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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Am I doing the right thing? Devastated.

70 replies

jcmd · 09/07/2022 19:43

We inherited a dog from a family member who passed away 8 years ago. He wasn't treated very well but has been treated like royalty since becoming ours. I'm just sad I didn't know the circumstances beforehand as I would've done everything in my power to have had him sooner.

We simply absolutely adore him. He was our baby when we didn't have babies then continued to be afterwards. He's just wonderful.

The past week has seen him decline significantly. He's struggling to walk. He is vomiting bile regularly and has barely been eating. He's passing urine when he stands up after lying down. His breath smells cancerous - sounds silly but my MILs both dogs had the exact same breath; both of whom had cancer. He's not interested in eating the past two days and has lost weight. His beautiful coat has lost its shine. He's a very very active dog but has been struggling to get out of the door for his walks which are his favourite thing. We took him to see the vet on Monday and she'd spoken about putting him down. He's outlived the life expectancy of both breeds (he's a cross) at 15. We declined, hoping for a miraculous recovery as this has all happened so very quickly.

We are going abroad for three weeks - our flight is early hours on Monday morning. We are getting married there next week, so can't postpone. He was booked to be at a dog sitter's house for the duration - she lives in a farm house amongst sprawling fields which he loves. But I just know he won't be here when we get home. His little body is so, so tired and he's lost his zest for life.

I've noticed a decline for months but the past week I've seen a dog I don't recognise. My children utterly adore him and he loves them too. He's been my rock in so many ways and for so long.

Would the right thing be to have him put to sleep tomorrow, so he is with us? We have contacted a vet who are able to do it but the thought just shatters my heart in to a million pieces. The decision just feels so rushed but I don't want him to suffer any more than he already has been. I can't even look at him tonight. My poor baby.

OP posts:

Soubriquet · 09/07/2022 19:46

I agree that it’s time. He will safe around everyone he loves and will be much less stressed than going to a dog sitter when he’s struggling in his old age

Sorry OP x

Cratos · 09/07/2022 19:46

Yes you are doing the right thing. Not letting him suffer any more is the best thing to do. Go for it. Then cry. But after enjoy your time away. Every living creature will die one day.

BiteyShark · 09/07/2022 19:47

My honest opinion is that I would have pts as soon as he started to decline so I do think you are doing the right thing now.

I think the best thing we can do for our pets is to make sure they don't suffer and to hopefully be with them at the end

Anyolshit · 09/07/2022 19:49

I’m afraid I can’t advise as I know nothing about dogs but I really wanted to reply. Your post is so moving and heartfelt I really do feel for you. I’m so glad that your beautiful dog had you for the past eight years - so much love around him, what a happy life he had. I know you will be heartbroken and I am sending you much love and will be thinking of you. If everyone loved their pets and one another like this the world would be a very different place. If it were me, I’d rather be there at the end and this way you can be but whatever you decide will be the right thing to do.

334bu · 09/07/2022 19:49

It's time. Let him go with everyone he loves with him. So sorry.

Takingthepmaybe · 09/07/2022 19:50

Oh how awful but how wonderful he’s had this life. And how wonderful to at home surrounded by his family. Much better for him than at a dog sitters.

Xxxxxxx

Cocopogo · 09/07/2022 19:50

I agree. It’s time.
I made the mistake of leaving mine for 2 nights for a prebooked thing. I will regret it forever.

PestorPeston · 09/07/2022 19:50

Vets don't suggest PTS for fun.

Read back what you have written about him. It is time. Yes, it does hurt.

Tillyvonpantsalo · 09/07/2022 19:51

I'm so sorry but it sounds like the right time is now.

Whilst you will miss him terribly, you should still enjoy your wedding, ,knowing you loved and gave your dog the best life possible once he came to you.

sleepymum50 · 09/07/2022 19:55

It sounds like it’s the right think to do, and I don’t think you really have any other choice.

I don’t know if this is out of order, but I really regret not taking a lock of my dogs hair before the vet came. I was able to save something from her brush, but it’s not the same.

RhymesWithAntelope · 09/07/2022 19:57

It's time

Big hugs

NoSquirrels · 09/07/2022 19:59

Please don’t send him away in this state.

If your vet said PTS earlier in the week, it is absolutely time.

I’m so sorry. But do the last right thing for your beloved dog and know it was everything you could.

daisypond · 09/07/2022 20:15

Yes, there’s no question in my mind. So sorry. It’s best for him.

tabulahrasa · 09/07/2022 21:16

IME if the vet is talking about it, it’s time, absolutely definitely.

They usually wait for you to bring it up if it’s not an imminent thing.

KangarooKenny · 09/07/2022 21:20

It’s time, don’t send him to the dog sitter like that.

dontblameme · 09/07/2022 21:42

I went through this in March, it's the worst pain I've ever experienced. But DDog had a dignified and peaceful passing in my arms, and the relief was immense knowing she was no longer suffering. Will do you good to get away afterwards. You have my deepest sympathies💐

Original poster

jcmd · 09/07/2022 21:42

Thanks for your replies. I am utterly heartbroken - I've never appreciated how difficult this process truly is.

He's been with the dog sitter many times and loves her. My hope was that we would just get married then fly home early to be with him. I was also hoping that he would spring back to his usual self. The pain relief is false hope for us as it's very obvious when it wears off.

I guess I already knew the answer in my head but wanted reassurance that this was for the best for him. We haven't confirmed anything for tomorrow. Perhaps I'm in denial.

OP posts:

GettingItOutThere · 09/07/2022 21:43

let him go. His time was when he started to decline. Do it before you go away please, for his sake

JustAnotherSod · 09/07/2022 21:59

Would it help to think that, the last thing you can do for him is for 'his people' to be with him as his life comes to its end - just as he is your rock, you are his, and being with him will make him feel relaxed and safe all the way to the end.

My thoughts are with you - we had to make just this decision 7 months ago - it is impossible but I take such comfort now from knowing our girl went to rest wrapped in our love and secure in her pack. Take care.

RandomMess · 09/07/2022 22:05

Its absolutely time.

It's the worst part of loving our pets and doing the right thing.

My heart goes out to you all 💕

shandon14 · 09/07/2022 22:09

Don't take the risk of not being with him. He's starting to decline and must be in pain, it really is just like going to sleep for him, let him be in your arms x

Jalisco · 09/07/2022 22:14

Another one to say it is heartbreaking every time, but this is the passing he deserves - with his people. Let him go with a clear conscience and then enjoy your wedding. He will always be with you in spirit, but you couldn't enjoy your big event knowing he is suffering at home without you. Nobody ever wants to do it, but it is the ultimate kindness we can give our loyal companions.

Hotnashsummerday · 09/07/2022 22:39

I'm sorry you have to make this decision but it's time. He needs his family around when he crosses over.

Motorina · 09/07/2022 22:54

He’s clearly very loved. Let him go.

JMPB · 09/07/2022 22:57

It’s time to let him go.

he’s declining and you prolonging his life is for your sake and not his. From what you have said he’s not in a good way and the kindest thing to do is to have him PTS whilst your there with him. It’s so hard, but you have to do what right for him and not yourselves.

Thoughts are with you xx

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