My 16 year old dog is dying - just need to say this "out loud"

[Anonymous]

I've had him since he was a puppy. His kidneys were just starting to fail (stage 1-2) but now a large lump popped up on his shoulder that the doc is certain is a soft tissue sarcoma, uncertain if it metastasized to one lung. He's on a steroid and did improve with that to drinking, being able to get around, etc. Only interested in treats at this point, and that's OK. He's a small breed anyway so I've been balancing treats between meat based, grain and fruit and veggie based, and giving him baby yogurt treats with veggies. If he doesn't improve more by end of week, we'll have to make the decision to let him go next week.

Very sad about it but there's a lot of acceptance as well. He came to us from an abusive situation and we gave him a wonderful life. I'll just miss his bouncy little self. On the other side of things, my mother needs more visits, I can visit my youngest in Tokyo and I can focus on my daughter's upcoming wedding. We also have some ill family member (older) and I can help there. Trying to look forward I guess.

[Anonymous]

Sending you SO MUCH LOVE!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sending you SO MUCH LOVE!

Thank you. I so appreciate it. I go from acceptance to despair at the house being so empty without him.

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry. It's hard to know when to say when. What a long life he's had with you. Hugs.

[Anonymous]

It’s okay to have all the feelings. What matters is he’s loved.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you've given him a great life, OP. Better too soon than too late.

The relief aspect of grief after being a caregiver through end-of-life is real, and normal, and healthy.

Feel all the feelings. It's a sign of your love.

[Anonymous]

sorry

[Anonymous]

It’s very hard OP. But know you are making the right decision if he doesn’t have good quality of life. 16 is a long happy life.
We put our lab down in June and it was very hard the first couple of days. We then adopted a rescue lab and it fills the hole in your heart slowly. I still miss the first one. Bit having another dog in the house helps. Knowing I’ve adopted another dog without a home helps too.

[Anonymous]

I just said goodbye to my sweet 13 year old girl last month. So, it’s still fresh. I’m so sorry, OP, they are family. And better than some people family. I know you’ve done right by your doggie all these years and he trusts and loves you. Hugs.

[Anonymous]

The Right Time is when you are ready
You have been a good and loving dog parent

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Right Time is when you are ready
You have been a good and loving dog parent

Respectfully, no. The right time is when the dog's quality of life has diminished beyond functionality (can't eat, messes inside, can't enjoy its day) and isn't reasonably expected to improve.

Many people hang on way too long. Dogs don't want to mess inside, or be carried, or lose their ability to please and engage their owners. It's stressful to them to hang on until we're ready. We love them; we're never ready.

But they are, and there are distinct signs. Our final act of love for our pets is giving them a gentle death while they're still themselves.

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry. Thank you for giving him a wonderful life full of love.

[Anonymous]

I’m very sorry. Just went through this too and it was way harder than I anticipated. There are so many reminders in the house and I miss him so very much. But it does get easier each day.

[Anonymous]

I am very sorry. My 18 yo dog died earlier this year and I am still so very sad. Take care.

[Anonymous]

It is sad, I’m sorry you’re going through this. We had our Yorkie for 20 years. I have so many memories in my head and that makes me happy. You will too.