Is it time?

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L&M

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Sadly I think I know the answer, but just to see others reactions before I make the call.

The dog in question is a 16yr old spaniel x collie. She belonged to a very good friend of mine who asked me to look after the dog when she was diagnosed with cancer, and subsequently died, so have had her for the last 6 yrs (so the sentimental attachment is huge....)

For an oldie she has her issues, poor eyesight, deaf as a post, has several suspicious lumps and bumps, is getting weaker in her back end and has occasional incontinence. Despite all these issues she gets up with a smile each day and as soon as the lead comes out, show obvious excitement at the prospect of a walk. Until the last few days she has been having 2 walks a day and was still managing up to around 45 mins of pottering on the lead.

However over the last few days she has been very quiet, uncharacteristically slow on her walks and virtually stopped eating - she has been very bilious and showing no interest in food. She has always been a picky eater with dog food, but loves a treat/bit of ham or cheese, but now refusing anything. I cooked her some chicken and rice tonight, with chicken one of her favourites, but showed no interest. I was giving her a cuddle earlier, and although she has always been slim, realised she is now just skin and bone (has a lovely thick coat so have probably missed the signs up until now).

I am going to make her an apt with the vet tomorrow, but am wondering whether to have any investigations done, or just let her go whilst she still has the dignity to walk into the surgery. I do not want to put a dog her age through a barrage of tests and investigations, to only find she has something terminal anyhow. Having lost my 14yr old lab very traumatically to a ruptured liver tumour last summer, do not want something catastrophic to happen to this one too.......

Thanks for listening and any thoughts welcome.
 
Levrier said:
I am sorry but yes given the description you have I would be letting her go with dignity tomorrow. I know very well how hard it is, but once they are off their good like that it is a key sign for me - you have my sympathy x
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I would be tempted to give her a few more days and see if she starts eating again but I certainly wouldn’t put her through any tests. It’s so hard to decide but with my dog I felt it was ok for her to get old, happens to all of us.
 
The OP has said she has had a few days already - at that age, veterinary advice is that if they refused food for more than 24 hours there is something seriously wrong
 
I don't normally comment on threads like this as I feel we all know when it is time to say goodbye to our friend but would like to reassure you that you would be doing the right thing.

My feeling is that it is time to let your dog go. I certainly would not put her through any investigations or treatment at her age. Dogs are very good at hiding pain and she has probably been ill for some time but has been able to hide it. When an elderly dog stops eating I think they are very clearly telling us they have had enough. If it were me, I would do the last kind thing I could for her and be there for her when she leaves this world.

I am so sorry.
 
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Visit the vets. No, I wouldn’t put her through invasive tests. She could have a virus, feels under the weather etc. Your visit may not result in having her put to sleep. Weight loss in the elderly dog is normal - my 14 year old is now on three meals a day - through experience I’ve found the elderly dog does better on three meals a day rather than the one, a bit like young puppies. If the incontinence gets worse, then yes, for me, it would be time.
 
I think for me it would be time sadly. Our Collie is almost 13 now, and although a little stiff and wobbly at times, is still excited for walks, loves his food, “ball” is the most important thing in his world. I definitely wouldn’t put him through any invasive tests at his age as I don’t feel it would be fair to him, and the chances are that if anything is found, it would be untreatable anyway or literally buying some extra time which may not be of any benefit to him.
 
Blazingsaddles said:
Visit the vets. No, I wouldn’t put her through invasive tests. She could have a virus, feels under the weather etc. Your visit may not result in having her put to sleep. Weight loss in the elderly dog is normal - my 14 year old is now on three meals a day - through experience I’ve found the elderly dog does better on three meals a day rather than the one, a bit like young puppies. If the incontinence gets worse, then yes, for me, it would be time.
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she is not eating at all so if the vet cannot find anything obvious i would think it is time.......yes agree if she was eating give more smaller meals but in this case it wont help.....
 
I think it is time. I would ask the vet to come out if possible, give her a huge cuddle and let her go.

So sorry, it's so very difficult. I'd like to think your friend will be waiting just 'beyond the veil' and will be thrilled to see her, and so pleased to hear how well you have looked after her lovely dog.
 
What a heart wrenching read 💔

I would speak to your vet and explain your concerns. Would it be possible for them to come to your home with a view to checking her anything obvious, like an infection, and if no signs of anything that can be treated then putting her to sleep. It’s really very hard but definitely the last kindness you can give her before she suffers.

Thinking of you x
 
Thank you all for your support and kind words. The vet is booked for 4pm and will be doing the right thing by her - she has detiorated since I posted last night and there is no question the time is right.

As others have said, I will take comfort that her and Jane can be reunited, and they will always remain 2 very special people in my life, if only in memory now.

Rip Sherry and give Mum a big hug for me on the other side - I know she will be waiting for you xxxxx
 
so sorry, you have done the right thing , i know it doesnt make it easier at the moment but time is a great healer and they are together again now....hugs
 
Thank you so much one and all - everything went very smoothly and I cuddled her until the end. It was peaceful and dignified and knowing it was the right thing to do made a very hard decision slightly easier to bare.

Last night was very odd - she was quite a nocturnal dog and would often hear her in the night clattering over the laminate......and have lost count of the amount of times I have thought to go and check on her, but know it will get easier as the days/weeks pass.

Hopefully I can offer the same kindness and support to any other forum members when they are in the darkest of hours too.

Take care all and give your dogs a hug from me xx
 
Lots of love to you. It is very easy for all of us to say what we would do, until we are in the situation. Am glad she went surrounded by love. I often lay in bed and hear Aled go downstairs for a drink and then clomp back upstairs to bed, so I know what you mean. Xx
 
That was a lovely message.

I am glad it went smoothly and she is now at peace.

I know what you mean about listening at night. I had a dog with epilepsy who would sometimes fit in the night. I have slept with one ear open ever since.
 
Glad it went as well as possible L&M. What a wonderful thing you did for your friend and her dog. Hope the sadness turns into fond memories very soon xx
 
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