Just took Doug to get some lumps and bumps looked at and his manicure at the vets. My usual vet is very ill so i saw another. She know Doug quite well and I like her. We checked them out and looked at the options had a really good talk and I have decide not to do anything. No more Surgical interventions for Doug, its defiantley time to to stop. We are not even going to test them. Its sad but i feel its the best thing and kindest thing to do. I don't think they will kill him, sometimes I wonder what will. his will is so strong and he is very happy. I hope he will die in his sleep peacefully at home like freyja. He's still eating going for a walk, playing with me and the other dogs. As long as he's like this and pain free I will keep him alive, but I think we are getting closer to the point of him just falling away almost. It's very hard to watch and I still remember him as a pup and he's still got the same look in his eye as he did then.
It is so sad to think of them not being around You're doing the right thing to think of what your plan is, and there definitely comes a time when palliative care only is the best thing. Hope he happily continues on for much longer though
I had been wondering how Doug was. It sounds like you have made a good decision. Palliative treatment isn't NO treatment it will just ensure he has the best quality of life possible without artificially prolonging it. I do hope he remains happy and content and you can both enjoy your time together.
Doug is such a lucky dog to have you looking after him. With hindsight, we wouldn't have had Scooby's lump removed. It was a difficult recovery period for him, then we lost him straight after to an unrelated problem. He could have enjoyed those 3 weeks more.
We didn't have any of Raisin's (our last lab) lumps investigated as they didn't give him any problems. Although he died relatively young - only 9 - it wasn't related to his lumps. Sometimes it's so difficult to make the right decision, you want to do the best for your dog but it can be hard not to investigate things like that when the technology is available. It sounds as though you are making the right choices for Doug, you must have a lovely relationship with him.
It's sad to have to make these decisions and think of the time they won't be with you. But no-one will make better decisions than you - a careful person, taking advice and who completely loves the dog, is absolutely the best person to decide what to do. I always think that no dog could wish for more than to be loved and cared for right to the end.
A difficult time but Doug couldn't be more loved and cared for. I hope I can do such a good job for my dogs
I think you have made the very best call for Doug , let him enjoy whatever time he has left with those who love him so x
Yep he sat on the sofa last night so i could check his nails after they were cut and he has no infections as yet. we had a big cuddles. He really is more lumps than dog now his fatty lumps? are everywhere. We also had a big fight and i rolled him around on his back while he tried to kill me , he's so playful. I really glad of all your replys its really helpful and a comfort at a hard time. best thing to do seems to just love him and forget about all the stuff it just what he needs.
Grrrrarrrrr, he sounds dangerous!! It's lovely to hear how much you love him. It's such a hard time, but you are doing everything right. Big hugs.
Its having to wait for the inescapable thats the killer. And when he sleeps he sleep so deeply that i have to check to see if he's alive. I sure he'd say stuff that give us a chew, unfortunatley Im human and can see ahead
The boys got into a tussle today Rory for the 2nd time in his life decided to mount midge. Last time was about 12 months ago and Doug just gave him the look and he stoppped right away. This time Doug stormed over and Bared his teeth and gave Rory a proper telling off. Rory stopped straight away and then midge really told him off. I really had to laugh rory was so upset and Doug looked amused. As Doug gets weaker I've noticed Rory trys to take liberties, he's defiately trying to be the man in charge, but Dougs actually enjoying outsmarting Rory and it seems to have put an extra spring in his step. It really interesting watching Rory try to take over and the watch Doug almost smile and pull another clever old boy move. Doug seems to be loving having some fun with Rory, but he's always been a very clever dog who definately likes to take the p**s.
Doug is such a lucky dog ti have you for his owner. Long may he continue to enjoy your live and care x
Doug sounds like an amazing dog and I think you have made a very tough choice, but the right one. Continue to enjoy him x
