Re: Knowing when to let go Very sensitively written Pippa , a subject close to my heart due to my work for the Blue Cross . One problem being that dogs are so programmed to " carry on regardless " and to mask symptoms , that often by the time that symptoms are evident , the illness is well advanced and often untreatable . I do think that we have a duty to our dogs to do the kindest thing, for them not for us .
Re: Knowing when to let go It's horrible. Having Billy put to sleep just before Christmas was so difficult for me... My choice was based on my perception that he was still happy, despite being really really old. One morning he had peed in his bed and couldnt get up properly, and the look on his face just told me that this was the day to say goodbye. Making me cry now just thinking about it. But it is our duty to help them on their way and not wait too long. I have another elderly dog at home now, and my dearest wish would be that I come into the living room one morning to find him dead. Not yet though!!! He's still running around happily at present. I think for me part of the difficulty was having the power over life and death of a creature you love. Very freaky and quite distressing. But the vet said to me, that humans often suffer so badly before they are able to die, and that dogs with responsible owners are very lucky in that respect. Never an easy choice anyway.
Re: Knowing when to let go It is a very difficult responsibility isn't it. But I think your vet is right.
Re: Knowing when to let go I've been thinking about this some more, and wondering why actually I let my old dog go on for so long, when he was indeed incontinent and unsteady (although I do know he was very happy and not in any pain). Apart from the fact that he was a lovely old boy, I have realized that he was also a symbol for a part of my life that had ended. He was actually my ex-husband's dog, so his death symbolised the end of my marriage. Also, the children adored him - so having to put him to sleep was like a door closing; accepting that they were grown up and had gone off to university. And in addition, after the kids and my ex had left, I was on my own for a while, and the dogs were so important to me - gave me companionship, routine and sympathy; they went through a lot with me. So, for all those reasons, I found it very hard to say goodbye. I am sure others have similar stories to tell. Just wanted to point out that it's not always a clear-cut decision to make... It's certainly a very loaded and emotional one, because our dogs arent just work tools - they are our friends and companions. And we owe them a dignified life, and a dignified and painless end.
Re: Knowing when to let go Its very understandable Karen , that you are questioning yourself , its something most of us do . I think that we all want to feel that it was the right time, but thats a hard call , your boy wasnt in pain and was happy , you mustnt beat yourself up . I always say its the quality of life that we give to our dogs that count and it sounds like he had a lovely happy life being loved and thats what matters .
