Re: When do you know.....
Posted: 19 Jun 2017, 19:56
Lyndsey and Matt, I'm sorry you're going through this. We had to let our Gilda go recently, and it was the hardest decision I'd had to face as a pet owner. Like you, I'd kept my girl alive against the odds, for a year in kidney failure. She stayed joyful and engaged, walking and eating, until the last week. But in the process, I came to realize one thing. There is no perfect time, but a little soon is better than too late.
One thing I read that was helpful was this: Make a list of the top five simple things that have always given joy to your dog. When he or she can no longer do most or any of those things, then it's time to make a plan.
You will probably always see love in your dog's eyes, up to that last minute, if you don't let it go too long and let the pain take over. I had one other dear pet die in pain--it caught me off guard, and I didn't have access to a vet--and I resolved I'd not let Gilda go through that. As it was with Gilda, as the vet took care of her, we held her and whispered something we'd always told her when she went off-leash, "Free dog." And then she was at peace. It was the greatest gift we ever gave her. It still makes me sad, but I know it was right. I'd been able to see in her eyes, her life had been so reduced, she was only waiting for that freedom.
God bless you. You're so good to be thinking about what's best for your little one.
Kelly
One thing I read that was helpful was this: Make a list of the top five simple things that have always given joy to your dog. When he or she can no longer do most or any of those things, then it's time to make a plan.
You will probably always see love in your dog's eyes, up to that last minute, if you don't let it go too long and let the pain take over. I had one other dear pet die in pain--it caught me off guard, and I didn't have access to a vet--and I resolved I'd not let Gilda go through that. As it was with Gilda, as the vet took care of her, we held her and whispered something we'd always told her when she went off-leash, "Free dog." And then she was at peace. It was the greatest gift we ever gave her. It still makes me sad, but I know it was right. I'd been able to see in her eyes, her life had been so reduced, she was only waiting for that freedom.
God bless you. You're so good to be thinking about what's best for your little one.
Kelly