Sensitive…PTS

[rainbowlou]

our lovely 17 year old boy is going to be pts this week, we aren’t sure what day yet but it is definitely now time as his health has rapidly and suddenly declined.
We told the children today and they are absolutely devastated, they don’t know a time in their live he wasn’t in it (I’m struggling to remember a time myself!)
Our usual vets don’t cover our area for home visits due to distance but the lovely one we saw this week has kindly offered to come to our home in his own time, we just need to call him Monday to arrange a day and time.
I am trying to be strong for everyone else and when they are all in bed I’m so sad and upset, what makes this worse is he looks ok, he looks healthy, he still follows me around like an excited puppy but inside he isn’t well and even though not suffering or in pain he is at major risk of serious cardiac arrest at any time.
im not sure of the point of my post, I am worried about my children and how they will cope..but I’m so not ready for this even though it has to happen. I feel so guilty even though it’s the right thing to do for him, I wish the vet said he was in pain or he looked unwell. .
if anyone had any words of wisdom to help us get through this week I’d be so grateful as we have never done this before.

You couldn’t do more for this dog who has clearly been loved and cherished for years by you and your family. Why wait for him to suffer? You know he would if you didn’t take the vet’s advice. It is the right thing and you’re going about it the best way for the best reasons. Be kind to yourself. You need to model to your children how it’s ok to grieve and the same time as celebrating his life. Perhaps a little ceremony afterwards sharing special memories and lighting a candle for him. I do feel for you.

I fully agree with everything *AtlasPine has said. It is the one last kindness you can do for a beloved and loving friend. I had to do this for my lovely dog earlier this year so I know how hard it is and how easy it is to second guess your decision. Be assured that he knows you are doing the very best thing for him and that he is a Very Good Boy. I will be thinking of you.

Thank you both, it’s the most horrible feeling.
The vet is calling us tomorrow to arrange things.
Our dog has been following us around all day, running about at times, even went for a little walk earlier, you’d have no idea how poorly he is if you saw him x

I can completely relate to your feelings, my tiny primary age kid is struggling terribly with having our dog put to sleep a month ago.

I am too, she was my first baby and although we knew she was declining due to dementia and other issues the end came as a very sudden shock in under 24 hours we went from her being seemingly ok to PTS. Although it was clear a few hours before PTS that she was really really unwell.

i don’t know how old your children are but I’ve been honest with mine and she has been extremely pragmatic about it whilst being very upset. I’ve tried really hard to focus on the happy & funny experiences with the dog but goodness me it has been hard.

sending very unmumsnetty love for the coming days. It in indescribably hard but I keep telling myself that PTS in the best way for them is the most important final job as their human x

I can completely relate to how you're feeling. I felt incredibly guilty when we had our JRT pts, especially as he really seemed to perk up on the day. As some wise souls on here said to me at the time, better a week too soon than a day too late. Imagine how traumatic it would be if your lovely dog went into CA - so much better to go quietly and peacefully.

I have been through this and the best advice I was given was “better a week too soon than a day too late” My wonderful girl was almost 18 and also still seemed ok nut I couldn’t risk her having an awful ending. You will cry , your children will cry but you have to be strong and do the best for your best dog in the world xx

My children are teens, one is very much heart on her shoulder and very vocal with feelings and openly upset.
the other one is very withdrawn and quiet with a history of self harm so I’m worried about them.
we are talking about ways to remember him and keeping him in constant company with lots of cuddles xx

I’ve heard that saying on here before and it’s so true, it’s what I keep repeating to myself x

I’m really sorry. It’s the worst bit about having a dog. But it’s the one final kind act you can do for them.

We have a paperweight and a key ring made out of clear resin with a few sparkly hearts in and some hair from our two late labradors. Would something like that be an idea for the children? So they’ll have a permanent souvenir.

💔so sorry

Hope you can get a little comfort that he had a wonderful life with you and your family

That sounds lovely x

Thank you, he has literally never been away from us, maybe the odd night here and there with my parents but holidays etc have always been dog friendly options, so I hope he enjoyed his time with us x