It may be time

[OHfemail]

Prayers and hugs for all of you...

[jenebekka]

Thank you all for your hearts, your prayers, your kind thoughts. I am overwhelmed with the kindness on this board. God Bless you all from the bottom of my heart.

I'm still a wreck. This is probably the most difficult decision I've had to make in my life so far. I know I am doing it for Hershey. Barry, your comment about being a day early is very comforting and has resonated with me.

I had Hershey out to do her business last night. A neighbor knows of Hershey's situation and the emotions I am feeling. She had her dog out too and the two nuzzled each other. It was fun to watch Hershey interact with the other dog because she's not always the most social with other dogs but seemed to feel comfortable with the neighbor's husky. While I talked to my neighbor, Hershey was pulling me all over the place to come back in to get her treat. My neighbor told me she felt like Hershey still had life in her. THIS is what is sooooo hard for me right now. When Hershey is up walking, she is alert, happy, and still strong in her chest. However, if you brush her back legs (which I don't do) or if she steps on something not so level, she can lose her balance and fall easily, not to mention the weakness that is apparent if she stands too long. It's agonizing to see Hershey look fine in many ways and struggle in others.

Hershey's vet is fantastic and I know he will guide me through the next steps. As in Barry's quote, I don't want to wait "a day late" and she falls and is in pain from an injury. Yet, I don't want to let her go too soon. This is so painful. I think I will feel better maybe only slightly after Sat.'s vet appointment, regardless of the outcome. The unknowns that plague me may be gone. I will still be incredibly sad but I will know I am doing what is best for my girl....doing what is best for her is my only goal.

My heart and prayers are with you all - thank you for sharing that you are going through the same thing, about to go through it, or have already completed this journey. While I have a good family and support system, Hershey has been my dog for almost 15 years. For much of that time, it was just her and me. She helped me through an awful divorce and at times it felt like she was the ONLY one in the world that was there for me. I owe it to her to let her move on gracefully. I told her last night that I loved her and that I would see her again someday...she kissed me several times. It breaks my heart.

[katALlabs]

I can only say what the others have said, My heart and payers to you and your family.
Remember we are here for you and total understand what you are and will go through please don't be a stranger.

[bearbuddymarie]

So sorry to hear this, listen to your gut, good luck and keep us updated !

[Tilly]

So very sorry to hear this news, it's such a tough decision, sending you and Hershey good thoughts and strength, take care

[POPTOP]

Have been thinking about you and Hershey all day. My heart breaks for you. I know how you feel as we home seniors and the time comes all too soon. All I can say is if it is time, it's the greatest gift you can give, freedom from illness and pain. We are the ones who grieve.

[dogmom]

I am so sorry you and Hersey are at this point. They are never with us long enough. And this point in time always comes too soon, they are pain in the butt puppies, finally terrific family members and then in the blink of an eye, seniors declining way too fast. You will be in my prayers.

[Adirondack Labs]

Thinking of you and Hershey today during the appointment. I hope it give you some measure of peace about your decision. It's great that you have a good vet that you trust. That means so much. After our move south, we have a new vet and I'm already missing our Dr. Dave up north who has taken care of all our furkids with great compassion. I spoke too soon when I said I didn't have an appointment and ended up at the vet today too with Maddie. Some suspicious lumps and a swollen lymph node; we'll know more Monday.

So you and I are in much the same place today... loving our seniors and making each day the best that we can for them, knowing that a decision probably isn't too far off (always better a day early than a day late), but also knowing that it's the best thing we can do for them.

My prayers are with you and Hershey today and in the days to come.

paula

[jenebekka]

Well, at 6:00 this morning I woke up and realized I never received a reminder call for our appointment for this morning. So, I called to find out they had scheduled me with the new vet in the office by mistake. Our usual vet, the clinic owner, alternates Saturdays. I was able to talk to one of the techs that has helped with Hershey since day one. I cried (of course) and explained what was going on. He rescheduled our appointment to Monday. I feel better that they know the situation and I warned them of my being in a mess. This made me a little more comfortable for Monday's appointment. I am still on the fence about what should happen Monday but it will depend on advice from the vet. Thanks again for all the prayers...still need them. Hugs and many blessings to you all!

[MikeLynn]

Sending more good thoughts and hugs for both of you Fingers crossed for good results of the appointment.