We have a 16 and 1/2 year old lab that is a rescue that we got when she was 4 months old. Over the last year she has been declining rapidly. She is still eating and drinking however that is about all that is normal. We have been taking her to out vet regularly and last week she has stated that maybe it is time. She is breathing heavily all the time now. She is also in kidney failure and on medication for that. She moans while sleeping and when ever she is getting up or down. This started about 2 weeks ago. Vet has put her on pain medication and steroids. No improvement. She called on Thursday night to check on lily. She will do what ever we feel is best. I need to know I am making the right decision for her, not me. She has another appointment today and again not sure what to do. Help!
Oh my heart goes out to you, we also had to make that awful decision in January this year and it is so difficult and devastating but I firmly believe however awful it is for us humans ,a good dog owner has to do the right thing and let their precious pet go peacefully and with dignity with no more suffering. You girl has had a really lovely long life ,leaving you with hundreds of memories that you will treasure in time,but it sounds like she is suffering a little now and you have to do that for her,the right thing for her so yes think you are making the right decision. My thoughts and love are with you and you're family
I found I just knew that the time had come. Someone once said, 'a day too early is better than a day too late". It is such a hard position to be in and I feel deeply for you. Do what you think is best for your beloved dog,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. When we got to vet, she was struggling to breath. My son and I sat with her the whole time. This was one of the hardest things I have ever done. My son is 17 and wanted to be with her. While I was so worried about him too, he told me " Mom, I can't remember a time in my life that she has not been here for me, how can I not be there for her." And of course I cried harder. Having to call my other boys and let them know was like telling them their best friend was gone too. This is going to be a difficult adjustment for us, but in my heart, I know we did the right thing. Thank you for listening and your kindness. I helped at a horrible time for us.
I am so sorry for you loss. You did a brave thing for your beloved girl, she relied on you at this time and you didn't let her down. My heart goes out to you, your brave son and the rest of your family. May her memories come back to cheers you xx
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss - you did the best thing you could to help Lily at the time when owning a pet is the most difficult thing to bear. I hope that you and your son have many happy memories of her lovely, long life with your family.
I'm so sorry that you've had to say goodbye to your lovely girl and I'm glad that you and your son were able to be with her at the end. Treasure all the memories you have of her happy life.
You have given her the final, hardest and most loving gift. I hope I can do the same for my boy when his time comes. She was a lucky girl to have you for her family. Run free lovely girl.
I have massive respect for you Maverickmom. I have seen two dogs (same owner) that had been kept going for far too long with no quality of life at all, not nice to see. You made the right decision which was best for her and you should hold your head up hight and remember all the good years you spent together.
