it's the last kind act you can do for her. Wishing you strength 🙏

MrsCatEThigh · 17/10/2019 00:06

Hand hold. You're doing the best you can for a beloved pet. X

DisappointingBanana · 17/10/2019 00:55

How difficult this must be... you’re doing your best for your lovely pet, don’t doubt it. 💐

dreichsky · 17/10/2019 01:03

My MIL always says she kept their families dog alive for at least a year longer than she should have. In the end the vet had to be quite firm.
Saying goodbye is hard but she feels regret she left it too long.
You won't have that. 💐

HeadintheiClouds · 17/10/2019 01:26

So sorry Sad

AlexaAmbidextra · 17/10/2019 01:39

I think this last minute doubt is absolutely normal. It sounds like your lovely girl’s quality of life has deteriorated and can only get worse. We are so lucky that we are able to take this last loving decision for our precious companions. She won’t know what’s going to happen. Just hold her and speak to her so that as she slips away the last things she’s aware of are the dear familiar voice and touch that she has known and loved all her life. Sending hugs to you and your girl. 💐

Original poster
Episcomama · 17/10/2019 01:54

She's gone. It was peaceful and loving. The house already feels empty without her.

OP posts:
AlexaAmbidextra · 17/10/2019 02:05

So sorry. 💕💐

Crunched · 17/10/2019 02:51

She is always by your side, just invisible now. Flowers

Igmum · 17/10/2019 04:07

So sorry OP 💐💐

BishopFrownofStThigh · 17/10/2019 04:22

It's

BishopFrownofStThigh · 17/10/2019 04:23

Not easy saying goodbye, I'm sorry

FridalovesDiego · 17/10/2019 05:10

It is the last act of kindness you can do for her. Sorry for you loss.

SnowsInWater · 17/10/2019 07:46

So sorry x

AllGoodDogs · 17/10/2019 08:17

I'm so sorry, OP. We had the same in March with our lab. He struggled to get up, and get down the 2 steps to the garden. He had diarrhea and was very lethargic all the time, he just slept. It was heartbreaking and after I just felt so guilty for doing it, even though I knew it was time. 7 months later I still cry, we all miss him so much. Flowers

kalinkafoxtrot45 · 17/10/2019 08:21

I’m so sorry love. They are with us for such a short time. Flowers

HerkyBaby · 17/10/2019 08:30

What a lovely owner you are. She will be PTS in the comfort of her own home - surrounded by those that love her with familiar sounds and smells all around her. You are a wonderful doggie mummy xxx

Blobby10 · 17/10/2019 08:41

@Episcomama I went through this in 2018 with both my old girls and it was horrible. It was peaceful . You did the right thing. Flowers

StandardPoodle · 17/10/2019 19:10

I am so sorry. It's one of the hardest decisions to make and you had the courage to do it.
We did this in January with our lovely old rescue girl. It was a relief that she was free of pain and discomfort but dreadful too. Still miss her.