Knowing that the time is running out for my old boy.

m3gan

m3gan

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This my first post on this (All about dogs) forum. I have a wonderful elderly Belgian Shepherd dog who is 15 yrs.old

In December 2008 he had a stroke and I thought that was the end for him but he recovered really well. He has got very cloudy eyes now and his hearing is bad, he can't walk very far and sometimes his back legs give way and he gets distressed by this.

I think the time has come when he is going to decline more quickly, and I just find it so hard to bear.........

He will be our last pet to have gone; in the last two years we have had our other dog PTS she was 17yrs. and then our two siamese cats the last one PTS about 3 months ago.

When the time comes for my BSD to go, It will be the end of an era of pet ownership. I don't know how I will cope without him, It will seem so dreadful with no other pet in the house . I can't get another dog because I have to work three full days a week now and it would not be fair on a young dog to leave them for so long alone.

Just writing this is making me cry, because I don't know how I will be able to cope when the inevitable happens.
 
How sad
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I don't know what to say really. It sounds like you are well aware as far as knowing you will be making the right decision for him goes.
Don't think that you can't get another dog though, there are so many older dogs out there looking for experienced loving homes that could be left on their own 3 days a week (especially if you gave a pair a home). I'm sure your old boy would love to think of you looking after some less fortunate dogs when he has gone and giving them the loving home he has had for so many years.
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XXXX
 
[ QUOTE ]
How sad
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I don't know what to say really. It sounds like you are well aware as far as knowing you will be making the right decision for him goes.
Don't think that you can't get another dog though, there are so many older dogs out there looking for experienced loving homes that could be left on their own 3 days a week (especially if you gave a pair a home). I'm sure your old boy would love to think of you looking after some less fortunate dogs when he has gone and giving them the loving home he has had for so many years.
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Thank you very much for your kind reply, I had thought maybe seeing if I could possibly rehome older dogs, the only thing is the thought of having to go through what is happening now with anther dog in the not too distant future. Apart from that maybe it would be feasible,and lovely to give a home to one or two older dogs !
XXXX

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Hugs for you xxxx

It was four years before I could look at another GSD after my best girl died, but all dogs are different and they have all helped to ease the pain of her passing.

I agree with Viszlak - eventually, it would be a great honour to his memory to give another old girl or boy a home x
 
That is the problem isn't it, animals hey, who would have them, they bring us so much heartache! You don't have to go for two real elderlies though, just an adult pair of a dispostition happy enough to sleep quietly and keep themselves company three days a week! Greyhounds would be a good choice for that.
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I'm sure there are lots of rescues that would consider you a lovely home for alot of their dogs.
Love and hugs to your old boy
xxx
 
Thank you both for your replies.

It does help to post about it and to get other views.

I feel quite encouraged about being able to, when the time is right, to possibly offer a home to a needy older'ish' dog or two. I have always liked greyhounds and know how lovely their temperaments generally are, so I feel a bit more hopeful!

Many thanks !!
 
It is just so hard isn't it, however as already said you don't have to be dogless, a mature but not old dog could very well suit you.

I know this doesn't help where you are now though so just hugs, it's a place most responsible owners go through at some point.

JDx
 
Its never easy is it? Damn Dogs get you. We have just had a new member to our family after many dogless years. They leave a dog shaped gap that just can't be filled.
I do have to hand it to you though, sadly some people don't have the courage to call time when their friend needs them most.
HUGS
 
I know where you are at. It is a very tearful time. I still have two dogs left, and going on the walks with them that I used to have with Pippa who was pts recently, made me sob my heart out. Your dog is a wonderful age and only you will know when to make that heart breaking decision. It won't be easy. I still cry now. But it is good to cry for a friend as faithful as a dog. They are worth it. As to when or if you get another dog. Give it time. When you feel more heart whole, make that decision then, not when you are upset about the possibility of losing your old friend.
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