Hand holding needed please [sad]

[Canshopwillshop]

I am sat next to my lovely 13.5 year old black lab who was diagnosed with a bone tumour on Monday after over a months worth of symptoms (initially put down to hip dysplasia). We have been unable to control her pain adequately despite maximum doses and she's been hobbling around. This morning she didn't eat her breakfast which is unheard of!

I have an appointment for end of surgery tonight to have her put to sleep and I am devastated! I keep looking at her big trusting brown eyes and feel like the worst person in the world. Not only that but I have to break the news to my two DC when they finish school.

I am doing the right thing aren't I? I keep looking for signs that she is not that bad, thinking 'oh she didn't limp much just then' and, maybe it's the painkillers that have put her off her food etc. I am terrified of making the wrong decision even though the vet has also said to me that he would do the same if it was his pet.

Sorry for rambling ...

I'm so sorry :(
It does sound like you're making the best decision for your dog.

It does sound like it's the right time. Leaving it too long is not good. I've been there and feel your pain. So sorry.

It does sound like it is time, I am so sorry. I think second guessing yourself is totally normal, we did before and after we had our old girl pts in January. But you, and your vet, know your dog and if you can no longer control her pain and she is not enjoying life anymore then you are making the best and kindest decision for her. Titch looked so relieved and grateful once they had given her the sedative, she was ready to go, and if we had kept her going it would have been for us not her.

Thank you all, I really appreciate your replies. Have just washed my face and reapplied make-up ready to face the DC - wish me luck!

Oh I am so sorry, such a sad time for you all. Sending you unmumsnetty hugs.

I keep looking at her big trusting brown eyes and I feel like the worst person in the world

Those big trusting brown eyes are trusting you to make that painful decision on her behalf CanShop

She's in pain, she needs you to do the ultimate kind deed that an owner can do.You know what you're doing is for her, yes?

Very .

Oh, my mums lab had a bone tumour in her leg- similar symptoms to what you describe.
She was sedated for the (X-Ray/Scan) and the vet said if it was what he suspected he would not revive her.
She went off happily (she liked the vet) that was her last memory.

Old girl now out of pain and happily chasing rabbits somewhere/somehow. Lots of tears in the canshop household tonight but, safe in the knowledge that we have done the right thing and that's been reinforced by your posts - thank you

70is - thank you, it supports my difficult decision and that is just what I need right now. Sometimes vets give you too many options which just make you feel guilty if you don't take them.

You did the best thing you could for her. Our vet offered chemo, etc for our girl who was 13+ and a nurse friend we talked it through with begged us not to put her through it at her age. We are glad we didn't.

Enjoy your memories of your girl and the happy life you gave her.

So very sorry.

So sorry for your loss :( , but how lucky was your girl to be so loved that you sacrificed your own heart for her comfort? What a brave and loving act it was to let her free from pain while causing your own. Be kind to yourself, and don't feel guilty. You have nothing to feel guilty for x

Thanks Cirsium, Littlepeas and Snakey.
Snakey you made me cry again (in a good way) - thank you for making me see it that way. I am missing her soooo much .

You freed her from pain.

It is the kindest most loving thing you could have done for her.

Hope you're bearing up okay.

It's the single kindest and most selfless thing you can do for one that you love so much. Thinking of you x

Sorry for your loss, also had to go through this a little while ago. It is the kindest thing you can do and she trusted you. Many hugs