I think there may have been a thread in the past about having to put your aging dog down, but I did not take the time to search. I am just looking for advice as to the factors that ultimately led to your decision to do so, if you have been in that situation. All thoughts appreciated...

Wife and I have gone through this twice and each time it was a quality of life decision. Neither were terminally ill so it was really a tough call. They were just very old so in constant pain from bad joints, loss of hearing, loss of sight (cataracts). What it came down to was asking ourselves if we were keeping them alive just to avoid the sadness of their passing. Never an easy thing, sorry you're going through it.

I would never keep him alive for my sake. I am just unsure of his pain level because he no longer really 'communicates'. He lost his hearing over the last 1-2 years, and now barely ever makes a noise. I know it is, at a minimum, uncomfortable for him to get up, and possibly very painful, but rarely is there a 'yelp'. He has lost about 1/3 of his weight (66 pounds down to 43), and cannot hold his pee overnight; in fact I am up several times a night to try and get him to go out, each time a struggle. I don't think he is having a lot of fun anymore, and at almost 15, I don't know how much is left in the tank. I certainly don't want to force him onward if he is not enjoying life. I stopped at the vets office this morning and discussed it briefly; will ponder their advice also.

Tremendous pup who got me and the family through some difficult times.

I would look to see if they seem to enjoy life. I think this is self explanatory with your pet, and you know them best. But some signs would be: When you come home, do they great you with smiles and tail wags, etc? Even if in pain, do they enjoy walks? Are they still eating meals regularly?

In your case, it seems this may not be thre case, and at that point, I think you have to make the tough decision to move on.

Aren't you just sending the dog to dog heaven? Isn't that a better place?

Religion has a way of comforting people. Since you have professed your faith in the past, why not lean on the crutch?

sleeper;1791889 wrote:Aren't you just sending the dog to dog heaven? Isn't that a better place?

Religion has a way of comforting people. Since you have professed your faith in the past, why not lean on the crutch?

I thought you retired, moved south, and were living large as a 1%'er.

Take care.

Laley23;1791887 wrote:I would look to see if they seem to enjoy life. I think this is self explanatory with your pet, and you know them best. But some signs would be: When you come home, do they great you with smiles and tail wags, etc? Even if in pain, do they enjoy walks? Are they still eating meals regularly?

In your case, it seems this may not be thre case, and at that point, I think you have to make the tough decision to move on.

Generally he will still get up when I get home, and I will still grab a beer and we will make our trek out back. But it is a pretty slow go these days and I can't tell if he is in pain yet still wants to go just out of habit. Worse, he refuses a sip of the beer nowadays, that can't be a good sign

Thanks for the tips.

I'm right there with you. I have an 11 year old lab mix with a tumor in her mouth. Some days it swells up so big she can't see out of one eye. But she seems relatively happy and she still eats so I don't think it hurts. I go back and forth every day if I should put her down.

Check with your vet. They should know your dog well enough to have some insight. Sorry you are going through this.

I can empathize deeply, Quaker. Have had to do it four times, three dogs and a cat. Certainly not enjoyable, but our pets depend on us to make the right decision.

For me, it was when they couldn't stand up anymore, that's when I knew it was time.

So sorry

You'll know when it's the right time...and it is never very easy. Then afterwards you'll second guess yourself. In the end, none of us are getting out of this alive. Treat him as you would want to be treated. They depend on us to make the call.

I haven't been on here for a time... Its your call QuakerOats... The last dog I had that died was damn near blind and deaf (vet said he may of had a stroke) .... but he still had a strong appetite and never lost control of his bowels(sp). He died laying beside my pond (on his own terms). Just do what you think is best for your buddy.

I personally don't get one's attachment with animals. Don't get me wrong, I like animals. My wife and kids have about 10. I just don't get the attachment with them. I have animals, and I know that there is a high percentage that I am going to outlast them, and that some of them might not last very long at all. I also am under the full understanding that I have to clean up after these f*ckers, which distances any attachment I may have. When my dog(s) die, sure I'll be a little sad, but I'll find some comfort in the fact that I won't have to pick up their shit anymore.

For the record, we (re: wife/kids) have: 2 dogs, 1 cat, 1 parakeet, 2 horses, 6 chickens. Moving into the country, so that number will be sure to rise. Probably barn cats.

My dog is almost 10, but he is still very healthy and spry. I know I will be an absolute wreck when he eventually passes away. I actually tear up just thinking about it...even if it is many years away. I personally don't get one's detachment with animals. My dog is my baby. He has been family for 10 years, and I love him.

My parents have a Westie who is 17, and they are in the midst of making the tough decision to put him down. It's sad for all of us.

etb, you sound like the person who grows up to be a serial killer lol.

Laley23;1792642 wrote:etb, you sound like the person who grows up to be a serial killer lol.

Because I don't get attached to animals?

I've only had to go through it once, but it seemed to be pretty obvious. You know when the dog isn't the same. A lot of times, if you have a really close bond, they will withstand pain and discomfort to hang on for their owner. When they stop eating, stop playing, etc...it's time. At that point, they have probably already been through more pain and discomfort than we even realize.

ernest_t_bass;1792646 wrote:Because I don't get attached to animals?

It was a joke as almost all serial killers have the stories about not loving the family pet or not caring about anything or anyone else.

I obviously don't think you were throwing your dogs into a fire pit and shit.

It looks like tomorrow morning; going to be a tough one. I appreciate the advice and good wishes above.

QuakerOats;1793779 wrote:It looks like tomorrow morning; going to be a tough one. I appreciate the advice and good wishes above.

You've got my sympathy. Dogs are family. We had to put our little buddy down last fall. It was a similar situation to yours. Hard as it is, it's the last great loving thing you can do for your little guy. Best wishes.

My wife and I early in our relationship as had dogs, we have had to make this type of call 4 times and never an easy situation. In a few months from now we may have to make this desisions for the 5 time with our 14 year old Golden....
We have had 2 Goldens die of old age in their sleep which was, in some ways ever traumatic situation for the kids and very unexpected. One of our 2 year old Golden turned his stomach and we had to make a desisions about that, medical cost, long term care, quality of life and potential complication durning and after surgery. That one was very difficult and again unexpected.
We know that we have provided a good, loving, healthy and caring life for our pets but we understand that at some point the quality of life for them and our capabilities to care and provide for them will come to a point that for both this desisions will have to happen. I believe that at the time they are put down they know what is to happen and like in their life they still love us and trust in our love for them.

I had to put down my Irish Setter several months back. He was 15 when I put him down. I knew it was time since he could hardly move and was not even close to himself. I had the neighbor bring his backhoe over and dig me a hole. I put him down myself. I have done this with everyone of my pets. Growing up in the country this is how we always done it. I must say this one actually hurt more than the other ones. He was my buddy and went everywhere with me. It brought tears to my eyes when I did the deed. One of the hardest things I have ever done.

Fab4Runner;1792625 wrote:My dog is my baby. He has been family for 10 years, and I love him.

Were you the one that started a thread about how many kids you want to have? When/if you do have kids you'll realize that your dog isn't anything like your baby. It may be the closest thing you have to a baby right now, but it's not a human. It's a dog.

kayo;1794463 wrote:Were you the one that started a thread about how many kids you want to have? When/if you do have kids you'll realize that your dog isn't anything like your baby. It may be the closest thing you have to a baby right now, but it's not a human. It's a dog.

My mom has 5 kids, and her dogs are her babies. That's just how we are in my fam - our dogs are family members. Obviously I am going to love an actual child more than my dog, but he will still be my sweet little baby boy.

Needless to say, it was heart-wrenching.......tough, tough weekend.

What a great pal he was; things are sure not going to be the same.

But, the whole family was better for having him for nearly 15 years. What a pup!