Another dementia one

[Iamdefinitelynamechangingforthis]

Just need a handhold really and assurance we’re doing the right thing.

Our collie X is 7 and has early-onset dementia. He’s always had issues (think having to be house trained again every couple of months as well as PICA) but apart from that was just a complete softy who was happiest when cuddling with hubs and me.

However, he’s been nipping / biting more and more frequently over the last 12 months, to the point where he’ll try to bite then end up confused and upset that he’s done that. He’s also getting more upset and barking at the slightest thing, where he wouldn’t have done previously. We saw the Vet earlier this year to have tests which showed the dementia, and we discussed what would happen / timelines and what the best decision would be for him.

Unfortunately, things are getting to the point where we know we need to have him PTS - he’s biting or attempting to far more frequently, he’s getting more terrified when he’s left alone for any length of time and he’s trying to sleep with us. The danger with the latter is that he leaps onto the bed then pushes between us, often against my upper back or neck - and I’ve got an issue with my spine that makes this especially dangerous. (& yes, we have tried locks on the door etc but he has popped them as he’s got so upset on the other side that he’s just kept throwing himself against the door and done himself an injury as well as damaging the door).

We know we have to take the next step, especially as there are v young children next door that he could easily get to / knock over, and it’s got to the point that we can’t have visitors and have had to pull up the flooring throughout the ground floor as it’s been ruined by wee. It’s just so damned hard when we’ve had him since 8 weeks old.

Please no judgement - the Vet also agrees it’s the right thing to do, but a handhold as we sort out dates etc. If he was seriously medically unwell / physically in poor condition then we wouldn’t hesitate, but other than the dementia he’s fine and that’s what is making us delay.

No judgement at all. Such a difficult decision but I think it sounds like the right one for him and for your household. Saying goodbye is never easy but i really believe in that old adage that its better a week too soon than a day late. If you can, find a vet that will come to your home, it makes things much more easy for you all being in a familiar environment. Enjoy the time you have left with him and know you are doing the best thing for him.

I had to have my beautiful, old, Collie Lab put to sleep in June due to Vestibular disease and cancer. She was very ill for the last two weeks of her life and various veterinary treatments simply weren't working. She was also during this time only eating tiny amounts of food and lost weight and condition very quickly. I had to make the dreaded decision to let her go. The thing that keeps me going is knowing she's at peace now and I acted swiftly to stop future suffering.

I'm sorry you're having to make this decision, especially with your dog being relatively young which must make it doubly difficult. But your vet is telling you it's time, which means there's no treatment available and things will just get worse for your dog and yourselves the longer it goes on. I believe a week too soon is better than a day too late; and that the most devastating decision for us is the kindest and most loving thing we can do for them. ❤️

Thanks for the hand-holds and @AcquadiP so so sorry about your girl.

Date is booked; it should have been today but due to a family emergency it’s now during half term. He will be with us and his favourite Vet and then come home with us to lie under the rose bush where he likes to sit and watch me garden.

So sorry sounds like he’s had a lovely life with you. Sending heartfelt hugs x