Quality of life

sheep

sheep

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I hope nobody finds this insensitive or upsetting, but in light of a few recent posts from those who have sadly been faced with making difficult decisions for their dogs, I thought I would share this.

Background: we lost our lovely old Lab at the age of 13 back in March. His health deteriorated over a couple of weeks and the vet gave us a copy of this. We went through it every few days and it really helped us understand objectively that letting him go was the best thing for him. I'm not saying this is perfect, but we found it helped.

http://vet.osu.edu/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf

To anyone who finds this useful, I am truly sorry that you find yourself in this situation.
 
I think this ought to be a sticky!
It is one of those things that you only need occasionally, hopefully! But could be very useful under the 'right' circumstances.
 
useful to have something quite concrete to tick. although I think the most important thing that is hard to measure is that spark that seems to go when they have had enough. my boy showed very very few symptoms despite being riddled with cancer. he just didn't seem right. he was stoic and I feel he hid his pain. nearly a year now and still feels raw
 
Thank you for posting, I am going to save this to refer to.

I have a 4 year old Lurcher who has been diagnosed with a rare immune system disorder and a separate liver problem. Since the summer it has been a roller coaster with highs of new drugs and lows of episodes of liver failure with very frightening nureological symptoms. In early December I booked to have her PTS after a very distressing episode but she recovered enough to try a new drug treatment. It seemed to be going well but this week her mood seems to be dipping and symptoms returning.

I have been asking myself whether she currently has good quality of life and whether I am keeping her going on more for me than for her. This article is an invaluable resource to help me make the right decision when the time inevitably comes.

THANK YOU!
 
I did this when Brig had a minor episode last year but it overwhelming indicated he was fine. This is such a useful tool to have, especially if you just can’t decide.

I wish my friend’s husband had seen this last week. My friend was pretty certain her springer was telling her, her husband didn’t want to face up to it. She took him last night and laid on the floor of the vet while he fell asleep. :(
 
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