Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The doghouse

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

Original poster

Is it time ...

21 replies

Chesneyhawkes1 · 31/03/2023 12:16

I have a little jrt who will be 17 next month.

For the first 15 years or so, he was incredibly healthy and active.

He's now got doggy dementia. Gets stuck in corners. Forgets he's been out and constantly asking to go in and out etc. He uses puppy pads overnight as he can't hold his wee that long anymore.

His eyesight and hearing aren't what they used to be. And in the last month or so, he hasn't enjoyed his walks. Just wants to get back home.

I've noticed over the last 48 hours he's not happy. Off his food, even sausages! Very reluctant to move. Just noticed his breathing is very rapid and shallow since this morning.

He's on tablets for his heart.

I've made a vets appointment for this afternoon. But I'm thinking - more medication and tests for what? What enjoyment does he have now?

But then 3 days ago he was wagging his tail for treat and jumping on the sofa. Albeit he still didn't want walks. Just pottered around the garden.

It's such a difficult decision.

OP posts:
Pegsmum · 31/03/2023 12:29

It’s an awful decision. The only thing I would say is that when the decision has been made it is much less stressful for all to have the vet come out to your home, if you can.
It sounds like he’s had an amazing life with you.

BatsHaveButtcheeks · 31/03/2023 13:36

My staffie had dementia, and a load of other health issues. Some of his behaviour was as you've described.

I made the decision to let him go in January, but if I'm honest, I should have let him go sooner.

I feel for you, its a tough decision, but our pets need us to be strong and do right by them. Best wishes OP.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 31/03/2023 14:05

I’m a really firm believer in better a week too early than an hour too late… I’d personally let him go. Flowers

functioningadult · 31/03/2023 15:13

My JRT was the same age and I let him go last month. Sounds like it was a similar situation, he was fine until suddenly he wasn’t. I didn’t want to put him through any more so we had him PTS at home on our bed where he was happiest. I’ll miss him forever but it was definitely the right decision for my pup. Best wishes with whatever you decide 💐

Original poster
Chesneyhawkes1 · 31/03/2023 20:01

Thank you for all the replies.

Went to the vet and it was my favourite vet who I trust.

We discussed his ailments and he listened to his heart. He's got heart failure. He said about 4/6 without doing a scan.

He's started heart tablets as a last rodeo. So if no improvement by Monday I can call them out to the house to say good bye. Not have it done at the vets.

OP posts:
sundaymorningcall · 31/03/2023 20:08

So sorry you’re going through this @Chesneyhawkes1 it really is heartbreaking. I had my beautiful girl pts 3 weeks ago 💔 As @Lastqueenofscotland2 said it’s better a week too early than a day too late. That has brought me a lot of comfort these last few weeks. I definitely found the days leading up to it were worse wondering if it was the right thing to do but ultimately we were holding onto her for our benefit and not hers. My girl had a wonderful life like I’m sure your boy has and it’s not right for their last days to be upsetting for them.

💐 for you and everyone else who is/has been in a similar position

Original poster
Chesneyhawkes1 · 31/03/2023 20:16

@sundaymorningcall I'm so sorry for your loss.

Yes it's such a hard decision. Last week he was happy and wagging his tail, albeit a bit confused at times.

I can't remember a time when I didn't have him tbh. He's seen me through several relationship break up's 🤦‍♀️ no wonder his heart is stressed!

OP posts:
Pegsmum · 31/03/2023 20:19

Bless him. It is heartbreaking, thinking of you.

itsnotmeitsu · 31/03/2023 20:46

@Chesneyhawkes1 > You will suffer but it seems like you know what's the right thing to do for him. Paw hold.

Original poster
Chesneyhawkes1 · 31/03/2023 20:54

@itsnotmeitsu yes I will. But as long as he doesn't suffer, that's all that matters.

I've got the weekend knowing he's not in pain and his breathing is easier, to spoil him at least. He was quite excited on the way home from the vets as I stopped and got him McNuggets.

Then if there hasn't been a miracle by Monday I'll say good bye.

OP posts:
Toooldtoworry · 31/03/2023 21:03

💐

No words will comfort you if you have to make that dreaded decision, but know whatever you decide it'll be the right one x

itsnotmeitsu · 31/03/2023 21:30

@Chesneyhawkes1 > Paw hold x

hiredandsqueak · 31/03/2023 21:35

I am so sorry @Chesneyhawkes1 what an awful time for you. Hoping he perks up for you but if not he's had a good life filled with love so you have served him well.

Original poster
Chesneyhawkes1 · 01/04/2023 11:54

He's gone. He went out this morning for a wee and collapsed in the garden.

Got him in and called the vet. He went peacefully. RIP little Dooley - I'll miss you always xx

Is it time ...
OP posts:
Namechangingagain111 · 01/04/2023 13:42

He had a long and happy life with you, you did the right thing for him at the end x

hiredandsqueak · 01/04/2023 15:30

So sorry 💐Run free Dooley knowing you were loved.

Twinstudy · 01/04/2023 15:34

I'll so sorry. What a beautiful face RIP Flowers

BlastedPimples · 01/04/2023 18:49

What a beautiful dog.

I'm glad you loved him and he loved you and you both knew it.

BatsHaveButtcheeks · 01/04/2023 20:12

I'm so sorry for your loss OP

itsnotmeitsu · 01/04/2023 21:50

@Chesneyhawkes1 > He was a lucky boy to have his life with you

Pegsmum · 01/04/2023 22:09

I’m so sorry, what a beautiful boy x

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread