Elderley Hound

[Roughquest]

Over the recent couple of months, my 13 y/o lab has started to poo indoors, its not for want of letting him out several times before he goes to bed and getting up early in the morning, but he still does it, he used to go on command and now its like hes lost the plot lately, the vet told me hes completely blind too, hes also eating his own poo when hes done it in the garden - is he on his way out do you think - he seems very depressed, the vet says its just old age.

[doglady]

I'm really sorry that your dog is getting old and you are faced with the prospect of losing him. You need to be thinking about whether he is enjoying his life any more, or whether he has had enough.

I'm thinking of you - let me know how you get on.

xxx

[shaneystar2]

Poor old boy ....have a read of this
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art25417.a sp

I know how you feel.. my old chap is 11 .. he's a GS/Lab cross..he's starting to show signs of age and is slowing down.
If his quality of life is no longer happy ..and he must be distressed if he is soiling ..then I would chat to your vet about that sad but inevitable fact that it's his time.
Thirteen is a good old age for a Lab .
Take care ..all us dog lovers will help you over it xx

[lankeela]

One thing you could try is to feed him early in the day, which wll give him the chance to empty out before bedtime.

Provided he is ok in himself, I think clearing up the odd poo is a small price to pay for 13 years.

However, if he really does seem to have given up, then maybe the time has come for you to let him go with a bit of dignity. Sorry to keep saying it, but better a day too soon than a minute too late.

[Roughquest]

Thank you for your answers thus far, his appetite is fine, and he does like to play ball still and when i pick up a toy his ears will prick up and he wants to play - so I dont think his time is up quite yet, his coat is still shiny, when he does manage to go toilet outside he always gets a treat to tell him hes done good, he isnt suffering badly from arthritis like a lot of labs do at his age, but we will see how he is this coming winter when it starts to get cold. I will see how he gets on and keep an eye on him, it is painful and upsetting to think he is coming to his twilight years, but I will continue to keep him warm and comfortable and we still have a good hug - they break your heart dont they ? dogs....

[shaneystar2]

They do indeed roughquest ! He sounds much loved so I hope.. from what you say that you have him for a while longer.
Take care ....woofs and a wag from Shaney.

[lankeela]

"Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware of giving your heart to a dog to tear" (Rudyard Kipling)

[Roughquest]

Not a truer word said Lankeela, that darn hound is the love of my life and the last connecting thread to an ex love of mine a few years ago.

[eyeshade]

When you read posts like RQ, it always makes me feel of the time when I lost our old fella (Bull Terrier). He was fantastic and his illness came upon us very quick so it made it doubly worst to bear. It took us a year to get over him.. but we did and now have another rescue hound and so life goes on. Lots of cuddles and lots of fun all round. Good luck Roughquest. Kiss to hound from me.

[YvonneM]

If you are a dog lover this will bring tears to your eyes SORRY

IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

[lankeela]

Now you've started me off! Can't see to type for the tears.

[Roughquest]

Awwwwwwwwww, noooooooooo, that is so poignant ! I cant type anything else, I feel too choked up.