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  1. #11
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    The above-poster (Bob) brings up a good point. I think during the event you need to try to make it as positive as possible. I know my dog does not know what's happening or going to happen and I certainly don't want him scared or upset by my actions during his last minutes on earth. It's about him and afterward it could be about me. I knew when he was going downhill and took him to the beach for the day as well as to some other favorite spots.

    My dogs, however, were not in the room because they are young and super excited about company. So, we did it, then the vet waited outside for a little while so I could let the other two come out without being distracted by her. When I felt they were finished, I put them back into a room, said my good-byes and then the vet took him away.

  2. #12
    Senior Dog Sandra's Avatar
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    So sorrry you are facing this awful decision. No words of wisdom as I've had no experience. Just sending comforting thoughts your way.

  3. #13
    Real Retriever Moby and Barley's Mom's Avatar
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    Oh gosh - thank you all for your responses. I have some hope that the prednisone will shrink the tumor as it did before - but honestly - I am guessing that it will not - and that I cannot put off the inevitable. I HOPE to be as strong as Labradorks when the time comes - because I totally agree - that I would want to be strong and loving and as "joyful as possible" during this transition for him. I also appreciate the idea that it is NOT a good idea to have Barley present. He is only 15 months - and would not give me the time with Moby because he would be constantly wanting my attention and shoving my hand away etc. However - I do like the idea of having it at home (I have NO idea what this would cost) and then letting Barley come in. Right now - I have just been crying a lot - between work calls and meetings. And Moby has not left my side for a moment.(But that is typical) I took them both to the dog park in the morning and Moby was joyful and LOVED it today as it was not too hot - yet the tumor began to bleed again and he may be favoring his leg. (Hard to tell, actually.) Barley has been more of a handful than usual - perhaps because he knows I am upset and crying as he is more perceptive to my moods than my beloved Moby - who is just sweet and simple and really - the best dog on the planet. Thank you all for listening and helping me through this - because clearly my imagination - about the dog telling you when it is time - is not the reality.
    Forever in my heart - Sweet gentle Moby - lover of belly rubs, bacon, and Barbara 9-10-2001 to 11-2-2015

  4. #14
    Senior Dog
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    I'm so very sorry. Your love for Moby and Barley has always been evident on this board. Gentle hugs to all...
    Stormageddon, Princess of Darkness, aka "Stormy"
    Birthday 9-13-18, Gotcha Day 11-11-18
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    Miss Kimber, CGC, 6/15/2005-1/27/2018 forever in our hearts



  5. #15
    Chief Pooper Scooper JenC's Avatar
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    At home is definitely the way to go. We did that too.

  6. #16
    House Broken Itstangy's Avatar
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    I'm so sorry to hear this....
    Best wishes for Moby and your family. It is always hard to lose a loved one. Especially one that you have to make the judgement call on. Our furkids really teach us the value and meaning of life.

  7. #17
    Senior Dog Scoutpout's Avatar
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    talk to your regular vet and ask if they do at-home euthanasia, its so much less stress on the oldsters, and easier to let the surviving animals know what's happened. If they don't, there are sometimes vets that specialize in at-home visits, perhaps ask your vet if they can recommend someone. I don't think (unless it was an emergency and were already at the clinic/hospital) i will ever have it done any other way than at home again.

  8. #18
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    I know my vet will do at-homes if the pet in question is close-by and/or if the animal is perhaps too large to take in. And, one thing to consider, if it's your own vet, it's unlikely that they will transport the pet, though they may be able to help arrange it for an additional fee. Locally we have a vet that only does in-home euthanasia; no other services are provided but includes taking the pet wherever you want. It is a team of women, mostly a bit older, who are not only great with the animals, but super comforting to people as well, as much as you want them to be. They can simply be in the background or hug you if that's what you want. I will never do it any other way again. It's more expensive. I think it was nearly $300 for my 65 lb dog, including transport and cremation. It was worth every penny to us.

    It's a tough decision and I do not envy your position. I'm sure it'll all come together for you when you're both ready. Just have faith in that.

  9. The Following User Says Thank You to Labradorks For This Useful Post:

    Moby and Barley's Mom (08-21-2015)

  10. #19
    Real Retriever Moby and Barley's Mom's Avatar
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    Thank you. Right now the tumor is shrinking on the prednisone - but I do realize that this is most likely a short term solution. My vet clinic called today to check in on him - and I asked them to have my favorite vet call me on Tuesday. The tumor is no longer bleeding as it was yesterday - but I had decided yesterday that even if it was - I would take him to the dog park - which he LOVES. We have a huge dog park - and he loves the freedom to just be a dog - and I do not want his last days to be confined in the house because I am worried about every last thing. So - the prednisone may shrink it for a while - but I have decided that when it starts to grow again - or if he cannot tolerate the prednisone - it will be the time. I would be more than happy to pay $300 for someone to come to my house and to take care of him afterward. I do not care about ashes - or anything like that. When I lived on the large property with over two acres - I had thought to dig a space for him - and to have him buried there - but that is not an option where I am now. I talked with a trainer who had someone come with she and her old lab to a spot where they had a picnic where the dog was fed steak and chocolate, etc. Even though the vet is literally 6 blocks from my house right now - I cannot see myself driving him there to do this. I am so emotional just imagining it - that I don't know if I could even see to drive. So - for now - my boy will get as many dog park trips and river jaunts as possible - and when the prednisone can no longer impede its' growth - I will both give my ex-husband (who - yes abandoned him but I am grateful that he did let him go no matter how hard this will be for me) the option to say goodbye and then I will have this done at home where he is comfortable. He has given me so much over the years - I feel as though I am in service to him.-moby-jpg Here is Moby's "glamour shot!" Seriously - the cutest dog in the planet in my eyes - and I LOVE my sweet Barley - but my Moby is one of a kind!
    Forever in my heart - Sweet gentle Moby - lover of belly rubs, bacon, and Barbara 9-10-2001 to 11-2-2015

  11. The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to Moby and Barley's Mom For This Useful Post:

    kelsyg (08-22-2015), Kleb (08-24-2015), Labradorks (08-22-2015), labsnewfy (08-24-2015), MikeLynn (08-22-2015), Scoutpout (08-22-2015)

  12. #20
    Best Friend Retriever outrag's Avatar
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    So precious are the gentle old labs of ours....

 



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