Having To Make The Big Decision About, Toby.

[chrissa1]

I spoke to my vet this afternoon about Toby’s dementia. I described all of his symptoms and he said, he wished he had a magic pill to make him alright, but he hasn’t.

If I decided to put Toby to sleep, he couldn’t/wouldn’t argue.

Toby doesn’t recognise his name, doesn’t greet anybody who comes in, is off his food, poops in my bedroom during the night and even when I don’t chastise him at all, still goes and lies by himself shivering for half an hour. He is always vague and not sure of himself.

He’s not the vibrant, naughty dog he has been, for the last 12 years.

Do you think it’s time? He isn’t enjoying his life, at all. :((

Heartbreaking.

[albaqwerty]

Chrissa, you know the answer.

It is and will be heartbreaking xx

[Mamyalynne]

I think you know he's lost all joy in life - it will be the final kindest thing you can do for him.

My heart goes out to you.x

[marval]

I am very sorry to hear this Chrissa, but I think it sounds like it is time.

It will not be easy for you, but you know you have done your best for him.

[pastafreak]

I think he's telling you it's time to let go.
I know...its a terrible, terrible decision to make. But you must do what's best...for him. x

[DTCwordfan]

yep....the spaniel here is becoming like that....my daughter is coming in to visit me for the first time in years and, apparently, she had whispering skills. I think we are coming close but open to her views....I think we all know though, so heartbreaking that it is.

Strength to you, Chrissa. xx

Wish we had it for we humans though.

[Baldric]

It s the hardest choice you ever have to make, been there a number of times and it is the final act of love you can ever do for them, it sounds like the right thing to do, wish you well and so sorry.

[chrissa1]

I know you’re all, right. It’s selfish of me to doubt its the right thing to do.

[jakep]

It sounds as though the joy has gone from his life. The time is right. I think you know too. It really is tough. It broke me and took me two years to begin to recover. I wish you strength x

[Togo]

Aahh Chrissa. Recognise the signs. Our lovely Cassie is now nigh on 17 and showing her age. About 6 months ago she was not eating and losing weight and interest in life very fast. Despite the monthly medication and vet bills we were doom laden with dread. I started cooking, not kidding here, chicken and steak for her and making sure that after years of us being "health" conscious on her behalf that at least her food was interesting. Beggar me she is now eating like a horse and can still do somersaults when she fancies. She has though decided that we are not the "boss" and is disobedient and stubborn. We love her so. Her back legs are now giving her gyp and steps are a challenge for her but she still wags a tail and tries to patrol the borders. Bearded Collie, Blue Merle cross. Very clever dog. Gonna be hard on us when the time comes.

[youngmafbog]

I'm afraid with bath our Boxers with hindsight we kept them going too long, unfortunately aided and abetted by the vet.

I think you know when the time is right, I wish I had stuck to my guns with the vet with Mr B instead of leaving it until he finally collapsed a couple of months later.

Easier said than done but think of the animal not yourself, if the quality of life is very poor then the time has come. IMHO.

[jourdain2]

It is so very hard, but you know you have made the right decision. He probably thought 'bad dog' every time he messed in your room. It is so very, very hard and it does not get any easier as time goes by. Heartbreaking, but you suffer or he does. You have my love and thoughts, as does Toby.

[anneasquith]

I think you know what to do chrissa . good luck .

[chrissa1]

This is what I have looking at me for most of the evening. God bless him.

jhttp://i68.tinypic.com/2jg34lw.jpg%5B/

I hope this works.

[chrissa1]

Dammit!

[chrissa1]

http://i68.tinypic.com/2jg34lw.jpg

[tonyav]

A terrible shame, chrissa.
lovely pic

[Prudie]

Hugs to you Chrissa and poor Toby. Pic works if you take the j off (well did for me)
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2jg34lw&s=9#.Whif-oZl-00

[anneasquith]

He's a lovely dog chrissa, but you know him better than anyone.

[seekeerz]

Chrissa, it's heartbreaking but that's one of the things we agree to when we take on the responsibility of caring for animals ...we love them, look after them and at the end let them go with peace ...Toby is ready to go, you know in your heart ....and you have to be strong for both of you. Thoughts and hugs to you both xx

[wolf63]

He is your beautiful boy. It is a hard decision for you to make, it's a decision that you'll make because you love him.