When is it time to let him go?

J

Jessiedog

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My german shepard cross is 16, she has arthritis, she loves her walks, but slows down after 5 minutes, she messes in house, car, etc but does not seem to stress. Eats fine, urinates fine, but sometimes struggles to do number twos. I need her in my life, but am I being cruel?
 
Sorry if this sounds harsh but I would let her go
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I KNOW how hard it is, I was there myself in April with my greyhound who was only 11, but you owe to your dog to do them that service.

If she is slowing down on walks after only 5 minutes, and is not able to control when/where she messes, then for me that is an indication that she does not have the quality of life she deserves.

16 is a really really good age for a dog, be grateful for all she has given you in those years.... and if you need a dog in your life there are thousands of rescue dogs waiting for a loving home
 
Yeah it does sound harsh because its not what I want to hear!

But I am torn, am I keeping her alive for me or am I sentencing her to death.

She was a rescue dog, from Battersea, 11 years ago.

I don't want to let her go.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Yeah it does sound harsh because its not what I want to hear!

But I am torn, am I keeping her alive for me or am I sentencing her to death.

She was a rescue dog, from Battersea, 11 years ago.

I don't want to let her go.

[/ QUOTE ]

I know exactly how you feel, my greyhound was a rescue and I only had her for 6 years
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I felt she should have had more happy years than that in her life.

You are not sentencing her to death, you are doing her the greatest kindness you can by letting her go, so she doesnt suffer any more. As I said before, you owe them that in return for all the happiness they bring to your life.

What does your vet say about it all?
 
Let her go, you will only feel guilty later on once you have had her pts, i had a horse pts while he was still able to enjoy life although he was starting to struggle, when i think back even though i miss him like mad, i dont feel guilty because i let him go before he suffered.
Obviously we cant decide if the time is right for your dog only you can do that, all i would say is think how you will feel in a years time once she has gone, would you rather you had dragged it on?
 
Is she happy within herself and still enjoying life in a geriatric kind of way? If she is, then hang on for now, but watch her like a hawk for changes and be ready to do the deed when it is necessary. I had the same thing last November with my old boy. Suddenly he had a stroke and it was obvious that the time had come to put him out of his misery. The day before he had been fine (well fine for a very old dog). His bladder control was a bit hit or miss, but it didn't bother him in the slightest...
 
You won't like what I am going to say, it will sound very harsh and I do understand completely how attached you are to this dog, but I personally think you are being a very selfish owner and only thinking of yourself in this case. After a lifetime of companionship with you, don't you think she deserves the best you can do for her even if it hurts you?

It sounds, sadly, as if your dog has very little quality of life now, not even being able to go for walks and not being clean in the house either (from her point of view, not that you have to clean up after her tbh!). No dog would like to be incontinent after being so clean in the house before, they know it is wrong but they can't do anything about it and I feel it's very unfair to make her feel like that every day. It is only going to get worse for her, not better.
For her sake, please be strong even though it will hurt like hell.
 
My two working dogs one a shepard had to be pts last week because barney was 11 and sam was 13, they both where really struggleing and after loving 4 walks a day running around it got to the point they both where struggling going for a 10 min slow walk and sam kept falling over.
you know yourself when the time is right and we decided are dogs had had a fantastic life and didnt want to see them in pain or un happy so let them go together to doggie heaven.
It IS very very hard but you need to let them go when it is time rather than them suffer.
I hope this isnt too hard just talking from experience.
 
oh and congratulations she must have had a very good and happy life with you 16 is a absolutly fantastic age for a shepard.
 
I am sorry but I agree that you should let him go now. It sounds as if you have given him a wonderful life for him to live to 16 years, but I think if you keep him going when he appears to have very little quality of life you will look back and regret it. It is a horrible decision but it is the right one. I do know how you feel as will many other people on here, and we will all be thinking of you. x
 
What a wonderful 11 years you have given her. But give her the best moment of her life, by letting her go with some dignaty.

Time to say your goodbyes...........
 
I agree with every word MFH has said. Sorry, but the very fact you are asking this question shows that you know that what you are doing is wrong. Part of dog (or any) animal ownership is taking responsibility for a kind and dignified end, as well as a happy life. Please, do what is kindest for your dog.
 
hi, i to am having to think about havin my shepard x pts hes 11 and although he can still get about he is loseing weight badly i look into his eyes and deep down i know what im going to have to do im waiting at mo for vet to phone me back with blood test results and i feel sick i hope you decide soon as longer u leave it worse it will be. i hope you be ok xx
 
silly question to put on here really, ask your vet and listen to what they say, they know best!
And good luck with whatever you decided to do!
16 is a fabulous age and youve given that dog everything it could ask for!
R x
 
Why am I harsh, or cruel, and why is it a silly question, my dog is in no pain, but struggles as I outlined in my first post, and I wanted advice from others who had been in similar positions. Of course I do not want to let him go and if he were suffering the answer would be simple, I would have him pts. If the answer were simple I would not be posting here.

My vets advice is to ring when I think the time is right.

I just wanted others perspective on if the time is right or should we enjoy a while longer together.

Is it cruel to want the kindest end for both of us?
 
well i recently put my dog lou down, she had cancer and although was fine and not in pain, could still make the walks and what not, i thought it was time to let her go as she would only get worse, i do know how you feel,

I meant it was a silly question as only you could tell, Didnt mean for it to sound nasty.

R x
 
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