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Original poster

to not know when it's time to put my dog down?

65 replies

CheerfulYank · 07/12/2014 04:23

Please help. :( He was diagnosed with a liver tumor on the 15th of last month.

The vet said she didn't know how long he had, just to watch him.

He's still eating but not so much now. Sleeping a lot. He doesn't seem to be in pain but I don't know. Just noticed he was drinking his water without getting up from his bed, just lying there lapping at it. His abdomen is pretty swollen now.

I don't know what to do. He's the first dog I ever owned myself; I've never been the adult in this situation.

I love him so much. I don't want him to suffer but I don't want to take him away from us if he still feels all right. He loves us so.

What should I look for? What should I do?

OP posts:
Original poster
CheerfulYank · 07/12/2014 16:08

Thanks all.

This morning he was up to drink and walking around, but not much. I had a brownie with peanut butter (an unimagined treat) and he would only lick it a bit in my hand, not take it.

I will call the vet, if I can reach her on a Sunday. DH and the children are at Mass; I'll have to wait for them to come back so DH can drive me.

I'm pregnant with DC3 and DS keeps saying "but maybe he'll want to meet the baby" I'm not due til early June :(

I can't speak. I've got to stop crying so I can call the vet.

OP posts:
Fluffyears · 07/12/2014 16:30

Oh you poor soul. They are part of the family, however the end is very quiet and peaceful and they do seem to know. Mine was unable to move all day when my dad took her to vet. She looked at home as if to say 'I know and it's ok'. The love you gave your pet is the most important thing and if they can fall asleep surrounded by love that is the best end anyone can hope for. I'll be thinking of you and remember it is ok to be sad as you have lost a friend, they are never 'just a dog'.

Original poster
CheerfulYank · 07/12/2014 16:34

The vet isn't there today but they have a number for small animal emergencies. Is that what I call? I don't know what to do.

OP posts:
Delarosa · 07/12/2014 16:35

So Sorry for this. Somone once told me with my cat when he stopped purring when i touched him it was time to go, he did a few hours before he died.
With a dog when he stops reacting to you like wagging his tail ect.
Its so hard to do im really sorry :-(

Sazzle41 · 07/12/2014 17:25

Its about whether he is suffering , in pain and his quality of life. If he is in pain and cant do his normal doggy stuff etc its kindest to put him out of his misery - it sounds like its getting to that point. I so feel for you, its so, so hard: but you will feel at least he didnt suffer more than he had to. Give him a peaceful, dignified end and no memories of suffering to add to your grief.

JenniferGovernment · 07/12/2014 18:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

t3rr3gl35 · 07/12/2014 18:57

It's the most awful thing to go through but is absolutely the kindest thing you can do for a much loved pet. Been there.

If it helps, I couldn't bear to make the decision for a horse some 25 years ago. I'm still haunted by seeing him stagger towards me, blind. I thought I loved him too much to "put him through" being PTS and learned the hard way that it's better a month too soon than a day too late. Every pet I have owned since has been given the promise that they will never go past the point of no return and I've never regretted having any of them PTS, although I miss them terribly.

So sorry for you. It sucks.

Original poster
CheerfulYank · 07/12/2014 19:47

He has eaten a bit now.

The only person I can get ahold of is a 45 minute drive away and it's freezing rain and ice here, along with heavy winds and I don't know if the drive would be safe.

My brother in law will shoot him but I don't want to do that. I want to be with him.

God this is awful.

OP posts:
fluffyraggies · 07/12/2014 20:04

I would wait till morning cheerful. It's only 12 hours till usual vets hours resume and you can take him in in safety. 12 hours more is ok i would think.

Fighting tears reading this thread.

Flowers
Original poster
CheerfulYank · 07/12/2014 20:11

I'm a childminder though and I've got a little boy tomorrow from 7:30-5:30. It's an absolute emergency for his parents; there's no one else to have him. My head is all over the place.

OP posts:
Original poster
CheerfulYank · 07/12/2014 20:12

It's only 2 pm here.

OP posts:
fluffyraggies · 07/12/2014 21:07

Would the vet come out to you at home cheerful?

(there's a thread active here about this very thing right now)

Original poster
CheerfulYank · 07/12/2014 21:17

I think she would, but I've no idea how to contact her outside of office hours.

We're going to try the drive now.

OP posts:
fluffyraggies · 07/12/2014 21:30

Oh, good luck with the journey. What a sad time :(

But you are doing the right thing Flowers

ovaltine · 07/12/2014 21:36

Heartbreaking to read this, sending you lots of love. X

kathryng90 · 08/12/2014 10:05

Have been thinking about you x

frankie001 · 08/12/2014 10:20

Also thinking of you x

Original poster
CheerfulYank · 08/12/2014 16:31

Thanks so much.

He was pts last night. It was extremely calm and peaceful. I wish we could have done it at home, but the vet's office had a big couch and he snuggled up with me and a blanket from home, so it was as calm as it could have been. The vet was lovely and kind.

I miss him so much but am glad we didn't wait for him to feel awful.

OP posts:
londonrach · 08/12/2014 16:36

Hugs cheerful yank xxxxx

MissMarplesBloomers · 08/12/2014 16:39

OP -I always think it's the hardest yet most loving thing we can do for our pets, and slipping away snuggled up with you is the best way for him to have gone.

You did just the right thing, but I know it's bloody hard.

Love to you all.

HappenstanceMarmite · 08/12/2014 16:46

Oh how I feel for you. I had to have my beloved rescue GSD PTS two years ago. I held her as the drug was administered and she slumped in ny arms and went very peacefully. It had a very profound effect on me.

You have done the kindest thing you could have done. Your dog would have thanked you if he could. You will come to know this in a wee while.

JenniferGovernment · 08/12/2014 17:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

confusedandemployed · 08/12/2014 18:02

Well done. It's just horrible, but you absolutely did the right thing by him. Be happy that because if you, his end was peaceful and dignified Flowers

Mitzeee · 08/12/2014 18:10

Just wanted to add to the hand holding. I lost my precious cat last year after 19 years -I'd had him pretty much my whole life and he was my baby. Sitting here in tears now thinking about him, almost a year on. It's shit. There's a quote asking why we let animals into our hearts and lives, when we know we are going to have to say goodbye one day, and it's really really true. Animals are family, they give so fucking much and ask for nothing in return. He will let you know when he is ready. Thinking of you and sending you all my love, this is so hard x Flowers

Bulbasaur · 08/12/2014 18:48

Sad You did the right thing. Falling asleep snuggled up to you on the couch is the best way he could go. FlowersFlowers

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