Is it time?

[freddiethegreat]

JRT cross thingy. 14 years. Massively active escapologist when younger. Now ... largely blind, largely deaf, losing weight & control of bowels & bladder, back legs have been deteriorating for some years & now can barely potter outside the house. Has had two or three episodes this week of distress, confusion, whimpering, running around unable to settle. Vomiting last night. I think that sounds like ‘enough’s enough’ & I have a vet’s appointment tomorrow. But ... he’s eating, he’s happily pottering in the house now, having slept all day, his nose is wet and cold ... this morning I was sure. Now I’m not. Is it time?

So difficult for you, but the vet will help you. Having been through this several times now, the visit to the vet has always helped me to work out for myself the action needed - whether to give the dog a bit more time/medication or to call it a day. We don't want our pets to suffer but neither do we want to lose them unnecessarily - my vets have always understood and helped me to make a decision that I have been able to feel was right. I hope you and your pet find your vet helpful too. .

Thank you. We are home again with an injection and some different anti-inflammatories & we will see ... perky this morning, even demanded a (short) walk after vets. So ... on we go.

Take the advice of your vet. They’ll be able to talk about the best thing for your dog. So sorry.

We made the decision with our old jrt when he was almost 17, very similar to you described, but looking back now I know that we should have let him go at least two years before that. He wasn't in terrible pain that we could tell and the vet said he didn't seem to be, but he was totally deaf and unaware, he paced relentlessly for no reason, fell over standing up as if he'd fallen asleep, we dismissed it as old age and possibly dementia (this is what vet said) but he was so lost.
Only you know. So sorry

I had this last year with my Dobie. She was 12 and the back legs went a bit dodgy. Then the front. Vet thought spinal nerve deterioration. Some days she seemed brighter and others quite down.

I was worried I'd leave her too long but one day she wobbled out to the garden and looked at me and her face said it all. I've had enough now.

Everyone said I'd know when the time was right and I didn't believe them. But I did know.

Called the vet that day and they came to the house as she hates going there.

I've had horses in the past and my horse vet always said "better a week too early, than a day too late"

I hope your little dog continues to rally and enjoy life

Thank you. All good today, so far. It won’t be forever, but for now the new anti-inflammatories seem to be helping. I think of & when the front legs go that will be enough.

I’m so sorry this is happening for you.

We all know that day will come but we’ll never be prepared.

I hope you have a compassionate vet. And I’m glad the new meds are working.

I had a little terrier for 16 years, who was in very much the same position and one day I just knew.

You will too, something will click and you’ll just know.

Enjoy this time together❤️

He crossed the Rainbow Bridge yesterday. And yes, I knew. He’d had enough. I love him & miss him so very much, but it was indeed time.

for you. So sad to hear x

I'm so sorry. You sound like a loving owner - my condolences.

So sorry for your loss x

So sorry op, we had to make the sad decision in December, but we knew it was time, and the vet agreed, he'd lost so much weight, I was having to pick him up to put him outside to go toilet.