So sad :(

[LollipopViolet]

My family has a gorgeous golden retriever, we've had him since he was a puppy, he's now 12.

He's beaten cancer, but I fear we're getting close to the end :(

He's got an ear infection, but we think his hearing is going, and he looks like he might have arthritis, doesn't like moving much and takes ages to get up. Also sleeps a lot, and very deeply.

I think it's getting towards his time :( I don't like seeing him like this, but as I live at home, it's down to my parents when, or if we do anything.

Something in my heart is telling me to prepare to let him go, but I really don't want to :(

I last lost a pet age 7, when our last dog was PTS, you'd think at 22 I'd be taking this better than I am :(

Will we "know" when he's ready to go?

I'm guessing it won't be any easier, probably harder this time, but are there ways to help me not feel so sad? :(

Lollipop, I'm really sorry to read your post.

Firstly, please take your darling boy to the vet for a check up and a discussion. If he has an ear infection he could be in a lot of pain, so it's important that is seen to.

Your vet can advise you on the care your boy is having, and what signs might help your family decide it's the right time. Bear in mind that your vet can usually come out to you to PTS rather than you going to the surgery - many people find this more peaceful and less stressful. You will also need to think about arrangements afterwards - perhaps cremation or burial in the garden, maybe under a favourite tree or shrub. It's difficult but helpful to think about and discuss these issues before the time, as you will be very distressed at the time and may make a rushed decision that you later regret.

Bear in mind that anyone who loses a much loved animal companion will be grieving and heartbroken, whether you are 7, 22 or 82. Never let anyone tell you "it is just a dog" and remember that many people on here will have experience of losing a dog and are always ready to be here to support you.

Making the decision to PTS is the hardest but also the bravest and most loving thing you can do for your dog when the time is right. You can ensure they pass away peacefully, gently and without pain. We recently had our darling girl PTS (three weeks ago) and though it broke my heart, we both knew it was time and was the kindest thing to do.

In time,you will remember all the wonderful things you did together, the love you shared, and all the funny stories and adventures. If you have a good selection of photos of him, perhaps you could make a scrapbook and include things like his vaccination card, any registrations, etc. You could get a special photo blown up and framed for your parents - they might like that.

Many people find it helpful to think about Rainbow Bridge when losing a pet - link here

Wishing you all the best.

Scuttle, we are treating the ear infection and have to go back soon, so will probably know more then, if there's anything else we need to look at.

I remember, as a child on one of the final visits with Ben, a lady who was sat on the waiting room floor with her dog, crying. The image has stayed with me, because I think I knew what she had come to do. I know it's ok to be sad, I think last night was just the first time I looked at Sam and thought that he's definitely not as young as he once was.

I will look at rainbow bridge, the name alone sounds lovely. I'm sorry about your girl, they really do become part of the family, don't they?

I'm lucky in a way, still living with my family, we can make that decision together, and help each other through it.

I feel better, thank you :)

Lollipop I don't want to sound patronising or trite but don't forget :

"Better a week too early than a day too late"

Good Luck

Hi,

I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. We've just had to make the decision to put our much loved boy to sleep. It's one of the hardest decisions we've ever had to make and we have a huge whole in our lives.

No matter how much we wanted things to be different, how much we were desperate for there to be other alternatives, we just KNEW. Every fibre wanted it not to be true.

The end was very calm and peaceful. We just sat, talked and stroked him. As endings go it was as good as it could be. Our vet explained everything in advance and we were given time to say goodbye.

Good luck.

70isaLimitNotaTarget, not patronising at all - I totally understand what you mean.

I feel better now, why does everything play on your mind worse at night time?

I read the link about Rainbow Bridge this morning, nearly set me off crying again, so lovely :)