preparing for the end:(

[flyinghogfish]

Hi everyone. Firstly can I say what a lovely forum this is, I have been lurking here for a while and have read some lovely posts, you all really love your dog's and I wanted to share my story.
15 1/2 years ago I bought home a tri coloured border collie who completely changed mine and my partners lives. He was quirky, clever and so affectionate always on the go. As our children appeared he took it all in his stride, and was always very patient when they started crawling, etc, such a good dog.
About 18 months ago I noticed he had a bit of stiffness in his back legs. The vet diagnosed arthritis and prescribed him with metacam and tramadol which he has been taking ever since. He was still happy in himself, enjoying short walks and his weekly roast dinner :)
This morning I noticed that he kept tending up and shaking, looking very unhappy so I took him back to the vets. Turns out the arthritis has spread to his back :(
Because he is still eating and drinking and appears lucid he has prescribed stronger pain killers and we have to see how he goes over the next week or so, but he said we should be prepared for the fact that this may be the end of the road for him.
My children are 11 and 13, and have had him all through their lives. They are going to be devastated (as will me and my partner) and I wondered if anyone could give me some advice regarding preparing them for the inevitable? Should I allow them to be present when it's finally time? I think I would like the vet to come to our house to do it while he's tucked up in his favourite blanket after a nice roast dinner in familiar surroundings (I am crying as I write this it's just so painful) or would it be better to take him to the surgery? He is currently linked on painkillers and looks very comfortable, dear old dog xx

[Molotov]

Thought of you throughout the day x Sending a hug, a and x

[flyinghogfish]

Thank you everyone, posting on here and reading all of your stories has really helped me through this x
The vet gave him a sedative and we settled him on a blanket on the floor and dimmed the lights while he relaxed and my husband and children cuddled him and said their goodbyes and left the room. I sat on the floor gently stroking his head while the injection was administered, it was very calm and peaceful. I can only compare it to a light gradually fading then going out. I was warned of reflexes that may happen but this didn't happen. Then everyone came back in to the room for a final stroke and goodbye.
I am relieved it's all over, poor dog has not been good all day and I found myself watching the clock until it was time to go.
The house feels strange, like there's something missing. It's going to take a while to get used to it, but I am glad he went with the calm and dignity he truly deserved xxxx

[atonofwashing]

(((Hugs)))
It's horrid for you all, but sometimes we have to send them on their way.
It is stressful caring for a poorly doggy. It's not fair to keep them alive when they are suffering.
I shed a tear for you. Take care. X

[Iamcuriousyellow]

You have done the most loving thing for your most loving friend. Bless you.

There is another friend waiting for you - fill the hole in your lives with another darling dog when you can.

[crapcrapcrapcrap]

(((hugs)))

It is the hardest thing, but the bravest and kindest too. xxx

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

Oh flying. I've only just found this thread. So sorry.

I wish we could have had our boy end his days at home. We had to take him to the vets. Fortunately it was a Sunday and there was nobody else there. We weren't really sure if it would happen yet or not. I wish we could have brought him home for a few hours and then had the vet come to the house. It was very peaceful in the end though and we were there with him.

We did get a bit of reflex. He made a couple of deep sighs which was slightly unnerving.

People keep saying we should get another dog. We definitely will but I need time to grieve for my old boy. We'll wait until the spring when the weather is nicer and it is a bit easier to keep letting a puppy in and out for house training.

Hope you feel a bit better soon.

[Molotov]

VonLipwig, I remember I from the thread I started a couple of weeks ago (where I discovered my 10yo Staffie had pyometra).

I'm so sorry about your dog. Hugs for you, too xx

[flyinghogfish]

This thread has helped me through such a hard time and I thank you all for sharing stories and the excellent advice
It's now been just over 24 hours since we said goodbye, it still hurts like mad, I keep seeing his empty bed and get an ache in my chest, I don't think that pain will ever go :(
But today we went through various drawers digging out old photos and have had a lovely time reminiscing, not only about darling dog but also the baby photos it has been lovely. Although this has been devastating it has also brought us closer as a family and I thank my darling dog for that xx