To Berna: maybe you're right. maybe I am obsessing a little too much. I guess I just don't know what to expect so I am trying to arm myself with information. thanks for the thoughts & information everyone.
For me, it's always been about pain and fear....I let what I sense in my pet guide me to make the best choice for his or her comfort.
If he's eating and happy....happy around other dogs.....not hiding and seeming to "give up", I'd say he's not ready to be saying good-bye. But that's just from what you wrote...and sometimes words don't/can't convey reality....especially on the Internet where things don't always translate well....only you know your dog. I hope you and he will have much quality time left (and, yes, the heat does a number on most animals, not just the old).
To Berna: maybe you're right. maybe I am obsessing a little too much. I guess I just don't know what to expect so I am trying to arm myself with information. thanks for the thoughts & information everyone.
Dave and I were just talking about this with Hudler. He's eating OK, not great. He's walking but not great. He's hard to handle, most the time I have to help him up and we have to walk him outside. When he can't get up at all anymore and can't walk on his own, that will be when it's time. We're not there yet.
Jen
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I agree with Berna also. These dogs have the ability to look into our minds and know what we are thinking and feeling. Being a senior, everything for him is exaggerated and he may be confused (dogs get dementia).
As long as he is happy and eating, AND enjoying your companionship, stay with him. Now is the time when he needs YOU the most.
Sending lab board MOJO and prayers your way.
It's a hard thing to know. Something I have seen is that our pets rally in our presence. So for me a guide is how much time is the pet with me or left at home alone or with someone else? My Vet probably thought it was terrible of me to let Jet go on as she did because when left with them a couple of times she looked ready. But at home with me, and I worked from home by then, she was completely different.
And I have sad knowledge of the old dog being left with a pet sitter, (it was my Mum) while the owner went on vacation. The dog just gave up without his owner there and Mum had it euthanized. It was very old and it was extremely badly off. I would not go away and leave my old dog with anyone no matter how well they knew my dog or how much I trusted them. It's a terrible thing to do to the dog and the person you leave them with.
Maybe the time with you versus time without you would help as a guide? It's so hard. We lost two cats in 2013. Aged 18 and 20.5. One just picked up and started being more active and friendly and sleeping in places closer to us and that was a sign. Sometimes they seem to get better, which she did for a short few days. And the seeking out new places can be a sign too. Good thoughts for you.
Doing a full blood panel w/urinalysis can give you a better indication if all is ok other than arthritis.
Patty
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Since Alix said no Chronic Illness other than arthritis, I am assuming they know there are no other illnesses. Sometimes you can just over-test....
Jen
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Annette47 (08-16-2014)
Unless you truly believe he is dying, I would not forego somewhere you really want to go. I think your dog will be fine, keeping in mind of course, that we never know for sure what will happen while we aren't there, no matter their age. I think that our seniors do not want us to give up our lives just waiting for them to die. And they know if that is what we are doing. I am in the same situation you are with my German shepherd and I know it is terribly stressful.
I have been bring Maxxie to work for 6 years, I think. We are together all the time. As soon as we get home, we are at the park & then I stay home or a few nights a week I have practice because I sing in 2 bands. My weekends have always revolved around him. I brought him to work yesterday I think for the last time. There are 16 stairs & I can't get him up or down anymore. I think home is the best place for him right now. The girl who looks after him loves him to death & will brings him to her place everyday. She has a dog & they hang out all day. I do notice he does really well when we get to the dog park. he is so social & loves all the attention from humans & dogs. Thanks everyone for all your suggestions, support & car.
That sounds like a great solution! Enjoy your weekend.
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