Your thoughts please.......

Jaycee

Jaycee

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I have a 14yr old Border Collie x Springer Spaniel. Over the last year his general well being has gone downhill. He is now all but blind and deaf, his joints have started clicking when he walks, he has trouble getting to his feet and once up tends to be a bit unsteady until he gets his bearings. He can no longer manage the few steps up to our garden he invariably collaspes trying. The worst though is that he has started to mess in the house including on his bed. He has lost weight just recently although he still loves his food! He no longer wants to go out for walks and even if you manage to get him out he won't walk very far now. I am loath to think that maybe it his time but on the other hand just how far do I let his dignity slip away from him?
 
I am sorry to hear about your poor old dog, all I can say is if he was mine I would pts while he still has some dignity. Why dont you take him along to your vet and ask his advice.

It is always tricky when dogs reach this point in their lifes and you have to weigh up his quality of life, Ive been there many times and it never gets easier.

Only you can make this decision and I feel for you.
 
I think you have answered your own questions as regards his dignity.
Dogs can find it very upsetting when they cannot toilet themselves properly and when they cannot support their own weight any more.

Been there myself and I know how hard it is, thinking of you and your old boy, think of how he will feel, not being able to understand why he cannot do the things he used to be able to do, rather than you and how upset you will be when he is gone and 14 is a good age x
 
I'm so sorry to hear this :(

I think for me, not wanting to go for a walk would be the decider as my lad adores getting out and about.
 
I am sorry you are having to make this decision. Like the others if he were mine I would pts whilst he still has some dignity. I know it is an oft quoted cliche but I do believe it is better a week too soon than a day too late.
 
Our old girl is 15 and I dread having to make that decision, but have always said the day she stops enjoying life (ie no longer wants a walk/her food) is the day she's had enough.

Its hard to let them go, :( big ((hugs)) to you and your chap
 
Sorry to say this, but I think the time is drawing near :(

I have a collie x golden retriever who will be 15 in July. He's had 2 strokes and I think has some form of doggy dementia. He's not great on his back legs, and like yours struggles to get up onto the garden. He stands at the wrong part of the patio door (the bit that doesn't open) until we call him in the open door, and sometimes goes round in circles on the patio.

He has started weeing in the house, he has always barked to go out before, but has often had a wee when we get up, although he sometimes barks afterwards when it's too late! However he still loves walks (even though he staggers and sometimes falls over, I wonder what people think as they pass!) and loves his food, and is getting fat due to reduced exercise.

I think if he started losing weight or soiling his own bed, that would be the turning point for me :(. My Dad's 17 yr old collie x ended up like that, I think my dad kept him alive too long, he was found dead in his bed one morning - I would have taken him to be pts but my dad couldn't face it. I wouldn't want to be too late for this one, I want him to go when he needs to, not prolong his life for my sake.

Difficult time for you, thinking of you and your pooch :(
 
It is the hardest decision any owner can make but at the end of the day you have to put your emotion aside and just think whats best for your dog. You have made that very brave decision and it will be the last act of kindness you can give your boy. For now just go and spoil the old boy rotten and I will be thinking of you on Friday.
 
Really sorry :( I think from what you say it's the right decision but I know that's small comfort right now. Be thinking of you on Friday.
 
Having been in the same position (sadly with a 7 year old :(), I feel for you. It's the last good decision you can make for your dog, but damned hard. :(
 
Big hugs to you and your boy. Will be thinking of you friday. Well done for making the hard decision, its the right thing for him, so hard for the people that have to go through it xx
 
I feel for you. :( I really do. Two years ago, almost to the day, OH and I found ourselves in the same situation as you. Tugg was a very poorly boy, and the outlook for him was not positive, so PTS really was the only option. It's just about the hardest decision ever, but it's also the kindest one.

Spoil him tomorrow, and take comfort from knowing that we are all here for you, and will be thinking of you on Friday.

(((((Hugs)))))

C xx
 
lost my old boy on jan 3. never an easy decision. but love him snuggle him indulge him. but respect him! quality over quantity. Q the vets every q that sprirngs to mind. but he is a good age and hopefully had a lovely life. sorry cant add anymore. if the vets and you cant give him quality of life, free of pain then it really is the best thing. my thoughts are with you
 
Many thanks for all you support and kind words. His passing was very peaceful and oh so quick.

For Mac

High up in the courts of Heaven today
A little Dog Angel waits -
with other Dog Angels he will not play -
But sits alone at the Gates......
"For I know my Master will come", says he,
"And when he comes he will call for me"-
And his Master, far on the earth below
As he sits in his easy chair---
Forgets sometimes and whistles low
For the dog that is not there -
And the little Dog Angel cocks his ears
And dreams that his Master's voice he hears.

R.I.P
 
OP your poem brought a tear to my eye! I had my beautiful old girl put to sleep in Jan this year (similar circumstances) and I really emphathise with you. I hope you can remember the good times. Two months on and I still expect her to be there in the mornings. ((Hugs)) to you. x
 
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