The hardest decision

[Tinateaspoon]

Please help. I just want to know what to do for the best.

We have an elderly dog. He was a rescue from the Dogs Trust and we got him in 2000 and he was an adult when we had him, they reckoned 18 months so he has to be at least 14 years if not nearer 15.

He's such a character and has been part of the family for so long, before any DC came along. He's suffered with arthritis for many years, but doesn't tolerate painkillers very well as he has a sensitive stomach which seems worse in his old age. I tend to give him Previcox when he is quite lame but when he starts vomiting, usually after 5 days, I stop giving it to him. He doesn't tolerate Metacam either. In February he has a vestibular episode where he lost all sense of balance. He surprised everyone by pulling through that, although his balance isn't quite the same and he is apt to falling over occasionally.

His daily routine is breakfast, sleep all day, tea and short walk in the evening, depending on how he is anything from 5 to 20 mins. He will lie down everytime we stop to cross the road and needs some encouraging along, but we always go at his pace. He responds to the children stroking him, but he can be grumpy if he has to move about.

Yesterday he fell over and has been very lame ever since, not quite on three legs but very nearly. He's had tramadol and previcox and there is no improvement. I have an appointment with the vet this afternoon to discuss further pain relief but I am scared to death they might say it's time to call it a day.

This is so hard, I've never wanted to be the sort of person who keeps their dog going too long, but I just can't bring myself to think this might be the time. His quality of life is okay, he sleeps a lot but he still has control over his toileting and still loves food. He wants to go for walks but can't go far. He's lieing on his bed and keeps looking at me. I'm not sure if he is saying he has had enough. I know he'll never be young again but this is so hard, I just want to know what is for the best.

Sorry I've rambled. I've only ever had to make this decision once before with my terminally ill cat. I knew that was the right decision as he was dieing anyway. My other dog passed away in his sleep.

Also any advice on helping the children, 8 and 7 through this if this is the time would help too.

I know the decision is down to me or the vet, but I needed to share as I am in a tizz.

It's the hardest decision, and also the easiest one.

Your pet has given you the doggy equivalent of love, affection and care. It is time to let him go with the doggy equivalent of dignity and without pain.

If you really think it's the end then it might be easier for the vet to call at the house, if you can afford it. It is less stressful for the animal than taking him to the vet.

Thanks World, I think you're right and I think deep down I know that. I will take him to the vet as he is the only dog I have ever known who likes going to the vet. He'll do anything for a biscuit.

I don't know what to say, I have never been in this position, but I did want to extend my sympathies, because it can't be easy.

I would hope that I would just 'know' when the time is right.

And look what an amazing life you have given him since rescuing him.

I think, if I were you, I'd take him to the vet expecting to hear that it was time. Don't be worried about crying, the vet will expect it. It's bloody hard to make that decision, there is always a bit of guilt and 'what if?', but your vet won't suggest PTS unless they really think it is best. Remember that it is so much worse for you. Dogs live in the moment, they really don't worry about or fear death. For you it is agonising, for him it is just drifting off into a pain free sleep. My heart goes out to you, because all of us with dogs are facing this in the future. Making the decision is hard, but living with it isn't. You've given him a good life, a second chance, and loved him. He's a lucky dog.

With regards to the children, just explain that he is a very old dog, that he is in pain, and that the kindest, most loving thing to do is to let him rest now. They will bounce back amazingly quickly, children seem to take death largely in their stride ime.

It's an awful decision, but if deep down you feel it is time, then it probably is.

Dogs live in the moment. They can't look back on all of the good, happy times and think "I wish I could go back" like we can.

When I was younger, I read somewhere that in such decisions, we should think of our pet's 3 favourite things, and that if they can't enjoy those, then it's time. I've found it a useful guide, but it's heartbreaking.

Thinking of you.

Thank you for your kind thoughts. The vet feels it is fair to give him a chance with some more pain medication. Bless him he perked up when he got to the vet and was walking on his leg. He's going back for a blood test on Thursday to check what his liver is doing, it might be that it won't cope with further medication. We agreed his quality of life is most important and while he is bright enough and eating we are happy to keep him going. Thank you again.

Tina, I'm crying at your thread. I posted a similar one a few months back about Bob, my Westie.

He was arthritic in his back legs, he had a heart murmur and emphysema, but like your boy he was still reasonably bright. He had bad days, especially colder days and on those days I wouldn't walk him, just let him out for a quick wee. He did well on tramadol. We also bought him a heat pad (£17 from eBay!) which he loved and spent most of his day happily snoring on.
I came to the conclusion Bob would tell me when the time was right, and as long as he was eating, drinking and making an effort then I'd do all I could to help him. Sadly we lost him 2 weeks ago, it seemed he had liver cancer and he went from being very well to very sick within 24 hours. We had to make that decision, but at that point it was the easiest decision I've ever made. He was suffering.

Your boy sounds like he's a fighter and still getting some joy out of his life. It's never easy when they get old but I agree with Mimsy's words actually, 3 favourite things. Makes a lot of sense.

Thoughts are with you both.

I can remember the collie I grew up with and his last days, I was only a young teenager, but can remember taking him for walks and having to carry him home because he just couldn't do it anymore. Looking back my parents should have had him pts weeks before he died.

Someone on here once said 'better a month too early than a day too late' and that has really stuck with me and I hope I'm brave enough to do what's needed when my pups time comes.