Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Dogs and the rainbow bridge

129 replies

Eliza9917 · 26/02/2018 12:46

How did you know it was the right time? Did you just know?

Were you at peace with the decision once you thought it was time?

My dog has osteosarcoma (bone cancer) that has spread to her lungs. About 3 week ago the vet said weeks now rather than months. She stopped eating after breakfast yesterday and won't have anything despite us offering all sorts.

Up until now I didn't think it was time yet and didn't know how I'd make the call but now she's started the process herself I feel irs right to do it now. Obviously I'm devastated to lose her but I don't feel as bad as I thought I would about calling it. I don't want her to starve herself to death and I don't want her to suffer. I want her to have some dignity.

OP posts:
Readermumof3 · 26/02/2018 19:00

Bless you OP and well done for being so brave. It's such a hard thing to do but we owe it to them to do the right thing. Thinking of you and your beautiful girl tonight 💕

Catinthebath · 26/02/2018 19:02

Tbh Eliza I was going to suggest a strong drink. I’ll have 2 glasses tonight, 1 for you and 1 for your girl x

TemptressofWaikiki · 26/02/2018 19:02

So, so sorry for your loss so close after the last one. You have done a brave and kind thing. My beloved dog was tragically killed in her prime and died in my arms last month. It floored me and am only just getting back on my feet. Love the idea of the paw and snout print. Look after yourself but a drink is ok

Original poster
Eliza9917 · 26/02/2018 19:02

Ever since the last vet visit I've let her have what she wants, as long as it's not poisonous to dogs. I'm normally strict with their diet and she's been on a cancer diet, pretty much keto so she's had plenty of treats these last couple of weeks, especially as she became really fussy.

OP posts:
Original poster
Eliza9917 · 26/02/2018 19:04

Cheers catinthebath, and to everyone else and your pets Wine

OP posts:
yolofish · 26/02/2018 19:06

oh so sad, but well done. def to that strong drink or 3 xx

NorksAreMessy · 26/02/2018 19:08

You have my very sincere condolences and thank you for being so kind and letting her go.
Flowers

Felixandtheflippers · 26/02/2018 19:09

Flowers and more Flowers. I am so, so sorry for your loss. My beloved was PTS 3 years ago- still hurts badly. Got a new pup now which has filled me with joy again but it still hurts. I hope you have a peaceful night tonight OP- if you can.

midgetgem2211 · 26/02/2018 19:10

So so sorry. I remember when the vets called to say they thought my cat had been brought into them - already dead, done wonderful man had found her on his way home from work at 3 in the morning and took her to the vets as he didn't want to leave her body there - and when I went in and identified her my legs literally gave way and I cried proper ugly tears Sad this was 8 years ago and I still tear up now.

honeyroar · 26/02/2018 19:13

That's so sad that you've lost two in such little time. My heart goes out to you. I lost one of my dogs in December and my second dog has aged s lot since, I got even more upset at the thought of losing two. This thread made me tear up thinking of you. I hope you're ok. Have that glass of wine knowing you did the right thing.x

Coulddowithanap · 26/02/2018 19:14

I'm sorry for your loss.

We sadly had to make the same decision a couple of days ago :( our dog also had osteosarcoma and was given 1 to 3 months. He actually kept going for almost 5 months but he got to the point where he couldn't get comfortable laying down due to the lump on his leg
The night before he was pts he kept us awake half the night, he just wanted lots of cuddles. We couldn't bare him being in pain anymore :'(

It's so hard making that decision.

Original poster
Eliza9917 · 26/02/2018 19:21

Coulddowithanap we amputated in September so she's had these last months pain free pretty much and we've made them amazing.

I'm so sorry for everyone's losses, it never leaves you.

We took in another dog just after Christmas so our house isn't empty, I think it would have been worse to come home to a house without a dog today.

OP posts:
LivingInMidnight · 26/02/2018 19:24

[Flowers] I'm so sorry for your loss. It's so hard. Just remember you did the right thing for her, it's just awful for you. Anyone that thinks less of you for being upset is heartless.

Renaissance18 · 26/02/2018 19:25

I’m in tears. Such a horrible decision but undboutedly the kindest and right one to make. Will be thinking of you and your girl Flowers

Original poster
Eliza9917 · 26/02/2018 19:30

She was beautiful, a really amazing dog, she really did have a fantastic temperament.

Everybody loved her. She was the best dog.

She was always so happy.

Dogs and the rainbow bridge
OP posts:
apostropheuse · 26/02/2018 19:33

I'm sorry for your loss OP, and others who have recently lost their pets.

OP, you're the best kind of owner. You put her first.

BungalowBella · 26/02/2018 19:33

@Eliza9917 This was so painful to read. I'm going through this exact same thing right now with my gorgeous girl...she was diagnosed two days after Christmas with metastasised osteosarcoma...large tumour on her hind thigh and two on her femur, with metastasised masses in her lungs and heart. With her age and breed, we've opted for palliative care only so taking each day as it comes. It's heartbreaking 💔 So sorry for your loss today...you did the right thing. I hope I can make the same call when the time comes.
Xx

Dogs and the rainbow bridge
LemonMuffin837 · 26/02/2018 19:33

I had my 16 year old staffy pts at the beginning of this month, absolutely heartbreaking. He was skin and bone but eating the same as what he usually ate, he would stand and stare at the wall, timed him once, 18 minutes! Had some blood tests done, his organs were failing. Was such a hard decision as he was still wagging his tail for us and would force himself to play with the other dogs. But we knew it was cruel to keep him alive, he must have been in so much pain. Dogs don't show it like we do.

Original poster
Eliza9917 · 26/02/2018 19:36

@bungalowbella you will know when the time is right, I didn't think I would and wouldn't be able to do it but you do it in their best interests.

Sending best wishes.

OP posts:
taffett · 26/02/2018 19:37

ThanksThanksThanksfor you op.
I'm so sorrySad

Worldsworstcook · 26/02/2018 19:41

My heartfelt sympathies OP. I'm here with my girl Mac, the tears running down my face and into her fur. It's always so much harder for humans than their pups, just know that when your turn comes to cross the bridge your fur baby, with her recently departed brother, will both be there slobbering and so happy to see you. I'm terribly sorry 😢

HonkyWonkWoman · 26/02/2018 19:50

Bless them all.......I am absolutely in bits here after reading the thread and looking at the photos.
You always know the time, well quite honestly they tell you, don't they?
I've got this to come in the not too distant future and of course dreading it.
She's 15 this year, Cross Lab and I don't know what I'm going to do without her!

Chapterandverse · 26/02/2018 19:51

I am so sorry for your loss.

But you did the right thing by your beautiful girl Flowers

Otterseatpuffinsdontthey · 26/02/2018 19:51
Flowers
Wornoutbear · 26/02/2018 20:00

This weekend it was a year exactly since our girl died. She'd had a fit of some sort on the Wednesday night, and we took her to the emergency vet - he couldn't see what was wrong, and she came round whilst there. Next day to our own vet for blood tests. He promised to call after 10am on the Friday, so when the phone rang at 9.30 I knew what was coming. Her kidneys were gone, she was so ill, I asked him to come out to the house, and he rearranged his appointments and did so. I will never forget his kindness to her. I'm crying as write this, but it was the best thing for her, and for your girl. Take comfort in that, OP