Update 6/28/23- we laid him to rest yesterday He was quieter than usual Sunday and Monday, and Tuesday morning he told me it was time. I just knew by how he looked at me in the morning he was ready. We spent the day snuggling and eating pizza (his favorite!) before the vet came to our house and pts. My heart is still broken and I miss him like crazy but I 100% believe it was time and the right decision. He’s buried at my family’s farm under a plum tree. Thank you everyone for the advice. Hug your dogs tight
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My old rescue is approaching the end…. And I’m struggling with this.
My inner horse-person knows a day-too-early is better than a minute-too-late. I don’t want to see him suffer. I don’t want to see him in pain.
On the other hand…
He is the glue I didn’t know we needed. It’s so incredibly corny, but he really, truly adopted us. I knew he was staying forever on day 2. We celebrated 3 years together in October and even when we got him (he was a senior then) I figured every day was a gift. I think his age was under-estimated and, as possible with any rescue, his health was ehhh at best. He is my boy. Always wants to be near me and has separation anxiety when I leave him. Not a mean bone in his body. Just always wants cuddles and love (and garlic bread or pizza). My other two dogs are females and while they are not the best of friends, they work better because of him. Each are friends with him so together they are all good.
I’ve been seeing him decline with his mobility. My dh has seen it too. He’s not on any daily meds (supplements, yes, he gets glycoflex daily) but gets rimadyl when I know he will be more active. This past thanksgiving we did our usually visiting of the parents and in-laws so had him dosed with rimadyl for comfort and after a particularly long day, he struggled to go outside; tripped over a door frame in the hind end and took a minute or two to get back up. Stairs can be difficult but this was the first time I saw a door frame get him tripped up.
I think this incident was unique to situation but I have been noticing him getting slower to make it up the 5 stairs from the backyard. Day-to-day, he seems pretty happy and content. He gets around pretty well but I know one wrong move could have him down.
So… I write all this because I would like some help knowing how to accept when it is time. I don’t think it’s immediate; maybe 3-6-9 months but I know it’s coming. This is extremely likely our last Christmas with him. I just turned 30 so this is the first pet that I’d be making the decision on. I don’t want to mess it up- he is the best boy and deserves the best end.
How do I decide when it’s time? Do I pick a day in the spring, feed him an entire pizza, bring him to the vet and say good bye? Do I wait until he shows me a sign (not eating, can’t get up, doesn’t want to sit with us)? His annual is in January so I’ll certainly be talking to the vet about this but I’d appreciate the Coth collective.
I’m happy to do what it takes to keep him comfortable and happy but I’m struggling with where the line is that divides his comfort and happiness with mine. I know dogs live in the moment but it’s so.much.harder. when it’s your own dog….
Thoughts? Advice?