My old girl is on her last few days :(

J

JenHunt

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I have an elderly black lab - she'll be 14 in January... but I think we're at the end of the road really. :(

she's struggled this year with what the vet suspects has been a stomach ulcer, and some bleeding that has led to anaemia. The vet thinks this was caused by the pain killers she was getting for arthritis in her shoulder. We got that under control, and switched the pain killers to tramadol, but that not really helping her now, and she's gone off her food in the last 24 hours. Today though has made the decision. She slipped on a damp wooden floor, her legs went from under her, making her squeal, and she struggled to get back up on her own. Dad helped her to her mat, and she just lay and wagged her tail gently at him.

She's going to have the weekend with the family, the cat (her best friend) and I think Monday will be the day. Dad will speak to the vet, who will probably come to us so she doesn't have the stress of getting into or out of the car, or of going into the vets (we've always had to carry her in before now).

she's been wonderful - she loves my OH and even now she wants him to take her out before anyone else, she used to walk/run miles with him and I, but she still thinks it was all him. She's been the most obedient lab my family have ever had, but also the most timid. She follows hand signals, she understands several different whistles (or could when she still had some hearing), but would bark if you ran up or down stairs, especially if you had shoes on... she's the first of our labs who hasn't made the decision for us, which I think makes it harder. :(

bit of a pointless post, I'm sorry, but just wanted to get it off my chest a bit.





 
What a beautiful, dignified dog. She looks as if she has enjoyed a wonderful life with you and your family, and you are supporting her to have calm and timely end of that life. Your family, you and your lovely dog have been very fortunate to have each other.
So sorry for your impending loss. I hope the cat is able to manage without his/her best mate eventually.
 
The cat is 17, and a funny little creature. she was semi feral when we got her and her brother. She all the hunting, and foot years he ate it all, until one day she'd has enough and saw him off. Ever since then she's taken jet as her friend, washes her face for her, shares the mat and goes on short walks with her... But she has her health issues too, so we think her time isn't far off either.

Thank you for your kind words. She is a beautiful dog if not your typical traditional lab head, and she's always looked worried by life... These photos were taken about 3 years ago now. Must try to get some this weekend, she's almost entirely grey in the face now.
 
Aah bless her, she looks a lovely girl, its the worst choice an owner has to make and one we all dread. It sounds like she has had a wonderful full life with you and your family, wish every dog could experience that, you need to be brave now and take heart in knowing you are doing the right thing, hope you have a lovely last few days and spoil her rotten, hugs to you xx
 
So sorry to read this, I hope this horrible decision is made a little easier by knowing you are doing the right time. She looks a lovely girl, I hope you have a lovely weekend spoiling her .
 
I really feel for you, we have three labs at the moment but every time we have lost one its been so painful and breaks my heart. It is the greatest kindness that you can do for her, giving her a gentle sleep without her aches and pains. She looks a beauty. Thinking of you
 
I ve just faced this with my girl this week.I will be thinking of you.In our case I had phoned to book "the" appointment,also for a Monday morning .It was to be at 12.30 and my girl actually made the decision to go peacefully at 10 am,with me in my bed.
you are definitely doing the right ,brave thing for her.
 
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm342/hedgehunters/

I've put on some old photos of Jet, along with some that I took over the weekend. She's seemed brighter over the last couple of days, but we still think it's the right decision, so we are speaking to the vet today to make arrangements.

We also decided that it might be kindest for the cat to go at the same time. She's been treated for a thyroid condition for the last few months but it's becoming harder to manage and we think she'll be lost without Jet... So a very sad few days ahead. :-(

Sorry, I'm my phone so you'll have to look through the whole album!
 
Burmilla said:
What a beautiful, dignified dog. She looks as if she has enjoyed a wonderful life with you and your family, and you are supporting her to have calm and timely end of that life. Your family, you and your lovely dog have been very fortunate to have each other.
So sorry for your impending loss. I hope the cat is able to manage without his/her best mate eventually.
Click to expand...
Brought tears to my eyes - so sorry for your wee one, its a very hard time for you all :(
 
Although it's hard, it really is the final act of kindness you can do, let's face it wouldn't we all choose to peacefully go to sleep surrounded by the wonderful smiling (albeit through the tears), reassuring cuddles & kisses of our loved ones.

Have just gone through this with our 15 year old Golden Retriever, she was a wonderful dog & loyal friend, we miss her every day but we don't feel any regret, it was the right decision at the right time.

The vets sent us a card with this poem printed out & attached inside, it gave us great comfort, I hope it does you.

The last battle

If it should be I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this last battle can't be won
You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship stands the test.
We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears
Would you want me to suffer? So
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend
Only stay with me to the end
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
It is a kindness that you do to me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved
Do not grieve it should be you
Who must decide this thing to do -
We've been so close we two these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
 
She is gorgeous and what a credit to you to get her to such a good age. Broke my heart when we lost our BC in march but it does get easier. What a good mummy for thinking of both of them, horrible decision to have to make but they are lucky to have you there to make it. We had 2 cats pts at home, very peaceful, would have done same for BC but he was already in vets.

Xx
 
JenHunt said:
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm342/hedgehunters/

I've put on some old photos of Jet, along with some that I took over the weekend. She's seemed brighter over the last couple of days, but we still think it's the right decision, so we are speaking to the vet today to make arrangements.

We also decided that it might be kindest for the cat to go at the same time. She's been treated for a thyroid condition for the last few months but it's becoming harder to manage and we think she'll be lost without Jet... So a very sad few days ahead. :-(

Sorry, I'm my phone so you'll have to look through the whole album!
Click to expand...

Oh I'm so sorry . . . there's really nothing I can say that will take away the pain - but I hope it help to know that I am thinking of you.

P xx
 
Oh Jen, I'm so sorry to hear this, what a beautiful pair, Its so hard when they are almost an extra limb for you. You'll be in my thoughts this week xx
 
I'm so sorry to hear this. What a beatiful girl she is. I feel for you. It's the kindest decision we can make for them, but I dread the day I have to make it myself. Xx
 
With her feline friend beside her, in the afternoon sunshine, with my parents at her side, the vet did the deed for us, swiftly followed by my little cat.

Rest in peace girls, much loved, much missed. The house feels very empty tonight :-(
 
Oh, sad times, but well done you, especially letting them go together. I hope the memories quickly get less painful and you remember all the good times. xx
 
You absolutely did your best for her,we are now on day ten and it's very hard,but I do know my owngirl is pain free and thats a huge consolation.
 
A very proper and merciful passing for your lovely animals. I'm so sorry for the grief that such kindness brings in its' wake.
Love and hugs.
G xx
 
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