how do you know it is time to say goodbye

[Camelot Farms]

It is time. Do what's best for him now...he's given you his best so its your turn to return the favor.

((hugs))

 

[PuppyBantamCochin]

I'm so sorry...

 

[key west chick]

This will be a decision I will have to make soon. I have a ausi mix who is 16 or so. Deaf, cateracts, athritis, very wobbley when he walks. But, he still has a good appetite and when I look past the cateracts, I still see "Murrey" looking at me with joy in his heart. When that light is gone, I know it will be time.

 

[NellaBean]

Once an otherwise healthy dog loses control of his bowels, I consider it time. My old dog Brandy was put down at 14 years old. She had gone steadily downhill the last year and woke me up one night with strange sounding breathing. When we got her up, she had lost control of herself and could only stand there and pant. Keep in mind, the dog doesn't "know" that it is the end.....they know only that they are going to sleep. They have no awareness of death. It does sound like he is ready for his nice long nap, he definitely deserves it. If you can manage it, be there with him.

 

[SillyChicken]

I understand what you're going through, it's a tough decision.

Since he's having trouble moving, see if your vet will make a house call and take care of him at home for you. That's what I did with my boy a few years ago, I think it takes away some of the stress for you and the dog.

 

[Mak]

Oh this is always the hardest decision to make! I have had to do it in the past, and it just doesn't get easier. But you have to try to be at least a little bit objective and know when you are trying to keep them going for you, not for them. I will be facing that oh, so hard thing with Murphy (my Lab) in the next few years, I think. He's showing more and more signs of age, and his hips are giving him more trouble with the arthritis all the time.

I know your pain, Jake sounds like a great fellow. Saying goodbye to a loved friend is something none of us looks forward to.

 

[KimberlyJ]

I'm in tears just thinking about you. Putting my boxer to sleep was the worse day of my life, but I met some really wonderful, caring animal professionals on that journey. Never knew you could cremate a pet. I meant to bury him with some grasses in the backyard, but ended up making a small memorial to him on a shelf, with his ashes, collar, leash and a picture of him. That helped a lot. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. ((more hugs)) for you and Jake.

 

[The Lisser]

I think the fact that you are asking . . . you know the answer.

Hugs and Kisses to your boy. He will be playing and running on the other side.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Here is a page from one of our local vets and a friend... she has some good info here...

http://www.vetstopetsmvs.com/Vets_to_Pets/EUTHANASIA.html

 

[drdoolittle]

It's so much kinder to let them go while they are still something of the dog they've always been. I had to do this about 4 years ago----first, our14-yr.old JRT had to be put down due to cancer, and 2 weeks later, we had to have our 12-yr. old pit mix put down----he also had cancer, but I think once our JRT, Missy, was gone, he kind of just gave up. My thoughts and prayers are with you. One person who posted was right----this is your decision to make.