Donate SIGN UP

Dilemma

Avatar Image
Meg | 21:32 Fri 10th Sep 2010 | Animals & Nature
42 Answers
I've made a few postings over the last few years re my geriatric border collie bitch and have received a lot of support.
The situation now is she has hardly eaten for 2 weeks and for the last 2 days has eaten nothing at all.
Fifteen months ago we found out she had tumours on her mammary glands, I really didn't expect her to last more than a few months then.
I've been at the vets again today, they wanted to keep her in and put her on a drip feed which I won't go along with. Instead I consented to her having 2 injections, anti biotic and ant acid. Should have mentioned above she has thrown up at least once a day every day for the last 2 years.

I think I am finally getting to my question.
Vet asked if I'd thought about euthanasia, which yes we have, but really don't think it's at that stage yet, although we do know it could be imminent.

Lankeela always says "better a day to early than an hour too late". Albeit not eating she is still alert and is not in any pain.

Just getting things off my chest, I'm giving loads of TLC and fretting.
Thanks for listening, Wendyxx
Gravatar

Answers

1 to 20 of 42rss feed

1 2 3 Next Last

Best Answer

No best answer has yet been selected by Meg. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.

For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
Wendy - I feel for you. Have been there many, many times. I believe I once made the decision a day too early and found that harder to live with than the many that were probably a day too late. I have every faith in you that you will know the right time. Give Meg a kiss from me please ♥
Wendy - I'm sorry for your dilemma. Only you can know when it's the right time - I am sure someone will post the poem for you which says that taking a pet on that last trip is the most selfless thing you can do for an animal... but so hard, if that pet is still alert and not in pain. You will know when the time is right. Thinking of you ♥
Miss Meg as a doglover I sympathise, it sounds as if you are having a rough time at the moment. No-one can really advise you and it seems as if you are nearing the end. I have experienced something similar with a sheltie a while ago and felt that as long as she had quality of life I would keep her but in the end I gave in to the inevitable and had her put to sleep, at least I knew she had had a good life and in the end put her out of her misery because she was no longer a happy dog .
Best wishes
Alex
So sorry Wendy, it's heartbreaking when your pet is ill and probably there isn't much anyone can do. Without food she cannot be expected to last much longer. Be brave. june x
Question Author
Thank you so much ttfn and boxy, I've been in this situation before, it doesn't get any easier.

Thanks, just needed to have a rant, glad somebody listened. xx
"Albeit not eating she is still alert and is not in any pain. "

Sorry to hear this about you dog. How sure are you that she's not in pain?
Hi society - a loving pet owner reads and knows every sign that their beloved pet puts out - believe me
Question Author
Thanks Alex and June, 15 years ago a farmer was going to put Meg and her sister Sue in a bucket of water.
I had no option but to bring them home. We lost sue last year, I like to think I gave them a life that was going to be denied.
Wendy, you have obviously been a good adoptive mum to both your dogs - you have given them a good life. ♥
Wendy - 2 long lives - what a credit to you. So many happy memories too I'll bet.
I am sorry you are facing a difficult decision, I am sure you will know when the time is right. You can only do your best, at least you gave her a good life. I found this poem, I hope it helps.

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for we know this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
but don't let grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
what is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer? So,
when the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
only stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

It is a kindness that you do to me,
although my tail it's last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve, it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
That's the one, marval - thank you.
Thats ok boxy
Can only add to what has been said, my heart goes out to you and you will make the right decision.

Mamya ♥
Question Author
Thank you marval, so true, made me cry so excuse if the typing isn't too good.
With Susie the vet came to the house and we said our last goodbyes and she fell asleep for the last time in my arms in the home she loved.
I'll see what the next few days bring.
Thank you for the support, Meg is fast asleep. When I've been in this situation before I've hoped to find the pet gone naturally in their sleep, unfortunately nature is never usually that kind to us.
Thanks to all of you, Wendyxx
Question Author
Thanks mamya, she's fast asleep and I'm following suit. Could do with a good matron here to administer to both of us. Take care, Wendyxx
i would volunteer myself to accompany matron Wendy - I am good with animals and I can bring you a little night cap too. sweet dreams and ttfn ♥
I am sure you will know when is the right time, it is never easy saying goodbye to a loved one.

Take care xx
Remember Rainbow Bridge:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...
My heart and my love goes out to you both, you will know when the time is right to let go. We went through this with dear old Jetspoon in May and although it breaks your heart to make this decision you'll know, deep down, it's the right one to make. Take care and be strong xxx

1 to 20 of 42rss feed

1 2 3 Next Last

Do you know the answer?

Dilemma

Answer Question >>