Gransnet forums

Pets

I don't want to do it but...

(64 Posts)
hildajenniJ Thu 20-Jul-17 21:54:43

I think the time has come.
My lovely little Parson Russell terrier needs to see the vet. She has been bleeding from the mouth, but I cannot see where. Tonight there are clots on the sofa throws. I know what the vet will say, as she is too old to withstand an anaesthetic or other exploratory treatment. I can't let this go on though, so I'm sitting here writing, with tears in my eyes. I've had this precious little girl for seventeen years, and don't want to say goodbye. She has been such a good dog. Making the decision is so hard, but I must, for her same as I don't want her to suffer.
The thing is, she is still eating and drinking and growling at the postman. I an torn.
Help!

farview Fri 21-Jul-17 12:14:12

Tears rolling down my face..Four years ago had to make that decision.our border collie Gyp couldnt even stand properly.he hated the vets and always had to be muzzled..so when neil the vet and his nurse came I had Gyp muzzled.lay in his favourite place in the garden..neil knelt down.took off the muzzle and said "this old boy doesnt need this today" I held Gyp as he left this world.sun was shining.the horses were at the fence AND they stayed there all day!!! am sure they knew..we scattered his ashes on the moors and put his lead in the bracken...✨✨

GannyRowe Fri 21-Jul-17 12:10:32

Bless you, this time comes to all of us dog lovers. And it's SO hard.
Try and remember one thing, a good and pain free death is the ONE thing you can give them to repay all that unconditional love and devotion they have shown you over the years. The times when you are sad, and a head appears under you hand, just so you can stroke it. Or the times when they bring you their favourite toy, after all they love it so much, and clearly you must feel the same. Or just being there with a wagging tail after being left home alone, be it for five mins or five hours, their thrill is at your return is the same.

Nelliemaggs Fri 21-Jul-17 11:30:23

I'm so sorry. It's such a painful decision to make, but you will make it out of love and know you did the right thing❤️

grannysyb Fri 21-Jul-17 11:25:35

I'm with Maw on this. Our beloved Abby couldn't get up one day,she looked at me and have me a little lick,something she hardly ever did,and I knew what she was saying. My DH did it as we had the stuff ready for the last kind thing we do for our pets.

Musicelf Fri 21-Jul-17 11:15:34

Oh, I so understand your pain Hilda - with me it was my cat Charlie. I knew there was something wrong, but as long as he still had his appetite and was his usual affectionate self, I couldn't bear to explore the possibility that this might be the end. Eventually Charlie spent so much time gazing earnestly at me, I knew he was trying to tell me something, and I took him to the vet.....

I've had cats all my life, but Charlie is the one I remember most, and 8 years later I still miss him.

Theoddbird Fri 21-Jul-17 11:08:03

Having to make this decision is so hard. I have been there many times over the years with my cats. Be guided by the vet. You know in your heart what has to be done... Her soul will fly free to the rainbow bridge... Hugs for you x

HannahLoisLuke Fri 21-Jul-17 11:07:13

Sending love and sympathy Hilda. Hope the vet finds its nothing too serious with your little friend.
All of us who love our pets find ourselves in this position eventually and it's truly distressing. Thinking of you xx

sarahellenwhitney Fri 21-Jul-17 11:06:13

flowersThis may be something quite minor and although your little one is eating and drinking I still think a visit to the vet is important. Ops on animals are much safer these days as they are given intravenous fluids while ops are in progress. Trust your vet or there is always a second opinion. Please let us know how you get on at the vets .We are all hoping for the best.
flowers]

Margs Fri 21-Jul-17 10:53:08

If it truly comes to the crunch then please get onto PetLoss.com - you will get tons and tons of sympathy, support and much more.

radicalnan Fri 21-Jul-17 10:50:00

One of the wonderful things we can do for our dear animals, is to help them leave when the time is right. I think if the vet will come to the house, it is so much easier for the pet and the owner doesn't have to make any dreadful journey home.

My eldest son, tattooed and studed and built like the proverbial brick sht house, had to be carried to his car by two dainty veterinary nurses after his dog had to be put to sleep.

There never is a lonlier or more noble moment.

maddy629 Fri 21-Jul-17 10:43:13

Oh dear, poor you, it might be something simple and easy to cure.I do hope so but if not, it is a decision we all have to make in the end. My cat was only 3 years old when I had to make the same decision, she developed liver disease. It broke my heart and even my husband shed a few tears. At least your dog has had a long and happy life. I hope everything turns out okay but if not then, as our vet says, it is the last kindness we can do for a much loved pet flowers

Miep1 Fri 21-Jul-17 10:33:03

I would take the hard decision, feed her all her favourite things for a couple of days and the quietly call the vet. She has given all her love to you, now you have to do this loving thing for her. I often see not only my cats and dog at the Rainbow Bridge (and round the house) but those of my best friend. As she has never told me what her cats looked like, she was amazed when I described them to her

hildajenniJ Fri 21-Jul-17 10:27:56

Well, no more blood from mouth this morning. Wiser has eaten two sausages and had a drink of milk for breakfast. She's been outside for her morning visit to the neighbour's garden, and is currently sniffing around the living room. Lots of teeth chattering and the usual involuntary jerks that I've become used to since brain tumour was suspected. All in all, she appears better in herself today. As maw says, I'm just going to take things day by day and wait until she has no quality of life left.

shysal Fri 21-Jul-17 09:44:12

You will know when the time is right, for her if not for you sad. flowers

Greyduster Fri 21-Jul-17 09:08:59

Such a sad dilemma for you Hilda and what a lovely dog. I hope things are not as bad as they seem. {{hugs}} for you both.

Sparklefizz Fri 21-Jul-17 09:03:26

gagagran - yes, I still "see" my previous cats who are still much-loved. One or other of them will often come and visit me. It's very comforting. A medium told me she could see me surrounded by cats (I have had them all my life.) It seems they are waiting for me ......

Sparklefizz Fri 21-Jul-17 09:00:45

hilda flowers Just come on to offer sympathy. Could it be a dental problem? Sending you a big hug, and hoping that the vet will find that it is less serious than you fear. The fact that she is still eating is very positive. Love and hugs to you. xx

NanaandGrampy Fri 21-Jul-17 08:45:57

Totally understanding how you're feeling Hilda . I think you know when the time is right , its the biggest responsibility of a pet owner.

Sending you a big hug xx

merlotgran Fri 21-Jul-17 08:31:44

Sending you my best wishes, hilda. It's a sad time when you have to say goodbye to a much loved pet.

Auntieflo Fri 21-Jul-17 08:28:47

Hilda, love and hugs to you at this sad time

kittylester Fri 21-Jul-17 08:07:33

Nothing more to say Hilda, so sending a (((hug))) flowers

whitewave Fri 21-Jul-17 07:46:53

hilda and dear companion flowers

Baggs Fri 21-Jul-17 07:44:04

flowers, hilda.

Gagagran Fri 21-Jul-17 07:40:05

What a lovely post Maw - Grace was a lucky girl indeed to be yours.

Hope there is a bit more time for you Hilda with your girl - could it be a tooth problem? Good luck and fingers crossed for you.

Does anyone else still "see" from the corner of the eye a flashing sight of a pet who is no longer with you? I had my Clio cat for 20 years - a sleek black beauty who was rescued from a feral colony as a kitten. Whenever I opened a tin of tuna she would appear as if by magic from wherever she had been dozing and sit and miaou piteously at my feet. I still see her very briefly coming into the kitchen to do that! I don't believe they do leave you so long as your memory is functioning.

Alima Fri 21-Jul-17 07:39:16

So sorry Hilda, this is the really hard part of having our canine friends.