Hard Decisions... Elder dog had a stroke

[vision63]

Bless your doggie. It's such a difficult emotion. Just keep loving her (I see you're calling the vet). Your love for her will guide you.

[incognegro]

Sorry about your difficult decision. I still wish I had 1 more day & night with our bulldog, Buddha, whom we had to let go last Fall. It was a fast decision, and I would have slept by his side one last night if I knew when we were going to take him.

BTW, we always celebrated Buddha's birthday on Halloween, so this time of year is tough.

[laarree]

I wish I could add something to this thread that hadn't been said already.
cbelt3, I feel for you. Poor little old doggie. I've got a pair of 11+ year old
small dogs and I know I'm going to be facing similar situations eventually
with them, and I'm sure I'll be as pained as you are right now. I value these
discussions here, in the midst of all the chatter about Macs and deals and such.

[decocritter]

I am so sorry that your baby is not well.

You said that she has not been feeling well for years. You also said she could not get around anymore and has no bodily functions. When animals quit eating and drinking, they feel really bad. think about how you would feel if in the same position.

I think you know what to do, and it is just so difficult.

With your Vet's advice, make a decision.

[cbelt3]

Called the vet. 930 tomorrow morning. We'll see what the vet says, but I think we're past 'heroic measures'. We're making sure she's comfortable, and we'll sit with her a bit this evening. She won't realize it.

It's going to be strange working at home. She always came and curled up next to my feet while I was working on the Mac. I'd leave her sound asleep in her bed, go upstairs, sit down, and she'd be curled up at my feet about a minute and a half later. I'd reach down and pet her, and say "Good old bear".

In her youth, we called her "Liesel the Weasel" for her ability to run past and abscond with whatever food was in reach. She had to have hip surgery as a puppy, and was unable to jump, so we lifted her wherever we went. Still..

My father in law made Chicken Goulash one afternoon at his house. We let the remains on the table, and went to get ice cream. When we returned. we found the dish completely cleaned out, and Liesel lying on her back on the floor, her stomach round and full, moaning slightly. She didn't eat for three days after that. We still have no idea how she got up there.

[JoeM]

My prayers are with you and I'll add one tonight for Liesel.

[vicrock]

I have said many times, we are kinder to our pets than we are to our parents - when our dog and cat friends get to the point where life is too difficult, we are able to free them from pain and suffering.

Euthanasia is the last, greatest gift we can give them for years of love and loyalty.

[incognegro]

[quote cbelt3]My father in law made Chicken Goulash one afternoon at his house. We let the remains on the table, and went to get ice cream. When we returned. we found the dish completely cleaned out, and Liesel lying on her back on the floor, her stomach round and full, moaning slightly. She didn't eat for three days after that. We still have no idea how she got up there.
although i usually wince at bad doggie behavior, i LOVE that story!

[SteveO]

Yeah, great goulash story. So sorry about your pain and especially Liesel's pain. You are doing the right thing by taking her in tomorrow. I type this with four dogs within 10 feet of my keyboard ... and I've had to say the final goodbye to four other dogs and one cat in my life. It is tough, I know. My heart goes out to you and yours.

If it helps at all, think of it this way: it is one goodbye in exchange for thousands of hellos. Watch for her spirit around your home. She will come visit from time to time. My past pets still visit and it is very comforting.