Knew it would come one day..

[Marylou62]

Our 13 and a half year old Springer boy has just been diagnosed as having kidney failure..Estimated only 50% of function..In early July he had a collapse and was diagnosed with ? a Vestibular episode..falling over, walking in circles..The vet thinks he's recovered as well as he's going too with his balance..we are trying to keep him calm as he is jumping erratically and slipping and falling over..I'm worried he's going to break something. He had a blood test that showed the failure then..He had had a test about a year ago which was clear..
Only the day before he was so well and people couldn't believe he was 13..He's gone deaf, doesn't seem to understand simple commands..(always so quick to before)and like my DD says..there doesn't seem to be anything behind his eyes and as DS says ..it's like he's lost...
I knew this day would come..the price you pay for loving..
Anyone had a dog in kidney failure? What should we look out for? Did a kidney diet work? (very expensive)..How long do we have left?
Any advice would be appreciated..

[EcoCustard]

So sorry to read this OP. Grew up with springers, amazing dogs and yours is a smasher. Have working cockers now and both ageing , one not so well. We had to make that decision with 20yr old cat recently, it’s so hard but the right thing to let them go. Hold him close all night, thinking of you tomorrow, and Kenny.

[Marylou62]

Thank you everyone..all the kids have gone now.. To their own homes.. It's just me and my DH.. Who has decided not to go to work.. Supermarket job so not really essential... (listen to me trying to justify. ) Kenny is quiet and settled.. We will pick up DD. tomorrow at 7.30..it's her friend who is the vet.. It's an hour to the vets.. We will be in the car park and the vet will do it in the car.. We will then drive 2 hours to get him cremated.. He is worth it...

[sillyrubberduck]

So sorry to hear . Kenny is beautiful and you will have precious memories. Your love for him shines through your posts and I am sure he had an amazing life. Be strong tomorrow for Kenny and give him the last gift of love. Thinking of you and your beautiful boy xx

[TeenTraumaTrials]

Oh I am so sorry Marylou62. He is a beautiful boy and I'm so glad you had a lovely walk this evening. I am sitting here with my cocker spaniel on my knee crying as I can't imagine how I will feel when that time comes for her. Will say a little prayer for Kenny tomorrow morning. I think from what you described this is 100% the right decision but that won't make it any easier.

[Marylou62]

I never wanted to read threads about this situation before.. Because I couldn't think about it..
We keep telling ourselves that he has had a wonderful life.. Always warm (except last year when we clipped him in April then proceeded to have a cold wet spring! We bought him a jumper! ) a lovely clean bed, good food, wormed and flead, and company.. (my DH works nights so he would always be on a bed!) he was never deliberately hurt. (one time he hurt his tail and thought I'd done it!) I know so many people go through this.. Talking to you all has helped.. Thanks

[BikerWife]

Sending you strength and love

I have a 10 year old black and white springer and I noticed on a photo at the weekend his black face is looking so grey and he also limps a bit when he gets up from a sleep... In my mind he's still my puppy and the thought of parting with him is heartbreaking it's a cliche but grief is the price we pay for love. I hope Kenny has a comfy night and that the memories of happy times and the lovely life youve given him will help you get through this xx

[DramaAlpaca]

I'm so sorry @Marylou62. Kenny's such a gorgeous boy x

[Eyesofdisarray]

So sorry Marylou62- what a beautiful dog- so handsome.
Best wishes for tomorrow.
They know when they are loved.

I need to go and hug my boy now- he is snoring away

[Shieldingending]

Ahh, sending you lots of love and strength. It's such a brave decision to have to make but you are doing it for the right reasons

[Marylou62]

Woke at 5am and I think he had a good night as DH went to work (guilt about letting colleagues down) but was sent home by management... Kenny has eaten a little bit... Not long now but it's the right time I think... I keep saying to myself.. '' better a month/week too early rather than a day too late'' x

[Marylou62]

Meant to say thanks for all the messages.. Meanwhile photo from yesterday whilst all the DCs spent the whole day with him! Spent the whole of his life feeding him healthily! Apparently he enjoyed it!

[Marylou62]

I'm sort of writing this as a diary and eulogy for a wonderful dog.. He was the only puppy left so we didn't really choose him... But what a dog! Let me pour out our love for him.. Firstly how much he changed our lives.. And others.. In 13 years all the friends who got a 'free' holiday in a seaside village, when we went away.. only thing they had to do was feed/walk the dog! So to lots of friends he wasn't just our dog.. They had part ownership!
I remember my Dd crying her eyes out at 14 because we said yes to having him.. She never let him down.. And will be with him today..
The boys who took him for a walk.. They were good with him but didn't often walk him.. (he's my DH shadow).. I then found out they were walking on the beach with a girl!
Then the relationship with the cat.. Took a few years but then they often curled up with each other.. But woe be tides the cat if he was cuddled up to DH.. Kenny would slowly, ever so slowly get between them.. Till the cat was hanging off the sofa!
And being a springer.. He wasn't much of a barker.. My Dd taught him to 'talk'..
His recall was perfect even when he was in the dunes.. Just one whistle.. My DH used just click his lead.. Anyway thanks for indulging me.. The time is approaching.. X

[mellongoose]

Thinking of you this difficult morning. Our black and white springer is coming up 9. Their characters are beautiful. Like you say, the perfect dog.

Kenny has had a lovely life with your family. This is the last kind thing to do. X

[BBOA]

So sorry. Such an awful decision to have to make.Sounds like he was an amazing dog and you were fantastic owners.

[Paranoidmarvin]

I’m so sorry xxx

[vanillandhoney]

So sorry OP. Hope you're okay

He sounds like a wonderful dog who had a wonderful life.

[Idbemonica1]

So sorry OP, lost my dear boy this week, take care of yourself xxx

[Cactuslockdown]

I’m so sorry to read this OP It sounds he had a wonderful life in the centre of your family

[EnglishBreakfastTea]

I'm so so sorry for your loss OP. I know exactly how you're feeling having lost my Springer around a month ago, it's just heartbreaking. Take care of yourself xx

[Marylou62]

Thank you all for the kind messages.. He is gone now.. He had a little walk on the beach, last photo call then to the vets.. Dd was able to be there when he had his catheter in and then he came running out to us.. He got in his bed and the vet reassured us that it was time and then he just went to sleep.. Peacefully.. We then drove him to the crem.. Final goodbyes.. We came home to an empty house but thought I could hear his jingly collar.. Just Dd putting it on the stair rods... I've washed his bowls... What more can I say but we're devastated.. Thanks for your kind messages again..
Just a final photo.. About 20minutes before his final journey...

[RiaRoth]

Oh my I am sending all the strength you need - take care. I wish every dog could have such a fantastic life and be so loved

[Marylou62]

So do I Ria.. We keep having to remind ourselves of this... DD is asleep and I'm trying to.. But I can't stop crying...

[Paranoidmarvin]

I’m sending as much love as I can. He had a wonderful life with you. He was loved and cared for. He knew this and felt happy and sad everyday. You loved him so much.

[Marylou62]

Paranoid.. All true..thankyou.. Nearly 10 hours since he died... Tears still flowing...

[Marylou62]

On a slightly happier note.. On the way to the crem my DD suddenly remembered that we meant to get a paw print.. Cue tears all round.. The lovely lady who was cremating him managed to get one... It will be precious...