Not only have I got the most horrible cold I can ever remember having but I'm struggling to decide whether it is Time for one of the dogs.

She's nearly 15, and has had dementia coming on since she had vestibular syndrome a couple of years ago. At first she just got more affectionate, interspersed with a lot of standing and staring but now she looks anxious a lot of the time. I just get to the point of thinking Time, and then I call her and she wags her tail and comes running. A lot of the time, she's fine.

However, one of the other dogs, not quite so near 15 but getting there, also has dementia. He's just a big old blunderer though, charges in where angels fear to tread. Unfortunately, he's totally forgotten that the other dog has always been one not to be messed with, and frequently blunders into her. She gets frightened, snarls and snaps and I thought she was going to take his head off tonight. I may have to take him to the vet tomorrow, we'll see.

I don't want to kill the girl for being old - but not sure what I can do to make her happier until she just goes. She's very fit in herself.
They're both on vivitonin.

Sorry, I'm just wittering on. Please can we all 3 of us have a hug?
Ta.

What a tough decision.

:hugs: :hugs: :hugs:

This is such a difficult decision. I know. I've been there. If she still gets excited when you call and she can control her bladder, I don't think theres any rush. But, if she gets to the point where she no longer really responds and can no longer hold her bladder, that would be the point where I would make the difficult choice.

Aw BIG HUGS

and love to you and your babies, Rosinante.

We have gone through a similiar thing this week with our beloved 12 year old dog. I don't have any advice but I'll be thinking of you.

Rosinante here is a . Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well.
I'm just getting over a cold, so I know how you feel. Have you talked to the vet if you could get some medication for the dogs that would help? Could you Mom take one of the dogs if that would help?

ugh, nothing like pets to rip your heart out!! ((((biiiiiig hugggggz)))))

Tons of coming your way, I am so sorry you're faced with this. Is there any way you can keep the dogs separated a bit more?

I understand, I just had to put my dog down about a month ago. It was the hardest decision I've had to make in my lifetime. I had her from the time she was weaned and she was my girl.

I want to share with you what my vet shared with me. She said, 'You'll know when it's the right time.' And you know what, I did. Sad to say, I ignored that moment when I 'knew' because I wasn't ready. About a week later I 'knew' for a second time. I made myself go straight to the phone, and while I cried like a baby, the kindest and most compassionate person helped me make the arrangements.

When it was time, I was able to hold her little face in my hands and I feel like she was ready. It was very peaceful. I have no regrets.

I only hope my sharing gives you some perspective and is some consolation to you. My prayer for you, is that you too will know when it's time.

wish i could make your decision easier

A friend of mine had to make the same decision about a month ago. Even though she wasn't my dog, I loved her and "babysat" her when her "mother" went out of town. I took it pretty hard when it had to be done, but she was pretty sick and it was the right time. Take care.

~Lots of hugs~

I know how you feel, we had to put our family dog to sleep the beginning of this month. She had cancer.

Ohhhh gosh that is so hard! Animals hold such a dear place in our hearts and having to make quality of life decisions on their behalf while trying to retain the joy they still bring to our lives is such a challenge.

Im sure any decision will feel lousy, but I trust you will do the best you can given the circumstances and hope you dont beat yourself up (as I know friends have when having to make that hard choice).

Big hugs to you and the pups! Sorry you are going thru this right now

Aw, big hugs to you.
What an awful decision to make. You don't want them to suffer, but you also want to keep them around. I hope you feel better soon too.

An aside, Congrats on losing 75 pounds! That's amazing!