Current Events > Never thought I'd say this....I think my dog is finished.

(+) Yeah! (+)

He's 16 but relatively still active. Took him outside yesterday then brought him back in and after drinking some water, he collapsed. He got up okay after a nap (although he still collapsed once or twice afterwards and was doing fine for all of the night, but today he has rolled on his side and locked up in pain 3 times.

I'm not gonna do anything without the vet taking a look first, but it's insane how suddenly I have the resolve to put him to sleep after seeing him like this if it comes to it. I'll guess we'll see what happens

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im sorry, TC, that is such a hard decision to make. you are smart for consulting a vet first, but it sounds like you know what needs to be done.

it's not insane. it's logical. you care about your friend and you dont want to see him in pain.

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Giant_Aspirin posted...

im sorry, TC, that is such a hard decision to make. you are smart for consulting a vet first, but it sounds like you know what needs to be done.

it's not insane. it's logical. you care about your friend and you dont want to see him in pain.

Thanks fren

Yeah, it's also partially because I don't think I can afford any of the treatment options available, especially if they're not guaranteed to help.

I'm just hesitant because he still likes to do dog things and he doesn't have a history of this like my other dog.

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AvantgardeAClue posted...

I'm just hesitant because he still likes to do dog things and he doesn't have a history of this like my other dog.

dogs are kinda weird when it comes to showing signs of pain or sickness -- they DONT DO IT, or if they are showing signs they go to lengths to hide them. something about how the pack will leave behind weak members.

one of my dogs has arthritis in her hips such that her leg occasionally shakes / spasms. despite this she wants to go on walks every day and gets super excited when i get out the disc golf bag because she loves the 2h walk. ive started leaving her at home sometimes because despite her 'wanting' to go it's just not good for her.

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Interesting

Yeah, part of the reason I've been against the idea of putting him down is that he still seems to be enjoying himself on a daily basis. But as my brother pointed out he's certainly not enjoying this

Thankfully he went back to bed okay now,and I found a vet that offers a free first time consultation for later on today. Maybe it's as simple as some sort of medication.

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AvantgardeAClue posted...

Never thought I'd say this

Do you not know of life and death

sLaCkEr408___RJ posted...

Do you not know of life and death

Buddy you know exactly what I mean

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Quick update before I try to get some sleep

So they said it's neurological and not because of a heat stroke. They'd need to do blood work and MRI but that's a few hundred bucks to over a thousand minimum and it might not guarantee anything can be treated at his age

I was THIS close to calling it in, but honestly the type of euthanasia I'd want is almost as much as the initial treatment, which wouldn't guarantee anything. Plus different family members called me and said to hold off because they would pitch in taking care of him as well

We took him back home and gave him lots of water, chicken nuggers and shredded cheese and he ate all of that, and now he's just chilling. He's had a few more involuntary muscle episodes but he's recovered quickly every time.

Had a nice chat with one of my IRL frens who basically told me what I needed to hear: when it happens it'll suck, but you'll remember good things and that'll keep you going.

I told him how I always anticipate something like this happening ever since his original health scare in 2017, and we both agreed that's not very healthy lol

But then the rational side of me says "you've been anticipating something happening for the 3 last years and nothing happened wtf are you doing to yourself", so it's a tug of war between emotions and logic

End of the day I guess whatever happens happens and I just hope I can take it easy soon afterwards. But if he's gonna fight for us then I'm gonna help in any way I can, even if it's just making him comfortable

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TC I'm really sorry this happened. My dog was the exact same age and suddenly had nearly similar problems. I can't remember exactly how much time went between the first signs and his passing but it must have been months/nearing a year.
My only advice is to get some absorbent pads for if he has trouble walking or holding it in. On the same note, I'd also suggest a backup doggie bed.
You already sound like a considerate and caring friend so I doubt I need to say spend time with him and be patient with him.
When the worst happens, the wound will be as deep as your love was. But you'll be able to look back every day and remember all the good times you two shared together, and although he may be gone he'll live on through that memory in your heart.
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Dammit man seeing that pic broke my heart. I recently lost a rabbit, he just died one day so I kind of know what you're going through.

I Feel for you dude.

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I'm sorry to hear that. I wouldn't try to prolong his life if it's going to cause him pain and suffering, if it's his time you are showing him how much you love him by doing this. You are willing to live with the pain and loss so he will be at peace. I recommend if it comes to this, stay with him when they do it. You'll feel like shit, but he will rest seeing you comforting him and that always helped me when I had to put a pet down. Pets give you nothing but love, they deserve the same until their final moment. He lived for 16 years, that's a long time to live for a dog. Remember that, remember that you gave him everything he could ever want. If it's time, it's time. Good luck.
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AvantgardeAClue posted...

End of the day I guess whatever happens happens and I just hope I can take it easy soon afterwards. But if he's gonna fight for us then I'm gonna help in any way I can, even if it's just making him comfortable

Make him as comfortable as you can and dont forget to thank him, tell him you love him, and anything else youd like to say.

16 years is a good full life for a dog, Im sure you gave him a great life. Feel for both you and him.
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16

I'm jealous. My dog had to be put down when she was 12.

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Yeah, I've had multiple instances where my previous pets went from being fine in old age to terminally ill and gone within days, and even a day once. It leaves you blindsided and it sucks. It's a rough process.

You're handling it all well and are making the right calls. When the time comes, just be there for him when he goes down. Its really awful, but your buddy deserves to have you by his side and it will make the world of a difference for him to rest in your presence for the last time.

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FortuneCookie posted...

16

I'm jealous. My dog had to be put down when she was 12.

So sorry to hear. I have a poodle who just turned 8 and I'm always worried about him too.

SpiritSephiroth posted...

Dammit man seeing that pic broke my heart. I recently lost a rabbit, he just died one day so I kind of know what you're going through.

I Feel for you dude.

So sorry to hear this too dude. Thankfully he was just taking a nap in that pic I posted, but I repositioned his legs afterwards so he wasn't resting directly on them, here's a pic after we got back home but before I cleaned him up



I'm also gonna consider absorbent pads, yes. I have multiple beds that I rotate through every time he pees on one lol, but of course I don't wanna keep doing that all the time

I'm glad y'all realize that I'm not trying to be selfish in doing this; a part of me actually thought it would be just easier to let him go earlier today (and I feel like shit for considering how relieved I'd also be in the process), but I'm glad I talked it over with everyone in my family and got their input first.

I feel like the vets would have been more keen on the euthanasia if it was a lot more serious than they seen it to be, but they made it clear that was a choice only I'd feel comfortable making at the time right now. I'm just glad he's recovered a little bit since we got him home; it tells me that maybe he's not quite ready yet.

Gonna try to sleep now. Hope things are the same as ever in the morning.

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