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A tough, tough choice...

We opted for option 3 with our previous dog who had a series of strokes. It was so sad watching him stumble about and struggling to walk without falling over.



There is also the saving of pet food to consider.

(sorry, just trying to lighten the mood a bit :confused: )
 
Really feel for you. We went through the same with both our dog and cat. For us, we just had to enjoy the time we had, make their lives as comfortable as possible and be prepared for making the decision as and when it was needed. Option two is the best way to go but just be prepared to act as and when. You know her and will understand when she is ready. Sad times.
 
Sorry to hear and hard to choose between 2/3. We lost our Ben a few months ago, he died almost instantly, thought this was the worst way at the time but not so sure anymore. Wish you well
 
murphthemog said:
Option 3. If it's only prolonging the decision for a few weeks, just get it over with now.
Click to expand...

This and Lord Tyrions comments, had to make this decision with Pedro our Boxer rescue dog, he was fantastic. He was struggling and it was upsetting. I took him with my lad and Pedro just went to sleep, peaceful and I know that every day I made the right but upsetting decision.

The wrong decisions I made were, just going to the vets when it was full of every flippin dog in Notts wagging its tail. I should of booked a quiet time. Also I should of asked for his ashes and buried them were all his flippin toys which were under bushes in our garden.

Pedro went to sleep in March and we tried to get him through to summer so the warm weather would be good for him, but his suffering made up our decision
 
Option 3. There is no easy answer, but the third is the best one. Being the son of a vet (retired), this scenario i saw very regularly and almost always it was number 3. Of course it is very different when it is yours, so emotions are very high. The risk of prolonging is that the last memory of the pet/family member is of suffering and being in distress, rather than a relatively happy one.

A coupe of years ago we had to take our two cats, within a few months of each, to be 'rested'. They started to show early signs of suffering, so rather than wait, it was done. Even harder when they were both purring their socks off on the way to the vets. :(
 
Having been through this exact situation, we kept our boy going for a couple more days for family and close friends to say goodbye, took him to his favourite place for a nice walk. The next day we took him for his final sleep. Its as hard a decision as I've ever had to make. But now I realise it was the only right option and extending his pain was not for his good but ours alone.
 
I have broken my heart over my last two boys (Spaniels) and I know I let them go on too long. My Meg is now 10 and still like a puppy (Springers never grow up) I am dreading her time as I know she will be our last. I know I shall not let her go on as long as the others.

Dont know if thats any Help Brian?
 
Not growing up with pets, I struggled with the notion of pets being part of the family.

Until about 18 months ago when we adopted a rabbit. The thing gets more love than anyone and really has been a blessing. I dread the day we have to make a similar decision.



To lighten the mood a little. Your Sig is a little ironic right now...

Thoughts with you
 
Sorry to hear this Hobbit. For me, it's option 3. This might sound harsh, and I mean no malice in it, but if you chose option 2 are you doing it for Bess or for you? Your description isn't selling it as much fun for her. Sorry mate, but on this occasion I'm siding with HID.
 
Both my horse of 16 years and our alsatian of 12 years were pronounced terminal with 3 weeks and we had them put down to save them further suffering.


Your dog will not understand what is happening to itself so the kindest, but hardest, is to have put to sleep rather than to prolongs its (and your) suffering.
 
Thoughts with you all, Bri.

Our Nelson was diagnosed with cancer just over 2 years ago, and it took all of the insurance policy money to diagnose it. He was given 6-12 months with a bit of luck but I would have to take him for chaemo 3 out of 4 weeks with one of the sittings wiping him out for a day after.

He was our first dog as a couple, and my first ever.

Even though it was costing us £600 a month for the treatment, we still felt that 6 out of 7/14 days he was just his normal self, and he still had a good quality of life. Sadly, he only lasted another two months, as he rapidly went downhill one day, and we took the dreaded, but correct decision, to let him go.

I think if you feel he is still enjoying life for the vast majority of the time you should enjoy your time with him, but there will come a time when you will all know, and you shouldn't hesitate then.

There isnt a right or wrong answer, and all scenarios that we have all had can be different.

Enjoy whatever time you have with Bess to the full.
 
Oh no.....you went for option 3??

Chin up Brian, I'm sure you made the right decision mate :(
 
Hobbit said:
she was deteriorating Gordon. Still came and said hello when I came in at 2pm but she had visibly deteriorated. Vet came out straightaway.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear your news. It won't be any comfort just now but at least she isn't suffering any more.
 
I don't envy having to make that decision Brian. I'm sure sooner or later Baldrick will take a turn and we will find it very hard to let him go.

RIP Bess
 
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