Old dog - how long?

[bilbodog]

Sitting here in tears - just had a conversation with DH about finances which really just boils down to the fact that our dog is costing us a lot of money now and he doesn't want to pay it any more. Dog is 14.5 rescue border collie - the most beautiful family dog you could wish for. Weve had him since 8 months old. For the past 2-3 years costs have soared as he is on medication for heart murmur and arthritis in all 4 legs, the back ones being the worst. Now costing between £200-300 per month including insurance and all his meds.

Dog sees vet every week for free physio and acupuncture and doesnt think the time has come yet.

Weve just had a massive row about this - i know its costing us a lot but you cant put a value on the love we have received from our dog. My DD will be distraught when the time comes - i cant put him to sleep so we can have some meals out and a week in the med!

Has anyone else been in a situation like this?

So sorry OP, I was gutted reading through the thread to see pts 😔 My old girl is 12 and I'm worrying about when the time comes. Sending virtual hugs your way.

I came on to post that when arthritis gets to the point that a dog can't do her business properly because she can't squat and get up again, that's the tipping point. I see that it happened for your dear boy this week.

It's not about clearing up the mess and keeping the dog clean, I don't mind doing that, it's the fact that they know they shouldn't be doing it indoors and making themselves dirty and it distresses them.

Thanks for your good wishes - I am devastated and still keep feeling that perhaps I acted in haste but he could hardly walk at all by Tuesday so I know I did the right thing - just need time for the pain in my heart to calm down and all the good memories to take over. My ds said something wonderful - that all the universe is a bit fluffier now. So true he was a very hairy dog. I’ll Post a picture

I had exactly the same situation in february. 1 had 2 border collies since they were 6 weeks old. My girl was pts in september last year due to dementia and it was just me and my old boy. His back legs started going around christmas. He was having accidents in the house. He was still cheery on walks but he couldnt walk far so he was so depressed the rest of the time. I made the decision in february and it was so sad. I still miss him so much. He was my best pal particularly since his sister died.

Im currently looking on borrow my doggy as i miss walking with a dog but cant consider another one yet. It does get easier. Its about 6 weeks now and im still heavy hearted but not as devastated. Soon just the good memories will be left and you had 14 years of those

Thank you and so sorry to hear about your dog too. I don’t know if you have a rescue centre near you but they also need people to walk their dogs - I did this before getting Bilbo x

So sorry for your loss OP.

To give your DH the benefit of the doubt, perhaps he's been finding having to watch your beloved dog get worse very hard to deal with and talking about the money, which however you look can be a worry if money is a bit tight, has been a clumsy way of voicing his distress.

I’d agree with getting the meds online.
My old dog had a heart murmur & a few problems from being nine years old, a small breed that usually lives well into their teens. Once the vet had diagnosed & started her on meds, I found I could get the exact same tablets online ( from a couple of reputable UK suppliers) for around a quarter of the price I was paying at the vets. The vet gave me a prescription to use & asked for the websites as said it was cheaper than he was paying his suppliers!

I’m so sorry. I stupidly hadn’t noticed a second page to your thread so hadn’t seen that you’d posted the update.
Really sorry that you’re dealing with this hardest of times.

Aww, very sad, but it's absolutely shining out of your posts how loved and cared for he was. I lost a beloved dog at Xmas, so know where you are. It's horrible. May the hurt ease and the memories and smiles stay forever.

I've just seen this, I'm so sorry. You must be devastated but you did the right thing. Once their legs start going and they're having accidents I think it's distressing for them.

I knew my boy didn't have long left when his legs went when he was in the sea, I had to wade in and carry him out. It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do agreeing to the vet putting him to sleep, but it was the kindest for him. Love the pic of him.