I think it's time to let her go and I'm heartbroken

[Cocolapew]

My beautiful Molly is nearly 11 and has been struggling with arthritis. The last wee while her back leg has got worse and I had to carry her downstairs today.
She's been crying and moving about a lot, even though she can't put her foot down. She still eats but sits on the floor while I hold the dish up.
DH is phoning a vet who comes out to the house to put them sleep.
I keep thinking what if I'm making a mistake but in my heart I know I'm not, she has no quality of life now and just seems done in.
I'm just so sad.

Shes such a good, placid girl

As a dog owner, I have every faith that if you feel the time has come, you are correct. Always better a day too soon than a day too late.

Much love xx

Thank you Whitney.

Gosh I'm so sorry, not had to do this with my old boy yet ( he's 13 ) but I know it's coming and when it does I'll feel Exactly the same.

I had a vet come out to put my 14 yo cat to sleep 5 years ago and still miss him now.

So sorry for you and your darling girl, hold her right tell her you love her and let her go free of pain ...

Much love and hugs for you it's so, so hard.

Molly is a lovely dog. When I was a child we had a family dog who lived to a good age. We had to put him to sleep. We could see he was in pain and was not eating much and it was unfair to keep him alive and his pain getting worse. I would agree with Whitney168.

It is better a day too soon than a moment too late, that's what my wise DS told me when we had to make the same call for our old fella, Smudge (black Lab) and he was right. It doesn't make it any easier to do though

I'm really sorry. It's awful losing a dog, but this is a kind thing you can do for her. We currently let people die in pain and fear, but we don't have to with dogs. She's gorgeous, by the way. Again, I'm very sorry.

Oh she looks beautiful and is clearly loved and happy

I could only scan your post as was welling up - dogs are bloody fabulous

What a lovely girl. Because you really love her, you understand her needs and know that she's old, in pain, unable to enjoy walks and playtime, and is at the end of her life. Do this one last kindness for her. Cuddle her, tell her you love her, and let her go gently away. xx

What a beautiful girl. You will be doing her the final kindness, even though I absolutely understand it'll break your heart.

Thinking of you , and your lovely Molly. xx💐

Bless you OP, what a tough thing it is. Molly is a beautiful girl, and trust me, I know beautiful labs, and she’s clearly much loved.

I know it’s the kindest thing to do, and I will face it myself before long, but it’s heartbreaking for you.

As pp say, hug her close and tell her you adore her - she knows of course, but it will be soothing to hear it in your voice.💐

Thank you for all your kind words, the vet is coming out this evening when DH and the DDs are home from work.

So sorry to hear that about Molly such a sweet looking dog 💔

I’m so sorry. She looks just like my old girl.

Thinking of you all . So heartbreaking and I'm so sorry. Big hugs

@Cocolapew I lost my ddog last night - a terribly sudden, very aggressive cancer. A CT scan picked it up and I asked the vet to let her slip away under the anaesthetic rather than bring her round. I am absolutely heartbroken but I KNOW it was the right thing to do. I could have limped her on for a few more days or maybe weeks but she would have had such poor quality of life it wouldn't have been fair. This is the last and most important act of kindness you will do for her. I wish her a lovely peaceful end with her very best people xxx

She's a beautiful girl, @Cocolapew. If she understood, she'd be grateful you were doing her this last kindness. Sending you virtual hugs

I’m so sorry OP

Same to you, @harriethoyle, however heartbreaking it is, we know it's the right thing to do

She’s the best girl and she knows how much she is loved. Sending you all strength and love.

She’s gorgeous, how sad. This is why I could never have a dog.

I remember taking our family dog to the vet when I was a teen, thinking it was a minor illness she had and leaving alone. That was 30 years ago and I could still get upset thinking about her.

Molly looks like a real friend. Someone posted this on Mumsnet when I lost my old chap and I found it very comforting.

So sorry, I am also approaching the later years of my chocolate labs lives, it is so hard to lose them, but the kindest gift we can give them. One thing I find with labs is that they still appreciate a final treat along with a cuddle as the vet sees to them, I always know they've gone happy then if a typical lab. Will be thinking of you all this evening.

Thank you for all your kinds words. She gone now and had a peaceful passing, the vet was lovely and we were all able to be there.
Harriet