Millomite Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 I think my old lab is on his way out, he’ll be fifteen in May and is/was my first dog, so I’ve never had to make a decision on when the right time is.His back legs are starting to go and give way and he is finding it increasingly more difficult to get in and out of his bed. That coupled with the fact he can no longer control his bowels or bladder is making me seriously think about when the right time is.I have to wash him and his bed twice a day because he inevitably lies in his own waste, which for a dog that used to not even pee in his run, makes me think that it could be the right time.The hardest part is that he still looks happy, although when asking him to come for a short walk, he heads back towards his bed.As he’s my first dog, it’s hard for me to make the call, and I know its best to do it too early rather than too late, but how do you decide in these kind of situations? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 (edited) Sorry to say , I would think he has already reached his time , just ask if you would be happy laying in your waste ?. 15 years is a good innings for a lab , its always a horrible decision to make but one that is aways better being made too soon than too late . Spoil him rotten for a day and get him to the vets. Sorry but that's the way I see it . Edited January 9, 2014 by fenboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeonblasterian Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Get him to the vets.Tell him of the situation and be guided by his judgement as he will probably have seen it many times before. Sounds like it would be the kindest thing to do before he gets worse. Sure you will do what you think best for your dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris o Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 I know its a hard decission its never a easy one no matter how many dogs you have had. But i would say its his time to be let free. The way i look at it is if it was me would i want to be kept alive. Its not doing your dog any favours. All the best and thoughts will be with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markr Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 as has been said if you have a good vet be guided by them. we lost a bitch several years ago around the same age, we came home one day and the way she looked at me from her bed said it was time as she would of normaly greeted us but just lay here that day as if she'd had enough. hard decision to make but one im sure you will do whats best for the dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 The best advice I can give is; A day to early is way better than a day too late! As your asking the question you can answer that one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aled Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 (edited) Been in an identical position. Turning point came for me, when i went downstairs to find him in great distress, and he growled at me (completely out of charecter), at that point i knew my dog had gone. Dad held on for a week or two, but then relented. Sounds like you love that dog, and i believe you will do the right thing by him. Aled Edited January 9, 2014 by Aled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookie69 Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 I don't envy you at all. as others have said, it sounds like the time. at the end of August last year I had to take the heart breaking decision to have my best mate (springer spaniel) Jimmy PTS just short of his 16th birthday. the decision was made a little easier when me and the mrs looked through old holiday video's and a life time of photos we both agreed he had had a good life. we now have another bundle of joy in our life, 5mnth old cocker spaniel he isn't a replacement for jimmy because that isn't possible, but he is my new best mate, and brings a smile to my face every day. good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bi9johnny Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 KENT said it in one mate , i feel for you but i think the time is here regards john Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wingnut Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 This is something I found when I had to make the decision not so long ago, I hope it helps May I Go?I’ve lived my life and done my best, an example I tried to be.So can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free?I didn’t want to go at first, I fought with all my might.But something seems to draw me near to a warm andloving light.I want to go. I really do. It’s difficult to stay.But I will try as best I can to live just one more day.To give you time to care for me and share your love andfears. I know you’re sad and so afraid, because I see your tears.I’ll not be far, I promise that, and hope you’ll always know,that my spirit will be close to you, wherever you may go.Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too.That’s why it’s hard to say good-bye and end this life with you.So hold me now, just one more time and let me hear yousay, because you care so much for me, you’ll let me gotoday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geordieh Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 I think my old lab is on his way out, he’ll be fifteen in May and is/was my first dog, so I’ve never had to make a decision on when the right time is. His back legs are starting to go and give way and he is finding it increasingly more difficult to get in and out of his bed. That coupled with the fact he can no longer control his bowels or bladder is making me seriously think about when the right time is. I have to wash him and his bed twice a day because he inevitably lies in his own waste, which for a dog that used to not even pee in his run, makes me think that it could be the right time. The hardest part is that he still looks happy, although when asking him to come for a short walk, he heads back towards his bed. As he’s my first dog, it’s hard for me to make the call, and I know its best to do it too early rather than too late, but how do you decide in these kind of situations? Hi Milomite Yesterday, don't let him suffer any more Geordie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radar_uk Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 It's never an easy decision to make, I lost one of my GWP's to cancer last year and I knew it was time when he didn't want to go out for a walk and spent most of the day just lying in his bed and couldn't find the energy to get up and have a play. As someone said earlier, a day early is better than a day late. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apache Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 If the dog has lost control of its bladder and bowels then now is the time. Do the right thing by the beastie. You owe it to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wacker Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 This is something I found when I had to make the decision not so long ago, I hope it helps May I Go? I’ve lived my life and done my best, an example I tried to be. So can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free? I didn’t want to go at first, I fought with all my might. But something seems to draw me near to a warm and loving light. I want to go. I really do. It’s difficult to stay. But I will try as best I can to live just one more day. To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears. I know you’re sad and so afraid, because I see your tears. I’ll not be far, I promise that, and hope you’ll always know, that my spirit will be close to you, wherever you may go. Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too. That’s why it’s hard to say good-bye and end this life with you. So hold me now, just one more time and let me hear you say, because you care so much for me, you’ll let me go today. I'm not as hard as I thought I was, that made me cry! I had to say goodbye to my dog last year, was the hardest thing I had to do. It's not about us left behind, they give us such joy we owe it to them not to suffer. speak to your vet, take his/her advise. They can even come to your home to carry it out. All the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren m Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 millo -- have you done the deed yet , its the hardest thing to do i know , i had my dog put to sleep a year ago this week . you have to let them go with dignitiy mate . its the last act of love and kindness you can give him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyska Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 If the dog has lost control of its bladder and bowels then now is the time. Do the right thing by the beastie. You owe it to them. Absolutely agree with the above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash72 Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 Sad post! We had to put our 16 year old Golden Retriever to sleep as one day he wouldn't get up. The vet came to the house and gave him the shot and just before he went he stuck his paw on my mum's leg. Tear rolling down my eye right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
postie Posted January 14, 2014 Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 I really feel for you mate had to put 2dogs down in 2 months my 15year old springer chancer what a great pal he was started to lose the use of his legs he looked at me one morning and i knew and Pepsi the wifes yorkie 19 yrs if just gave up after chancer went would not eat or get out of his bed it is hardest things you will have to do if you don't do it you will only question your self after my thoughts are with you PS 2years later i have a 15 week old cocker and hear we go again don't be without a dog for long it does help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitchsan51 Posted January 15, 2014 Report Share Posted January 15, 2014 Look into his eyes. I did that years ago with an old lab and I knew that she was ready. It is the toughest but kindest thing to do. Mitch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweazle Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Some vets will come do a home PTS, that's what we did last year when our oldest dog had cancer. He went in the sunshine in the garden, very relaxed, and is buried in the top field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beeredup Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 sorry to say it but by the sounds of it, that time has arrived :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.