How Do You Know When?

Ok, I have had Fred for 16 years in June. Been a great dog, but he is having a lot of trouble getting up. He has hip displasia. Sometimes I have to pick him up to get him going.

It is a matter of time. I am going to put him on Rimadyl Bad for the dog's liver and such, but this is a quality of life issue. Will see how that works for him. Very hard for me to contemplate this, but at some point, he will need to be put down unless he keels over.

Will see how the drugs work for him. This really hurts. I have had Fred for almost half my life.

But, as a dog owner, I have to take care of my animal. We shall see, perhaps the Rimadyl will keep him going for another year.

 

Yup, QoL is paramount. I really hope the stuff works, bringing an animal in to the vet's for the last time is tough. I wish you both well.

 

Ouch.

Nothing is more painful than watching an animal that loves you suffer. I'm sorry you have to go through this. Just keep reminding yourself that you owe it to Fred to make it as painless as possible. It won't make it any easier... but it will hopefully make it hurt less when the time comes.

Here's to hoping that "the time" is far, far away...

 

I know it's tough. Been there a few times.
Even though you have known him for 16 years, he has had your friendship,love, and kindness as part of your family for 112 years.(dog years) . That is usually all a dog asks for.
That and a pat on the head or a bellyrub.

 

Most of the time you can look into a dog's eyes and see when they are "ready". I hope this is a way off.

 

To answer your question - you will know
I've lost too many to age, thankfully none were health related and premature. But age led to severe organ failure, or some such!
It's really, really tough to loose a great companion and friend.
All the best to you and Fred, hope the meds work their wonders. This was difficult to post...

 

Hi Fred, I sure do hope the meds work. I don't know if anything is harder, myself. Been there with a few myself, and all OLD AGE related.

Yes, you will know when and if the time comes. Just one look into his eyes. If the meds work, SUPER. But, like you said, eventually the time will come, and you won't have to ask anyone. My :heart goes out to you.

 

I think it is that time. Fred seems to have maybe had a mild stroke, I don't know. He can barely walk, and has depth perception problems drinking from his water bowl. Unless the vet has some miracle drug for him, it is time. And I don't think there is a drug yet for old age.

This is ripping my heart out, but, as he would have fought tooth and nail for me in his prime, it is my duty to make sure he is OK in the end.

Will never forget my critter, it has been a long road for Fred and me.

 

Thats really sad Fred_G. I hope Fred goes peacefully

 

I am trying to find the damn local pet cemetery, and I can't find it on Google. This sucks. I am searching for pet cemeteries, and Fred is outside looking at me.

Off to bed, will take Fred to the vet in the AM. I am sure they know about the pet cemeteries.

Dogs rip your freaking heart out. But, I would have it no other way. :cry

 

Fred, I am truly sorry to hear about Fred. You see, I have a 16 yr. old Golden and my vet just put him on Rimadyl about a week ago and even though Puck can get around now with no pain, or seemingly no pain, I know I'm going to be faced with the same heart wrenching decision that you're faced with before too long. As hard as it is, we have to do what is best for our best friend and, like others have said, Fred will let you know. My heart goes out to you Fred_G, and even when Fred is gone, he'll still be with you always.

 

As a pet lover my heart goes out to you Fred.
Our animals give us years of pleasure and all they ask in return is a little love and affection but there comes a time when we have to say goodbye.
I am truly sorry that time has arrived for you and Fred and i hope you get over the pain with the thought that you are doing the best thing you know to give him a peaceful end to a wonderful life where the love and affection you have shared over the years will never be forgotten.

 

It sucks when it's so painful to do the right thing, doesn't it?

And yes the vet will know, and probably put you in touch with a good one if you ask them. Whenever you feel like being social again, we'll still be here. Take your time and say goodbye to your friend.

 

It's tough, been through it many times.

Take pride in knowing you provided him a great and happy life. So many animals live out a miserable existence in some shelter, Fred had companionship and a caring owner.

Fair winds and following seas.

 

Thanks for the kind words. Fred has lost a lot of weight, and his hips were in bad shape. Plus some senility due to age. (and maybe me picking on him. :-D)

NOT fun, but it was the best thing to do. I am having him buried at a pet cemetery. Vet and staff were very nice, I was with Fred at the end.

RIP Fred.

Fred_G Dog 6/7/94 - 6/25/10 :cry

 

God awful time Fred
Been there done that :cry
I can truly relate with what you're going through....
As Bill said the loving memories last forever One always remembers, and talks about the individual and some times corky personalities of long lost doggies. Never fails to bring a smile or a laugh.

Don't want to sound like a a$$ w!Pe - but I always found some solace in bringing home a new puppy. Never hurts a dog lover to nurture a lil runt peeing and pooping all over.

Cheers..

 

Fred, I am deeply sorry to read this news. It is the hardest thing one would ever have to go thru. :cry Sometimes, you have to do the hard things, and yes, may he R.I.P.

I have had to make the same decision a few times myself. Never liked it, never wanted to do it, but had too keep them from pain. :cry

May you always have good memories.

R.I.P. Fred_G Dog

 

RIP Fred let all the long memories last with you forever.

 

Hey sorry for your loss mate, i know how it feels have a great little dog now and he means the world to both my wife and i, and i dunno what we would do without him, you keep those memories safe in a little place in your mind and your heart !
God Bless mate, and take care !

 

Rest well, Fred Dog. All your pain is behind you now.

 

It was not a fun day. Thanks for all the support. I am actually doing well, I knew this was coming. I will miss the little critter, but many more good memories than bad.

 

At least you got to be with him to see him over. I told Felix and Tibbs to make sure he feels welcome. Virtual hugs to you and yours...losing a friend pretty much always sucks no matter how much you know it was better this way.

 

More good memories than bad, that is the important thing.

I knew a dog owner once who kept their dog alive longer than I thought was merciful, just because they loved him so much and couldn't bear to lose him. It was their dog, not mine, so obviously it was not my place to tell them what to do, but ever since then I have always admired dog owners who have the ability to do right by their friends by not letting them suffer. It is so difficult and painful, and it speaks volumes about what kind of person you are that you are able to put your friend's needs above your own and be there with him to the last moment.

It is very, very painful to lose a pet you've had for several years. I asked my cat Oscar (no longer with me) to go look for Fred and give him the guided tour when he arrives. Oscar liked dogs (for some weird reason ) so hopefully they'll get along just fine and have fun exploring the woods in the beyond together.

 

Damn Sgt Tibbs and Mismsy, you are me cry. TY!

 

That's what friends are for.

 

Condolences Fred, your not the only one sitting blubbering after reading those posts. :cryIt's nice to know you found a nice resting place for your companion. We have little plots here and there on our property of loved companions who have passed.

Fond memories will always be yours. Paramonks

 

They are good tears Mimsy. And yes, that is what you all here are for. My boss opened up a 30 year old Sherry, and a 20 year old port.

Rock on Fred, I know his pain is over. It was time. :major

 

That is a very hard thing to face. You should know you did the right thing to end his suffering. Quality of life is important to all, we humans can sign a DNR, for our pets we have to decide when it's time. Some are selfish and further their pets pain by holding on. You did the right thing.

RIP Fred Dog.

 

Good on your boss! And I think I'm sorry I made you cry...except not. Fred understands.

 

My dawg and twin cats loved walking in the woods! Dawg would stay at my side and the cats would drift in and out of the woods on either side, I don't know what they were looking for but they seemed to have fun, like hunting. Then when the cats were tired, they'd hitch a ride on Dawg's back! :-D Good times.

 

BTW, I called him 'Dawg' above but his human name was Apollo. I'm not sure what his real dog name was.

 

Fred, so sorry about the loss of your dearest friend. He's in a place designed for our pets and am sure he's watching over you like he did when he was alive. Unlike our bodies, love for our loved ones never dies, regardless of it being human or not.

Thinking of the good memories after the loss of my cat made it a bit easier over time. Although it's been almost 4 years, I think of her every day and kept some of her favorite toys. (ping pong balls and (black) mice)

 

So sorry to hear of your sad loss, with the passing on of Fred. As many have eluded to in this thread, the important thing is not the loss, but that you loved someone or something else enough to feel the loss. That may seem like a cruel irony, but it is also a blessing we can take with us forever. Love is a two edged sword, that anyone who has ever experienced it wouldn't be without.

Not sure if any of this makes a lick of sense to ya, but I do feel at least some of your pain. Been there too many times before, not to.

 

Fred: Been where you are with two wonderful dogs and two cats; 17, 16 years all. It is a decsion of the heart. Do you keep them around for yourself or let them go for their sake? It is hard to decide, but I had to ask myself if I put them on pain killers, medication to keep them alive will they really have quality of life or quanity? I have wonderful memories and will also tell you it don't get easier with each new addition. In the end it is up to you and you have to be ready to let go. I'm sorry to hear you are going through this, my thoughts and prayers are with you. You will make the right choice cuz you love him.

 

Sorry it took a while for me to post but I lost my best friend in July of 2007(had to put him to sleep,medical reasons)and it is still hard to let go. I have my son's dog,(Not that I asked for himrolleyes ) but he doesn't replace my Spike. But he sure can make you laugh and mad at the same timeLOL. I'm sure in due time you will not hurt as much and will always remember that as Phantom said you got to love him and he you. The memories will always be with you.
BT