Hello new here so hope anyone can guide us. We have a 15 year old lab she has gone lame due to bad arthritis on both her front shoulders and it has now spread to her rear legs. She went lame about 6 months ago and we thought that was it but gradually we bought her back round . Now she's had a relapse again is very reluctant to get up if she manages it she quickly sits back down again. Walking is definitely out she's got a beige colour discharge from her rear due to not being able to go toilet properly she's still wagging her tail and tries to roll over but it's heart breaking to see her like this . She's been on joint tablets and they originally helped but we think it's beyond that now . We know there's a decision to be made here but it's just the actual making it that's the hardest part as she's a loved member of our family . Has anyone else been through similar. Any help or advise is greatly appreciated .
Re: Advice needed please This must be so hard for you, heartbreaking, Im not the one to advise, someone will be along soon who can , Im sure xx
Re: Advice needed please Sending you and your family warm thoughts, and hugs. What a difficult time for you. At the bottom of this article you'll find many experiences of people in a similar situation: http://www.thelabradorsite.com/knowing-when-to-let-go-of-your-labrador/ Please let us know how things progress with your lovely dog. Best wishes to you.
Re: Advice needed please I had a GSP who wasn't quite 13 years old, but crippled with arthritis, the sad thing was that in her head she was as young and lively as ever. I just made the decision one day and that was that. As one vet said, best to be a day too early rather than a day too late. It is a very, very hard and almost impossible decision to make, you may find that one day you will think "this is the day". If she is in great pain this will make it easier for you as you will easing her out of her pain. But it is still heartbreaking to say goodbye.
Re: Advice needed please Hi John and welcome to the forum. I'm sorry that such a sad topic brings you here. I've only had to say goodbye to one dog (make a decision to let him go) and he had cancer and massive internal bleeding, so we had to make a decision on the spot. His legs were also very wobbly and for a while we had assumed that it would be his legs that would prompt us to have to decide. We agreed that the 'point of no return' for us was if our could not get up himself to go to the toilet and was soiling himself where he lay. We felt that our dog would be miserable under those circumstances and in more pain than we could control. As it was we did not get to that point. He was 14. It is a really tough thing. But, helping a beloved family member to leave behind their pain is also a very special and brave thing. When you decide that it's time, whenever that it, plan a last special meal for your girl. Take lots of photos and video. Be there with her and stroke her face. Tell her whatever you need to. Also, think about what you would like for afterwards. It's hard, but it's best to consider it ahead of time. We took our boy home and had him lying on his bed for one more night and the next day we buried him in our garden. We all understand how utterly hard this is and how heartbreaking it is to contemplate not having your beautiful dog around any more. Thinking of you and your family.
Re: Advice needed please I have been in exactly your position with a much loved and aged dog who could barely walk at the end. One day I just realized it couldn't go on any more. It's a terribly difficult decision, but once you have made it, you know you are acting for the best. Just stay with your old friend until the end; hold her and tell her what a good dog she's been - she will feel no fear or pain, and her tail will wag until the end. :'(
Re: Advice needed please Thank you all for your replys and support . It certainly helps to read other peoples experiences.
Re: Advice needed please I can't give any advice, but just wanted to say that I am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. I'm sure you will make the right decision when the time is right x
Re: Advice needed please Hi John, Welcome to the forum. I am very sorry to hear about your sad situation. :'( I was in a very similar position last year with my 13 year old lab. She had kidney cancer and we had to make the decision to end her suffering. We were adamant that we wouldn't let her suffer and as soon as she found it difficult to get up and go out to the toilet we decided the time was right. It was very hard to take her to the vets that day but we held her, stroked her ears and told her we loved her and after the initial grief We were glad we had not prolonged her suffering for any longer. It is a very hard, difficult thing to do but it will be the last act of kindness you do for your dog when the time is right for her. Sending hugs to you and your family.
Re: Advice needed please If/when you make the decision, do stay with your dog. I used to work for a vet and it was heartbreaking when the owners couldn't bear to stay and the dog used to look after them. My last GSP was put to sleep just before Christmas and all three of us, vet, me and my dog, sat on the floor, I gave Saffy delicious things to eat, very tasty tidbits which the vet had given me earlier. The vet, at a later date, said my dog 'had had a lovely death'.
Re: Advice needed please John I react so emotionally to these posts ,I have a cry every time which is not helpful or practical but just wanted to send you my very best wishes .You have given her a life filled with love and happiness and she will have done the same . sending you my very best wishes at this heartbreaking time Angela x
Re: Advice needed please So sorry you are in this very difficult time with your pooch. It's so hard, but ultimately it's up to us to look after him the best we can both at the beginning and the end of their lives. Sending you sympathy and hugs at this very difficult time. :'(
Re: Advice needed please I have been there 3 times over the years with my Newfies. It was so hard as they were still bright in their minds but their legs had just given up. My vet always says you will know when its the right time. He was right as I think you get to a point and feel its just not kind any more. Its heart breaking but I am glad we gave them comfort and dignity at the end. We still miss them. Big hugs to you at this difficult time. Emma and Meg.
Re: Advice needed please My old lab got to 15. He was on quite a lot of tablets in the last 6 months and I want sure I was doing the right thing keeping him going. My friend who has had a lot of dogs told me I would know when it was time and I did. I knew he'd had enough, he just wanted to sleep and everything had got hard work. I got the vet to come to me. Yes it cost but, maybe I'm soft, I didn't want his last moments to be in the vets. You will know when it's time and I found waiting for that harder than once I'd made the decision because I knew it was the right thing and the last and kindest thing I could do for him. I'm sorry you are having to go through this. Just remember all the fun and happy times you've had together and try and smile.
Re: Advice needed please Welcome to the forum, John albeit not at the best of times for you or your faithful friend. As previous posts, it is a heart rending time and I've been there many times, each one difficult and very emotional but as others have said, you'll know when it's time to say goodbye. The good thing is you can put an end to his suffering and allow him his dignity at the end, when it comes. It's a very personal decision but you know he's had a good innings, 15 is a good age - it doesn't make it easier but take comfort in your times together and you're doing him that final kindness we all want to put off for another day. And yes, do stay with him. Our thoughts are with you.
Re: Advice needed please John, nothing more I can add, but just to say I am thinking of you through this extremely sad time. Saying goodbye to your lovely friend is not only the hardest thing to do but the kindest :'( :'( :'( Lots of hugs to you and your girl xxx
Re: Advice needed please Such a dark time for you. I call it "The last best thing you can do for your dog" It is an act of selfless love.
Re: Advice needed please Hello John , and welcome under such sad circumstances . I am so very sorry , but it truly is the kindest final act you can do for your much loved dog , I`ve been there too many times, but never regretted staying with my dogs, my thoughts are with you and yours
Re: Advice needed please So sorry you're facing this tough time. I know too how much it hurts to lose an old dog. Also echoing, stay with him when the time comes.
