A "when to do it" question . . . struggling

[Anonymous]

Dog has inoperable tumor. Chemo/Radiation, even if we were inclined, would not buy much time and dog would suffer (we opted against this). Tumor in the head area and it's very, very large.

Dog is having a hard time sleeping and breathing and doesn't prefer to be outside as much as usual. Dog has fits where it is very difficult to breath (think coughing/gasping) and cannot go on walks b/c of this. Lungs are also compromised a little. Doc says if not in pain (and it doesn't look like it's "pain" in the howling with pain sense) dog probably feels like she has a sinus infection, due to the location and size of the mass. She's eating just fine. Never so much as a growl or complaint. Tail wagging but not as vigorous. She's definitely very tired.

If we wait until the condition worsens, we are looking at pain and bleeding from the nose (may be profuse; there is already discharge).

If you have the choice: spoil rotten for a few weeks and do it "too soon" before it gets really bad or wait it out? We've opted for the former as 1) she is starting to decline and 2) the thought of her in pain and bleeding from the nose is too much for us. But I'm feeling very, very guilty about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dog has inoperable tumor. Chemo/Radiation, even if we were inclined, would not buy much time and dog would suffer (we opted against this). Tumor in the head area and it's very, very large.

Dog is having a hard time sleeping and breathing and doesn't prefer to be outside as much as usual. Dog has fits where it is very difficult to breath (think coughing/gasping) and cannot go on walks b/c of this. Lungs are also compromised a little. Doc says if not in pain (and it doesn't look like it's "pain" in the howling with pain sense) dog probably feels like she has a sinus infection, due to the location and size of the mass. She's eating just fine. Never so much as a growl or complaint. Tail wagging but not as vigorous. She's definitely very tired.

If we wait until the condition worsens, we are looking at pain and bleeding from the nose (may be profuse; there is already discharge).

If you have the choice: spoil rotten for a few weeks and do it "too soon" before it gets really bad or wait it out? We've opted for the former as 1) she is starting to decline and 2) the thought of her in pain and bleeding from the nose is too much for us. But I'm feeling very, very guilty about it.

You've already waited too long, OP.

I'm so very sorry. It's hard.

[Anonymous]

If you had to ask this question, with the situation described, then you have already waited too long.

Hugs across the internet...

[Anonymous]

Agreed. It's time--not a few weeks from now, but now. So sorry, OP. We are going through this right now too--it's really tough to make that call.

In your shoes, I'd wait through the weekend (assuming you and your family are not around much during the week, and assuming no changes), spend the weekend spoiling her and saying goodbye, and then set up a time to have someone come by Sunday afternoon or Monday. I'm sorry--it's so hard to say goodbye.

[Anonymous]

It does sound like the dog may already be suffering, and it would be the right thing to do it sooner than later. Dogs are good at hiding their pain. I'm so sorry, it's so hard to make the call

[Anonymous]

Just writing in support - as I was reading the details I was thinking OP needed to schedule this already. Sorry OP.

[Anonymous]

I don't know that you're too late already. Lots of geriatric dogs have trouble sleeping for a variety of reasons. If the tail is still wagging, and still eating... those are good signs.

You know your dog best.

But one of my most beloved horseback riding mentors always said: "Better a week too soon, than an hour too late". I think there is truth in this.

I'm sorry for your tough decision. Knowing exactly when is always difficult. It sounds to me like you're taking all the right things into account. I think you'll make a good decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know that you're too late already. Lots of geriatric dogs have trouble sleeping for a variety of reasons. If the tail is still wagging, and still eating... those are good signs.

You know your dog best.

But one of my most beloved horseback riding mentors always said: "Better a week too soon, than an hour too late". I think there is truth in this.

I'm sorry for your tough decision. Knowing exactly when is always difficult. It sounds to me like you're taking all the right things into account. I think you'll make a good decision.

This. Schedule now for a convenient time early next week.

[Anonymous]

So sorry, OP. It is the absolute worst, but I agree with the others and think it's time. Hugs to you.

[Anonymous]

Love your dog over the weekend, schedule for next week.

I am really sorry—have been there with two cats.

[Anonymous]

It's already time, OP. There is no good reason to allow the dog to suffer. Please call tomorrow. I'm sorry. I have been there several times. It sucks. But it is the most loving thing you can do for your dog.

[Anonymous]

This is the worst decision to make and we had to do it a few weeks ago ourselves. But we are really at peace knowing that we didn’t let him suffer. It sounds like it is time.

[Anonymous]

Hugs OP! All I can say is my sister was told on a Friday she would have to put her dog down by late the following week. (Kidneys were shutting dow-she was just shy of 2) She made an appointment for Thursday. Monday morning the bleeding from the nose started and it was an emergency and it was horrible. You don't want to experience that. Thank her for the love, companionship and devotion and say good bye now.

[Anonymous]

Op, the answer is: when you are ready


Btw, that's always the answer re: an elderly, ailing pet. Agonizing over the exact timing imposes more heart ache, guilt, drama than anyone should bare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, the answer is: when you are ready


Btw, that's always the answer re: an elderly, ailing pet. Agonizing over the exact timing imposes more heart ache, guilt, drama than anyone should bare.

Sorry no, that is NEVER the answer. Some people are never ready. Do not keep the dog alive until you are ready. That is just cruel.