Try to rehome very senior dog or ask vet to euthanize?

[Anonymous]

My aunt died and left behind a 16 year old dog. The dog besides being really old doesn’t have a lot of health issues. I live in a no pet building and can’t keep him (small shih tzu). Would you try to rehome this dog (obviously most people don’t want a 16 year old dog and I can’t hold on to him for more than 2 weeks due to building policy) or would you ask the vet to euthanize him due to his age and the stress of a new home?

[Anonymous]

Euthanize. The vet will probably not give you any pushback. I think most of them would rather see a dog that old get a peaceful end than a stressful and dubious rehoming.

[Anonymous]

Poor senior dog. I've seen a few of these at my rescue. Generally we can find a rescue volunteer who can bring them home and take care of them that way, instead of being made to live with gen pop at the rescue building itself.

It might be worth it contact a few rescues around your home. The one I volunteer for is Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation in Falls Church, VA. Here's the page for rehoming:
https://www.lostdogrescue.org/rehoming/

*Thank you*, OP, for considering all humane options, instead of abandoning this senior citizen by the side of the road. This happens more often than we like.

[Anonymous]

Rehome of course!

[Anonymous]

I'd try to rehome and, if not possible, bring to Vet to euthanize. You might be surprised by the rehoming. I have a friend who exclusively takes in old dogs, some with severe medical issues, so they can live out their last days in peace and comfort. This would be a perfect candidate for someone like her.

[Anonymous]

Rehome, take to a shelter. that's terrible to euthanize with no health issues.

[Anonymous]

Does your aunt have any neighbors or a neighborhood list serve? I think there are often neighbors who may not know her well but know her as “the nice old lady with the sweet shih tzu” and might be happy to take in the dog. I had a nice elderly neighbor with an adorable westie …. We always had a nice time talking and I don’t even think I knew her name but would have taken in her dog.

[Anonymous]

Is there a shih tzu rescue who would be familiar with the issues and could put him with a sympathetic foster?

[Anonymous]

Shi tzu rescue

[Anonymous]

Shih tzus are really easy to care for. I think a lot of older people would take the dog. My parents have shih tzus and would take another in a situation like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rehome, take to a shelter. that's terrible to euthanize with no health issues.

No, what’s terrible is to put a 16yo dog that’s lost his owner and his home and the only life he knows and put him in a shelter.

OP have him euthanized, if you can, do it at home where you can hold him and he’ll be less stressed than atthe vet.
Peaceful Passage were amazing, they light only be MD but a local vet or google should be able to help
You.

[Anonymous]

Try googling senior dog rescue in your area or hers. A shi-tzu has a decent chance of finding a home. I would at least give it a try.

[Anonymous]

Please don’t put him to sleep. So sad. My sister only adopts dogs like this and gives them a loving home for the last few years of their lives. Look for a breed specific rescue.

[Anonymous]

Rename. Like the pp, my mother also only adopts elderly or special needs dogs and has cycled through a lot of them. There are people out there who would happily take the dog

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rename. Like the pp, my mother also only adopts elderly or special needs dogs and has cycled through a lot of them. There are people out there who would happily take the dog

I don't know why you'd want to change his name.