my darling is on her last lap - I need a bit of support

[Wordsaremything]

my beloved girl dog is now 17.
We've been together 16 years.
Her back end is going, so incontinence and collapsing happening
I know she's on her last lap
I have a kind and wonderful vet
I do the nursing and clearing up, but I can't get my head around losing her
She has good days and bad days
Today has been not good and reality is hitting
I get up every day and put on my suit , drive to work, and do a responsible professional job and even laugh but am dying inside.
Love you so much Meg darling.

Poor you and lovely Meg. You sound like you have been quite a close pair. My heart goes out to you.

I am so sorry I recently lost my cat aged 18, we'd had her for 17 years. In the end when they are struggling it is a kindness to let them go. So so heart breaking though.

Thank you. I feel especially tearful today.
I know the time is approaching but as she is still having good days I don't think we're quite there yet.
And I know letting them go at the right time is a kindness. But so so hard :(

It is hard, so big hugs to you

Poor you. Cherish this time with her. Take lots of photos. Share stories/photos here if you like, I was encouraged to do that by a kind MNetter and it really helped. I am sending you un-mumsnetty hugs.

Bless you and be strong. Try to find a new joy in your life and cherish your memories. That is all I could say. Hugs to you!

Oh my lovely my heart breaks for you.its my worst dread loosing my dog even though thankfully he's still young.I will be thinking of you xx

How are things today words?

Hi all - she has a better day on Saturday and today I took her to one of her favourite places and she enjoyed sniffing around hugely.

Even ran a few yards and did a bit of helicopter tail( going round and round) . She has a huge spirit. I wish I was a quarter as brave.

So- taking advice here, I e taking lots of photos, and indulging her loads ( she had some steak yesterday - her eyes nearly dropped out of her head.)

I want to enjoy every last second with her.

Oh how hard this is for you ...so hard . My last dearly beloved dog was called Meg . She was a border collie . Can you tell us a bit about her if you feel up to it?
Bless you ....you will know in your heart when it is time to put to sleep. Your beloved dog will guide you on this .
Steak sounds a lovely treat . A bit sniff and a stroll with fresh air is lovely for her . I bet lots of cuddles too.
It's awful Wordsaremything . But your Meg has a loving owner and has had a lovely life . Comfort yourself with that truth x

Oh bless her. Yes definitely cherish every last moment. She could not be in better hands or be more loved for her last days.

She's half border collie half parson russell; pure border collie on one side and a glorious mix on the other. I know because I got her d n a analysed . She's a Welsh Pound rescue dog from last chance in Eden bridge. We've been together 16 years and have lived all over the country. Her coat is black, her feet white and her muzzle is now endearingly grey. Her ears are cock-eyed and her eyes are brown and shiny and full of love. She's the kind of dog strangers smile at. I absolutely adore her. Here she is, the most gorgeous dog on earth!

My, she does look a lovely dog and you sound like a wonderful person for her to have spent her life with.

for you, I am in the same position but my boy is only 10 so I thought I'd have much longer with him. It is heart breaking.

She is beautiful

Enjoy whatever time you have left together...

Do I
It's so hard. Your thread really resonated with me, for obvious reasons - like you I'm so scared when the time comes I will break down completely and scare her during her last moments. She hates seeing me upset :(
Thank you all you lovely doggy ( and catty) people for your support and kindness.

Words she looks like a true companion, such a long time to be together. However you are at the end, your Meg will understand.

She was hard to wake up this morning and this pm she had another seizure and was found stumbling around downstairs. My ex looks after her on weekdays. I'll work at home tomorrow and keep her here. She seems to have recovered ok and has since eaten, drunk and weed ( all over the kitchen floor again.)

I hope she's okay .

Hi Words ...been thinking of you and Meg . Her photo is so lovely and her eyes are as you say.
Good you are with her tomorrow . Keep her close as I know you will do . Eating is a good sign for now. She will love being home with you and will relax .
Take your cues from her lovely . She will tell you by her behaviour when she has had enough .
Thinking of you both

She looks such a lovely dog - and sounds like she's had a wonderful life. I'm sorry :(

Thinking about you and your lovely Meg xx

Thank you all so much. Last night she had a gentle game of 'fetch the ring' with my other dog, but today she has been losing her balance frequently and the tremors are progressing. Had to be supported to wee and feed.

At some level I am preparing myself as my vet told me she was going away for ten days, and instantly I felt very very anxious. I don't want her euthanised by the locum unless essential. I trust my vet completely and she is so very kind.

I'm re reading a book by Mike Tomkiess about his life with his German shepherd, Moogli. It's a powerful testament to the bond between human and dog. Highly recommended.

Thank you all for your kindness. I am feeling very lost at times.

This is the most awful time for you. You must be strong, and not show Meg your distress, subtle wiping of tears is acceptable, howling not so much.

Takes lots of photos, far more than you think you can possibly look at, spend as much time together. Treasure every single minute.

Think how lucky you both are to have met each other. Miss my old dog every day, but now with a smile of gratitude for time together, rather than the tears of sadness before.

I'm sorry I know exactly how you feel. Our boy has cancer, and whilst we are throwing every penny we have at it, we know the end is near.

Your gorgeous girl has had a good life, she's known nothing but love and kindness, there are so many dogs in the world that never have that. You've given her a good home and stability for her entire life. You can do no more.

So sorry to hear that, i drink .

Megs tremors and balance issues are getting worse. I had to carry her back from the top of the road ( about 20 yards away.) she's slept most of the day on my lap or by my feet. I'm not sure she will make it till my vet comes home on the 19th

She enjoyed a lunch of tuna and has had a little raw steak as an appetiser this evening. Not overdoing the treats as I don't want to upset her tummy.

I had my first big (silent) cry today. I've felt sort of frozen until now. Also feel weird and heavy, like I have flu. My friend has come round to offer support and a bit of quality time for my other dog who is lovely too but being a bit neglected. I've tried to eat but I can't apart from some of the tuna I gave Meg earlier.