Is it time to put my beloved boy to sleep? Lymphoma.

[Fingerscrossedfor2021HK]

Dear all -

I am hoping for some advice (or perhaps just a handhold) over what to do about my beautiful dog. He was diagnosed with lymphoma a little over 14 months ago. He had chemo when initially diagnosed and went into remission but we always knew it would come back. When it first came back we did another round of chemo in the knowledge that remission was unlikely but that it would buy us some more time with him relatively healthy (he is one of the lucky dogs and chemo didn't seem to distress him).

We knew it would happen but he has taken a turn for the worse (laboured breathing, will only eat treats, very tired). Is he telling us that he is tired of fighting this? The vet said we could try a different chemo protocol but that at this stage (secondary tumours all over the lungs) it may not work / may only give us weeks.

I think I know the answer, but what would you do? The vet says he isn't suffering yet but I don't want to wait for that to happen. Is it time to let him stop fighting and put him to sleep? I am in floods even typing this.

Any words of wisdom would be so appreciated. He is only 8 and the best boy in the world. x

Sorry to hear about your poor dog. But I think the time has come. As you say, he's not going to last much longer and doesn't deserve to be in pain. Let him go. He knows you love him.

I am so sorry. Earlier this year we had to say goodbye to our too young very dear dog. She needed to go.
I am glad we could let her go before it go too bad but it was the hardest thing I ever did.
I think if you are asking, you know the answer.

Yes, I think it’s time.
so sorry 💐

I think it's time.

I'd take some time off work to give him the best last few days you can and them book him in for the weekend. He's not suffering now so you can really make the most of the time you have left - take him on he walks he loves, let him sleep in your bed, feed him lots of treats etc - but it's better not to let it get to that point.

I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this.

Thank you. I know it’s time but I almost want “permission”. It’s so awful - he is my first dog and although I grew up with pets, some of whom had to be PTS, this is the first time that I have to make the decision (with DH). Dogs really are too good for this world. I truly hope that he will be waiting for me if there is such a thing as heaven.

I'm so sorry.

Your choices are:

1. do nothing, 2, let him go now while he is still (possibly) finding some enjoyment in life - this puts his suffering before your peace of mind 3. wait until he is suffering so much that it's an easy decision to make - this puts your peace of mind before his suffering. Personally I think you'd be right to let him go now. That's not stealing any life from him, it's protecting him as much as you possibly can.

I've heard lots of pet owners say 'I wish I'd done it sooner' but so far I've never heard anyone say 'I wish I'd waited longer'.

Sending love and courage.

My 7 yr old boy was diagnosed with lymphoma and we were advised to put him to sleep within a week.
It was absolutely heart wrenching but I didn't want him to be in pain.Im so sorry.

Thank you all for your kind words. His vet is coming later today. At least he can spend his last moments at home and we can give him a gentle and dignified passing x

I recently lost my beautiful cocker spaniel, Belle. I knew it was time, as heartbreaking as it was for us, it was time.

Her last day was spent with lots of cuddles and me telling her that she had been such a good girl. I cant describe how much I miss her and I could have let it drag in longer but she was clearly not enjoying life as much as she had. Someone on here said better to let her go a day too early than a day too late and I knew it was time.

Thinking of you ❤️

Glad you could arrange it at home. Best dog mum ever for the best boy.

Thank you for such kind words. He is on my lap and I am trying not to cry x

Sending love op x

Sending you and your DDog a handhold and lots of love - what a wonderful time you have had together

So sorry for what you're going through. Eight years won't feel like long enough for you but it will have meant everything to your dog - he is incredibly lucky to have an owner who loves him as much as you and your DH clearly do.

Thank you all. In the end he was very peaceful and I think he knew it was time and wanted to go. He had his eyes closed even before the vet put in the cannula. He was looking at me as I held him as he went to sleep for the last time. It was all very peaceful and over in seconds. We were outside on a blanket in his favourite spot and the sun set shortly after he was put to sleep. I am heartbroken and feel privileged to have had such a wonderful friend. We will miss him every day.

@Fingerscrossedfor2021HK
He had a peaceful passing, with his family around him, who loved him very much.
So sorry for your loss x

Oh, so sorry for your loss. We lost our beautiful 13 yr old boy to this last January, it’s truly devastating to lose them, but you gave him the perfect goodbye ♥️ xx

It comforts me a bit to think that dogs really don't count in years. They count in loving moments. I think your ddog had a life time of loving moments and that's all that matters in the end.
I am so sorry for you loss.

A perfect conclusion to a happy life. If only we could all pass like that.

What a lovely way to leave this world. Completely surrounded by love.