r/olddogs • u/ImpressiveLeopard719 • 2d ago
It is almost time
I have spoke to people with old dogs, with dogs that have crossed over, done the Lap of Love survey. The only thing left is he still eats, and lives to eat, my homemade food. Everything else, not good. Arthritic, bad liver, heart not good, nighttime pacing, mostly blind and deaf, sleeps all the time, not affectionate, not interactive, stares at walls, gets stuck behind doors. He juat started peeing ALOT in the house. I will not diaper him. He ia 16 1/2 . It is almost time.
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u/throwawaymyeyebr0ws 2d ago
The pain of losing them is excruciating, but to love and be loved by a dog is by far one of the best things life can offer. Sending love to you and your good boy ❤️🩹
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u/daikon-bluma 2d ago
I just went through this. Pretty much exactly the same thing. Loving food and sort of disappearing. I wanted to do it before he became afraid of me, if the confusion was ever to get there. That’s what pushed me. He was 16. 2 months ago today. I am sending you so much healing and strength this is truly one of the hardest parts of being alive. You are obviously an amazing dog parent.
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u/KoalaFine8511 2d ago
Good luck! I do belive you have made the right descision, although it is a dificult one.
Please don't leave him alone when his time comes!
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u/LilChicken70 2d ago
Be with him when it’s time. I can’t stand it when I see people just drop their dogs off for euthanasia. One guy was like ‘I dont feel like being sad all day’ and walked out.
Make sure his little belly is full of his favorite thing since he still gets joy from eating.
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u/ImpressiveLeopard719 2d ago
oh my. how could anyone not be there. Their whole life is us so we OWE him that in spades. Happy meal on the way for sure. 😭😭
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u/PugSanctuary 2d ago
The Last Battle
💔🌈 🐾 💫😇✝️💖🙏🏼♾️
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
-Author unknown
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u/erechoveraker 2d ago
That's an amazing run! And while it won't make that decision any easier, knowing you had the honor to share over 16 years with him is worth keeping close to your heart in the coming days ahead for sure.
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u/Ok-Comparison-571 2d ago
I encourage you to hold him as he goes and keep him in your arms for another full minute until his awareness completely leaves his body. It’s the hardest thing. I feel for you. You are doing the right thing.
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u/Alarming_Midnight554 2d ago
When they've had a good life they get to a point they tell you if your paying attention. After close to 20 dogs my gauge is when they are now having no fun its time. Its the shittiest day
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u/ImpressiveLeopard719 2d ago
It is hard. Just when we see that he is just an empty shell of himself we get a spark and a tad of normal for a minute. The peeing though is new and hard. He no longer plays, he is just kind of instinctual? If that makes sense.
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u/Alarming_Midnight554 2d ago
If you are looking for permission its probably time before something happens on a weekend when no one's around at the vets. Ive had to weigh several weekends against possible risk . None of this is fun but ive learned to understand i have to be the big boy in the room at times as its not about me.
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u/ImpressiveLeopard719 2d ago
understand. we know. I am just venting a bit. trying to control what I cannot. 3 years ago I watched my mom then my younger brother 6 months later pass away from cancer. I know what is coming so that is what breaks my heart. The silence. The permanence. The grief.
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u/Alarming_Midnight554 2d ago
I get it totally . At least you are on top of it some pet owners should never own them . I have 5 down from 8 and they are my babies . I dont yell at them I talk to them because they understand if you spend the time. Be well, youll know when
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u/Efficient-Bar1912 2d ago
We let our precious girl go today. It was so hard, but she was so peaceful. Like a sleeping angel. I feel for you but it's the final act of our unconditional love for them.
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u/gastonkid 2d ago
Yes, it's almost time. I am so sorry. Recently was there with my sweet boy. Difficult journey 😪
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u/ImpressiveLeopard719 2d ago
I am so sorry. This little dog has had a heart of gold and was hysterical and so so smart. He will be missed so much.
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u/Double-Program8445 2d ago
My almost 15 year-old Shepherd/hound mix was in the same situation and then she had two awful seizures. I was able to help her on not too long after the second seizure, but I wish I would’ve done it before she had to go through those things. I don’t know you, but sending all my support.
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u/Albatross714 2d ago
Ugh. So hard. All bad signs. You'll know. Good luck.
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u/ImpressiveLeopard719 2d ago
Yes they are all the signs. It is sad to see him be a shadow of the crazy fun loving lil dude he always was.
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u/jonas2k2_ 2d ago
We're at the same point with our 17 year old westie. We actually scheduled a euthanasia for him but cancelled it as he bounced back slightly.
All we can really do is try and enjoy the time we have left.
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u/Tired_world_63 1d ago
It’s amazing when they bounce back, our chi did the same thing - a few times. He was the same - huge heart murmur, deaf, losing sight, slept all the time, peeing everywhere… but we probably got 6-9 more months with him, and as long as he was comfy, I think he was happy. ☺️
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u/FastMusic2416 2d ago
❤️❤️❤️❤️ I hope you can enjoy this moment, however bittersweet and painful it is.
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u/Agitated_Warning1989 2d ago
Is his time.
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u/ImpressiveLeopard719 2d ago
yes and it makes us so sad. we will miss his goofy little self.
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u/Agitated_Warning1989 2d ago
had to put my dog to sleep Saturday. Kidney failure. Things led. Up to that. 16yo
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u/Bhanumayi 1d ago
once again, you have to decide what it is that you’re looking for, what has to happen before you make the call
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u/cheezycard77 1d ago
I was reading something that a pet psychic said, basically that whenever you decide it's time, your dog will be ok with it. I found that comforting. For what it's worth...
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u/Aggravating_Bat5075 2d ago
I am in the same boat please please please give me some strength... m shattered and broken
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u/GuardAggravating1377 1d ago
My heart goes out to you. It is so hard to watch them fade, and he sounds like he’s very much exactly where my 16 year old was. It’s just no life for them anymore as physical, joyful beings. And what a wonderful life he’s had with you I’m sure :)
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u/Insert-finger 1d ago
Best wishes and good luck. Is he in pain? Is it decision time?
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u/ImpressiveLeopard719 1d ago
It really is close. He does not whine or pant but he does seem to prefer his bed to being in the yard. He is on meds for it but has a gimp and a noticeable roundness to his back and he pulls up on his shoulders to walk. . It is sad to see him decline so much this year.
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u/Garrett1974 2d ago
I know the pain 😢 Stay with him when he crosses the rainbow!