When your dog gets so old

[smkie]

YOU see them sleeping...and you watch to see if their sides are going to rise, wait..and pray that it does..then finally a big breath.. then you think..you wish that if they go, it would be in their sleep so you don't have to go through the whole sad affair of putting them down. Mary has good days of running and snorkling in the the water followed by a day of bowel trouble, and seemingly feeling bad. WE are having more and more of that. IT's so hard to have an old dog that you love so much, but you wish they weren't old and you wish you knew what to do but you don't. THis probably makes no sense at all unless you've been there. Please let today be a better day than yesterday. Not looking for sympathy, just whining and a little creeped out that i just thought she might be dead. IT doesnt' help that she was sleeping with her eyes open a little.

[Gena]

I'm fresh from that. I'm sorry you are where you are with her. For *me* dreading making the decision was the very worst part. I'm very at peace with her final day and know she's whole again now. I hope you find the peace and comfort.

ETA: My mom told me, after the many many tearful calls "Wake up today and decide if today is the day. If it isn't, then stop thinking about it for today." That helped so much. It allowed me to enjoy her last weeks with me instead of crying every time I looked at her.

[eddieq]

Smkie, I understand exactly how you feel. We went through that with Spook, our cat who we finally had to put down last November at the age of 18 1/2. I'd see him sleeping and watch for a while to ensure that I saw his chest rising. If I didn't, I'd go over and stroke him.

One more day with her to enjoy her. Loves and hugs.

[smkie]

Mary won't let me grieve her while she is alive. ...it's a rule. It upsets her if I am sad. BUt it still doesnt' change the fact that you look at them and think breathe. I fasted her for 24 hours which is what the vet says to do if i think she is having pancreatic issues. So the runny bowels stopped and i let her have breakfast. My mom thinks i should put her down but she said that 3 years ago and mary has done a great deal of happy living since. Mom only sees her when i drop her off to be doggy sat so of course she is not a happy camper there.. I made Mary the promise on the day she was born that i would never let her suffer, i would never let harm come to her. THat i would give her the very best life I possibly could. SO far I have kept my promise however she is starting to look postively ancient.

[bubbatd]

Sadly been there Smkie . She'll let you know , but I feel in my heart she'll go in her sleep for you . Thank God you didn't put her to sleep 3 yrs. ago , as I never would have met her !

[Zoom]

I think Mary will go easily, whenever she does go. She's still having too much fun right now though!! I hope I get to see her again...there's a big possibility that I'll be coming back for Thanksgiving.

[oakash]

I know how what you mean, I went though that as well. Enjoy your time with her and know that she loves you and that you have given her the best home

[smkie]

Originally Posted by Zoom

I think Mary will go easily, whenever she does go. She's still having too much fun right now though!! I hope I get to see her again...there's a big possibility that I'll be coming back for Thanksgiving.

THat would be totallllllly awesome!!!!! I realized when we were in the woods the other day that i don't think I ever took you to this spot. Sawyer will be so happy...it's really a good dog spot. No nearby roads, no people traffic..big stones to rock hop in the creek. THanksgiving is not so far away!

[Zoom]

Sawyer unfortunately would be getting boarded or staying with Foolds, because we'll be staying with my cousin, who doesn't like dogs besides her own. Which sucks, because I know he would love to go to the woods with Vic again.

[JessLough]

I know how that is Smkie. I do it all the time now with Rosey. I realize now that she's getting older, and that her time left is probably limited. I keep fearing that one morning, I will be the first to wake up, come down, and she'll be on the couch "sleeping", but her chest will no longer be rising, and my world will come crashing down. I am also terrified that the day it does happen -- will be the night that I get too busy or forget to say goodnight to her, and I can't help but think that then she may not know how much she is loved.