The rollercoaster of an ill beloved friend

[Shadow the Reindeer]

It amazes me just what a rollercoaster is, with regards to a pet when suffering a long term illness, disease.. On a good day, they look and seem as though they're winning the battle, on the bad days, you feel wrenched, worried whether they can actually cope much longer, then the next day they're good again, and you breathe a sigh of relief and feel good that you held out another day.
But, when the bad days out weight the good, and it seems your pet is increasing struggling to pull themselves out of the depression which comes with their illness or disease, you wonder whether it's mentally too much as well as physically?
Making a pet comfortable when they feel like crap, really does help them, even if you struggle to see the benefits, after all, they need the comfort and encouragement, just as much as a family member when they face a life threatening issue.
Letting a friend go after a long illness is not failing them, they've given it their all, and when the time comes they will let you know. Just remember when making that tough decision, you're allowing your friend to go peacefully, and just because they're no longer there in the flesh, doesn't mean they don't carry on in your heart.. remember they'll always be watching over you ♥

 

[Trinity Fox]

I agree with you if we are going to see an animal through an illness we must provide relief , and when the time comes we must make the decision for them not us.

 

[Shadow the Reindeer]

I agree with you if we are going to see an animal through an illness we must provide relief , and when the time comes we must make the decision for them not us.

I've been struggling with a poorly guinea pig for months, she has pain relief, due to having an accident falling of my bed (she spooked at a horse rug).. it's her zest for life that has stopped me from pts, she has never given up on life, she eats, drinks, interacts with her sisters, and is responding well to therapy. When she stops eating, it will be the time to let go, but for now, the battle to full recovery continues, one she's doing well at - she now walks, albeit clumsily, but it's a major step for her, one her sisters think highly of her (her cagemates look after her).

 

[Trinity Fox]

I think you have to decide when an animal is truly suffering, I have argued furiously on another thread tonight where the animal was not being treated in an appropriate way.

Humans and animals can adapt there is no questioning that, however they must always have proper treatment and sometimes you need an outsiders view on what is best for the animal.

A vet will usually give an impartial view as to what is best, if you disagree with your vet by all means question it as they are human and are not always right.

However you cannot ever let an animal suffer without pain relief for instance when needed and if they are getting worse to the point of no quality of life you must make the right decision.

You sound like a caring owner and I am sure you will make the right choice at the right time.

If your animal is happy and not in pain then fair enough, just give them dignity to leave this world in the right way when they need it most.
Hugs to you it is hard when you love them.

 

[smellsofhorse]

Its sometimes very difficult to make the decsion, you want someone else to do it for you.

But the animal has to come first.
Their happiness and health.

 

[Shadow the Reindeer]

Bump*