Old dog -PTS this week

[CleoClara]

Little old terrier, aged 15 is declining in every way bar her appetite.
Back legs are weak, she is mostly deaf and doesn’t see well. Gets confused, stands in odd places barking in an awful shrill way.
Looks fat, but when you feel her ribs, there’s not much covering, so think something is going on inside.

I’m going away for two weeks next week, she booked in with a home boarder.

I need to put her to sleep this week, don’t I?

With previous dogs, there has been a sudden and serious deterioration, so the decision has been easier.

She has been deteriorating slowly for two years, but I think it’s unfair to leave her now.

Unmumsnetty hugs op, you are right, now is the time when you can take her,hold her and she'll know she's loved. It's a bloody horrible task to do.

I think yes, it is the kindest thing to do when you are there to tell her you love her and see her on her way. Horrible but she needs you to make the decision, no matter how much it hurts. It is the last gift of love you have for her.

I am so sorry. I can see it coming soon for one of my cats, and am dreading it but will have to take my own advice soon. I do feel for you. She is loved, and will always be.

Oh it's so hard isn't it, but you are right, you can't leave her like this. Time to let her go peacefully and gently.

I think you do. It's hard making that decision isn't it? I had my 5yo pts last week. It was the right decision. Tough to make but a relief once it was done and no guilt.

Thank you all ❤️
I did know I needed to do it and I appreciate the support and wise words

Oh what an awful time for you, but yes it sounds like it is time. Much better that you can be there with her, and nothing has to happen in an emergency while you're away. I'm so sorry.

You need to do the right thing by her. Better a week too early than a day too late. I’m very sorry for you both x

We lost our 15yo girl on Friday. Went from tip top to gone in less than 12 hours. Still in shock tbh.. A stroke.
Other ddog 12 has cancer.

Terminal and going downhill..
We are booked to go away in 3 weeks time.
So in 2 weeks time I'll be in your shoes op.
Life is thoroughly crap right now isn't it op?
Best regards to you.

It is shit, isn't it. I know it's a massive cliche and I hate them, but there is a truth in the one that says 'grief is the price we pay for love'.

So sorry. You are doing the right thing. Your old dog is suffering and could be really distressed without you when you go away. Remember the 15 years of love and belly rubs. Sending hugs.

Sounds like the right thing to do OP.
It’s really tough saying goodbye to them but when we love them so very much, and we don’t want them to suffer, we somehow find the strength to get through it.

I'm so sorry OP. I'm dreading the day I have to make the decision for my sweet girl.
Go gently, OPs good dog.

I’m so sorry, OP. It’s the most hideous of things. I would urge you to have a chat with your vet to see what the short/longer term prognoses are. I would hate to feel rushed into something because I was going away, but equally I agree that these decisions should be timely and not drawn out more than necessary. Only a vet can really help with that decision from a standpoint of expertise (along with your understanding of your little dog’s quality of life etc, obviously).

I so wish we could all be spared this. I wish my own dog could be with me forever.

I totally agree with what you said. Ask the experts. When I put mine down they reassured me she was in pain. I could not see straight and therefore listened to them. I took comfort in the old say that better too soon than too late. It is a horrible decision to make and I revised my view on assisted dying after that (now rather against it because of the burden on the ones doing it). It takes great courage and immense responsibility to do it. For our dogs, we have a choice to give them the death they deserve but the burden is on you. You can control the process. It was done in my garden, in her favourite spot. I drove her to the crematorium. But the guilt of making that decision lives with me. Just a word of warning which I was immensely grateful I stumbled upon, they don’t de facto anasthesise first, do it. Good luck and whatever decision you take will be the right one. Big hugs.

Such a sad time, but you know it is the time to provide her with the ultimate act of love and dignity.

Be there with her and know its the absolutely the kindest thing to do.

Bloody heartbreaking, but when you know, you know. And so does she.

It's the most heartbreaking part of owning a dog. All the love we share with them, they share with us. Best to be with her than leave her with a sitter and she be all confused and scared.

So sorry. Sending you hugs.

Thank you all, she slipped away peacefully at the vets today. I am sad, but have no doubts at all that it was the right decision. Spoiled her rotten over the last couple of days - she ate everything offered to her!

My sympathy to all those of you going through the same situation.

Ah, OP, I’m so sorry. I truly am. Sending you all kindness.

Big hugs to you. You did the right thing. She will be waiting for you wherever she is xxx

A vet once told me 'Better a day too early than a day too late' when it comes to helping them on their way. Big hugs to you OP

She knows exactly how much you loved her, what a fitting end for her. Lucky girl.
Hugs to you OP.

It’s the ultimate act of love and you ensured her last moments were peaceful, dignified and surrounded by love. She couldn’t have asked for a better mom